3/20/08
Black is named a ‘Homegrown Champion’ by Dept. of Commerce
By Cathy Gilbert

Submitted Photo

The S.C. Dept. of Commerce recognized 13 citizens as “Homegrown Champions” for their leadership in their native town’s business community. Pictured are (from left) Dent Adams, Jeffrey Black, Jackie Brown and Cathy Hughes at the Rural Summit.

Manning businessman Jeffrey Black joined 12 other outstanding South Carolina individuals who were honored as Homegrown Champions at the Department of Commerce’s Rural Summit held in Clemson earlier this month.

“Thanks to all the award winners for their efforts in growing the economies of rural South Carolina. We are committed to working with these business leaders, educators, and economic developers to grow economic opportunity throughout the state by continuing to enhance the state’s business climate with efforts like workers’ comp reform, tort reform, lowering taxes, and expanding healthcare access for small businesses,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.

The Homegrown Champions award is designed to acknowledge and applaud those individuals who moved back to their hometown and have made an impact in the community. In addition to Black, the following individuals were honored as this year’s Homegrown Champions: Dr. John Smith of Aiken County; David Smalls of Colleton County; Deborah McKetty of Greenville County; Hattie Murdaugh Askew of Hampton County; King Dixon of Laurens County; Brent Shealy of Lexington County; Jackie Brown of McCormick County; Earl Middleton, Kenneth Middleton and Cathy Hughes, all of Orangeburg County; Martha Pacollette Sarratt Whitener of Union County; and Dent Adams of Williamsburg County.

After completing the University of South Carolina, Black moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the television industry, most notably, for Aaron Spelling Productions. Rising from the mailroom to one of Spelling’s assistants, Black became well versed in all things media and today serves as a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies across the globe.

Following another step in his television career, Black lived in Birmingham, Alabama where he was a weather anchor and children’s show program host for the CBS and FOX affiliates.

In 1991, Black returned to his hometown of Manning. After stints in his father’s car dealership and at United Way of South Carolina, Jeffrey began his Black Sheep Promotions and Black Sheep Reputations businesses. He has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Manning and the lead the redevelopment of the former Clarendon Furniture location into what is today a thriving retail establishment in the form of Studio 1916.

“While many rural communities are facing declining populations, we continue to see people moving to our area everyday. We all need to support our downtown businesses, encourage economic development, strengthen educational opportunities, embrace tourism and support our local healthcare system,” said Black. “If we all take pride in our community, there is nothing we can’t accomplish,” he added.

“These award winners are making a real difference in their communities. Their work is evidence that positive changes begin with local involvement. Whether it’s improving the local economy or choosing to give back to their community, the efforts of one individual or organization can go a long way to strengthen rural South Carolina,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce.

The awards were presented at the South Carolina Rural Summit, an annual event at which rural community leaders, economic developers, state officials and specialists from across the country share ideas, experiences and practical knowledge related to improving rural South Carolina.

In addition to his role as a Manning entrepreneur, Black serves as Director of Public Relations for the Clarendon Health System and is co-chair of Manning’s Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Last year, he was also recognized by the Department of Commerce as South Carolina Rural Entrepreneur of the Year. In January, he was named Clarendon County Business Person of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Black is the son of Jim and Nell Black and is married to the former Stephanie Sain. Together, the couple has two children, Elizabeth and John Landon and attend Manning United Methodist Church.