County Economic Development Director Recognized for His Contributions

Press Release, Dorchester County

Jon Baggett, Director for Dorchester County Economic Development, has been selected as a winner in the economic development profession’s “40 Under 40” awards, the first-ever awards program recognizing young talent in the economic development profession. 

A five-member selection committee chose the winners from a pool of more than 150 candidates based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry.  The award’s program was managed by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.   

“We are pleased that one of Dorchester County’s own is being recognized and honored nationally for this prestigious award,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill Hearn.  “It is clear that Jon’s achievements in his career and leadership abilities portray examples of good economic development principles, and we are proud to share with him in his success.”

“I am proud of Jon's accomplishment,” said Jason Ward, Dorchester County Administrator.  “Jon is an integral part of a team of managers who have positioned Dorchester County and its businesses and industries to prosper.”

Jon Baggett graduated from Presbyterian College in 1999, and went on to obtain his master’s degree in 2004 from the University of South Carolina.  With a background in Community Development from the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and in his current economic development role for the past five years, he has gained experience over the state, regional, and local levels.  

As the Director of Economic Development for Dorchester County, Mr. Baggett’s primary scope of responsibility consists of product development and infrastructure prioritization that have included the development of both the County’s first certified site and Class-A industrial park.  In addition to prospect activity, other duties include overseeing workforce development initiatives, retail recruitment, and business partnerships.  Under his direction, $200 million in capital investment and over 650 jobs were announced in 2010, and in 2011, Dorchester County experienced a record year with an investment of nearly $300 million and 176 new jobs.

Mr. Baggett is also recognized as a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council, as well as a South Carolina Certified Economic Developer by the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA).  He is also a member of the International Economic Development Council, SCEDA, and the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC).  He currently serves as a member of the Trident Workforce Investment Board.

DCI’s “40 Under 40” award was designed to discover the economic development profession’s rising stars.  

“The people chosen by the selection committee represent a bright future for the economic development world,” said Andy Levine, president of DCI.  “They are a new breed of results-driven, place makers.  We’re very pleased to see Jon Baggett among the winners.”

DCI officially announced the winners on January 27, 2013, at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Orlando, Florida, and will feature an in-depth profile of each on its website during 2013. 

For more information on DCI’s “40 Under 40” winners, click here.