The New Marion County Economic Developer

[Govman]

Why have we not hired a new director yet? It's the most critical job in the county and the county appears to be in no rush. The recent economic luncheon held at the Dry Doc left a lot to be desired. It was dressed up , well attended but no news of any substance. Nothing is happening! Nothing! This new position is an opportunity for Marion County NOT to be filled by someone who happens to be part of a clique. Keep your eye on this one Marion County!!!!!!!!

[Unregistered No Jobs]

Good point, GovMan, I was there too and it was sickening to those of us who know better. Our county should've had a new economic director on the job when F Jones retired last year; now 6-8 months later and Marion County officials act like it's no big deal, not a peep about hiring a new director. WTF are they thinking? I guess new jobs and industry are not important to our "political leaders." I guess they think Marion County is such a great place and they are such great leaders that industry will just come knocking their doors down. Hello? Selling Marion County is a tall order, they better hire us a gunslinger like Florence County has that'll get the job done and not another "nice guy" to smile, look pretty and tell us it's raining when it's county leadership peeing in our boots!

[protector]

Yes! Two people with eyes wide open! I was also there. Everything was stale except the food! Unregistered , you are correct and it can't be said better," We need a Gun Slinger". We need an overhaul in The way Marion Count does business!

[bigfish]

I concur with these opinions

[swampfox]

Politicians, or administrators chosen by politicians, are not going to fix a danged thing unless the public stays on their butts and takes away their opportunity to act like fools.

Seriously, I believe this. Politicians do what they do in large part because they KNOW, and they're absolutely right about this, that most people don't pay attention to government.

[Unregistered River Rat]

Read below from WBTW: Another example of great work by Florence County Economic Development. Would think Marion County Council would catch a clue and HIRE SOMEONE to TRY to bring jobs and investment into Marion County rather than leaving the most critical job in the county vacant! Who's minding the store in Marion County??? Wake up people, it's time for a revolution!


6/26/08 FLORENCE — Monster.com plans to invest $28 million and bring 750 jobs to the Florence area, Florence County Council announced this morning.

This economic development project follows on the heels of H.J. Heinz Co.’s announcement that it will create 350 jobs at a new Florence County plant. The initial investment in the county will be $105 million, according to county documents.

[Govman]

Marion County has been a little puppet for NESA( Northeastern Strategic Aliiance)for years.
Our leaders have been conned thinking we're going to be the recipient of some jobs by linking up with the big boys in Florence. We have been used over and over. It's shameful and makes us look foolish. I wish I had statistics on how many Industries have planted in Florence compared to Marion County since the inception of NESA. By the way I know the answer to the number in Marion County.....00000000000000000000000000000000000! Again, we need a Gun Slinger

[bigfish]

Marion County has been a little puppet for NESA( Northeastern Strategic Aliiance)for years.
Our leaders have been conned thinking we're going to be the recipient of some jobs by linking up with the big boys in Florence. We have been used over and over. It's shameful and makes us look foolish. I wish I had statistics on how many Industries have planted in Florence compared to Marion County since the inception of NESA. By the way I know the answer to the number in Marion County.....00000000000000000000000000000000000! Again, we need a Gun Slinger


I agree. For Florence County, NESA is a great thing. For Marion County, NESA is a joke.

[beachgirl]

Marion County has been a little puppet for NESA( Northeastern Strategic Aliiance)for years.
Our leaders have been conned thinking we're going to be the recipient of some jobs by linking up with the big boys in Florence. We have been used over and over. It's shameful and makes us look foolish. I wish I had statistics on how many Industries have planted in Florence compared to Marion County since the inception of NESA. By the way I know the answer to the number in Marion County.....00000000000000000000000000000000000! Again, we need a Gun Slinger

I have been told that our Marion county officials have sold us out. First there was all the talk about the inland port (not sure it's something we would want) and all the need marion co had for getting I73 thru. Whats happened to the inland port. According to kent williams we needed I73 for the port and the most stupid of all his statements, 'It will help Marion co grow because one day they will start building from the beach back into marion co. When pigs fly.

[protector]

Don't count on the inland port.

[American]

Beachgirl, you need to look at what is happening now with the beach. Only by looking for the city limit sign can you tell where Conway ends and MB starts. They already have a vistors center here. The inland port is a thing of the past. Word is that Pete Rogers ran his mouth off and the builders pulled the plug. As for the county council, they don't care about the unemployment in the county. Someone else said in another thread about the complex and bingo hall. "Put the money into a bingo hall and not into the local factories." This just goes to show how they care.

[swampfox]

Isn't the county council elected? If they're so bad (and it sounds pretty bad) why do they get elected? Obviously the majority of people who go to the trouble to vote like it the way it is. If it's like most places the bigger majority of people just don't think it's important enough to spend their time voting. Unless that can be changed it will be awfully hard to solve the problem(s).

