Lowcountry Economic Network - Beaufort, South Carolina

Network & Alliance announces Economic Development Ambassadors for Beaufort and Jasper counties

The Lowcountry Economic Network & Alliance on Tuesday announced its 2010 Ambassadors for Economic Development as part of South Carolina’s celebration of Industry Appreciation Week.

Canada Smith, manager of Turkey Hill Plantation, has been named Economic Development Ambassador for Jasper County while Craig Schauss, president of Hilton Head Island-based Vetronix Research Corporation has been named Ambassador for Beaufort County.

Smith and Schauss were recognized for their contributions to the Lowcountry economy and community at an awards ceremony and reception in Columbia.

Mr. Smith is a graduate of Southeastern Illinois College and previously worked for Cabela’s. He has served as chairman of the Cypress Ridge Business/Industrial Park Design and Review Committee for several years. During his tenure as chairman he has overseen construction of one speculative building, and another building is being planned.

“In his role as a local businessman and chairman of the Cypress Ridge Business/Industrial Park Design and Review Committee, Mr. Smith has shown great leadership as the county works to explore new economic development prospects and provide new opportunities for our county’s residents. We thank Mr. Smith for all that he has contributed to Jasper County,” said Jasper County Administrator Andrew Fulghum.

Mr. Schauss founded Vetronix following a successful career with General Dynamics in Michigan.

Since 1989, Vetronix has designed and manufactured electronic components for advanced and future military applications, and currently supports major Department of Defense programs servicing all military branches. 

As an electronics engineering company, Vetronix specializes in the design of custom microelectronic products and thick film hybrid circuits.  Engineers create digital, analog and power electronics for the most demanding military and high-reliability programs as well as cost-sensitive commercial applications.

“The success of Mr. Schauss and the presence of Vetronix in Beaufort County has been instrumental in our efforts to promote the region as one that could support the aeronautics-defense cluster. The advanced electronics capabilities and technologies developed and manufactured at Vetronix are critical to our nation’s defense program, of which Beaufort County plays a significant part as home to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,” said Kim Statler, executive director of the Lowcountry Economic Network.

“We would like to thank Mr. Schauss for all of his contributions to the region and believe his message of success in Beaufort County resonates well throughout the state and country.” 

For more Industry Appreciation information visit: http://www.facebook.com/IndustryAppreciation