Robert Connelly, Jr is Named 2015 S.C. Economic Ambassador for Allendale County

At a statewide ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion on April 2, Robert Connelly, Jr. was honored by Governor Nikki Haley, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and the South Carolina Department of Commerce as the 2015 South Carolina Economic Ambassador for Allendale County.  Connelly was recognized for his exceptional leadership in economic development in the region.

Connelly is the owner of Connelly Farms and Farmers Grain and Supply, Inc., in the Town of Ulmer.  He is a second-generation agribusiness owner and has earned the respect and admiration of his peers as the recipient of numerous awards, including the “Master Farm Family in South Carolina” in 1983 by Clemson University and Progressive Farmer magazine, in addition to consecutive multi-year awards as the Top Grower per Acre by the South Carolina Peanut Board. Further, his innovative and progressive farming and harvesting skills of over 14,000 acres in a four-county area of the Lowcountry is emulated throughout the Southeast.

His business operation is devoted to helping other farmers in the SouthernCarolina Alliance region by offering assistance with storage, processing and drying of various farm commodities. Connelly offers a fleet of long distance tractor trailers and grain trailers to deliver commodities to the various markets in Georgia and South Carolina.

Robert has spent over 50 plus years in the farming/farming supply business but has also been equally involved in his community. As an avid supporter of higher education, he has been the prime sponsor of the University of South Carolina - Salkehatchie‘s annual” Appreciation Event” for supporters and students. This event is very popular and has been held for over 30 years and is the mainstay of activities that highlights and supports the university.

A member of the SouthernCarolina Alliance Board of Directors, Connelly has participated in assisting with several projects producing jobs in the region.  Connelly was very instrumental in recruiting EDF- Renewable Energy (formerly Southeast Renewable Energy) by providing several different options for a potential site. Additionally, he worked tirelessly within the community in support of the project, including addressing environmental and economic development issues.  Robert Connelly’s input and advocacy were also instrumental when a major commodity producer/broker decided to locate in the county.

On the SouthernCarolina Alliance Board of Directors, Robert Connelly collaborates with business leaders in a six-county area to bring economic development to the region.  With his family involvement in every aspect of the farm and business, their contribution to the prosperity of Allendale County and the SCA region is being written with each passing day. Robert shares his passion, pride and commitment with his wife, Alma and three children, Robert III, Mark and Jennifer, plus six grandchildren.  Robert Connelly, Jr. is a true Ambassador for Economic Development for Allendale County.