But again I say, solving the problem(s) HAS to start with fixing education.

[beachgirl]

Beachgirl, you need to look at what is happening now with the beach. Only by looking for the city limit sign can you tell where Conway ends and MB starts. They already have a vistors center here. The inland port is a thing of the past. Word is that Pete Rogers ran his mouth off and the builders pulled the plug. As for the county council, they don't care about the unemployment in the county. Someone else said in another thread about the complex and bingo hall. "Put the money into a bingo hall and not into the local factories." This just goes to show how they care.

That has been happening but it has taken many years for it to be this way. When I was a middle or high school age, it had some things between conway and Myrtle beach and I am now old enough to be retired. It didn't happen over nite. more like 40 or more years. is this how long Marion co has to wait for the beach to build back to marion. also consider its only what a few miles between conway & MB and how far is marion, somewhere close to 50 or 60 miles. Never happen, I dont care what your senator says.

[Unregistered Growth]

Don't know why you don't like Kent or what he has done you don't like but your post loses all credibility with your obvious personal dislike for him. Kent's not perfect as are none of us but he is conscientious and does a good job representing his district. And if you think the next 40 years of growth in this area is going to be as slow as the last 40 years, then you've spent too many hours on the Beach Girl and may have fried your brain. Myrtle Beach has become a year round resort and may very well one day be SC's largest city. Be an optimist, the glass is half full and will one day be full for Marion County as both Florence and the beach continue to grow, despite the passive attitude of some of our county officials and the ignorance of a certain segment of our community.

[Beach Girl]

Don't know why you don't like Kent or what he has done you don't like but your post loses all credibility with your obvious personal dislike for him. Kent's not perfect as are none of us but he is conscientious and does a good job representing his district. And if you think the next 40 years of growth in this area is going to be as slow as the last 40 years, then you've spent too many hours on the Beach Girl and may have fried your brain. Myrtle Beach has become a year round resort and may very well one day be SC's largest city. Be an optimist, the glass is half full and will one day be full for Marion County as both Florence and the beach continue to grow, despite the passive attitude of some of our county officials and the ignorance of a certain segment of our community.


Its been slower in the last what 4 or 5 years than in the last 40 years for marion county. Would hate to see it get any slower, Marion co. might not be on the map. My reasons (not that I have to explain my opionion to which I am entitled) for not liking Kent has nothing to do with personal dislike and if that makes my post lose credibiltiy with you as they say frankly my dear I dont give a d--. You are entitled to feel as you do about things, just remember others may not be inclined to feel the same. Just defending him makes your post lose credibility with me not that frankly you don't give a d--.

[Unregistered Growth]

Beachgirl, obviously more people agree with me than you, Kent just kicked the sh-- out of his opponent in a landslide, no contest the people are with Kent. Last 5 years, yea that's right, it's coming this way and coming fast despite what you and others too ignorant to understand might like for people to believe. You are entitled to your opinion and you know what opinions are like, everybody has one and ain't no two the same. I think you must have two.

[Unregistered River Rat]

We have the highest unemployment rate in the state, businesses are closing their doors, people are strugglin to make ends meet and our county council has no economic development directer, the position has been vacant since last year. Things will never improve in Marion County until we elect people to county council who care more about our county than their own poltical future and powers. The economic development program in this county has been a joke for years, even some of the business people in it are in it for their own benefits, not the benefit of ordinary citizens. Wake up Marion County!


Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.


The latest numbers from the South Carolina Employment Security Commission show two counties in our area are in the top 10 highest rates in the state.

In May of this year Marion County was at 12.2 percent, Marlboro at 11 percent, further down the list is Dillon County at 9.5 percent and Darlington at 7.4.

Georgetown County came in last month at 6.8 percent followed by Florence at 6.3 percent.

Horry County has the lowest unemployment rate in our area at 5.6 percent

[Govman]

County council themselves (every one of them) leave alot to be desired. The main concern they have is trying to make sure they have the majority (pertaining to race)and are constantly spending most of their energy trying to obtain it or keeping it. Our white members are racist and the black members are racist. There is no cohesion and that's the example they set. Anyone that spends time with them no I speak the truth. It's all an ego trip for most of them and so little effort spent on economic developement. Marion county needs an overhaul.We need new leadership across the board. It really can'y get much worse and I'm personally willing to vote to give others a try . I mostly hear dissatisfaction in County Council and Marion city leadership but seldom hear negative comments on Mullins' leadersip. Are Mullins citizens confident in their leaders?

