SC State 1890 Extension Pee Dee Advisory Board Chairman Recognized As Everyday Hero by Florence Toyota

FLORENCE, SC – SC State University 1890 Research & Extension Pee Dee Advisory Board Chairman Les Echols was featured in Florence Toyota’s Everyday Hero billboard campaign for his efforts to identify community issues and develop practical solutions for improvement across the Pee Dee region.?

As the director of Minority and Community Enterprise for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, Echols serves as a liaison between for-profit and non-profit organizations, elected officials and the community-at-large to enhance the presence and validity of small and minority businesses. Echols is committed to the overall development of the Greater Florence area, implementing community programs and events that address the needs of residents and businesses.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized as an Everyday Hero,” Echols stated. “To get up daily and serve others without focusing on the accolades and still receive recognition is truly an honor. I’m thankful for the support and acknowledgment from the citizens of Florence.”

Known for his efforts to improve the quality of life for the Florence community, Echols collaborated with Deborah Hardison, Extension director of SC State 1890 Pee Dee region, to establish relationships with local business and community leaders, which led to his appointment as SC State 1890 Advisory Board chair for the Pee Dee region.

“Les is an advocate, liaison and overall great leader that is committed to helping expand the future of Florence and surrounding communities,” Hardison stated. “He has been very instrumental in assisting SC State 1890 with identifying resources and personnel in the community to help advance our mission.”

Echols continues to develop solutions that support the growth of citizens locally, regionally and nationally. Currently, Echols serves on the State Extension Advancement Council (SEAC) along with other SC State 1890 Extension regional representatives. The State Extension Advancement Council (SEAC) is a statewide organization made up of South Carolina State and Clemson Extension’s internal liaisons and external partner organizations having responsibility for statewide support of Cooperative Extension Services.?Les has served as an advocate for programs in the Pee Dee Regions and throughout the state.

In January, Kinda McInnis, 4-H youth development extension agent, was also featured in the campaign. McInnis was nominated by a local community member for her kindness and selfless dedication to improving the standard of living for citizens in Florence and beyond.

For more information about SC State 1890 Extension Pee Dee region contact Deborah Hardison, Extension director of SC State 1890 Pee Dee region at [email protected] .?