Cooper recognized for recruiting efforts

0
813

By Stan Welch

Former State representative Dan Cooper, of Powdersville, has been honored for his efforts to attract jobs and industry to Anderson County. Cooper, who sat for six years as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee prior to his abrupt resignation from the House, was nominated by the Anderson County Economic Development Board as Ambassador of Economic Development for the County.

The honorary position acknowledges Cooper’s efforts over the years in attracting such mainstays of the local manufacturing scene as BMW, Walgreen’s, First Quality and, in the Lowcountry, Boeing.

Anderson County administrator Rusty Burns said, “Dan Cooper could always be counted on when there were jobs at stake. Dan found ways to make things happen, to remove obstacles, and create opportunities. His concern was always the success of the project at hand, and never who got the credit.”

Burriss Nelson, Anderson County Economic Development director, echoed those sentiments, saying that Cooper always placed the success of the project above any other concerns. He was a statesman and his demeanor often made as much impact as his actions. He is absolutely deserving of this honor.”

In published remarks, Cooper stressed that the economic development efforts in the area need to be redoubled, and stressed that transportation advantages, as well as educational facilities and a readily available work force all make South Carolina and the Upstate an attractive location for business.

A ceremony at the Statehouse on April 17 will honor the forty six Ambassadors from around the state, followed by a meeting by all of them to discuss further development in the state.