Varnville Mayor Nat Shaffer recently completed the S.C. Economic Development Institute with a final session in North Charleston.
Shaffer participated in four, two-day class sessions held in location across the state to earn his certificate of completion.
Topics included: leadership and communication skills, community development and tourism, business and industrial development and product development.
“I’ve been fortunate to have many professional development opportunities during my time in local government, but I found the S.C. Economic Development Institute to be among the best,” said Shaffer, who has served as Varnville’s top elected official since 2011. “The subject matter was very pertinent and practical. It was a very enjoyable experience.”
The Institute, a joint venture of the S.C. Department of Commerce and the S.C. Economic Developers Association, serves to educate those who support and participate in economic development activities in their communities while providing unique and innovative development approaches for implementation in local communities. It is open to a variety of candidates, including members of county and municipal government, county economic developers, county school boards, utility board members, banks and others.