Laurens County Development Corporation
Board Meeting - Minutes
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Attendees:
Ernie Segars, Stan Bryson, Josh Kay, Russ Emerson, Randy Garrett, Jay Peay, Ham Hudson, Roger
Case, Bill Griswold, Jim Coleman, Richard Townsend and Mayor Jesse Allen.
Staff:
Marvin Moss, Jon Coleman, Sandy Cruickshanks and Theresa Gille
Visitors:
Amy Blinson (DOC), Maceo Nance (DOC), D.B. Riley (Advertiser), and Trevor Baratko (Clinton
Chronicle.
The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m. by Chairman Coleman, who also gave the
invocation.
The agenda was approved as presented.
New Board Member Introduction
Mr. Coleman introduced Ham Hudson with the Laurens County Healthcare System and welcomed
him to the LCDC Board.
Minutes and Financials
Chairman Coleman had the Board review the minutes. Josh Kay made a motion to approve the
minutes as presented. Stan Bryson seconded the motion.
The financials were presented to the Board. Theresa Gille noted that the salary, taxes, insurance
and retirement expenses were higher in August because there were three payrolls, one of which
was actually for the last pay period in July. The County is now processing payroll for LCDC and will
bill LCDC at the end of each month for salary, taxes, insurance and retirement. Jim Coleman added
that LCDC’s payroll will now be 26 pay periods rather than 24 pay periods as before.
Strategic Plan RFP
Theresa Gille provided the update:
 The Selection Committee narrowed their choices down to three firms; Genesis, Insite, and
Sanford Holshouser. The Committee collectively awarded the contract to Sanford
Holshouser.
 Sanford Holshouser’s bid to do the strategic plan was $44,950. However, if the Steering
Committee decides to combine meetings I and II, there is a cost savings of $5,140, which
lowers the bid to $39,810.
 The Steering Committee has been chosen and consists of Jim Coleman, Steve Lamb, Steve
West, Tom Hardy, Josh Kay, John Culbreath (BP Barber) and Marvin Moss.
 LCDC will schedule a conference call with Sanford Holshouser to set up the initial meeting.
Washington D.C. Trip
Jim Coleman provided an update on the trip to Washington D.C. Mr. Coleman stated that he and
Ernie Segars, Josh Kay, Brad Sanderson (BP Barber), Jeff Field, and Dale Satterfield visited
Washington D.C. on September 8th through the 10th. The group met with Senators Jim DeMint and
Lindsey Graham, Bob Ingles, Gresham Barrett, John Spratt and Jim Clyborn’s staff. The group
talked to the U.S. Postal Service about the situation with the post office in Laurens. Also, a book
with the following six projects was given to the representatives:
1. The sewer line between the city of Gray County and Laurens.
2. The City of Clinton raw water line replacement.
3. Highway 221 and Highway 308 water system improvement.
4. A new water line at Hunter/Fleming Smith industrial sites.
5. A 2.5 million gallon water treatment plant on Lake Greenwood.
6. Widening of Highway 221 just north of the city of Laurens.
Clinton Economic Development Corp. Update
Josh Kay provided the update:
 The annual meeting was on September 16th.
 Russ Emerson was elected Chairman of the Clinton Economic Development Corp.
 New member, Stan Bryson, was appointed.
 The environmental analysis for Frontage Road has been approved by the Federal Highway
Administration. Waiting for the Dept. of Commerce to finalize the right of way for the
second time and ground breaking is planned for December 2008.
 Dunkin Donuts to do grading in ten days.
 Presbyterian College still working on the Pharmacy school.
Laurens First Update
Richard Townsend stated that there are no new updates.
Existing Industry Update
Jon Coleman provided the update:
 Visited Avery Dennison, Milliken, Kimura, and Ceramtec.
 Ceramtec to announce expansion on September 30, 2008.
 Met with Mark Warner in Greenwood on how to strengthen workforce and work ethics.
 Industry Appreciation is scheduled for September 18th at the Chamber building.
 A marketing mailer highlighting four certified sites in Laurens County was sent out to over
300 consultants around the world.
 Marvin and Jon attended a consultant roundtable sponsored by Upstate Alliance at CU
ICAR.
Economic Development Update
Marvin Moss provided the update:
 Four RFI’s in August and two in September. A total of 58 for the year.
 Two site visits in August and six in September.
 Marvin is scheduled to attend a plastics trade show in Chicago on September 22, 2008.
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Economic development website viewings in August 2008 have exceeded total pages viewed
for the entire year of 2007.
LCDC to receive a grant from the 100 Club to purchase the GIS software to create
information packages for prospects.
David Wasson from Laurens Electric Co-Op was recognized at the SC Dept. of Commerce
Ambassador Recognition.
Clinton site three has been certified making it the fourth certified site.
The construction of the water tank for Owings Park should begin a couple of months.
Mr. Coleman added that several existing industry expansions are planned for Laurens
County.
LCDC Sign Update
The sign has been approved by LCDC and the Chamber Executive Committee and should be
completed within two weeks.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Gille