Anderson Oconee Pickens

John Lummus to Join Tri-County as Vice President for Economic Development and Government Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/28/2006
CONTACT: JOHN LUMMUS, 260-4386
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Anderson County Economic Development Director John Lummus will join Tri-County Technical College April 1 as its Vice President for Economic Development and Government Relations.

In this newly created leadership position at the College, Lummus will work closely with local and State leaders to promote economic development in the region by teaming with local economic development alliances, working with industrial prospects, and serving as a legislative and governmental affairs liaison for the College.

"The College plays a vital role in economic development in our service area." said Tri-County President Ronnie L. Booth. "John will position the College to maximize our role in economic development, which includes making the right contacts, doing the required legwork, bringing together key decision makers and other critical activities to support growth and prosperity in the region. His experience in economic development, governmental affairs and local government uniquely qualify him for the position."

"Tri-County is a first-class organization that brings great value to Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties," said Lummus. "I feel that the educational opportunities and worker training offered by the College are vital to the economic success of our region. This will be a wonderful opportunity to work with Tri-County and to help the College to promote its mission of economic development."

For the last three years, Lummus has been responsible for conducting and coordinating industrial recruitment activities within Anderson County, in addition to overseeing and directing existing industry support activities for the 200+ industrial and distribution-related companies in the county. His duties also included formulating and executing all marketing efforts for the recruitment of all new industries to the county, as well as the recruitment of new commercial and retail businesses.

His other work experience includes manager of governmental affairs for TriVergent Communications in Greenville, and four years as Upstate Director of the Greenville office of U.S. Senator Ernest (Fritz) Hollings.

Lummus holds a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is a graduate of the Economic Development course at the Georgia Institute of Technology and the S.C. Economic Developers School in Charleston.

He serves on the board of directors for the S.C. Economic Developers' Association, in addition to being the current treasurer and president elect for 2008 - 09. Other board memberships include Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, Anderson Rotary Club (president-elect), Anderson College Board of Visitors, Anderson Interfaith Ministries, and the AnMed Development Advisory Board. He also serves on the executive committees of the Anderson County Development Partnership and the Partners for a Health Community where he is chairman elect. He also is a member of the Upstate Alliance and the Southern Economic Development Council.

Lummus and his wife, Melissa, have two children and live in Anderson.