By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County Public-Private Economic Development Partnership held the unveiling of their logo at the City of Dillon Wellness Center on Friday, January 24th.
To kick the event off, the Dillon High School football team was recognized by Congressman Tom Rice for their state championship success.
Haywood Proctor, chairman of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership, welcomed the audience.
Congressman Tom Rice was the guest speaker. He said he was proud of what was being done locally. He said was the Public-Private Partnership was doing was “absolutely critical.” He said they are looking at the strengths and the weaknesses, coming up with a strategy, and putting that into effect.
Rice spoke about the importance of NESA and said he was working at the federal/national level. Rice said his focus is “jobs, jobs, jobs.”
Rice said his Economic Development liaison Rodney Berry serves as a bridge between the area and his office.
Rice said that working together he believed that we were going to see good things happen for this area.
Dr. Linda Hayes, a member of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership, spoke about the journey to the logo announcement. She talked about some of the successes they have had including the industrial appreciation luncheon, visits to industry and gathering information on the workforce, and branding the county. She spoke about the crucial role that Rodney Berry played in the creation of the logo and slogan.
She said “quietly progressive is not us.” She said they had to re-think who we are.
Charles Scott, a member of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership and the marketing committee, spoke about the logo and the slogan, “Alive On I-95.” He said alive has greater meaning than just existing. He said it represents an active, alert, and energetic people—people willing to take on any task before them.
Scott said he feels the new logo sends the right message.
Scott said an important part of the logo is letting people know where you are—Dillon County, SC. He said it says county because they want the logo to to benefit everyone in our county. Scott said in order to do this it can’t be placed on a shelf and forgotten about. He said it must become a part of the marketing and printing.
Scott said the logo was done with little money and with the work of the committee and volunteers such as his son, Jason Scott, who helped with the logo. Scott said he thought this was something that was going to last.
Jackie Lockamy wrote a song to go along with the logo. He performed the song at the event.
Greg Elmore from Harbor Freight Tools spoke about the importance of I-95. He said I-95 is playing a vital role in their success. He said they bring in 80-100 trailers a day in Dillon alone.
Elmore said I-95 provides an artery to get to Harbor Freight to get their quickly, and to service their needs. He said it also provides easy access for employees.
County Council Chairman Andrew Graves said the county council strives to bring jobs to Dillon County. He said one of the greatest things that can be had in a community is unity and that will help make Dillon County grow in leaps and bounds. He asked for support in their endeavors.
Tonny McNeil, County Economic Developer, said they wanted vibrant communities, better quality of life, and jobs for the citizens. He said economic development is a teams port. He said they must work with a common mission and vision. He said this starts with branding and then marketing the brand and setting expectations and producing results. McNeil said he looks forward to helping create opportunities that last a lifetime. He said economic development is about serving the citizens of Dillon County. “Our success is their success. Their success is our success. In the end, we’re all winners.”
Richard Schafer, Dillon County Economic Ambassador and Dillon County Board of Education Chairman, said without economic development we lose a lot. He said this was a great program that was being put forth today.
Dillon mayor Todd Davis said this was a historic day in Dillon County. He said the new logo “shows how the people of Dillon County roll,” and he believes that going forward Dillon County would forever change. He said it was a new day in Dillon.
Several checks were presented from various entities to the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership.
At the conclusion, Bishop Michael Goings gave the benediction. Guests then enjoyed “logo” cake along with Blenheim gingerale and other beverages.
