Tony Thurmond: “the emergence of South Carolina as a center for business and industry is due to many factors including a temperate…”

“the emergence of South Carolina as a center for business and industry is due to many factors including a temperate climate, a trained and enthusiastic workforce, cooperative government officials, and not the least significant, community leaders committed to bringing new jobs into their towns, cities, and counties. One of the fastest growing areas of the Palmetto State is the region known as the Upstate, and a gentleman by the name of Harry M. ``Mac'' Johnston, played a key role in business development in Union County, until his recent and untimely death. Mr. Johnston served as the director of the Union County Development Board for slightly more than 2 years, a short tenure to be certain. Despite the brevity of his administration, cut tragically short by a stroke, Mr. Johnston managed to achieve several important accomplishments that will be of great benefit to his fellow citizens. Thanks to the efforts of the late Mr. Johnston, the historic Buffalo Mill was purchased and re-opened, Union County was named as the home of South Carolina's new Juvenile Justice facility, and Upstate residents will celebrate community spirit this fall at the first ever ``Uniquely Union Festival.''”