Media Center
February 16, 2010
KC Business Leader Honored by Dept. of Commerce and Legislative Leaders
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara Borie, S.C. Dept. of Commerce, 803.737.1998
Kershaw County Business Leader Honored by Dept. of Commerce and Legislative Leaders
COLUMBIA, S.C. – January 27, 2010 – Brad Branham was honored yesterday as an Ambassador for Economic Development by the Department of Commerce and legislative leaders as part of South Carolina’s 19th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony took place in Columbia on Tuesday, January 26 at the Statehouse and highlighted 48 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.
“While improving our South Carolina’s business climate and developing a skilled workforce have been priorities for our administration, these efforts alone are not enough. The help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state are critically important and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
Brad Branham is the vice president of human resources and public relations at Weylchem Corporation. Mr. Branham has worked for Weylchem for the past 37 years and is a long-standing member of the Kershaw County community. He has contributed to the development of the county’s existing industry presence. In 2008, Mr. Branham played an important role on the team that brought a $25 million dollar expansion to the Elgin Weylchem plant, convincing company executives of the value of such a capital investment in Kershaw County. In the community, Mr. Branham is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce, Committee of 100, Industrial Association and the Kershaw County Hospital Auxiliary Board. He also leads the Community Advisory Group, linking the citizens of Elgin to the Weylchem management team. Mr. Branham attended the University of South Carolina and Limestone College.
“Our state’s existing businesses are one of our most valuable economic development tools,” House Speaker Bobby Harrell said. “Job creation and industry promotion begins on the ground level and is handled mostly in the private sector by these business leaders. I’d like to thank all our Ambassadors for Economic Development for their effective leadership and for proving that our best resources lie not in the hands of government but reside in the private sector.”
“Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation and community involvement. This is a week to recognize the contributions of businesses and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassadors have dedicated their energy and gone the extra mile to enhance our communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work. We congratulate each ambassador and thank them for their efforts,” said Joe Taylor, 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.
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