The Business Industry Showcase will be staged in Littlejohn Coliseum at Clemson on September 21 and 22. Businesses from Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties will showcase careers and talk with guests about job skills required for jobs that are available in this area. Over 5,000 8th grade students from the three counties will visit the booths during the two days. Doors will be open Wednesday to the public from 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM. Doors will also be open to the public Thursday from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

Congratulations to Ronnie L. Booth, PhD, President of Tri-County Technical College and Chairman of Oconee Alliance, who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate during Clemson's graduation ceremonies. Booth was recognized for his achievements in higher education and economic development.

Congratulations to Oconee Alliance Board member, Coleman Kirven, for being promoted to Executive Vice President and Commercial Banking Executive of Palmetto Bank.

Congratulations to Michael Higgins, General Manager Operations - Electricity Metering for Itron, who was  named South Carolina Ambassador for Economic Development in Oconee County by Governor Nikki Haley and Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.   (END)

According to the 2011 quality award rankings developed by Care-Chex, Oconee Medical Center is the top hospital for patient safety for overall medical care in South Carolina. Care-Chex is a division of The Delta Group and the nation's largest privately held health care information service.

Oconee Medical Center(OMC) also ranks in the Top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety in overall medical care. Among other rankings by Care-Chex, OMC was ranked #1 in South Carolina for: Medical Excellence, Pneumonia Care, Pulmonary Care Patient Safety and overall medical care.

Jeanne Ward, former Chairperson of Oconee Alliance, is President and CEO of OMC. (END)

Congratulations to Will Huss, Trehel Corporation, who recently received the "Service to Mankind" award from the Clemson Sertoma Club. This is the highest honor that is awarded to a non-Sertoman. Huss, who believes in serving others, is active in many community and church activities. (END)

Congratulations to Steve West of Duke Energy. He was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association. (END)

Congratulations to Reg Dexter for being re-elected Chairperson of the Oconee County Council. Mr. Dexter will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Oconee Alliance. (END)

U.S. News and World Report and School Evaluation Services looked at nearly 22,000 high schools across the country in order to determine the best schools in the country. Walhalla High School, of the School District of Oconee County, earned a place in the Bronze Category, and thus was deemed to be one of the 1750 best schools. With this ranking, Walhalla placed in the top 8% of schools reviewed. (END)

At the December 10, 2009 meeting of the Oconee Alliance, Jeanne Ward was recognized as South Carolina Ambassador for Economic Development. A bouquet of red roses was presented to Ms. Ward by Jim Alexander, Director of the Oconee County Economic Development Commission. Congratulations, Jeanne! (END)