[LE53]

Mullins is in the same boat as Marion. We need change. The good ole boy system just isn't working any more. You have to put people in positions that are going to make a difference and not just ride the same derailing train that we have been on in the past. The problem is that it interferes with most of member's way of doing things. We all know the stratch my back and I will scratch your back mentality. Or how about this, my son/daughter plays ball with your son/daughter so we will let you fall under a different set of rules. They are too busy talking out of both sides of their mouth. In my opinion, Mr. Burn Shelley was a great and needed addition to Mullins City Council. He didn't last very long. His resignation was said to be because of his health. That is not entirely the case. He asked the wrong questions, stepped on too many toes and made too many waves. That is just what we need; people that are not afraid of change and not afraid to call other members of council out if they see a problem. Does anyone else agree?

[protector]

Amen !!!!

[born2teach]

Sorry beach girl- gotta go against you with this one- Kent is a very intelligent and capable man- Let's be real about Marion County while we are talking- yes, it is slower these years, and I am optimistic that there will be a turn around- I mean - we need to be realistic, but can't we place some positivity in the mix too- you need to try that some time beach girl- the glass IS have full - yes- every American is entitled the his/her feelings- even us Marion County folk.

[Unregistered River Rat]

...will eventuelly find an acorn!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From today's Florence Morning News:
Marion County also has been looking for a director for more than a year. Last year, current director W. Frank Jones announced his retirement but he had to put it on the back burner until the county is able to replace him.
“I was asked if I would help out while (Marion County) looked for a replacement,” he said. “I’m a native of Marion County and grew up here. I want to see the county do well, so I couldn’t turn deaf ear and leave them without anything.” Jones said he’ll remain the director until a replacement is found but added that he’s working only two days a week, unless there are prospects visiting, in which case he works a full work week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isn't it exciting to know your county "has been looking for a director for more than a year" (wonder where there looking?) and that the current director is "working only two days a week". Now that's a hot formula for sucess if I've ever seen one! I bet you Florence County's Director works more than two days a week. Bet he works more than 5 days a week. Can't blame Mr. Jones, he's supplimenting his social security, staying out of the house two days a week, eatin shrimp and steak on the taxpayers at the Dry Dock with other county officials, a perfect job for him. Who's suppose to be leading this county? How many businesses have to close and how high must the unemployment rate get before our county leaders WAKE UP? Looks like Marion County is being led by a bunch of blind hogs who are only interested in feeding themselves. It will never get any better until we put people in county offices who put the county good ahead of there own personal interests.

[protector]

you got that right River Rat

[bigfish]

...will eventuelly find an acorn!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From today's Florence Morning News:
Marion County also has been looking for a director for more than a year. Last year, current director W. Frank Jones announced his retirement but he had to put it on the back burner until the county is able to replace him.
“I was asked if I would help out while (Marion County) looked for a replacement,” he said. “I’m a native of Marion County and grew up here. I want to see the county do well, so I couldn’t turn deaf ear and leave them without anything.” Jones said he’ll remain the director until a replacement is found but added that he’s working only two days a week, unless there are prospects visiting, in which case he works a full work week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isn't it exciting to know your county "has been looking for a director for more than a year" (wonder where there looking?) and that the current director is "working only two days a week". Now that's a hot formula for sucess if I've ever seen one! I bet you Florence County's Director works more than two days a week. Bet he works more than 5 days a week. Can't blame Mr. Jones, he's supplimenting his social security, staying out of the house two days a week, eatin shrimp and steak on the taxpayers at the Dry Dock with other county officials, a perfect job for him. Who's suppose to be leading this county? How many businesses have to close and how high must the unemployment rate get before our county leaders WAKE UP? Looks like Marion County is being led by a bunch of blind hogs who are only interested in feeding themselves. It will never get any better until we put people in county offices who put the county good ahead of there own personal interests.



Has the county even put the ad in the paper for the position? I hate to admit but I have not noticed whether they have or not.

(I also placed a comment on the "Marion County Coalition" thread pertaining to this.)

[unregistered reader]

HAS MARION COUNTY COUNCIL JUST GIVEN UP ON US? HAVE THEY GIVEN UP ON THEIR OWN COUNTY?

I just heard about this website yesterday and have been reading some of the subjects here and not a one is more important than this one. I'm shocked county council is letting this happen. I know some of them and they talk pretty good about things, about how hard they are trying to bring in new jobs for the people. Well then, why haven't you hired a new director for economic development? Are you blind or do you just not care? Let's start asking them. It don't take a rocket scientist to know step one is to hire the best director they can find. If he or she don't work out, fire them and hire a new one rather than lettin them stay around because they are nice. To hell with nice, people need jobs now.

[bigfish]

HAS MARION COUNTY COUNCIL JUST GIVEN UP ON US? HAVE THEY GIVEN UP ON THEIR OWN COUNTY?

I just heard about this website yesterday and have been reading some of the subjects here and not a one is more important than this one. I'm shocked county council is letting this happen. I know some of them and they talk pretty good about things, about how hard they are trying to bring in new jobs for the people. Well then, why haven't you hired a new director for economic development? Are you blind or do you just not care? Let's start asking them. It don't take a rocket scientist to know step one is to hire the best director they can find. If he or she don't work out, fire them and hire a new one rather than lettin them stay around because they are nice. To hell with nice, people need jobs now.


