Economic development usually has the connotation - the inherent but often unspoken definition - of meaning new business development and industry recruitment.
In other words, “What is new to the area that will support and bolster business and commerce within an area?”
For the economic development agencies in Barnwell County, there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, the efforts of the Barnwell County Economic Development Corporation (and commission) and SouthernCarolina Alliance are to be praised.
Commerce is like an ever bubbling stew, the more (new) ingredients that can be added to it, the more delicious the economic outcome will be - an outcome in the form of more jobs created and a broader, more stable economic base on which a local or region economy can rest.
But we should not forget the foundation stones on which this area's business community was built.
That is why it is encouraging to seen the city of Barnwell participate in the observance of “Cities Mean Business” month, which is February.
“Cities Mean Business” is a program within “Hometown, South Carolina” initiative by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) to encourage local elected officials and business leaders and businesses to have closer relationships and interaction.
An economically viable city or town has a natural spill-over effect to the surrounding unincorporated areas whereby they benefit (or suffer) from the economic health of those nearby municipalities.
The city of Barnwell acknowledged “Cities Mean Business” with an event Feb. 26 with special recognition for some of its own economic foundation stones - those Barnwell businesses which have been operating for 50 or more years. Five businesses are also being honored for having its doors open for commerce for 75 years or more - The People-Sentinel being one of them. (The newspaper has been in operation in Barnwell County for 130 years now.)
Those other long-standing businesses include Guinyard Funeral Home, Berley's Pharmacy, the Richardson family farm and the Brown, Jefferies and Boulware law firm.
The criteria for recognition for these 75-year-plus businesses is that they operate within Barnwell's city limits; they are basically the same business type or name despite a change of owners or operators.
These businesses will be honored with a certificate and an ongoing plaque in city hall - one that will be added to as other businesses reach this milestone.
Whether it has been 50 years or longer since a business opened its doors for trade, these businesses deserve the salute the received Feb. 26 for their long-term effect on the area's economic viability.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is the benchmark for stable-performing companies and their stocks within the stock market. Companies named to the DJIA are seen as businesses that are in operation for the long haul. The 30 industries which make up the DJIA are the reference point in the often turbulent seas of stock trading.
Barnwell has its own industrial average in such foundation businesses - they are there and in it for the long haul.
And for that, we want to add our applause to the ovation they received.