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The City of Clinton, SC City Council has voted to hire Tom Brooks as the next City Manager of the City of Clinton.

Mr. Brooks received a Bachelors’ degree in biology from the College of Charleston with a focus in environmental studies. He has been a public servant for over 20 years working in State, County and Municipal government. Mr. Brooks has served as the Town Administrator in Saluda, SC for over ten years bringing in investment and economic growth to the community.

In addition to his governmental experience, Tom created Green Wing Consulting. His consulting services have helped grow manufacturing in South Carolina by representing corporations that have created several hundred jobs and have invested millions of dollars into our State. Tom’s consulting services also include renewable energy development where he currently assists the Pacolet Milliken Company.

Tom and his wife, Margot, have four children and currently reside in Saluda County.

Welcome to the City of Clinton Mr. Brooks, we are happy to have you!

Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School won the South Carolina Science Olympiad Championship.

Clinton High and Clinton Middle are not strangers to this prestigious award. Bell Street Middle has won the award 20 times since 1986 and Clinton High has won it 11 times.

Science Olympiad is an all-day , 23 event competition encompassing all areas of science, engineering, technology, and math. Events change annually making Clinton’s continued excellence in science all the more remarkable.

Both teams will compete virtually for the nationals during the week of May 18-15, 2022. Cal Tech is the host site for the 2022 Science Olympiad.

Blue Diamond Industries will open their first East Coast plant in Laurens County.

Blue Diamond is a manufacturer of high density polyethylene conduit materials for the protection of fiber optic, data and power cables.

They will locate in the former Shaw Industries building on Torrington Road in Clinton. They will be hiring approximately 90 employees and will invest $18,000,000.

They expect to be operational by July 2022.

The Clinton Economic Development Corporation has elected Presbyterian College president Dr. Matthew vandenBerg to serve on its board of directors.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to strengthen and grow the partnership between Clinton and its college,” said vandenBerg. “We are a proud member of this community, and we eagerly embrace our calling to serve Clinton and Laurens County as faithful partners in progress.”

Throughout its history, the college has played a central role in Clinton’s economy – as an employer, as a consumer, and as a partner.

Marvin Moss, the City of Clinton’s economic development manager, said vandenBerg not only recognizes PC’s role in the local economy but also brings new ideas to the table.

“Matt seems very interested in creating the types of partnerships our community needs to thrive,” he said.

Stan Bryson, the CEDC’s former board chair, said PC is a vital voice within the organization.

“It’s very important to include the college in economic development decisions,” he said. “PC is one of the city’s largest employers and a key partner in growing our community.”

In a letter to the editor published last fall, vandenBerg wrote that many colleges and universities have built themselves into self-contained cities that take their host communities for granted. PC, on the other hand, is “passionate about – and deeply committed to – growing and strengthening our relationship with our host city of Clinton, as well our broader Laurens County community,” he stated.

PC’s re-development of the 112 Musgrove Street property is an early example of that renewed partnership. Developed more than a decade ago as a downtown college bookstore, PC will begin this spring turning the building into a thriving center for student gatherings, meetings, and events. It will also feature dining options open to the public.

During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in late October, Clinton Mayor Bob McLean hailed efforts to transform PC and Clinton into a hub of economic and social activity.

“PC and the City of Clinton depend on each other for growth,” said McLean. “Matt understands that when we work together, we both benefit. As mayor and a PC graduate, I’m excited about working with him to shape our shared future.”

CEDC’s mission is to increase employment opportunities and entice industrial and commercial growth to Clinton. The board of director’s has 11 members, including the mayor, two city council members, the city manager, and six local residents.

STP Development recently purchased 75 acres on Robert M. Vance Drive (just off Springdale Drive) and will partner with DR Horton Homes to build approximately 260 homes in what was formerly Clinton Park Corporate Center III.

There will be seven models varying from 1,400 SF – 2,500 SF in size and will be in the price range of $180,000 – $290,000. One of the models is shown below. The property is strategically located between Eastside Elementary, Clinton Middle and Clinton High Schools. The new subdivision will have a clubhouse and swimming pool for the home owners.