Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald
By Betsy Finklea
The ribbon was cut on the new spec building on Monday in what was called by many as a “great day” for Dillon County.
The building is located on Caldwell Road off Highway 34 in Dillon. The Class A industrial building will be a part of a Class A Industrial Park called the Northeastern Commerce Center.
Jeff McKay, Executive Director of NESA (North East Strategic Alliance), said the building will help uplift the lives and offer opportunities for people in this region.
Bill Fleming, CEO of Marlboro Electric Cooperative, said it was “a great day to be in Dillon County” and said there was “a lot to celebrate.” He thanked several people who were instrumental in making the building a reality. He said the spec building was just the first building. Coming into the entrance of the park is another building under construction where the Harbor Freight Tools retail store will be located.
Senator Kent Williams said it was not only a great day for Dillon County but was a great day for the region also. He said much sooner than later he expected someone to be occupying this building.
Rep. Jackie Hayes said this was about teamwork and different people with different backgrounds and different relationships all working together. He said this is just the starting point. He said if we want to grow Dillon County in economic development it has got to be about the team. He said there are some good things going on in Dillon County because of people working together.
County Council Chairman Andrew Graves said this was one of the greatest moments in the history of Dillon County. he said they had talked about a spec building, prayed about it, and now the day had finally arrived for the ribbon cutting. He said the citizens of Dillon County should give themselves a hand for seeing such a thing done in Dillon County.
County Administrator Clay Young also recognized a number of people. He said they had “hit a homerun” and have put everything in place to create jobs and investment. He said the building was an opportunity to show Dillon County and presented them an opportunity that they had not had in the past.
John Sweeney of Congressman Tom Rice’s office also offered remarks.
Dillon County Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil said if you think small, you get small results, and if you think big, you get big results. After comments were complete, the ribbon was cut, tours of the facility were held, and refreshments were served.
