Columbia, South Carolina

January 27, 2010 – Andy Gresham was honored
yesterday as an Ambassador for Economic Development by the Department of
Commerce and legislative leaders as part of South Carolina’s 19th Annual
Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony took place in Columbia on Tuesday,
January 26 at the Statehouse and highlighted 48 individuals from 46 counties
for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development
activities in South Carolina.

"While improving our South
Carolina’s business climate and developing a skilled workforce have been
priorities for our administration, these efforts alone are not enough. The help
and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state are
critically important and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic
development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South
Carolina," said Gov. Mark Sanford.

Andy Gresham is the plant
manager of Raisio Staest US and has been a key player in the economic growth of
Dorchester County. Through his close work with the county’s economic
development staff, Mr. Gresham assists with marketing for the county and helped
to create the Dorchester County Industrial Council. Mr. Gresham currently
serves as a board member of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber
of Commerce and is a former board member and Building Committee chairman for
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Gresham received degrees in chemical
engineering and in pulp and paper science and technology from North Carolina
State University.

"Our state’s existing businesses
are one of our most valuable economic development tools," House Speaker Bobby
Harrell said. "Job creation and industry promotion begins on the ground level
and is handled mostly in the private sector by these business leaders. I’d like
to thank all our Ambassadors for Economic Development for their effective
leadership and for proving that our best resources lie not in the hands of
government but reside in the private sector."

"Businesses small and large have
contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation
and community involvement. This is a week to recognize the contributions of
businesses and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing
economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassadors have dedicated their
energy and gone the extra mile to enhance our communities and make South
Carolina a better place to live and work. We congratulate each ambassador and
thank them for their efforts," said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local
communities to thank businesses for their vital contributions to South
Carolina’s economy. The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation
Week each year by recognizing individuals throughout South Carolina as
Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals include local leaders
from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic
development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in
their communities.