By SCBIZ Staff

COLUMBIA -- The S.C. Dept. of Commerce kicked off its 17th annual Industry Appreciation Week Monday with the presentation of this year’s Ambassadors for Economic Development by Gov. Mark Sanford. The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Mansion Complex and honored individuals from 45 counties for exceptional efforts to further community and economic development initiatives throughout the state.

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for their contributions to South Carolina’s economy. Ambassadors for Economic Development include local leaders from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in their communities.

“From day one, our administration has been committed to improving the business climate so that businesses can prosper. Efforts like workers’ comp reform, tort reform, and income tax relief have paid real dividends in our state’s ability to compete,” Sanford said. “I’d give real credit as well to the individuals who have gone above and beyond to encourage growth their respective communities. South Carolina thanks them for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity throughout the state.”

The ambassador awards presentation was one of many events that will occur across the state as part of Industry Appreciation Week. Local communities will also host a variety of recognition activities to thank the business and industry leaders.

2007 Ambassadors for Economic Development

Abbeville County
Arlan Brady, Prysmian Cables and Systems

Aiken County
Carson Sublett, GlaxoSmithKline

Allendale County
Toby Williams, International Apparel Group

Anderson County
John Theofanous, Nutra Manufacturing Inc.

Bamberg County
Nancy Ray Foster, Foster and Co. Real Estate

Barnwell County
Dave and Steve Johnson, Mid-Am Metal Forming Inc.

Beaufort County
Don Ryan, CareCore National LLC

Berkeley County
Eric Johnson, BP Amoco

Calhoun County
David Rickenbaker, High Cotton Greenhouses Inc.

Charleston County
David Jennings, Rosen, Rosen and Haygood LLC

Cherokee County
Joe Howell, Upstate Carolina Medical Center

Chester County
Tony Pope, First Citizens Bank

Chesterfield County
Gary Bulloch, American Stainless and Supply

Clarendon County
Ed Frye Jr., Clarendon Health System

Colleton County
Travis Godley, Floralife Inc.

Darlington County
Mac Josey, Darlington Raceway

Dillon County
Charlie Vance, First Bank

Dorchester County
Rafael Menendez-Abascal, Lafarge Cement

Edgefield County
Bryan Whitney, Urban Outfitters Inc.

Fairfield County
Tony Perez, Palmetto Imaging Technology

Florence County
Dr. Frank Cox, Roche Carolina Inc.

Georgetown County
Doc Lachicotte, Lachicotte Company LLC

Greenville County
Jane Sosebee, AT&T

Greenwood County
Phil Vickery, Capsugel/Pfizer

Hampton County
Dave Hammill, Hampton Regional Medical Center

Horry County
John Laymon, The Jackson Companies

Jasper County
Bill Olendorf, Point South KOA Campground

Kershaw County
Donnie Weeks, Kershaw County Medical Center

Lancaster County
John Carlson, Sharonview Federal Credit Union

Laurens County
Eddie Lathan, LATCO Development Group

Lee County
Ruby Gibbs-Williams, Lee County Developmental Disabilities Foundation Inc.

Lexington County
Jack Wolfe, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative

Marion County
Wayne Burdick, Beneteau, USA

Marlboro County
Don Newton, Domtar

McCormick County
Willie Joe “Bee” Perrin, Perrin’s Exxon/Mobil Station

Newberry County
Jay Povlin, Bluewater Marine Group

Oconee County
Todd Bennington, Berg Warner Torq Transfer Systems, Seneca Plant

Orangeburg County
Dan Seaman, Allied Air

Pickens County
Danny Ard, Ard, Wood, Holcombe and Slate Inc., Architects and Planners

Richland County
Jim Nash, Accepting on Nash’s behalf were Jane Nash and Jay Nash
National Bank of South Carolina

Spartanburg County
Ray White, Echostar

Sumter County
Greg Thompson, Thompson Industrial Services

Union County
Eric Holland, The Timken Co.

Williamsburg County
Floyd Keels, Santee Electric Cooperative

York County
Abe Reichental, 3D Systems