Fairfield Economic Development

Aiken County and Edgefield County Business Leaders Honored by Gov. Sanford and DOC

September 16, 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Borie, S.C. Dept. of Commerce, 803.737.1998

Aiken County and Edgefield County Business Leaders Honored by Gov. Sanford and DOC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – September 15, 2008 – Tony Marchman and John Culbertson were honored as Ambassadors for Economic Development by Gov. Mark Sanford and the Department of Commerce as part of South Carolina’s 18th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony took place in Columbia on Monday, September 15 at the Governor’s Mansion Complex and highlighted 49 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.

“From day one, we have been committed to bettering the business environment to encourage economic growth among existing business and attract new investments to South Carolina. Fundamental reforms like workers’ comp reform, tort reform and income tax relief have increased our state’s competitive edge and provided fertile ground for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs here. Our state’s successes could not be achieved without the help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

Tony Marchman serves as operations manager for SC Metal Products. The company provides metal stampings and robotically welded assemblies. Mr. Marchman assisted with the site selection process of SC Metal Products, which located in Ventures Industrial Park in 2005. SC Metal Products has invested more than $7 million and created 25 jobs with plans to create additional jobs. Mr. Marchman oversaw construction of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and was named the operations manager once production began. A native of Camden, Mr. Marchman worked previously at Yutaka in Lugoff as a quality manager and has served as a Navy diver. He is an active member of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the Aiken County Manufacturers' Council and is a board member with the local American Heart Association.  SC Metal Products provides metal stampings, split steel pulleys and robotically welded assemblies to a range of customers, including in the automotive and agriculture industries.

Dr. John Culbertson is the chairman of the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce. He spearheaded a strategic planning process in conjunction with the S.C. Department of Commerce in 2007 that highlighted education, economic development and quality of life as three target areas to produce short- and long-term goals for improving Edgefield County. Not resting on the creation of a plan, Dr. Culbertson has been instrumental in the active implementation of establishing new spec buildings and developing highway infrastructure. Dr. Culbertson is a retired educator with Newberry County Public Schools and continues to instruct classes periodically at Piedmont Technical College. He is a member of the American Legion, Lions Club and a reservist with the South Carolina National Guard.

“Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation and community involvement. This is a week to recognize the contributions of businesses, industries and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassador’s have given their energy above and beyond to enhance our communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for its vital contributions to South Carolina’s economy. The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals 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.
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South Carolina Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600, Columbia, SC 29201 USA
tel: (803)737-0400 · fax: (803)737-0418 · www.sccommerce.com