November, 4th, 2011
“Spirit of the Doughboy” Ceremony
Please join us as we celebrate Armistice Day!
“Spirit of the Doughboy” Ceremony
To unveil the new Doughboy Statue
11 am, Friday, November 11, 2011
American Legion Post 14
1301 East Greenville Street, Anderson SC
Parking will be limited. The City of Anderson will provide transportation via bus from the Cross Country Home Services at 1520 E Greenville Street to the American Legion Post 14 for the ceremony.
October, 18th, 2011
SIDE BY SIDE FIRES TO DEMONSTRATE POWER AND SPEED OF FIRE AS WELL AS EFFICIENCY OF CURRENT HOME SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
SC FIRE CHIEF’SC FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (SC FALSE) PARTNERS WITH CITY AND COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS AS PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT OF 67th ANNUAL SC STATE FIRE CHIEF ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
ANDERSON COUNTY, SC-- On October 21st, Anderson County residents will see first-hand, why a typical home fire becomes deadly in less than three minutes. South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Education Association (SC FALSE) will conduct a live fire demonstration by intentionally lighting two fires in front of a live audience at 4:30 PM on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Anderson Civic Center located at 3027 MLK Jr. Blvd in Anderson, SC. This realistic demonstration was scheduled as a public educational component of the 67th Annual South Carolina State Fire Chiefs Association’s Annual Conference. This dramatic, yet safe, form of education has become increasingly popular with fire departments across the country.
"Sometimes people just need to see it to believe it," says Les Woods, President of the South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Education Association (SC FALSE). "There's nothing like the heat and smoke of a real fire to help adults and children understand just how fast a home fire can spread. Using our side-by-side comparison, we can show both the danger of fire and the value of having a fire sprinkler system installed."
“Fire Safety is near and dear to my heart,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “Educating the public to take fire prevention seriously is the first step toward safer homes and safer families. We are grateful to the SC Fire Chief’s Association for allowing Anderson County to serve as host for their 67th Annual Conference and to witness this live demonstration.”
Dunn continued, “We are very proud of our county-wide fire system and the more than 850 dedicated, volunteer firefighters who put themselves in harms way to protect our lives and property. I especially want to congratulate Chief Alan Sims with the Belton Fire Dept. on his incoming presidency for the SC Fire Chief’s Association and County Fire Chief Billy Gibson for his incoming presidency for the SC Fire Fighter’s Association. These two men deserve our deepest respect.”
SC FALSE received financial and material support from the National Fire Protection Association, South Carolina Sprinkler Coalition, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Wayne Automatic Sprinkler Company, ServiceMaster Clean (a Remediation Contractor), the Anderson City of Anderson Fire Department and Anderson County Fire Department. The demonstration
Two structures simulating rooms in a typical home will be constructed on site. Each room’s contents include common furnishings, window treatments and a working smoke alarm. One room will contain a fire sprinkler. The two rooms will be constructed on site at the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson where the fires will be lit.
“By providing this unique live fire comparison, people not only gain an appreciation for the power and speed of a fire, they also realize what an incredible advantage it is to have a fire sprinkler system installed if fire breaks out,” says Woods.
Many people already understand how vital it is to have working smoke alarms to warn of a fire, but few grasp the importance of a home fire sprinkler. This is one reason why the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) secured a federal Fire Prevention & Safety Grant to develop a kit to help fire departments and fire educators build and present side-by-side fire and sprinkler burn demonstrations in their communities.
Following an emergency call, it takes 5-8 minutes, on average, for a fire department to arrive on the fire scene. By that time, a fire in an unsprinklered home will have spread, causing smoke and heat damage and threatening the lives of the residents. Local and national fire safety experts say widespread use of home fire sprinkler systems could save thousands of lives per year.
In a sprinklered home, the fire gets under control right away, limiting damage and protecting residents and first responders. Here are some other facts about home fire sprinkler systems:
• Fire sprinklers are supplied by household water – usually off the existing domestic water supply. Just like ordinary plumbing, sprinkler system piping is hidden behind walls and ceilings.
