Kim and Russ Crowe are Named 2015 S.C. Economic Ambassadors for Hampton County

Kim and Russ Crowe were honored by Governor Nikki Haley, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and the South Carolina Department of Commerce as Hampton County’s 2015 South Carolina Economic Ambassadors at a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion Complex on April 2 to honor the recipients from the 46 counties in the state.

Kim and Russ Crowe founded Progressive Packaging in Simpsonville, SC, in 1995. With markets increasing in Georgia and Florida, Progressive Packaging opened their Hampton County location in 2014, purchasing an existing building located in the Lowcountry Regional Industrial Park in Early Branch, to serve their growing markets.

Beginning as a distribution center, the Crowes have intentions of growing the Hampton facility by adding assembly and light manufacturing.  They have already engaged the local community, focusing on buying locally whenever possible and hosting Chamber of Commerce and local officials.

“It is exciting to welcome a new industry to our community and the Crowes and their team at Progressive Packaging have already shown how much they value their neighbors in Hampton County buy providing good jobs and supporting other local business,” said Bill Hager, Chairman of the Hampton County EDC.

“Progressive Packaging is a tremendous asset to Hampton County,” said Danny Black, President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance.  “As business owners who have demonstrated their commitment to South Carolina over the last twenty years, the Crowes are now investing in our community as well, and we are pleased to honor them, as we look forward to working with them to grow their business here for many years to come.”

Each year the Department of Commerce joins local communities to thank businesses for their vital contributions to South Carolina's economy during the state's Industry Appreciation Week. As part of the celebration, the state recognizes individuals throughout South Carolina as Ambassadors for Economic Development.

"We're honored to spotlight these individuals for their contributions to our state. South Carolina's people are what truly make our state one of the best places in the world to do business, and events like the Ambassador’s ceremony give us the opportunity to recognize just some of the people that help make South Carolina so special," said. Gov. Nikki Haley at the event.