Greenwood business leader honored by Dept. of Commerce and legislative leaders
February 1, 2010
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Allen F. Creighton was honored yesterday as an Ambassador for Economic Development by the Department of Commerce and legislative leaders as part of South Carolina’s 19th Annual Industry Appreciation Week. The ceremony took place in Columbia on Tuesday, January 26 at the Statehouse and highlighted 48 individuals from 46 counties for their exceptional efforts to bolster community and economic development activities in South Carolina.
“While improving our South Carolina’s business climate and developing a skilled workforce have been priorities for our administration, these efforts alone are not enough. The help and efforts of community and business leaders in every corner of the state are critically important and today we say thank to these ambassadors for economic development for their efforts to create jobs and economic opportunity in South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
Allen Creighton is general counsel and director of public relations for FUJIFILM Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. Mr. Creighton has performed significant work in the field of International Law throughout his career. Prior to his move to Fujifilm, he held positions at McNair Law Firm in Columbia and Gudeon & Ferrell in London, U.K. He currently assists Fujifilm with their operations in Greenwood handling legal, regulatory, compliance, government relations and community relations issues for the company. In the community, Mr. Creighton serves on the boards of various organizations including the Japan America Association of South Carolina, Chapin Rotary Sunrise, Upstate Forever, the Greenwood Partnership Alliance, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Salem United Methodist Church. Mr. Creighton is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones.
“Our state’s existing businesses are one of our most valuable economic development tools,” House Speaker Bobby Harrell said. “Job creation and industry promotion begins on the ground level and is handled mostly in the private sector by these business leaders. I’d like to thank all our Ambassadors for Economic Development for their effective leadership and for proving that our best resources lie not in the hands of government but reside in the private sector.”
“Businesses small and large have contributed greatly to South Carolina’s economy with investments, job creation and community involvement. This is a week to recognize the contributions of businesses and community leaders for their continued commitment to growing economic opportunity in South Carolina. These ambassadors have dedicated their energy and gone the extra mile to enhance our communities and make South Carolina a better place to live and work. We congratulate each ambassador and thank them for their efforts,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank businesses for their vital contributions to South Carolina’s economy. The Department of Commerce kicks off Industry Appreciation Week each year by recognizing individuals throughout South Carolina as Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals include local leaders from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in their communities.