Every one on the County Council has a nice job. They are not worried about jobs coming into this county. Every one on that Council is worried about their own agenda which is far away from the best interest of Marion County, or it's residents.

Besides, their is no Director for Economic Development job placement because no one on the Council wants to give that job to an "outsider."

The proper "good ole boy" has not asked for the job yet! LOL ;-)

[Unregistered chick]

Really don't care if they hire an "outsider", an "insider", a "good ole boy" or a "bad ole boy", just hire somebody who will be aggressive in seeking jobs for this county before all the busineses close up. Opportunity is calling and nobody's home in Marion County!

[bigfish]

Really don't care if they hire an "outsider", an "insider", a "good ole boy" or a "bad ole boy", just hire somebody who will be aggressive in seeking jobs for this county before all the busineses close up. Opportunity is calling and nobody's home in Marion County!


Well, this is how Marion County proudly stays about thirty years behind the rest of the world, unfortunately.

[swampfox]

I remember when there was a funeral home on the way into Marion from Galivants Ferry that had a sign which read, "Why walk around half-dead when we'll bury you for $25?"

Is it still there?

[Unregisteredretailer]

anyone heard any names of candidates?

[protector]

anyone heard any names of candidates?

[bladerunner]

anyone heard any names of candidates?

for the economic director job?

[Black Cat]

Allen Floyd

[marioncountysucks]

Allen Floyd

they shoulda left the job vacant!

[Battle Ax]

they shoulda left the job vacant!

Have they filled that job yet?

[Unregistered Observer]

Have they filled that job yet?

No, who needs an economic development director when things are going so wonderful in Marion County?

For sure our county council members have more important things to tend to than worry about all the business closings and the recruiting of new businesses, new industry, more tax base and new jobs for the people of our county.

Why in the world would they consider something so minor as the economic growth of our county a priority?

Foolish of us voters to expect them to spend money on hiring an economic development director when they have to save taxpayor money to take their families on important trips to Hilton Head and other resorts.

[ff2]

Is it a fact about the trips to Hilton Head and other resorts? If so what was the trip for? I'll talk with my council member about the administrator job and the 'trips' and maybe clear things up. I'll let everyone know what was said and advise my council member about posting their response on this thread, better yet I'll see if they will visit the site and reply. FF2

[protector]

Outstanding idea FF2. Dillon County Council was exposed a while back about excessive spending in one of their municipal trips to Hilton Head.

[bigfish]

Outstanding idea FF2. Dillon County Council was exposed a while back about excessive spending in one of their municipal trips to Hilton Head.


Do you think the Marion County Council blew the Economic Director Salary Budget in Hilton Head? LOL Maybe that is why the position is taking so long to be filled.

[Unregistered Unemployed]

Was told today by someone should know that county admin does the hiring, person who told me this said admin recently hired his next door neighbor to be county attorny and he hired him soon as the job came open. I guess he thinks having his own atty right next door to keep him outta trouble is more important than economic development. He's got his job making big money, to heck with the rest of the county which is going down faster in any place I've ever lived. Council should put a kick in his rear unless they don't care either. Something fishy going on here in Marion Coutny!

[anothermarioncitizen]

Was told today by someone should know that county admin does the hiring, person who told me this said admin recently hired his next door neighbor to be county attorny and he hired him soon as the job came open. I guess he thinks having his own atty right next door to keep him outta trouble is more important than economic development. He's got his job making big money, to heck with the rest of the county which is going down faster in any place I've ever lived. Council should put a kick in his rear unless they don't care either. Something fishy going on here in Marion Coutny!

you need to read bigfish's idea on the city council thread cause it is a good one!!!!!!!!

[Whip Cracker]

Was told today by someone should know that county admin does the hiring, person who told me this said admin recently hired his next door neighbor to be county attorny and he hired him soon as the job came open. I guess he thinks having his own atty right next door to keep him outta trouble is more important than economic development. He's got his job making big money, to heck with the rest of the county which is going down faster in any place I've ever lived. Council should put a kick in his rear unless they don't care either. Something fishy going on here in Marion Coutny!

Thanks for the info, UnUnemployed. Good old boy system still alive and well even with a new administrator, hired his next door neighbor! I swear, things change and they seem to stay the same. I don't know much about Mr. Ammons but I know he needs to get his good old boy rear in gear and hire an economic developer before all the people of this county become homeless and on crack. If he can't do the job, kick him out and hire someone who can! As poor as this county is, we need an economic developer a whole lot worser than we need a admin or atty. Putting a new go-getter in that job should have been done years ago. Sounds like county council needs to crack the whip or us voters need to crack it and find us some new councilmen.

[Unregistered989]

thats mr harpers job not mr ammons.

