For Immediate Release
June 23, 2017

Grants awarded to improve 15 South Carolina communities
S.C. Department of Commerce awards $9.8 million in
Community Development Block Grant funds

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Fifteen communities from across South Carolina are slated to benefit from public improvement projects supported by more than $9.8 million in funds from the latest round of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The S.C. Department of Commerce is awarding CDBG funds to these communities, representing more than 6,900 residents, for the following projects:

City of Bennettsville – Wells Street Sewer Upgrade $750,000
City of Clinton – Clinton Mill Village Water Upgrade $626,802
City of Denmark – West Side Water Upgrade $398,605
City of Dillon – Armory/McKenzie Pump Station Upgrade $657,740
City of Easley – West End Sewer Upgrade $750,000
Town of Estill – Lawton/Second Water Upgrades $750,000
Greenwood County – Sullivan Sewer Upgrade – Phase II $750,000
Laurens County – Joanna Mill Village Sewer Upgrade – Phase V $576,500
Lee County – St. Charles Water Tank $750,000
Town of Mayesville – Sewer Upgrade $1,000,000
Town of Norway – Winchester Avenue Water Upgrade $301,140
Town of Pageland – Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade $1,000,000
Town of Port Royal – Columbia Avenue Sewer Extension $550,182
Williamsburg County – Bethesda Water Extension $330,852
Town of Williamston – Belton Drive Sewer Upgrade $692,000

“The importance of the CDBG program cannot be overstated,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This initiative has had an incredibly positive impact on communities across our state, supporting stronger infrastructure and boosting quality of life for our residents.”

S.C. Commerce awards CDBG funds in the fall and the spring of each year. Selected through a statewide competitive process, local governments receiving CDBG funds are required to provide at least a 10 percent match in funding to complete the projects. Grant funds are allocated on an annual basis to South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and S.C. Commerce administers the CDBG program on the state’s behalf. CDBG assists communities in providing housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities.

All grants awarded through the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:
• Benefit LMI (low- to moderate-income) persons.
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.
• Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare, and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.
For additional information on South Carolina’s CDBG program, including application guidelines and frequently asked questions, please visit www.cdbgsc.com.

 

TICO to Expand Operations in Jasper County

June 21, 2017

TICO (Terminal Investment Corporation), a manufacturer of terminal tractors and related equipment for the port, intermodal, and distribution industry sectors, will expand their operations at Cypress Ridge Industrial Park in Ridgeland with the addition of a parts distribution center as part of their product support program.

Currently employing 145 at the Ridgeland site, TICO’s expansion will add 9 jobs at the industrial park, where the company will utilize an existing building near their current operations to house the parts distribution operation, consolidating operations from two locations.

“TICO is very proud of what we have accomplished as a manufacturing enterprise since locating our production operations in Cypress Ridge back in 2005,” said TICO’s Senior Vice President Duncan Pindar.

“Having taken the number two position in the terminal tractor space, our team in Ridgeland can take great satisfaction in these accomplishments. A key component of our success has always been service, and the PDC we are setting up in Cypress Ridge is central to the product support initiatives on which we will build our future success,” added Pindar.

“TICO has been a leader in terminal equipment as a service provider and as a manufacturer, with innovations in fleet services, terminal services and terminal tractor manufacturing for more than 40 years,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Buddy Phillips. “We salute their continued success and thank them for bringing even more jobs to our region of South Carolina. Every job TICO creates directly improves the future of a family in our region.”

SouthernCarolina Alliance, the regional economic development organization, partnered with Palmetto Electric Cooperative and Jasper County to support and encourage TICO’s decision to grow their operation by locating the new maintenance and distribution division in the industrial park, providing easy access to the manufacturing facility.

