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Aiken Electric participates in the expansion of Piedmont Technical College satellite campus

 (AUGUST 19, 2008) Aiken Electric takes pride in being an asset to the community. So it was no surprise when the oppor¬tunity arose for AEC to grant a $740,00 loan to Sa¬luda County for the expansion of Piedmont Technical College- Saluda County Center, that we jumped on it.

 “Aiken Electric is dedicated to our service territory and its economic development” CEO Gary Stooksbury stated at the August 19 groundbreaking for the new expansion. “The Cooperative has invested in excess of $5 million on economic de¬velopment projects in our region. This is just one of the ways Aiken Electric ‘makes real’ our commitment to community.”

 As a cooperative utility, AEC has access to USDA Rural Development loans to promote rural economic development and job creation projects. The $740,000 zero-interest, pass-through loan to Saluda County/Piedmont Technical College will partially fund construction and equipping of the new 20,000 square foot Piedmont Technical College-Saluda County Center satellite campus. The project will provide technical assistance, education and training to rural businesses and residents and promote economic development.

 U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett and S.C. Sen. Shane Massey were in attendance and spoke at the check presentation ceremony to support the expansion of the college and development of the community.

 Through the partnership of Aiken Electric, USDA, Saluda County and Piedmont Technical College, steps have been taken to provide opportunities for individuals around South Carolina to receive post-secondary technical and vocational training.