[Battle Ax]

Thanks for the info, UnUnemployed. Good old boy system still alive and well even with a new administrator, hired his next door neighbor! I swear, things change and they seem to stay the same. I don't know much about Mr. Ammons but I know he needs to get his good old boy rear in gear and hire an economic developer before all the people of this county become homeless and on crack. If he can't do the job, kick him out and hire someone who can! As poor as this county is, we need an economic developer a whole lot worser than we need a admin or atty. Putting a new go-getter in that job should have been done years ago. Sounds like county council needs to crack the whip or us voters need to crack it and find us some new councilmen.

Whip Cracker, you are confusing the City of Marion Admin, Alan Ammons, with the County of Marion Admin, Tim Harper. It is Mr. Harper that supposedly gave the county attorney job to his next door neighbor.

By the way, whats so evil about that anyway? His neighbor is a practicing attorney, right? This may be a man Mr. Harper had a friendship AND TRUST with for years. How is "who your boss lives next to" anyone's concern at all?

[wondering??]

Does anybody know who is going to get the E-911 director's position when Eva Smith retires?

[Whip Cracker]

Whip Cracker, you are confusing the City of Marion Admin, Alan Ammons, with the County of Marion Admin, Tim Harper. It is Mr. Harper that supposedly gave the county attorney job to his next door neighbor.

By the way, whats so evil about that anyway? His neighbor is a practicing attorney, right? This may be a man Mr. Harper had a friendship AND TRUST with for years. How is "who your boss lives next to" anyone's concern at all?

Sorry for the confusion, my apology to Mr. Ammons. Both mine and Unemployed main argument was about the admin not hiring an economic developer in contrast to how fast he hired his next door neighbor as atty. Agree, his neighbor may be the best man for the job but it's odd how he filled that job in short time and has not filled the most important job in the county for a long long time. I don't care if he hires the neighbor on the other side, behind him or across the street so long as he gets somebody that'll get busy working to bring jobs and industries to this county. That's my point adn it should be the point of the county council and all the citizens of Marion County.

[Battle Ax]

Sorry for the confusion, my apology to Mr. Ammons. Both mine and Unemployed main argument was about the admin not hiring an economic developer in contrast to how fast he hired his next door neighbor as atty. Agree, his neighbor may be the best man for the job but it's odd how he filled that job in short time and has not filled the most important job in the county for a long long time. I don't care if he hires the neighbor on the other side, behind him or across the street so long as he gets somebody that'll get busy working to bring jobs and industries to this county. That's my point adn it should be the point of the county council and all the citizens of Marion County.

Well Frank Jones still draws a paycheck! Aint that odd???

[Unregisteredlol]

Does anybody know who is going to get the E-911 director's position when Eva Smith retires?

The person that hires the new e911 director

[Whip Cracker]

[QUOTE=Battle Ax;83104]Well Frank Jones still draws a paycheck! Aint that odd???[/QUO

that's the problem, county needs more than a nice fellow to dress up in a suit and draw a paycheck! He's babysetting the job, this county need a go-getter, somebody younger that wants to make a name for himself, not just draw a paycheck.

[Road Boy]

I was told Sunday something of interest to all! Our new atty. does not pay any vehicle tax in Marion county. He has his vehicles registered in Florence county in his law firms name, including his wifes car that she drives to school where she works at in Marion. Mr. Harper hires his neighbor, which is now a county employee and he don't have to pay vehicle taxes in Marion! What else is going on in this county that the citizens don't know? Our council needs to open their eyes to Mr. Harper and not let him to continue to run this county down any more. Mr. Rogers was bad enough for this county and here it goes again! We need to ask why the GOOD OLD NEIGHBOR does not have to pay any vehicle taxes, council members don't get this privilege!

[Unregisteredlol]

I was told Sunday something of interest to all! Our new atty. does not pay any vehicle tax in Marion county. He has his vehicles registered in Florence county in his law firms name, including his wifes car that she drives to school where she works at in Marion. Mr. Harper hires his neighbor, which is now a county employee and he don't have to pay vehicle taxes in Marion! What else is going on in this county that the citizens don't know? Our council needs to open their eyes to Mr. Harper and not let him to continue to run this county down any more. Mr. Rogers was bad enough for this county and here it goes again! We need to ask why the GOOD OLD NEIGHBOR does not have to pay any vehicle taxes, council members don't get this privilege!

what florence law firm are we talking about?

[Road Boy]

Mclain Law Firm, 2141 Hoffmeyer Rd. Florence, also has an office in Marion.

[Retired CEO]

thats mr harpers job not mr ammons.

