[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ORANGEBURG COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Orangeburg County, 
South Carolina upon their receipt of the All-America County Award. This 
award, the oldest and most prestigious civic award in existence, 
recognizes communities for their outstanding problem solving efforts 
through local collaboration. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge 
their tremendous achievement.
  I would also like to applaud the efforts of the local leaders that 
have worked so hard and accomplished so much. They include the 
Orangeburg County Council: John H. Rickenbacker, Harry F. Wimberly, 
Clyde B. Livingston, Heyward H. Livingston, Johnny Ravenell, and 
Johnnie Wright, Sr.; the Orangeburg County Administrator: Bill Clark; 
and the Orangeburg County Development Commission: B. Jeannine Kees, 
George R. Dean, Joey A. Williamson, Jr., E. J. Ayers, Willie R. Cantey, 
Barron Driskell, James C. Hunter, Jr., Ken Middleton, Marion F. Moore, 
Harry Nesmith, Alva Whetsell, Jr., and C. Gregory Robinson.
  Community pride has spurred many of the creative ideas leading to 
Orangeburg County's All-America County Award. This honor is a testament 
to business, government, and education communities working together for 
the good of the whole. These partnerships can be seen throughout the 
county. With this cooperative approach by the entire ``county 
community,'' improvements have been made to the quality of life for all 
citizens in the County of Orangeburg. Inventive initiatives have been 
implemented in the following areas: community development and 
revitalization, creative funding for public infrastructure, and 
improvement of the lives of ``at-risk'' children.
  Revitalization and community development have also been achieved in 
all 17 municipalities. This economic development achievement reflects 
100 percent participation of local areas, including the following: 
Orangeburg, Livingston, North, Neeses, Woodford, Norway, Branchville, 
Santee, Rowesville, Springfield, Holly Hill, Eutawville, Bowman, 
Cordova, Cope, Vance, and Elloree.
  Funding through the Penny Sales Tax Capital Project has provided 
critical infrastructure investment in road construction, water and 
wastewater facilities, and other important areas such as parks and 
recreational projects. The original penny tax in 1998 funded 116 
projects across the county, totaling $53 million in investment. The 
renewal in 2004 provides investment funds for 108 projects totaling $71 
million.
  Creative youth and outreach projects such as Healing Species, a 3rd 
grade curriculum, which uses neglected and abused dogs in crime 
prevention seminars, have improved the lives of ``at-risk'' children 
county-wide. Created by Orangeburg County, the program is now being 
replicated nationally. The Youth Enhancement Summit is another 
successful community collaboration. Partnering with the County, South 
Carolina State University, and the South Carolina Department of 
Juvenile Justice, the initiative brings children's service agencies 
across the entire county together to improve their overall 
effectiveness.
  Additionally, Orangeburg County's Community of Character effort is a 
collaborative initiative to partner with all segments of the community 
such as education, business, industry, family, faith, government, 
media, and civic. It establishes a community culture that encourages, 
recognizes, and rewards good character. Orangeburg County is one of 
only two counties in South Carolina, and 28 counties nationwide who 
have passed character resolutions.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in commending 
Orangeburg County for its well-deserved distinction as All-America 
County. Orangeburg County continues to make great strides in education, 
economic growth, and community development. Its dedicated citizens work 
everyday to create new promise. I am proud to represent them in this 
body and of their hard work and vision.

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