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Chamber of Commerce hosts retreat in Charlotte

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The 2020 Clarendon County Chamber Retreat, presented by SAFE Federal Credit Union, kicked off its Saturday morning with a host of speakers from the county and state. These speakers went over a few things that have happened within the county over the past year, as well as what may happen in the future.
“It was a great event,” said Chamber Director Erika Floyd. “We had great attendees, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The speakers were wonderful and the dinner was fabulous. We are very excited and pleased with the whole weekend.”
To kick the morning off, Chamber President Jason Montgomery gave a welcome speech, thanking everyone in attendance.
Following this, Senator Kevin Johnson, County Administrator David Epperson, and Mayor Julia Nelson, gave messages concerning government on the city, county, and state levels.
SAFE’s Linda Jackson, FTC’s Chip Chase, and Duke Energy’s Theo Lane gave information on how their businesses helped Clarendon Grow.
McLeod Health Clarendon’s Rachel Gainey spoke on some of the advanced equipment McLeod had for its patients, and Mike Walker from AirMedCare Network spoke about the importance of Helicopter air-lifting in the medical field.
Charlotte Johnston informed the crowd that Harvin Clarendon County Library would soon be transitioning into a fee-free library, meaning that there would no longer be an extra charge for overdue books. A transition she says will encourage more people to enjoy and take advantage of all the library has to offer.
F.E. DuBose Career Center and CCTC’s Lisa Justice spoke about everything going on at the college, while Robert Collar and Jacklyn Inabinette - from Clarendon School Districtrs 1 and 2, respectively - spoke about how their high school’s were advancing.
USC Sumter’s Alethiah Hummel was also in attendance, and addressed the crowd with gratitude for all the students from Clarendon County.
Christina Darby spoke on behalf of the American Heart Association, and informed the crowd of the upcoming Heart Walk. Tonia Mallett Smith reported on all the money raised by the Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. Foundation, as well as how it was put to good use.
Chris McKinney, from the Santee Lynches Regional Councils of Government, mentioned Julia Nelson, the recently elected President of SCCOG, in his presentation.
Clarendon County Economic Development’s George Kosinski then took the stand and gave an update on the creation of jobs and job sustainability in Clarendon County.
Finally, Patrick Walters, of Bassmaster Elite fame, took the stand to talk about the Bassmaster event that would soon take place in Clarendon County.
Once again, Jason Montgomery took the stand to thank everyone in attendance, and close out the meetings.
The guests and speakers in attendance then had the day to themselves, before coming back for a 80s themed dinner party.