A former Dillon resident has been named the Economic Development Representative for Congressman Tom Rice.
Rep. Rice (SC-07) released the following statement announcing the addition of Rodney Berry to his congressional staff.  Mr. Berry, currently of Marion, will serve as Congressman Rice’s Economic Development Representative in the 7th District.
“I am pleased to announce that Rodney Berry will join our team as the 7th District’s Economic Development Representative,” said Rice.  “Rodney has the experience, competence, and personality needed to excel in this position.  With the unemployment rate in every county the 7th District above the state and national averages, hiring an economic development representative was a clear decision.  I look forward to having Rodney join our team as we continue our work in bringing more jobs to the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.”
“I am honored to join Congressman Rice’s team, which will allow me to continue my work with Marion County and bring my expertise to the entire 7th District,” said Berry. “Recently we have experienced economic success in Marion County and I look forward to working with Congressman Rice to foster similar successes throughout our district.”
“Rodney’s work to expand Harbor Freight Tools by more than 200 jobs in Marion County is a model that we need to replicate across the 7th District.  I have asked Rodney to work closely with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, 7th District chambers of commerce, North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA), Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, and other economic development entities throughout the region to promote job creation and ensure that our district is succeeding,” concluded Rice.
Mr. Berry has served one term as the mayor of Marion, SC, and is currently the Executive Director of the Marion County Economic Development Commission.  He will split his time, working out of both of the 7th Congressional District’s Pee Dee Regional Office and Grand Strand Regional Office.  Mr. Berry will cover the entire 7th District as a representative for Congressman Rice in an economic development capacity. He will assume his role May 1, 2013.