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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sheri Goff, Campaign Headquarters
Phone: (843) 292-0494
Fax: (843) 292-0817
District 30 Senatorial Candidate Tim Norwood Announces Plan for Pee Dee Job Creation
District 30 Senatorial candidate Tim Norwood announced his plan to stimulate economic development in the Pee Dee, speaking to supporters and interested citizens of the Senate district on Thursday at the Dry Dock Seafood Restaurant in Mullins.
Florence businessman Norwood will challenge 12-year incumbent Maggie Glover for the District 30 Senate Seat in the June Democratic primary. His platform includes initiatives on employment, education and health care.
Norwood's press conference Thursday addressed the current state of employment in the Pee Dee, with many counties suffering double-digit unemployment percentages.
"I don't think for one moment that our current State Senator has a clue about what to do for the unemployed, underemployed and the rising generation of South Carolinians who will soon seek their place in the workforce," Norwood said.
"Maggie Glover is a nice person, and I mean nothing personal here, but if she has a plan for job creation, I am unaware of it," he continued.
Norwood outlined his plans for creating employment opportunities for citizens of District 30 and welcomed his supporters to announce their endorsement of Tim Norwood's State Senate campaign publicly.
Norwood's first proposal for job creation is to meet regularly with the managers of District 30 plants and businesses to learn of any current needs in job training, tax incentives or expansion plans.
"I'll offer my help in recruiting their suppliers to locate offices in the Pee Dee to save costs and add jobs here," Norwood said.
Second, Norwood intends to establish an International Airport to be constructed between Florence and Myrtle Beach, preferably in western Marion County, to attract and support the travel, tourism and recreation industries.
"This project will take federal, state, regional and local funds but it is an investment that will open up the heart of the Pee Dee region for jobs and development," Norwood said. "An International Airport would provide job opportunities for thousands of citizens, as evidenced by the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which employs a total of 13,500 airport, airline and tenant employees."
Third, Norwood said he will fight to bring Interstate 73 to South Carolina, making sure it enters the state in Marlboro County and is located in Marion County along Highways 38 and 501 where it can stimulate economic growth.
"I have become active in the I-73 coalition and fully support SC DOT's efforts to secure funding for the initial stages of I-73 in the upcoming federal budget," Norwood said.
Fourth, Norwood intends to target the I-95 corridor from the North Carolina state line to Sumter as a top priority for the development of water and sewer infrastructure essential to locating new businesses and industry in the Pee Dee.
"We've been neglected long enough," Norwood said. "I will seek state and federal funding make our region a state priority."
Fifth, Norwood fully supports Science South, and he proposes a Pee Dee Agricultural Heritage Center as well as the establishment of a Francis Marion State Park.
"The Agricultural Heritage Center would showcase the region's agricultural character and the value of farm life as well as interest visitors in growing fruits and vegetables for healthier diets," Norwood said. "The Francis Marion State Park would provide a recreational attraction to visitors and a facility to teach the history of the patriot Francis Marion, and the role of the Pee Dee in the American Revolution."
Tim Norwood has picked up significant endorsements from local leaders, notably Ashby Gregg, mayor of Quinby; George McIntyre, former Marlboro County Council chairman; Mike Sattane, former Marion City Council member; Allen Brigman, former mayor of Latta; and Bruce Walters, former plant manager of Arvin Meritor industrial plant.
"Tim Norwood has a well thought-out plan for job creation in the Pee Dee as well as the passion to work hard," Gregg said. "Tim Norwood is the candidate to lead District 30 in the right direction economically."
McIntyre said, "Something's got to be done to fill the gap between the economic growth in urban areas and the lack of it in the rural areas, and if elected, Tim Norwood would be a good, strong voice for District 30. I look forward to Tim Norwood as our next State Senator."
Mike Sattane, a 50-year resident of Marion, said he remembers when jobs were abundant in the Pee Dee. "Now, there are no new jobs, and I know of no position by current leadership on the creation of employment opportunities," Sattane said. "With Tim Norwood as a candidate for State Senator, District 30 has a choice, and can look forward to a bright future."
Added Brigman, "Tim Norwood is going to help us build employment opportunities in the Pee Dee and put good people, with the will to work hard, in good-paying jobs."
Walters said Norwood is a person who gets work done effectively and efficiently. "Tim Norwood not only has a plan, but he also has the passion, drive, energy and salesmanship on all levels that are needed to succeed as an effective State Senator," Walters said. "He is well-schooled in the fundamentals of being successful in business and knowledgeable about what needs to be done to build economic development."
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