Mr. Harper is obviously in over his head. He doesn't have the smarts or the drive to accomplish anything positive for Marion County. He should have never left his comfort zone under Bobby Gerald. He is indecisive, lacks the confidence to make difficult decisions and is too arrogant, for some unknown reason, for his own good. Too scared of his own failure to hire an economic development director and too lazy to get the sales tax referendum ready for the Nov ballot. Looks for the easy way out rather than getting the job done. Not the kind of guy that would have lasted in my company, guess that's why he's in govt rather than private business.

[Unregistered777]

Sounds like someone is upset they did not get the job!

[whyhate?appreciate!]

Mr. Harper is obviously in over his head. He doesn't have the smarts or the drive to accomplish anything positive for Marion County. He should have never left his comfort zone under Bobby Gerald. He is indecisive, lacks the confidence to make difficult decisions and is too arrogant, for some unknown reason, for his own good. Too scared of his own failure to hire an economic development director and too lazy to get the sales tax referendum ready for the Nov ballot. Looks for the easy way out rather than getting the job done. Not the kind of guy that would have lasted in my company, guess that's why he's in govt rather than private business.


Retired CEO, it seems your beef with Mr. Harper is too personal for this board.

Retired CEO, you say he is lacking smarts and drive, indecisive, lacks confidence, arrogant, scared, and lazy.

Retired CEO, just how did Mr. Harper offend you in the recent past? You seem to know Mr. Harper very well..........TOO WELL! Are the two of you friends? Or are you just out to defame the character of the current Administrator of Marion County?

I am also curious in what company would Mr. Harper not "have lasted?"

[Retired CEO]

Retired CEO, it seems your beef with Mr. Harper is too personal for this board.

Retired CEO, you say he is lacking smarts and drive, indecisive, lacks confidence, arrogant, scared, and lazy.

Retired CEO, just how did Mr. Harper offend you in the recent past? You seem to know Mr. Harper very well..........TOO WELL! Are the two of you friends? Or are you just out to defame the character of the current Administrator of Marion County?

I am also curious in what company would Mr. Harper not "have lasted?"

No, I don't know him well, he has in no way offended me and there's nothing personal about it. Mr. Harper is a PUBLIC official, his job performance is fair game and this is a public forum. I am a taxpaying citizen of this county with an interest in my community and my remarks were a summary of my observations and OPINION regarding his job performance as a public official. Others may have a different opinion but I find it interesting that based entirely on my criticisms, you state "You seem to know Mr. Harper very well.....TOO WELL!" Is that your admission that my criticisms were "on the money."

[whyhate?appreciate!]

I find it interesting that based entirely on my criticisms, you state "You seem to know Mr. Harper very well.....TOO WELL!" Is that your admission that my criticisms were "on the money."

you got me there

[Sparky the Dog]

A GREAT BIG BOW WOW AND A MIGHTY MEOOW FOR OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR! All of us abandoned dogs and cats have a new hero, our county administrator. Mr. Harper has stepped up today and hired us a new director for the animal shelter! How wonderful!

Things are very bad in Marion County for our masters. Many have lost their jobs, many are losing their homes, they just can't afford to feed us dogs and cats any more, much less take us to the vet. Many of them are struggling to put food on the table for their own kids and they've had to kick us dogs and cats out to the streets. Many are facing the prospect of losing their homes because so many businesses have closed and laid off employees. NOBODY in county government seems to care about our owners, nobody in county government cares about job layoffs and business closings, they are doing absolutely nothing to recruit new business and industries to Marion county. Since last year, Mr. Harper and county council have refused to hire a new economic development director. But it sure is nice to know our county has put our interest as dogs and cats ahead of our owners. We are priority! We have a new animal shelter director that will feed us and love us even though our poor owners can't find a job because nobody in county government cares about them. You just wait until the next county elections, us dogs and cats are going to give money and go door to door to support our heroes in county government for putting us ahead of the people.

[Lassie]

A GREAT BIG BOW WOW AND A MIGHTY MEOOW FOR OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR! All of us abandoned dogs and cats have a new hero, our county administrator. Mr. Harper has stepped up today and hired us a new director for the animal shelter! How wonderful!

Things are very bad in Marion County for our masters. Many have lost their jobs, many are losing their homes, they just can't afford to feed us dogs and cats any more, much less take us to the vet. Many of them are struggling to put food on the table for their own kids and they've had to kick us dogs and cats out to the streets. Many are facing the prospect of losing their homes because so many businesses have closed and laid off employees. NOBODY in county government seems to care about our owners, nobody in county government cares about job layoffs and business closings, they are doing absolutely nothing to recruit new business and industries to Marion county. Since last year, Mr. Harper and county council have refused to hire a new economic development director. But it sure is nice to know our county has put our interest as dogs and cats ahead of our owners. We are priority! We have a new animal shelter director that will feed us and love us even though our poor owners can't find a job because nobody in county government cares about them. You just wait until the next county elections, us dogs and cats are going to give money and go door to door to support our heroes in county government for putting us ahead of the people.

now I can have all the little puppies I want!!!!

