Lee Business Leader honored by Governor and Commerce Department

BISHOPVILLE - A Lee County native and a mainstay in local industrial management was recently honored by Gov. Mark Sanford and the Department of Commerce as part of South Carolina's 19th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. Bill Hopkins, born and raised in the Cedar Creek community of Lee County, is currently serving as the purchasing manager for REXAM in Bishopville. He has worked at the Reeves Brothers plant and later as manager for the Dorby Frocks Distribution Center. Hopkins is credited for his efforts in the location and expansion of Roller Bearing Corporation of America and PA Packaging, said Lee County Economic Alliance Director Jeff Burgess. He also played a role in the recruitment of Kellve Bulkteknik and Ahlstrom Specialty, Burgess said.
Hopkins was recognized recently at a ceremony held at the Governor's Mansion Complex that singled out 49 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.
"His knowledge of the community and workforce has been indispensable in these industry prospect meetings," Burgess said.
"Bill is on the alliance's board of directors and he is a valuable resource for us when we have new industry looking at our county," Burgess said. "He understands the industrial world. He knows how it works. He can tell prospects about the work force in Lee County and what to expect. He's a good man, and he has the strongest work ethic I've ever come across."
Sanford said the state remains committed to bettering the business environment to encourage economic growth among existing business and attract new investments to South Carolina.
"Fundamental reforms like workers' comp reform, tort reform and income tax relief have increased our state's competitive edge and provided fertile ground for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs here. " Sanford said. "Our state's successes could not be achieved without the help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state and we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina."
Secretary of Commerce Joel Taylor said the local ambassadors have given their energy and talents above and beyond to enhance their communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work.
"Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina's economy with investments, job creation and community involvement," Taylor said.
Industry Appreciation Week and its various activities such as naming the local ambassadors is a time for the state to recognize the contributions of businesses, industries and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina, Taylor said. "Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank business and industry for its vital contributions to South Carolina's economy," Taylor said. "The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals include local leaders from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in their communities."