• October 13, 2010

  Senator DeMint visits The George

  

  Today's 4th District blog post was written by Chandler Hudson, an intern in Senator DeMint's office and a Political Science major from Clemson University.

  During the August recess, Senator DeMint made a trip to Spartanburg and had the opportunity to tour the new George Dean Johnson College of Business and Economics in the heart of the City’s downtown area. The new business school is a facility that places USC Upstate’s business students in a center of economic activity, and is poised to play a vital role in developing both the economy and the future leaders not just in Spartanburg, but across the state.

  The Senator enjoyed his visit, and was able to experience firsthand the innovation and growth that continues to make South Carolina’s Upstate a wonderful place to learn, work and live.

  

• September 16, 2010

  Meals on Wheels

  

  Senator DeMint took time out of his busy August recess schedule to join his Greenville staff in packaging meals and greeting volunteers at Meals on Wheels. The Senator’s Greenville office has been delivering hot, nutritious meals to homebound individuals for the past few years through Meals on Wheels.

  Meals on Wheels provides more than just a meal... they give a heartfelt human touch to shut-ins around Greenville. They are a privately funded, non-profit organization that has been helping make a difference in the Upstate since 1968.

  It is truly a privilege for our staff to take part in such a wonderful organization.

  

• May 25, 2010

  IRS Schedules Saturday Open House Events in SC

  The Internal Revenue Service will host special nationwide Open House events Saturday June 5 to help individuals solve tax problems.

  IRS locations will be equipped to handle issues involving notices and payments, return preparation, audits and a variety of other issues.

  The following three IRS offices in South Carolina will be open on Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  Charleston: 1 Poston Road, Suite 200   

  Columbia: 1835 Assembly Street

  Greenville: 440 Roper Mountain Road

  

• March 2, 2010

  Spotlight on Greenville

  Jim's Staff

  
  Photo courtesy of US Airways Magazine
  
  The March issue of US Airways Magazine has a very special spotlight section, with nearly thirty pages dedicated to the city that I call home. So if you too are lucky enough to know the secrets of our great quality of life, you are going to beam with pride when you read this article. And you will probably agree: the writer does indeed just skim the surface.
  
  For those of you (like me) who have always called Greenville home, you may just find a new favorite aspect of our town. Have you ever found all of the ‘Mice on Main’ or checked out the ‘Kaleidoscope Climber’ yet? Did you know that one of our dazzling hotels once charged $3 per night? Like me, you might just find that you don’t know as much about Greenville as you thought you did. So take a look, and enjoy seeing what the buzz and momentum that has everyone talking.

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• February 9, 2010

  Proterra Comes to Greenville

  Jim's Staff

  The economic downturn has dealt numerous blows to South Carolina businesses. We’ve watched the unemployment rate climb and businesses shrink. Small businesses have been unable to take the risks necessary to expand because of an uncertain future. Everyone has hoped for a sharp turn-around to bolster our hopes during this difficult time in our nation’s history. And last week, one announcement in the Upstate signified a new opportunity for our business community.
  
  Proterra’s press conference last Thursday was an exciting day for the company’s founder, Dale Hill, and their CEO, Jeff Granato as well as the rest of their team. It was also an incredible “win” for the economic development team in South Carolina that worked diligently to bring such an announcement to fruition. The SC Department of Commerce, the CU-ICAR team, the City of Greenville, County officials and many others worked together to make sure this company realized that our business climate and incredible quality of life make this place the best in the world to do business.
  
  As Granato said, the ripple effect of this announcement in our region will be profound. And Proterra is not the only electric vehicle manufacturer considering prime real estate along the I-85 corridor for its business hub. This may well be the beginning of a new era in transportation and clean energy blossoming right in our backyard.
  
  As Senator DeMint said, "This exciting news reaffirms South Carolina as one of the best places in the world to do business. We can all be proud of the strategic partnership between economic development professionals, education and research leaders, and elected officials at every level that helped attract these much-needed jobs. Proterra’s decision to locate in Greenville is one more step towards the fulfillment of the long-term vision of the Upstate as a world-class automotive cluster. I’m confident this investment will pay dividends for both Proterra and our community for years to come.”

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• November 13, 2009

  Intern Spotlight: John Mark Searcy

  Jim's Staff

  
  Introducing John Mark Searcy:
  
  I have been interested in politics from a very young age. In high school I helped found the Teenage Republicans chapter of east Henderson High School and sat as vice chair in the club. We also provided a forum for local officials to debate for upcoming elections. I was also involved in my student government. After my senior year of High School I traveled to Israel where I served their military as a noncombatant during the second Lebanon War. I attended Spartanburg Methodist College where I walked on as a wrestler. The following year I transferred to North Greenville University. In the summer of 2008 I traveled to Thailand to work for a NGO helping Burmese refugees and those persecuted by their government. I love to travel and have a passion for serving people. I have also been involved in Christian missions in Honduras, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
  
  I am currently a student of North Greenville University seeking my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Business Economics. After college I plan on working in some form of business related to politics or possibly overseas and mission oriented. I am also planning on dedicating 2 to 3 years after college to work for the International Mission Board in their Journeyman program.
  
