WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) continued his 46-county virtual tour of South Carolina by visiting his third stop, Abbeville County.
“As a former business owner and former chair of economic development for Charleston County, I have firsthand experience with many of the hurdles businesses in Abbeville are facing and overcoming,” said Senator Scott. “Even in the middle of this challenging pandemic, I see a spirit of resilience that runs deep in the people of Abbeville County.”
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Senator Scott spoke with several members of the Abbeville County community:
Penny Richey, Owner, Talk of the Town Eatery and Catering
Jay Schlageter, General Manager, Flexible Technologies
Stephen Taylor, Economic Development Director, Abbeville County
Andy Timmerman, CEO, Abbeville First Bank
Their conversation centered on the overall economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Abbeville County, the importance of protecting both small banks and businesses, and the harmful impact of a $15 minimum wage on small businesses across South Carolina. Abbeville County experienced a dramatic decrease in unemployment from 13.9% in May of 2020 to 4.8% in February of 2021. The strides made by the local economy illustrate the capacity for a strong strategic response to the economic effects of the pandemic.
Senator Scott’s office continues to take submissions for stops on his county tour. All South Carolina residents are encouraged to offer suggestions on unique parts of their county. Ideas can be submitted at countytour@scott.senate.gov