[bigfish]

I was told Sunday something of interest to all! Our new atty. does not pay any vehicle tax in Marion county. He has his vehicles registered in Florence county in his law firms name, including his wifes car that she drives to school where she works at in Marion. Mr. Harper hires his neighbor, which is now a county employee and he don't have to pay vehicle taxes in Marion! What else is going on in this county that the citizens don't know? Our council needs to open their eyes to Mr. Harper and not let him to continue to run this county down any more. Mr. Rogers was bad enough for this county and here it goes again! We need to ask why the GOOD OLD NEIGHBOR does not have to pay any vehicle taxes, council members don't get this privilege!


Listen, I have known Chuck for years and he is a good guy. This sounds like nothing but heresay and petty rumor. I can honestly tell you that Chuck has worked hard and busted his butt to get where he is today!

You da man, Chuck!

[Road Boy]

Go to the Marion County web site and look it up. Everyone's taxes is listed on the Treasurer's web site. I lokked and you need to!!!!!

[Unregistered51]

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Go to the Marion County web site and look it up. Everyone's taxes is listed on the Treasurer's web site. I lokked and you need to!!!!!

web address for Marion co. please

[bigfish]

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web address for Marion co. please


www.marioncountysc.com (http://www.marioncountysc.com) I believe this website is the economic development website
and
http://www.co.marion.sc.us (http://www.co.marion.sc.us/) which I think is now a defunct site.

However, I have found that the economic development website was very well-done!

[Silver Tongue Devil]

However, I have found that the economic development website was very well-done![/QUOTE]

Agree, fairly well done website and HEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM. The attitude and approach of our County Council, our County Administrator, our part-time economic dev director and the business support group is obvious....let's present ourselves with a respectable website...let's present ourselves through the SC Dept of Commerce.... let's present ourselves with these fancy little signs at abandoned industrial buildings.....In other words, "Here we are world, come invest millions of your corporate dollars in our great little county!" Sorry guys, the process is much more sophisticated. We're fishing with no bait in a pond with no fish!

Marion County needs a salesman, someone who will dial the phones, knock on the doors, create and send the emails, aggressively seek out and meet the CEO's, negotiate the deals, etc etc etc...but who can also create a marketing image of Marion County that interests those CEO's enough to at least let our salesman in the door. In short, we need someone to CREATE opportunity for Marion County, not sit idly by and wait on the world to come to us. It just ain't gonna happen my friends....until we change the attitude of our elected and appointed county officials...and I'm beginning to believe the only way to do that is to replace at least some of them. The one's in place just don't seem to get it.

[bigfish]

However, I have found that the economic development website was very well-done!

Agree, fairly well done website and HEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM. The attitude and approach of our County Council, our County Administrator, our part-time economic dev director and the business support group is obvious....let's present ourselves with a respectable website...let's present ourselves through the SC Dept of Commerce.... let's present ourselves with these fancy little signs at abandoned industrial buildings.....In other words, "Here we are world, come invest millions of your corporate dollars in our great little county!" Sorry guys, the process is much more sophisticated. We're fishing with no bait in a pond with no fish!

Marion County needs a salesman, someone who will dial the phones, knock on the doors, create and send the emails, aggressively seek out and meet the CEO's, negotiate the deals, etc etc etc...but who can also create a marketing image of Marion County that interests those CEO's enough to at least let our salesman in the door. In short, we need someone to CREATE opportunity for Marion County, not sit idly by and wait on the world to come to us. It just ain't gonna happen my friends....until we change the attitude of our elected and appointed county officials...and I'm beginning to believe the only way to do that is to replace at least some of them. The one's in place just don't seem to get it.[/quote]


This is true. It is the aggressive attitude that works well in today's global environment. The officials in charge of Marion County must look at options from a global perspective. I do not always agree with the globalist ideal but, when it comes to economy, one must do what works.
Unfortunately it is not all about what the world can do for Marion County but what Marion County can do for the world.

[Concerned Native]

I attended a business meeting in Columbia today and by coincidence got into a private conversation with someone directly involved in economic development at a high level in state government. I asked why Marion County couldn't attract new industry, he told me the SC Dept of Commerce does not even have Marion County on it's radar screen for referring industrial prospects because the county's approach is so outdated and unprofessional. Says the county's "retired part-time" economic development director is a nice guy but is a "dinosaur" in the economic development field. Commerce doesn't intend to waste recruiting opportunities on Marion County until Marion County puts itself back in the game by hiring a professional director with the knowledge and expertise to professionally represent the county. I was shocked he so freely shared this information with me. I still have family and business interests in Marion County. Does County Council not realize this is a serious problem? Isn't the Chairman of the County Council a bank president? What's going on over there? You would think economic development would be priority #1 but apparently county officials have either a very passive or a very naive attitude about it. Maybe you guys on this board can bring this to their attention and get some action.

