South Carolina Lowcountry: Murdaugh Named Chairman of Regional Economic Group

COLLETON COUNTY — Steve Murdaugh, an attorney and longtime Colleton County Council member, has been named Chairman of the SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA) Board of Directors, marking a leadership shift at one of the Lowcountry’s key economic organizations.

Murdaugh has served on the board since 2015 and will now lead regional efforts to attract business investment and support local economic development. Tray Hunter of Palmetto Electric Cooperative will serve as Vice-Chair, while State Senator Brad Hutto joins as Co-Chair of the SCA Executive Committee.

$225 Million Lumber Mill Announced for Allendale County

In a significant economic boost to the region, Hampton Lumber has selected Allendale County for its first East Coast sawmill. The $225 million project will bring at least 125 new jobs to the area and reinforce South Carolina’s position in the sustainable forestry sector.

The facility will be a 375,000-square-foot lumber mill at Highway 321 and Barker Mill Pond Road in Fairfax, producing Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber.

The move was celebrated by state leaders and local partners alike. Gov. Henry McMaster said Hampton’s decision to locate in South Carolina will enhance the state’s forestry industry and expand rural job opportunities. CEO Randy Schillinger credited the “enthusiastic support from the state and local community” in making the decision.

More information is available through Bluffton Today.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry Expands Board

The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry welcomed four new board members as of July 1:

Kim Baretta, retired Proctor & Gamble executive turned chef
Leslie Evans, healthcare outcomes leader and Tulane alum
Charles Sampson, founding partner at Charter One Realty–North
H. Pearce Scott, principal at Pearce Scott Architects

They join board officers Lynn Jennings Taylor (Chair), Tray Hunter (Vice-Chair), Doug Wetmore (Treasurer), and Yolanda Branche (Secretary).

Free Diabetes Prevention Program in Hardeeville

Jasper Senior Center will host a free information session on July 17 for a proven type 2 diabetes prevention program, PreventT2. Certified coach Lisa Burbage will lead the sessions to help seniors (65+) on Medicare make lifestyle changes like healthier eating and stress management.

This program is part of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program and is open to eligible participants seeking structured, long-term wellness support.

USCB President’s List Recognizes Dozens of Local Students

The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) announced its President’s List for Spring 2025, recognizing undergraduates with top academic performance.

Dozens of students from Hardeeville, Bluffton, and Ridgeland were honored, reflecting the region’s commitment to higher education and student achievement.

Furman and Georgia Southern Announce Local Graduates

Graduates from the Furman University Class of 2025 and Georgia Southern University’s President’s List were also named. The lists include several Beaufort and Jasper County students, such as Grace Strawn, Shania Diaz, and Paul Joseph Meyers, all honored for academic excellence and community impact.

Adoptable Pets of the Week: Buster and Mini

The Palmetto Animal League introduced two lovable pets ready for adoption:

Buster, a playful dog with a big heart and love for squeaky toys
Mini, a calm and nurturing cat who craves a quiet, loving home

Both animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Contact PAL at 843-645-1725 or info@palmettoanimalleague.org for details.

What’s your take on these community updates? Do local investments like the Hampton Lumber mill give your area hope for economic renewal? Drop your thoughts and share your community insights at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.