CENTRAL — The inaugural Central State of the Community address, patterned after the annual event held for the city of Clemson and Clemson University in February, will take place Thursday at Southern Wesleyan University.

Sponsored by the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, the noon event in Founders Hall will feature Central Mayor Mac Martin, Southern Wesleyan University President David Spittal and Pickens County School Board Chairman Jim Shelton. Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce President Chris Hardy said the chamber has seen how successful its State of Clemson event has been for many years and wanted to provide that same service to citizens and businesses in Central.

“The Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance to keep our local communities educated on current initiatives and future goals in relations to local government, higher education and our public school system,” Hardy said. “The majority of the time, generally, what most people know is what they read in the paper or online, but rarely do they get to hear those words in person from the leaders in the community.”

Hardy said he feels it is important for the chamber to keep issues of importance to the business community at the forefront of its daily routine.

“We should never lose sight of why we are here,” Hardy said.

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