[LAW MAN]

Well I know the Port is still coming to Marion County.That is something the recent Economic Developer knew nothing about and really didn't care. They just aren't battling the Marion County Board. They have gotten approval to move in and setup shop with a smaller municipality. You won't believe it, but the town of Sellers has given the Grand Strand Water Company the authority to take out Marco Rural Water lines and run new sewer and water lines big enough to handle the entire county and some. They have already cleaned up and surveyed the waste field. For all who doesn't know, the female who put together the whole idea for the inland port works for Burroughs and Chapin Developers at the beach. Sellers will have it's own water treatment center too. Remember on the news, DHEC slapped a $100,000 fine on them because of the poor sewer system and that has been resolved, so the town is no longer in danger of losing its Charter. We all know Sellers has no money or strong tax base. Put two and two together, and I strongly believe the usually not so smart people of Sellers will be scratching the Grand Strands back and in return the town will be taken care of...

Friends of Marion I will keep you up to speed on all new developments concerning PORT MATTERS....

[LAW MAN]

Well I know the Port is still coming to Marion County.That is something the recent Economic Developer knew nothing about and really didn't care. They just aren't battling the Marion County Board. They have gotten approval to move in and setup shop with a smaller municipality. You won't believe it, but the town of Sellers has given the Grand Strand Water Company the authority to take out Marco Rural Water lines and run new sewer and water lines big enough to handle the entire county and some. They have already cleaned up and surveyed the waste field. For all who doesn't know, the female who put together the whole idea for the inland port works for Burroughs and Chapin Developers at the beach. Sellers will have it's own water treatment center too. Remember on the news, DHEC slapped a $100,000 fine on them because of the poor sewer system and that has been resolved, so the town is no longer in danger of losing its Charter. We all know Sellers has no money or strong tax base. Put two and two together, and I strongly believe the usually not so smart people of Sellers will be scratching the Grand Strands back and in return the town will be taken care of...

Friends of Marion I will keep you up to speed on all new developments concerning PORT MATTERS....

[In the Know]

Well I know the Port is still coming to Marion County.That is something the recent Economic Developer knew nothing about and really didn't care. They just aren't battling the Marion County Board. They have gotten approval to move in and setup shop with a smaller municipality. You won't believe it, but the town of Sellers has given the Grand Strand Water Company the authority to take out Marco Rural Water lines and run new sewer and water lines big enough to handle the entire county and some. They have already cleaned up and surveyed the waste field. For all who doesn't know, the female who put together the whole idea for the inland port works for Burroughs and Chapin Developers at the beach. Sellers will have it's own water treatment center too. Remember on the news, DHEC slapped a $100,000 fine on them because of the poor sewer system and that has been resolved, so the town is no longer in danger of losing its Charter. We all know Sellers has no money or strong tax base. Put two and two together, and I strongly believe the usually not so smart people of Sellers will be scratching the Grand Strands back and in return the town will be taken care of...

Friends of Marion I will keep you up to speed on all new developments concerning PORT MATTERS....


SORRY LAWMAN BUT IF YOU PLAN TO KEEP US UP TO SPEED ON PORT MATTERS, YOU SHOULD FIRST GET YOUR INFORMATION CORRECT BECAUSE YOU KNOW NOT OF WHICH YOU SPEAK. You are absolutely wrong on every one of the points you made in your post. GSWSA is not even planning a water system for Sellers, they are proposing to take over sewer only and their plan is totally unrelated to the proposed inland port(call their Director and ask him if you doubt me); there has never been a $100,000 fine on the Town of Sellers by DHEC(call DHEC if you doubt me); Susan does not work for B&C(Call Susan or B&C if you doubt me); B&C is no longer a player in the inland port project, they backed out by their own choice over a year ago(call B&C if you doubt me); etc etc etc....whomever your source is feeding you inaccurate information or intentionally pulling your string.

[Silver Tongue Devil]

FINALLY, after over 10 months, a new economic development director has been hired in Marion County! Good luck to Rodney Berry.

[Wrong]

FINALLY, after over 10 months, a new economic development director has been hired in Marion County! Good luck to Rodney Berry.

I guess you can think this thread for putting the pressure on council to finally do something. I feel Rodney will do a good job. He's done good with his paper and he also has given us a new TV channel with good clean programs. Congrads Rodney.

[Country Cousin]

FINALLY, after over 10 months, a new economic development director has been hired in Marion County! Good luck to Rodney Berry.

Hope the county council and county manager will give him the tools and support to be successful. They'll need to change a bunch from their past actions if this is to be. An big part of Rodney's job will be bringing them up to snuff on what is needed for this county to have a successful economic developer program because they are lost. He's a good salesman, maybe he can do it. Let's all hope so.

[bigfish]

Rodney has vision and I am confident he will do well.
I only hope the county council does not attempt to stifle his vision.