COLUMBIA -- Six outstanding South Carolina individuals and organizations were honored at the Department of Commerce’s Rural Summit held in Clemson.

The awards were presented at the South Carolina Rural Summit, an annual event at which rural community leaders, economic developers, state officials, and specialists share ideas, experiences, and practical knowledge to improve rural South Carolina.

“Thanks to all the award winners for their efforts in growing the economies of rural South Carolina. We are committed to working with these businesses, educators, and economic developers to grow economic opportunity throughout the state by continuing to enhance the state’s business climate with efforts like workers’ comp reform, tort reform, lowering taxes, and expanding healthcare access for small businesses,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

While many educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders throughout the state work hard to build stronger, more prosperous communities, the award recipients have made particularly significant contributions to the economic development of South Carolina’s rural communities.

“These award winners are making a real difference in their communities. Their work is evidence that positive changes begin with local involvement. Whether it’s improving the local economy or choosing to give back to their community, the efforts of one individual or organization can go a long way to strengthen rural South Carolina,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.

Palmetto Partnership Award – Anderson County Save-a-Lot, LLC


The Palmetto Partnership Award recognizes models for effective teamwork that allow rural communities to function more efficiently and economically. Nominees are judged on the impact their initiatives have on the community, the importance of their innovations, and the degree to which individuals set aside personal and organizational self-interests to make the project successful. Allendale County ALIVE, a non-profit Community Development Corporation joined forces with local community leaders and businesses to form a unique partnership, the Allendale County Save-a-Lot, LLC.

Rural Education Award – Dr. Doris Cole



The Rural Education Award recognizes an individual or organization who has improved South Carolina’s rural education system either through volunteer efforts or through daily commitments. Dr. Cole has served in many capacities during her career as an educator including a teacher, principal, and director of a child development center. She currently serves as an outreach worker and liaison to Anderson County School District One for the Strong Communities initiative.

Rural Small Business Award – Eurolux Antiques



The Rural Small Business Award recognizes an individual or company with less than 25 employees that has had a significant impact on a rural area’s economy or community. This year’s recipient, Eurolux Antiques, has become a vital part of Newberry’s economic success. Founded by Aimee and Greg Talbot, Eurolux Antiques carries fine European furniture which has been sold to people all across the world. After completing the FastTrac business training program, the Talbots saw their business flourish. Their unique inventory has helped to attract many visitors to downtown Newberry.

Individual Initiative Award – Joe and Kristina Crosby



The Individual Initiative Award recognizes an individual or individuals who have demonstrated a pioneering spirit, creativity and resourceful solutions that have challenged his/her community. This year’s recipients are Joe and Kristina Crosby, co-founders of the T-60 Grill Restaurant and Coach’s Low Country Brand, a food-products company best known for their Coach’s Low Country Boil© Seasoning Blend. Eager to give back to their community and schools, the Crosby’s established the Joe and Kristina Crosby Education Foundation in 2006 to support culinary education, colleges and public schools. To date, the Foundation has donated and committed over $1.2 million to the community through various activities.

Most Improved Rural Industrial Park – Colleton County Commerce Center



The Most Improved Rural Industrial Park recognizes a community that has transformed itself into a quality industrial park. The Colleton County Commerce Center strived over the last several years to turn around what was a subpar industrial park into an attractive S.C. certified site.

Rural Project Leader of the Year – Wayne Fritz



The Rural Project Leader of the Year recognizes a member of the Commerce team that has provided rural South Carolina with the most opportunity to recruit jobs and investment to their communities. Fritz has been with the South Carolina Department of Commerce for 14 years, and currently works as a Senior Project Manager in the agency’s Global Business Development division. Over the years, Fritz has negotiated over $10 billion in investment and contributed to the creation of over 12,000 new jobs.