BAMBERG – Legendary Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School baseball coach David Horton has been named the 2007 Bamberg County “Waddy Thompson Citizen of the Year” by the Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce.

Horton was recognized at the Chamber’s 42nd annual banquet on Oct. 30 at Denmark Technical College. The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual affair and calls for “COTY” nominations each summer. Comprised of previous recipients of the prestigious award, “the selection committee was tasked with the responsibility of choosing a winner from five excellent nominees,” Chamber President Ronny Maxwell said.

Bamberg City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Buddy Sandifer described the Bamberg-Ehrhardt baseball coach as someone who has done a lot for young men in the community.

“Coach Horton has helped many boys in our community by teaching them to value sportsmanship and citizenship. His example has led a number of teenagers to become better leaders in our community and county,” Sandifer said.

With 787 wins and 238 losses, Horton is the winningest baseball coach in South Carolina. Horton and his wife Susan reside in Bamberg.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2007 “Evelyn McMillan” Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. Bob Hurst, president and CEO of Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing Inc. of Bamberg, was selected by the chamber’s board of directors for the award for outstanding volunteer service to Bamberg County.

Hurst is involved in many worthwhile projects in Bamberg County. Many have been completed while others are ongoing.

Along with his wife Cindy, Hurst was very instrumental in starting what is now the Bamberg County Soccer League about 20 years ago. Hurst was and is still involved in a number of community activities. He supports the MAMAS Animal Shelter in Bamberg County.

Under the umbrella of his business, Hurst has made major improvements to two parks, one in Bamberg and one in Denmark. His company has also donated thousands of dollars to Bamberg County’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life fund-raiser.

Hurst is responsible for several educational programs in county schools such as “Phoenix Bucks” that allows students to earn “school supply money” through school programs which can be exchanged at school canteens for school supplies.

Hurst also supports local booster clubs, the Bamberg County Hospital and Nursing Center, scholarship programs and several other important community projects. Hurst’s longtime friend, Randy Carlson of Denmark, described Hurst as “someone who has done it all” for Bamberg County. Hurst and his wife Cindy reside in Denmark.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Lonnie N. Carter. Carter, a native of Ehrhardt, is president and CEO of Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned utility company. The Santee Cooper Board of Directors named Carter the company’s eighth CEO on Jan. 26, 2004. He joined Santee Cooper in 1982 as an employee in the controller’s office. Since that time, he has held various positions including manager of corporate forecasting, vice president of corporate forecasting and senior vice president of customer service.

Carter told those in attendance that Bamberg County has numerous resources which could be utilized. Using Denmark Technical College as an example, Carter said he thought the college had great infrastructure with good potential for future projects. He went on to tell the attendees how important it was for all community leaders to work together, including civic, business and elected officials.

Carter was joined by his wife Laurie.

The banquet was sponsored by Denmark Technical College, SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance and AT&T.

“Thanks to our supporters and business partners, approximately 185 people enjoyed a wonderful evening,” Maxwell said.

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