  It has been such a great honor to work for Senator DeMint in the Greenville office. Through this internship I have learned about much of what takes place within the Senators office. It has also been a great learning experience teaching me much of what the Senator’s office does to serve the people of South Carolina. I have also become comfortable with discussing issues and explaining the Senator’s stance to constituents. This in itself has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and has furthered my political understanding. I have also realized that the Senators ideals and philosophy really stand in the best interests of the people and he truly represents his constituents.

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• September 4, 2009

  All In... Go Tigers!

  Jim's Staff

  
  
  Labor Day weekend kicks off my favorite time of the year. Sure, it's nice that the intense summer heat is beginning to give way to cooler evenings, and the leaves will soon begin changing colors. However, what really makes this time of year special to me is the beginning of the Clemson football season. This season's kick-off is particularly exciting as the Tiger nation embarks upon a new era. Ever since it was announced that Dabo Swinney would become Clemson’s permanent head coach, I have particularly been excited because Coach Swinney has slowly begun to change the culture of Clemson football. He has made both internal and external changes that were needed. In doing so, he has successfully coined the phrase “All In” to describe a total commitment to Clemson football by the players, coaches, administration, and fans.
  
  While football experts, coaches, and members of the media did not place Clemson in any major top 25 preseason polls, I am one that believes that this season will go in a different direction. I am prepared to predict that Clemson will finish the regular season with a 9-3 record, win a bowl game and end the year with its first 10 win season since 1990.
  
  Tomorrow evening, shortly before 6pm, I along with 80,000 of my closest friends will fill Memorial Stadium to cheer the Tigers on as they welcome Middle Tennessee State to town. Regardless of how tomorrow night’s game and this season turn out, I am one fan who will remain “All In.”
  

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• September 3, 2009

  Intern Spotlight: Harrison Blackford

  Jim's Staff

  Throughout the year, but most especially in the summer, Sen. DeMint's D.C. office plays host to several interns looking to experience life in our nation's capital. Most hale from South Carolina, while a few trickle in from other parts of the country.
  
  Introducing Harrison Blackford of Spartanburg, S.C.:
  
  My name is Harrison Blackford, and I am from Spartanburg, SC. I graduated from Sewanee, The University of the South, in May 2009. I came to work in Sen. Jim DeMint’s office to further my own political thought and gain work experience in an exciting environment. This past month, I became comfortable in relaying the senator’s views on current topics to constituents, I learned the extensive history of our nation’s Capitol, and I saw exactly how a U.S. Senator’s office functions through an extremely knowledgeable staff. I have found this experience invaluable and crucial to my next step as a post graduate. I am grateful to have had such an opportunity.

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• September 1, 2009

  Intern Spotlight: Lauren Hawkins

  Jim's Staff

  Throughout the year, but most especially in the summer, Sen. DeMint's D.C. office plays host to several interns looking to experience life in our nation's capital. Most hale from South Carolina, while a few trickle in from other parts of the country.
  
  Introducing Lauren Hawkins, Fountain Inn, S.C.:
  
  It has been such an honor to have been chosen to intern for Sen. Jim DeMint this summer. While my interest in politics began when I was a student at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Greenville, S.C., my desire to pursue a future in law and politics has only grown stronger since living in D.C., studying criminal justice and Spanish at the University of South Carolina and working in the solicitor's offices in Greenville and Columbia.
  
  My internship has been an amazing opportunity for me to use my skills while actually being a small part of the political process. I particularly have enjoyed participating in the senator's tele-townhall meetings by listening to the senator speak with his constituents. Other highlights include sitting in on Judge Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings, touring South Carolina families through the Capitol, and meeting so many people who play important roles in our government.
  
  Upon graduation in December, I would welcome an opportunity to return to Washington, D.C. and work on Capitol Hill while pursuing a law degree. Finally, I firmly believe Senator DeMint is truly the people's senator. His honesty, integrity and passion for his office have inspired me more than I could ever put into words.

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• August 31, 2009

  Intern Spotlight: Suzanne Pickens

  Jim's Staff

  Throughout the year, but most especially in the summer, Sen. DeMint's D.C. office plays host to several interns looking to experience life in our nation's capital. Most hale from South Carolina, while a few trickle in from other parts of the country.
  
  Introducing Suzanne Pickens, Spartanburg, S.C.:
  
  Hello from our nation’s capital! I feel extremely honored and privileged to be one of the chosen college students to participate in an internship working for our respectable senator, Jim DeMint. My time here has flown by and I could not have asked for a more fulfilling experience. I am a rising junior at Clemson University and plan to take everything I have learned here in D.C. back to the state whether in the classroom, during conversations, or among my extracurricular activities.
  
  It has been an incredible experience embracing everything that this exciting, culturally-rich city has to offer, most notably in the political spectrum. I have gained great knowledge by seeing government actually take place around me, and I now have a wider appreciation for the democratic ideals that our country stands on as I observe our senator work to serve the state. During this internship, I have acquired an interest for the inner-workings of politics, a greater love for the country, and a deeper appreciation for our Palmetto state. As I continue to embark on the next two years of my college education, I am confident in the fact that I will always refer to this outstanding internship in which I learned more about myself, history, and politics than I could ever have imagined.
  
  I would be delighted to come back to work in D.C. in the near future. It is vital that young people be aware of what is going on in our government, and I plan to encourage my peers to broaden their interests in this field so that we can continue to build a stronger nation.

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