COLUMBIA, December 7, 2010 - The Pee Dee Electric Cooperative of South Carolina received an award from the US Department of Agriculture/Rural Development, "For exceptional efforts in assisting Rural Economic Development in South Carolina utilizing the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs (REDLG)".  The award was presented by Vernita F. Dore, South Carolina State Director, and Douglas Wilson from Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC, at the 2010 Winter Conference of Electric Cooperatives in South Carolina.  Toy Nettles, CEO, and William Fleming accepted the award on behalf of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative.  The conference was held at the Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, with the award presentation on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.

Pee Dee Electric Coop is the largest producer of Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants in South Carolina, which provides funds for economic development, such as business incubator projects, technical assistance, project feasibility studies, and business expansion.  Job creation is encouraged by their efforts.  They have received $4,260,000 in Loans and Grants which are then passed through to their applicants.  South Carolina has received a total of $16,692,160 in Loans and Grants under this program.

Pee Dee's recipients include Monster.com, McCall Farms, and Darlington Technical College.

USDA Rural Development promotes economic development by providing loan and grant programs to finance and foster growth in business development, homeownership, and critical community and technology infrastructure.  For more information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, contact the area office at (843) 669-9686, or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.