• The sprinklers are positioned along the piping and can be seen in ceilings or up high along certain walls.
• Sprinklers are activated only by the high temperature of a fire – typically between 135°-165°F.
• Burned toast or other smoke cannot set off a sprinkler; neither can a smoke alarm that activates.
• Sprinklers are designed to flow between 10-25 gallons of water per minute - hat’s about 10-15 times less water flow than fire department hoses, and under far less pressure.
• By operating while a fire is still small, a sprinkler controls or extinguishes a fire, slowing the spread of poisonous smoke and deadly heat.
• That fast and effective action gives family members more time to get out safely, saving lives.
• And, the sprinkler confines the fire damage so that surrounding rooms are protected, saving valuables.
The South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Education Association is proud to work in partnership with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, the South Carolina Sprinkler Coalition and the Anderson County Fire Departments to bring this important educational opportunity to Anderson County. If you’re building a new home, renovating or thinking of buying, take a few minutes to learn how you can add this life-saving fire safety option.
SC False, Region 2 Coordinator, Diane Woods suggests that following the demonstration, parents should conduct and “EDITH” Drill (Exit Drill In The Home) at least quarterly, with their families. The drill teaches families to follow an escape plan, go to a meeting place, call 911 and stay out. Contact Diane at 803-370-1988 for more information.
September, 13th, 2011
SALUDA RIVER SWEEP SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 17
ANDERSON COUNTY –On Saturday, September 17th, from 9 am until 12 noon, the Anderson County Parks and Stormwater departments will join forces with the 23rd annual South Carolina DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Beach/River Sweep. Organized by the SC Sea Grant Consortium in partnership with the SC DNR, the Beach/River Sweep is the largest one-day litter cleanup of SC’s beaches and waterways. Every third Saturday in September, thousands of South Carolinians volunteer to clear trash from our beaches, rivers, lakes, marshes and swamps.
“We are grateful to Piedmont resident Jim Dell for bringing the issue of litter from recent storms behind the Piedmont Dam spillway to our attention,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters.” Mr. Dell’s vigilance led the Stormwater and Parks departments to coordinate a volunteer effort to remove the litter from the river before another storm carries it further downstream. We are proud to partner with Piedmont FD, ENEL Greenpower and Keep America Beautiful of Anderson County, as well as SC DNR in their annual efforts to keep our waterways clean.”
Save Our Saluda,’ will be coordinating a clean-up effort as well along the Middle Saluda that same day. Both events focus on removing anything non-biodegradable such as plastics, glass, foam, metals, and tires.
“This Clean Up effort is very timely,” said Anderson County Parks Manager Matt Schell.
“Completion of a kayak launch facility at the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex is anticipated for the summer of 2012. Design teams will soon submit their qualifications to Anderson County for a chance to make their mark on a 48-mile corridor between Powdersville and Piedmont. Funds to jump start this monumental project, were appropriated by SC Legislative Delegation. Once completed, this access point will mark the first ADA accessible kayak launch in Anderson County as well as in Upstate SC."
"Preserving our natural resources is as much of an obligation as promoting it," said Anderson County Stormwater Manager Jon Batson. “The EPA cites stormwater as the leading source of pollution in our nation's surface waters. Litter deposited into rivers by runoff is a significant problem. If you or your organization would like to participate in our clean water efforts please contact the Anderson County Stormwater Department at 260-1001.”
“We are proud that members of the community are recognizing the problem and are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to do something about it,” said Schell. “Through efforts like these, we hope more citizens will take notice, and help us make our waterways the best they can be.”
"Our focus this year is to help beautify a small section of the shoreline and river surrounding the Piedmont access site at the intersection of River Rd. and Melonie Drive,” said Sharon Nicometo, Anderson County Parks Department. “Gloves, bags, and litter sticks will be provided. Participants who plan to work on the water are asked to bring their own kayaks/canoes and safety gear. If you are interested in participating in the Saluda River Sweep on the 17th, please contact the Parks Dept at 231-PARK.”
May, 2nd, 2011
ANDERSON COUNTY WELCOMES LADY BASS ANGLERS ASSOCIATION
Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) Professional Bass Fishing Tournament Trail picks Lake Hartwell for Competition
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. – On May 5 – 7, Lake Hartwell will be filled with anglers representing the Lady Bass Angler Association as they compete in the 2011 Professional Bass Fishing Tournament Trail. Official practice days for competitors begin on May 1 and end with an “off the water deadline” at noon on May 4. The two-day Pro-Am, hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau will take place on May 5-6. Competition will conclude on Saturday, May 7th with the LBAA Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Charity Tournament. Anglers will launch all three days at “safe light” with weigh-in at 3 pm. Weigh-in and festivities will take place at Portman Shoals Marina.
“Anderson County residents have always known Lake Hartwell was a hidden treasure,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “Over the past few years, we have enjoyed nationally-recognized sporting events such as the Bassmaster Classic, the Triple Crown Watercross Competition and now we have the Lady Bass Anglers Association Professional Bass Fishing Tournament. It is wonderful to see Lake Hartwell gain national recognition as a premier location for recreation. Events such as these bring competitors, media and tourists into our County and boost our local economy. The Anderson County Council encourages everyone to welcome the Lady Bass Anglers with Anderson hospitality so they will want to come back to visit – Tourism is Economic Development!”
Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Kathy Benson said, “The Anderson Convention and Visitors Bureau is very excited to host the Lady Bass Angler Tournament this weekend. There will be 150 anglers competing for top prize money. Many of those anglers will be staying in Anderson for 6 nights at area hotels, dining in area restaurants, thereby creating an Economic Impact of approximately $100,000.00. The Lady Bass Anglers will also be giving back to the Anderson Community by hosting a Charity Bass Tournament on Sunday, May 7th with the proceeds going to the local Anderson Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. It has been a joy working with the organizers of this event. The CVB wishes all of the Anglers much success this weekend.”
“This tournament once again shows that tourism is economic development for Anderson County’s economy,” said Glenn Brill, Anderson County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
May 1 – 4: Official Practice Days for Competitors
(“off water” deadline May 4, noon)
May 4, 1 pm: Tournament Registration and Briefing meeting for the Lady Bass Quality Inn, 3025 N. Main St, Anderson, SC.
May 5 & 6: LBAA Tournament
Portman Shoals Marina, 1629 Marina Dr, Anderson, SC
6:15 A.M. (approximately) - Take-off will be at safe light
3:00 P.M. Weigh-In
May 7: Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Charity Team Open Bass Tournament
$1,000 guaranteed 1st place *see attached flyer
Lady Bass Anglers – Giving Back to the Community!
6:15 A.M. (approximately) - Take-off will be at safe light
3:00 P.M. Weigh-In
For more information about LBAA, contact:
Larry Morris, media specialist
1-540-239-7902
March, 24th, 2011
Job Fair Connects 50 Companies and 900 Job Seekers
(Pendleton, S.C. – March 24, 2011) – WorkLink Workforce Investment Board hosted the Tri-County Community Job Fair on Tuesday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Anderson Recreation Center. Fifty companies exhibited at the event, including representatives from manufacturers, healthcare and homecare companies, service industries, staffing agencies, area colleges and universities and community-based organizations.
More than 900 job seekers attended the event, with more than 180 job seekers earning early admittance at 9 a.m. by completing a JobReady workshop or program prior to the Job Fair. JobReady workshops offered tips on how to prepare for the Job Fair and were offered at the OneStop Workforce Centers in Anderson, Liberty, and Seneca, as well as at partnering organizations, such as Goodwill Job Connections, Adult Education Centers, the Department of Social Services and local colleges and universities.
The Job Fair featured application areas, including an online application option operated by OneStop On-the-Go. Several veterans’ service agencies and youth programs also provided information at the event.
Partners for the Tri-County Community Job Fair included the OneStop Workforce Centers, the Department of Employment and Workforce, the Department of Social Services, the Pendleton Regional Education Center, Palmetto Youth Connections, Tri-County Technical College, Forrest College, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Pickens County, and Goodwill Job Connection. Area chambers of commerce, economic development offices, and adult education centers also promoted the Job Fair to businesses and job seekers.
January, 20th, 2011
Job/Health Fair to be held for Veterans, February 11, 2011
Job/Health Fair to be held for Veterans, February 11, 2011
(Pendleton, S.C. – January 20, 2011) – The OneStop Workforce System, South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce, Anderson County, and the SCARNG 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command Readiness Group will host a free Job/Health Fair for National Guard and Reserve Members, their spouses, and veterans, on Friday, February 11, 2011.
The Fair will be held at the South Carolina Army National Guard Armory at 3111 MLK Blvd in Anderson from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All attendees must have credentials to present before admission will be granted. This must be a valid military ID or DD-214.
Employers and Veterans’ Services Organizations across the Upstate of South Carolina are encouraged to RSVP for the event by January 28, 2011, by contacting Amanda Hamby, Regional OneStop Coordinator, at ahamby@dew.sc.gov or Renee’ Murdock, SCDEW Employer Relations Supervisor, at rmurdock@dew.sc.gov or (864) 226-6273, Relay Service Dial 711 (TTY). Registration is free.
The Job/Health Fair will offer opportunities to many soldiers recently returning from deployment and provide a way for local businesses to give back to those who protect our freedom. According to the South Carolina Military Family Care Association, employers who hire from this unique potential workforce benefit from employees’ occupational skills training, leadership skills, and access to individual and dental health plans, retirement plans, and life insurance policies.
For more information about this event, contact Amanda Hamby or Renee’ Murdock. The OneStop Workforce Centers are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
News Release
provided by Amy Jessee, WorkLink,
(864) 646-1468 or ajessee@worklinkweb.com
January, 18th, 2011
Job Fair to be Held at Watkins Community Center, February 10, 2011
Job Fair to be Held at Watkins Community Center, February 10, 2011
(Pendleton, S.C. – January 18, 2011) – The OneStop Workforce Center and Anderson School District 2 will host a Job Fair at Watkins Community Center in Honea Path on Thursday, February 10, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature area businesses, employment workshops, door prizes, employment referrals, a computer lab for online applications, and access to other services.
The Job Fair is open to the public without charge, and job seekers should come dressed for success and bring copies of their résumés. Featured workshops at the job fair will be “Preparing Your Résumé” at 11 a.m. and “Selling Yourself- Interviewing Skills” at 1 p.m.
In addition, an administrator for The Benefit Bank and volunteers will be onsite to help job seekers register for the web-based service that simplifies and centralizes the process of applying for many state and federal benefits. A counselor fills out one generic application that can determine a family’s potential eligibility for food stamps, Medicaid and other benefits. Trained counselors can also help families fill out their tax forms or apply for federal student aid.
Employer registration for the Job Fair is free and continues through January 28, 2011. Area businesses wanting to reserve a booth or desiring additional information should contact Amanda Hamby, Regional OneStop Coordinator, at ahamby@dew.sc.gov or Renee’ Murdock, SCDEW Employer Relations Supervisor, at rmurdock@dew.sc.gov or (864) 226-6273, relay service dial 711 (TTY).
This event is made possible by Anderson School District Two’s 21st Century Grant.
The OneStop Workforce Centers are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
News Release
provided by Amy Jessee, WorkLink, (864) 646-1468 or ajessee@worklinkweb.com
January, 5th, 2011
Equine Council to Meet at Anderson Civic Center
SCUEC to Meet on January 6, 2011 at 7:00 P.M.
The South Carolina Upstate Equine Council will convene its first open annual meeting since its filling for its 501(c)(3) status. Project updates, committee reports and fund raising opportunities will be presented. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Anderson County Civic Center at 7:00 P.M.
