Press Release            

Contact: Florence County Economic Development Partnership

Phone: (843) 676-8796

For Release EST, September 29, 2008

Florence, South Carolina

Jill Heiden honored as Florence County’s Economic Ambassador of the Year

Jill Heiden was honored as an Ambassador for Economic Development by Gov. Mark Sanford and the Department of Commerce as part of South Carolina’s 18th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. 

The ceremony took place in Columbia on September 15^th at the Governor’s Mansion Complex and highlighted 49 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.

Since coming to Florence in 1970, Jill has established herself as a fixture in the community. She currently serves as a board member or advisory role for 11 different community organizations including Pee Dee Speech and Hearing, the Pee Dee Workforce Investment Board, Florence Darlington Technical College Foundation Board, United Way, and Florence County Progress, the private sector funding arm of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership. She is also an invaluable resource to the Florence County Economic Development Partnership and is frequently called on to share her broad-based experience and insight about the community with prospective companies considering Florence County. “I wholeheartedly believe in making a difference in the community that you live and am passionate about the continued growth and development of Florence County,” stated Heiden. “Florence County has so much to offer, it’s wonderful to see all of the success this community is experiencing bringing quality jobs to the great people who call Florence home.”  

Joe W. King, FCEDP Executive Director noted, “Jill’s altruistic service to this community is a benefit not only to economic development, but to the many other community organizations that she tirelessly devotes her time. We are proud and honored to have someone of Jill’s caliber represent our community, and feel extremely lucky to have her in Florence County.”

“From day one, we have been committed to bettering the business environment to encourage economic growth among existing business and attract new investments to South Carolina,” Sanford said. “Fundamental reforms like workers’ comp reform, tort reform and income tax relief have increased our state’s competitive edge and provided fertile ground for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs here.

“Our state’s successes could not be achieved without the help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina.”

“Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation and community involvement,” said S.C. Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “This is a week to recognize the contributions of businesses, industries and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassador’s have given their energy above and beyond to enhance our communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work.”

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for its vital contributions to South Carolina’s economy.  The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing 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.