A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Jay Schwedler, the founding CEO of TheLINKSC Economic Development Alliance of Lee County and Sumter County and president and CEO of the Sumter Economic Development Board, and to congratulate him upon his induction into the Southern Business and Development Hall of Fame.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is delighted to learn that Jay Schwedler has been inducted into the prestigious Southern Business and Development Hall of Fame; and

 

Whereas, for more than two decades, he has been a steady, trusted force in Sumter as the town's leading economic development professional, an uncommon blend of strategist, collaborator, and community advocate whose work has helped drive the resurgence of an historic South Carolina community; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Schwedler's induction into the Southern Business and Development Hall of Fame recognizes not only a career of measurable results, but also a philosophy of development that values long-term resilience over short-term gains; and

 

Whereas, in a career that spans some thirty years, Mr. Schwedler has been integrally involved in projects representing more than five billion dollars in capital investment and nearly four thousand new high-quality jobs for the community; and

 

Whereas, from transformational milestones, such as Continental Tire, Americas' first U.S. manufacturing facility, to significant investments and expansions by companies, including BD and eVAC Magnetics, his work has helped position the region to compete in a global market; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Schwedler's career has been defined by navigating the complexities of balancing public and private interests, aligning regional assets with market realities, and translating vision into execution. Through a practical, and at times stubborn approach, he has operated at the intersection of economic competitiveness, rural development, and quality-of-life investment; and

 

Whereas, throughout his work, he has maintained a consistent focus of building strong fundamentals in workforce, infrastructure, education, and community character in order to sustain accompanying growth; and

 

Whereas, having secured the respect of his peers, Mr. Schwedler is frequently asked to moderate panels, advise elected officials, and mentor emerging professionals across the South. He has earned credibility through his hands-on experience and his keen grasp of challenges presented to rural and mid-sized communities, such as workforce limitations, missing infrastructure, capital access, and the need to envision and communicate a captivating local story; and

 

Whereas, without depending on what has worked in former situations, he seeks and develops solutions and strategies to meet each community's needs and potential; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Schwedler has used his positions to form cooperation and lasting relationships within public and private sectors. He realizes that with every new development, individuals and families are looking for permanence, prospects for the future, and the pursuit of shaping their communities; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the recognition that Jay Schwedler has received from his induction in the Southern Business and Development Hall of Fame that highlights his career of integrity, persistence, and excellence for the communities he serves. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Jay Schwedler, the founding CEO of TheLINKSC Economic Development Alliance of Lee County and Sumter County and president and CEO of the Sumter Economic Development Board, and congratulate him upon his induction into the Southern Business and Development Hall of Fame.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jay Schwedler.

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