This group was organized in acknowledgment of a horse population in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson Counties exceeding 11,000 equines and an annual economic impact of more than $63 million. Its objectives and purpose are to encourage, promote and advance the quality of life through economic development of the equine industry in the S.C. Upstate Region; to provide educational opportunities for those interested in equines and the equine industry and to encourage conservation of open space.
The initial focus of the group is to expand and improve the facilities at the Clemson University T. Ed Garrison Arena. Recent improvements include a portable toilet, water line and signage at the Fants Grove Trail Head.
All who are interested are encouraged to attend this meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Gerald Sweitzer (850.3025), Amy Nichols (933.3529) or Donna Patterson (654.9025).
December, 29th, 2010
Website Helps Unemployed Get Information on Skills
Explore new career options based on the skills you have used in a past job.
The mySkills myFuture website helps laid-off workers and others interested in a career change in the exploration of new occupations.
From the mySkills myFuture homepage, you can enter the name of a current or previous job, and get a list of occupations related to that experience. From there, you can:
Quickly compare the list of potential occupations;
* Get local job listings and salary information;
* Find occupational details, including job descriptions, tasks, tools and technology;
* View a skills comparison in side-by-side charts;
* View and apply for job postings in your local area;
* Locate local training programs, including short and long-term training programs at community colleges, four-year colleges and other educational institutions;
* Find related licenses, certifications and apprenticeship programs.
With mySkills myFuture you can compare careers, find training, and search for jobs.
Skills listed within the mySkills myFuture website are provided by O*NET, a U.S. Department of Labor database with detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more.
December, 10th, 2010
Hire Veterans: Free Online Toolkit
Hire Veterans: A Free Online Toolkit Makes It Easy
Interested in hiring veterans? The U.S. Department of Labor’s free toolkit will help you do just that.
“Many employers tell us they’re interested in developing or enhancing a veterans hiring initiative but don’t know where to begin,” said Ray Jefferson, assistant secretary for the Labor department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service. “This toolkit was created with employers in mind.”
Step By Stephiring veterans
The Veterans Hiring Toolkit helps a business design a veterans hiring initiative.
* Create an educated and welcome environment for veteran employees
* Recruit veterans, wounded warriors, and military spouses
* Accommodate qualified veterans and wounded warriors in the workplace
* Promote an inclusive workplace to better retain veteran employees
Great Resources
The toolkit’s final section lists reputable online resources to help users find and welcome talented, skilled veterans into their companies.
* Links to veterans employment service organizations
* Places to receive consultations on workplace accommodations
* Answers to common questions about hiring veterans and wounded warriors
Customize Your Initiative
Looking to create a veterans hiring program from scratch? Retooling current efforts? This free toolkit can help you design and implement a customized initiative.
Check out the toolkit. It’s free and it works.
November, 15th, 2010
Anderson University to host Palmetto Boys State
Palmetto Boys State is South Carolina's prestigious leadership development program developed by the American Legion of South Carolina. Rising male high school seniors from all over the state selected by American Legion posts through out the state in cooperation with local high schools will be invited. The week of June 11 through 18, the week-long camp will bring approximately 900 students and nearly 100 staff members to Anderson University.
October, 25th, 2010
Green Jobs Survey: Please Answer!!
Green Jobs Survey LogoIn partnership with the Department of Employment and Workforce, Energy Office, Technical College System, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce is undertaking an assessment of the state’s “green” economy. Through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, activities to be undertaken include a survey of state businesses, economic impact analysis of the state’s green economy, inventory of educational resources related to green jobs, competency models for key green industries, and career pathways for key green occupations.
The green jobs survey is underway. Businesses are being surveyed to determine total jobs, number and types of green jobs, skills required for green jobs, future needs for green job workers, future changes in skill needs for green job workers, training needs, and future changes in green production and processes. Follow-up will be done with selected businesses to find out more about their green activities and additional information such as suppliers to and customers of the business. Survey results will be available later this year.
