By Betsy Finklea
Dillon County has a great deal to celebrate. This was evident at the Celebrating Dillon County Second Annual Economic Development And Achievement Summit on Friday, February 7, at the South of the Border Convention Center.
Dillon County Administrator Tony Clyburn said that he thought it was important to take some time out to talk about all of the good things happening in Dillon County and that this was what the event was all about.
Judge James E. Lockemy opened with greetings reminding everyone that Dillon County celebrated its 110th birthday this week and that he was planning a special event coming up later this year. He said that this was event tonight was a chance to come together to celebrate the county we love and its glorious past while focusing on the future.
Dillon City Mayor Pro-Team Phil Wallace gave a welcome and a state of the city address. (Look in a future issue of The Herald for Mayor Pro-Tem Wallace’s State of the City.)
Rev. Dr. Rodney McCorkle of Manning Baptist Church gave the invocation. This was followed by a delicious barbecue dinner.
Awards and recognitions were next.
A Community Service Award was presented to Illuminated Scholars, an organization that brings awareness to post-secondary education options.
A Community Service Award was also presented to Salkehatchie Harvest Camp, who came and repaired homes in Dillon County.
The Concerned Citizens of Newtown presented an award to the Schafer Foundation for their assistance in renovating Wood Park.
A Community Partner Award was presented to Northeastern Technical College, who was said to have made a great deal of progress and has numerous things coming up.
A Community Partner Award was also presented to McLeod Health Dillon, who employs about 350 people who take care of our community’s health needs.
A Community Partner Award was presented to Inland Port Dillon, who is breaking records as they serve as the gateway to an international market. They are growing.
Dillon County Economic Development Director Clay Young made remarks. He recognized the following industries: Harbor Freight Tools, Perdue Farms, Huber Engineered Woods, Spectrum Quartz, Northwest Grains International, and Quick Trip Corporation.
Administrator Clyburn recognized the following students, who he called the future of Dillon County—Dillon Christian School: Barnes Causey and Jordan Coleman, Dillon High School: Regina Johnson and Jackson Stone, Latta High School: Ryan Johnson and Erah Treia McInnis, Lake View High School—Kaylee Herlong and Alexander Elliott, and Dillon County Technology Center—Jereshia Johnson and Jada Johnson.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to A.B. Jordan, III. Judge James E. Lockemy made a touching presentation as he recalled Mr. Jordan’s life and community impact ad service. Mr. Jordan’s son, Art, spoke of Mr. Jordan’s tremendous love for Dillon County and its people and said it was truly an honor to receive this award. Mrs. Carleene Jordan, Mr Jordan’s wife, said that Dillon was known throughout the country due to their travels and the friends they had made including all the way to the US. Supreme Court.
Judge L. Casey Manning was the keynote speaker. He spoke about Alan Schafer and memories and thoughts of Dillon County.
A basketball signed by USC basketball coach Frank Martin was presented to baby, Bailey Berry, whose grandfather, J.W. Bailey was tragically murdered in December 2019. It was accepted by her father, Ryan Berry, and brothers, Nick and Cain.
Remarks were given Rep. Jackie Hayes, Sen. Kent Williams, and Rep. Bill Clyburn.
The benediction was given by Rev. Dr. Orlando McAuley, St. Matthew AME Church.
Sponsors were Anderson Brothers Bank, Blenheim Ginger Ale, The Herald Group, East Coast Housing, First Bank, First Citizens Bank, Inland Port Dillon, Perdue, Thomas Florist and Gifts, and South of the Border.

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Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald