Thomas and Jane Herlong, along with the Piedmont Technical College Area Commission, recently hosted a barbecue dinner at Harmony Acres, the Herlong home in Johnston, for local, state and federal legislators to raise awareness of PTC’s vital role in the workforce development of South Carolina’s Lakelands region. The event was attended by more than 120, including legislative officials, the Piedmont Technical College Area Commission and members of the PTC faculty and staff.

“Technical colleges are standing in the gap between economic despair and economic success,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Tech. “Without the support we receive at the local, state and federal levels, we’d be unable to continue our economic development efforts in the seven counties we serve.”

The event, which was funded by the Piedmont Technical College Foundation, included a social hour and a sit-down barbecue dinner. Legislators and PTC officials discussed the college’s essential function in the region, South Carolina’s current economic status and how the budget deficits would affect the services provided by technical colleges.

“We who are in the business of education have the awesome responsibility of providing those in our area with the best opportunities possible,” said William Whitfield, PTC Area Commission chairman.

“There is nothing more important to economic stability in the state than what is being done in the technical colleges,” said Dr. Barry Russell, South Carolina Technical College System president. “If we do this together, it can work and we will be well positioned for the future.”

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Order of the Silver Crescent to Charles Williams by Sens. Billy O’Dell and Floyd Nicholson and Reps. Anne Parks, Walton McLeod and Gene Pinson. The award recognizes people of all ages who make a significant contribution to a particular South Carolina city or community.

Photo Caption: The Piedmont Technical College Area Commission recently hosted a barbecue dinner for local, state and federal legislators to raise awareness of PTC’s vital role in the work force development of South Carolina’s Lakelands region. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Order of the Silver Crescent to Charles Williams by Sens. Billy O’Dell and Floyd Nicholson and Reps. Anne Parks, Walton McLeod and Gene Pinson.