As part of this effort, the Department of Employment and Workforce is identifying openings for green jobs in its Virtual OneStop system. Jobseekers can select green occupations as a criterion for their job searches to easily find potential green jobs.
All results from this project will be available in a special website to be established later this year. In the meantime, if you have questions about this effort, contact Joe Ward at the Department of Commerce at jward@sccommerce.com or 803-737-3834.
May, 4th, 2010
Boeing Benefits Anderson
Yesterday’s announcement of Boeing’s increasing investment in South Carolina is great news for our area as well as the Lowcountry. Anderson County manufacturers and businesses are already doing business with Boeing in North Charleston. Yeargin Miscellaneous Metals in Piedmont is providing 1.5 to 2 miles of hand railing, as well as stairs for the North Charleston facility. Other Anderson County companies are providing products and materials to subcontractors on the project.
April, 16th, 2010
Unemployment Rate Declines
In the newly released March unemployment rates, Anderson County has seen a decline to 12.5% from February's adjusted unemployment rate of 14.2%. The state saw a more modest decline to 12.2% from February's adjusted unemployment rate of 12.4%. Anderson County remained in the middle of the ranking of counties by unemployment, at 28th out of 46 counties in South Carolina.
April, 16th, 2010
Anderson University Economic Summit
Anderson University's second Economic Summit was held on Friday, April 16th. AU's Center for Finance and Economics sponsored the Summit to discuss the current U.S. economic situation and its impact on South Carolina. The event, co-sponsored by the investment advising firm of McDonald, Cox & Klugh, focused on “Economic Recovery in South Carolina.” The Economic Development Office was privileged to share the stage with several distinguished speakers: Don Robinson, Chief Investment Officer at Lockwood Capital; Miren Ivankovic, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at Anderson University; and Jim Fields, Executive Director of the Palmetto Institute.
April, 6th, 2010
Anderson ESC Working Hard
In the month of March, the Anderson County Office of the Employment Security Commission placed 183 individuals in employment. The staff at ESC work long hours,trying to help people, many of whom are frustrated and discouraged. The Economic Development Office appreciates their efforts on behalf of the residents and businesses of Anderson County.
March, 3rd, 2010
Chomarat North America Expands
Chomarat North America, LLC, a construction and composite reinforcement materials manufacturer in Anderson, S.C., is in the process of expanding its composites reinforcements unit. Chomarat North America, LLC currently has 82 employees, and has invested approximately $25 Million in its Anderson County operations. On March 2, Anderson County Council approved an amended Ordinance which facilitates an expansion. Chomarat's new commitment will result in at least an additional $5 Million investment in new equipment and infrastructure improvements with the creation of approximately 15 new permanent positions.
January, 1st, 2010
BMW's Regional Impact
Last month’s County Council action is a great example of the regional impact of industry locations. BMW, headquartered in Greer, requested a new Fee In Lieu of Tax agreement with Anderson County. This was to allow the company to make significant new investments in machinery and equipment that is or will be located in their suppliers’ facilities in Anderson County. We hope that Council’s action approving the request will encourage job growth at these suppliers, as well as greater future investment and growth in our local automotive sector.
November, 3rd, 2009
WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE !
Welcome to the new website of the Anderson County Office of Economic Development! We are proud to introduce you to what we believe will be a great resource for businesses looking to relocate, local businesses looking to expand, businesses just starting out, and others looking for accurate, up-to-date information about our community. You can find what you're looking for in Anderson County: a mild climate with four distinct seasons, a vast lake and a thriving economic and cultural community.
Located along Interstate 85, midway between Atlanta, Ga. and Charlotte, N.C., Anderson County is home to 55,950-acre Hartwell Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline for residential and recreational use. Anderson is within sight of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and is a morning drive from the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Its communities have a small-town feel that make people want to stay. But the area, with one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, is a thriving industrial, commercial and tourist center.
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