“Palmetto Electric appreciates TICO’s job creation and investment in Jasper County, and we are pleased to assist the company with their expansion plans. We are proud to be the utility partner for manufacturers like TICO, whose success lifts our entire regional economy,” added Tray Hunter, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

According to Jasper County Council Chairman Marty Sauls, “Jasper County has always been proud to have TICO as a leader in our industrial community, manufacturing the industry’s best terminal vehicles, so we are delighted that the company has chosen to expand at Cypress Ridge Industrial Park in Ridgeland. The new maintenance and parts distribution division will not only bring new jobs and investment to our area, it will be a vital part of the company’s growth. TICO’s success means success for our community, and Jasper County will do all that we can to assist this industry leader in their expansion.”

TICO Manufacturing is the quality manufacturer of the TICO terminal tractors, which are built “For The Real World” in Ridgeland, SC. For more information, please visit www.ticotractors.com.

 

 

 

 

Southern Current Launching New Solar Project in Hampton County

Company investing $2.5 million in solar farm development

 

June 20, 2017

COLUMBIA, S.C. –Southern Current, a leading developer in the residential, commercial and utility-scale solar markets, is launching a new solar farm in Hampton County. The company is investing $2.5 million in the project.

Southern Current is an owner and developer of utility-scale solar energy facilities across the southeastern United States. With an in-house team of development professionals, the company manages projects from site selection and origination through construction and operation.

For more information on Southern Current, visit the company’s website at www.southerncurrentllc.com.

QUOTES

“Southern Current is excited to keep bringing more clean energy projects to South Carolina. We owe a special thanks to all our partners that work for Hampton County, who have embraced solar energy and the new revenue it will generate. This solar farm will bring clean, renewable energy benefiting South Carolinians for decades to come.” –Southern Current Chief Development Officer Paul Fleury

“When a company invests in one of our rural counties, it’s investing in the future of a community with tremendous potential, and that’s why we are so grateful for Southern Current’s decision to locate in Hampton County.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

“Team South Carolina works hard every day to cultivate a pro-business environment for companies of all types in our state, and this new high-tech solar project in one of our rural counties is further evidence that our team-first approach is paying off. Congratulations to Southern Current on this new project.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“Hampton County continues to work with innovative companies offering the newest technology in alternative energies, manufacturing, agribusiness and distribution. We welcome Southern Current to our county, and we appreciate their investment. Hampton County Council will continue to make our communities business-friendly and business ready.” –Hampton County Council Chairman Dr. Roy Hollingsworth

“SouthernCarolina Alliance and Hampton County welcome the investment by Southern Current, and we take pride in Hampton County’s support of both traditional and alternative energy products. Our communities will continue to welcome the most cost-efficient and business-friendly options to both residential and business customers.” –Bill Hager, SouthernCarolina Alliance board of directors member and chairman of Hampton County Economic Development Commission

FIVE FAST FACTS
• Southern Current is launching a new solar farm in Hampton County.
• $2.5 million of capital investment.
• Southern Current is a leading developer and owner of residential, commercial and utility-scale solar projects across the southeastern United States.
• The company manages projects from site selection and origination through construction and operation.
• For more information on Southern Current, visit the company’s website at www.southerncurrentllc.com.

 

 

 

Central Midlands Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grants workshop in Columbia, July 17-18, 2017.  This training is applicable to grant seekers across all disciplines.  Attend this class and you’ll learn how to find grants and write winning grant proposals.

Click here for full event details.

Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county, and state agencies as well as nonprofits, K-12, colleges and universities are encouraged to attend.

Multi-enrollment discounts and discounts for Grant Writing USA returning alumni are available.  Tuition payment is not required at the time of enrollment.

Tuition is $455 and includes everything: two days of terrific instruction, workbook, and access to our Alumni Forum that’s packed full of tools, helpful discussions and more than 200 sample grant proposals.  Seating is limited, online reservations are necessary.

More information including learning objectives, class location, graduate testimonials and online registration is available here.  If you prefer friendly, personal service, please call or write:

Janet Darling at Grant Writing USA 888.290.6237 janet@grantwritingusa.com

More than 10,000 agencies across North America have turned to Grant Writing USA for grant writing and grant management training.