Long named Darlington County economic partnership director

By Morning News Staff Reports

Published: August 25, 2008

DARLINGTON — Veteran South Carolina economic development professional Robert D. Long has been named Darlington County Economic Development Partnership’s first permanent director, said Goz Segars, chairman of the partnership’s board of directors.

Long, who has been assistant director of the Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership in Aiken, will take over duties Sept. 18. He will replace Gordon McBride, a Hartsville attorney who has served as interim director since the partnership was formed earlier this year. McBride will remain on the partnership board of directors. Long will report to the board’s executive committee.

“We are thrilled to have Robert coming to Darlington County to lead our efforts in attracting new business investment and jobs to further improve the per capita income of our citizens,” Segars said in a press release issued Monday morning. “He has a proven track record of building infrastructure, existing industry expansions and attracting new companies. However, his fresh ideas and energy really caught the eye of our board.”

Long holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina-Aiken, a master’s degree from Florida State University and is a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer. He has been engaged for more than 13 years in several economic development positions with the Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership. Most recently he has served as project manager over all industrial, distribution and service-related projects that have expanded and relocated in Aiken and Edgefield counties. Since 2000, the Aiken/Edgefield Economic Development Partnership has been successful in attracting more than $1.5 billion in capital investment and the creation of more than 4,100 jobs.

“I’m anxious to get my roots firmly planted in Darlington County so that I can begin the task of building strategies and infrastructure to better market the strengths of the county to the business world,” Long said in the release. “While I have a number of priorities, one of my first efforts will be in strengthening relationships with existing businesses and building collaboration between state, county and local government officials as well as private interests. Darlington County has wonderful potential, and I am confident that I can contribute greatly to its economic development efforts.”

Long has been active in Aiken and Edgefield counties and serves on many boards, including the Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board, Edgefield Chamber of Commerce and Thoroughbred Country Tourism Advisory Committee. He said he plans to be just as active in Darlington County.

“My wife, Tara, and our two children are looking forward to being part of the Darlington County community beyond my work in economic development,” he said. “I plan to be just as active in Darlington County as I have been in Aiken.”

The public/private economic development partnership was established by Darlington County Council and is supported by Darlington County, the communities of Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar and Society Hill, and businesses that are members of Darlington County Progress, a not-for-profit corporation.

The partnership’s mission is to improve the economy of Darlington County through the effective promotion and development of new industry and the expansion of existing industry. It is also responsible for working with state and federal agencies in securing available grants and other financial assistance for business and industrial growth. For more information, call Roger Schrum at (843) 339-6018.