Business After Hours brings together two chambers of commerce

The Greater Darlington and Greater Hartsville Chambers of Commerce presented a Joint Business After Hours hosted by the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership on Tuesday night at Darlington County Jetport.

The jetport is under the direction of a new commission and manager, and many changes have been made to improve services. Council and state officials in attendance included state Rep. Robert Williams, County Council Chairman Wesley Blackwell, County Council member Billy Baldwin and County Administrator Phyllis Griffits.

Chairman of the Jetport Commission John Isgett said that his objective for the jetport is to provide a service and feels it has been underutilized in the past.

“The jetport can be a great economic stimulus to the county,” Isgett said. “It can help spruce up industry in Darlington County.” He also mentioned that the jetport was recently awarded federal grants for the tarmac.
Additionally, Isgett recognized Frankie Slemmer with the Civil Air Patrol. Slemmer will be refurbishing the T-33 aircraft at the Darlington County Jetport as part of an Eagle Scout project.

“We want to do everything we can to make this a true asset to economic development of the county,” Isgett said.

As with many chamber functions, door prizes were drawn. Winners included John Marsh, Frankie Slemmer, Cheryl Smith, Russell Powell and John Griggs. The big prize of the night was won by Pat and Don Klynstra from The Lawn Mower Shop of Hartsville.

Robert Long, executive director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership, asked attendees for their suggestions for a name for the industrial park situated between Interstate 20, Highway 340 and Center Road in Darlington County. Name suggestions can also be emailed to Long at or called in to his office at 843-413-3210. Long plans to present name suggestions to Darlington County Council on Monday.

The Darlington County Economic Development Partnership was established by Darlington County Council and is supported by Darlington County, City of Hartsville and members of Darlington County Progress, Inc.  The Partnership works with regional, state and federal agencies in securing available grants and other financial assistance for business and industrial growth.
Info: http://www.dcedp.biz or (843) 413-3210.