SENECA — Oconee County’s retail and industrial leaders broke bread, shared conversation and launched a new initiative of cooperation last week.

Some 150 representatives of the chambers of commerce in Walhalla, Westminster and Seneca, gathered for an industry appreciation kickoff at Shaver Recreation Center.

Glenn Buddin of the Walhalla Chamber, Sandra Powell of Westminster and Chris Lee of the Greater Oconee County Chamber based in Seneca all expressed their appreciation of the contribution industry makes to the economic vitality of the county.

Todd Bennington, manager of Borg-Warner in Seneca, returned the compliment on behalf of industry, and said he viewed the event as the kickoff of a “better relationship” between industry and the local chambers.

“We are interdependent,” Bennington said, “and this is a great first step forward. We have a lot of common goals.”

Thursday’s program also gave each industry and opportunity to recognize an employee: Honored were:

• Borg-Warner — Sandra Morgan, a 12-year machinist described as a classic employee who fits the model all businesses would like;

• Carolina Plastics — Sales Representative Jennifer Dickson;

• Cryovac — Andrea Geroux, who was lauded for “growing with the company;”

• Duke Energy — Lee Sprouse;

• Industrial Plastics Group — Randy Harrison, who was saluted as an award-winner from customer Taylor Made;

• Johnson Controls — Doug Rogers, “a model employee who is improving his technical skills;”

• Lift Technologies –—Senior Buyer Barry Brown;

• Oconee Medical Center — 2009 Employee of the Year Chauncey Williams, a 9-year employee in the radiology department;

• Sandvik — 37-year employee, Joe Burccycki;

• Schneider Electric — 40-year employee Butch Garber, a quality employee who has made such a difference that “he even has parts named after him;”

• Sharpe Manufacturing — Shane Laudermilk, who was credited with facilitating a transition during difficult economic times; and

• Timken — 38-year, “never-say-no” employee, James Gibson.

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