Debbie Locklair was honored as an Ambassador for Economic Development by the Department of Commerce and legislative leaders as part of South Carolina’s 20th Annual Industry Appreciation Week.
The ceremony took place in Columbia on Tuesday, January 25 at the Statehouse and highlighted 47 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.
“Secretary Hitt and I have one very clear focus – to make our state the best and most competitive in the country for business development. ‘Can’t’ isn’t an option for us. But we can’t do it alone. We need partners across South Carolina to grow the businesses we have, recruit new ones and help put our people back to work, and that’s what today is all about,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Ms. Locklair has overseen the expansion and growth of the new Emergency Department Facilities in 2010, growing from 13,000 patients served when built 25 years ago to over 25,600 patients served in 2010. In 2008, she started Hispanic pregnancy classes through a March of Dimes collaborative grant to meet the needs of a growing, diverse population. She successfully collaborated with Northeastern Technical College to secure a Duke Endowment Grant to start and sustain a Nursing Associate Degree Program. She also helped start Palmetto Leadership Dillon County in 2008. Ms. Locklair is the chairwoman of the Dillon Chamber of Commerce, 2010 Board of Directors, served on the 2009 Founding Board of Directors of the Dillon Free Medical Clinic and serves on many other community and civic organizations.
“Serving as examples of economic success, our state’s existing businesses are one of our most valuable economic development tools,” state House Speaker Bobby Harrell said. “These private sector leaders are at the frontlines of job creation and industry promotion for South Carolina and they do more for our economy than government can ever contribute. Our Ambassadors for Economic Development serve as a true asset to our state and deserve real credit for their leadership.”
“The health of our state’s economy hinges on the important contributions made by business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout South Carolina. Whether it is bringing more capital investment and jobs to our state or supporting initiatives that bolster economic activities in communities, these ambassadors are committed to improving economic opportunities for all South Carolinians. We congratulate each Ambassador for Economic Development and thank them for their efforts,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank businesses for their vital contributions to South Carolina’s economy. The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing individuals throughout South Carolina as 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.