The Item from Sumter, South Carolina • 28

Main Street Manning, S.C. away en 400 8 ABOVE: Marie Land, co-chairman of the Manning Revitalization Executive Committee, talks about several locations in Manning's downtown commercial core that have been restored. RIGHT: More than 100 attended the Feb. 11 grand opening ceremonies announcing Manning's selection as a Main Street South Carolina member. here," he said.

"The potential for Beppie J. LeGrand, manager of Ceremony gets future development is unreal. You Main Street South Carolina, said have a beautiful downtown area." at a workshop held earlier in Manprogram started Howard Duvall, executive di- ning. rector of the MASC, said Manning "The nitty, gritty details of the By SHARRON HALEY has a "good stock of buildings" in program won't become apparent business owners, dignitaries and property owners gathered at Mill and Boyce streets on Feb. 11 as city and state officials cut the red ribbon officially launching Manning's membership into the Main Street South Carolina program.

Through a competitive grant process, Manning was one of 12 South Carolina cities chosen in mid-January to participate in Main Street South Carolina. "The Main Street program is a welcome addition to our efforts and we believe that it will only give Manning more opportunities for business and a better quality of life," Manning Mayor Kevin Johnson said before the ribbon cutting. "This is a very big deal for us," Manning Administrator Rebecca Rhodes said prior to the ceremony. "We'll receive all the help we need to make this project work." Wayne George, the former mayor of Mullins and now an employee of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, said he sees "a lot of potential in Manning's downtown area." "Manning has a lot to work with MANNING More than 100 its downtown. "The more money you put into an area, the more money you get out," he said.

"I see where you have business owners who have made substantial investments in the downtown area. All buildings tell a story." As part of the Main Street South Carolina program, Manning will receive a marketing analysis as well as the tools and materials to make the project a success, until the first of next year," LeGrand said. "A lot of work has to be done to get to that point. It won't happen overnight." Duvall said a four-pronged approach is mandatory for the program to be successful. "Organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring need to work simultaneously," he said.

"Together, these four points will make the program successful." 3 Days Only! Feb. 20, 21, 22 Only Fri. Save On baths. clips nail trims! Dental Special was for January, 2008 Only. Morris Animal Clinic (803) 435-8001 Wayne Morris, DVM 7 Fri.

7:30 am 5:00 pm Wednesday 7:30 am 7:00 pm Closed Sat. Sun. 8 CLARENDON SUN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008 ver A cHar AS WATER 50 Photos by Sharron Haley From left, state Sen. John Land; Manning City Council member Sherry Welle; Marie Land; Manning Mayor Kevin Johnson; Jeffrey Black, a of Manning's Revitalization Executive Committee; state Rep. Cathy Harvin; Bopple LeGrand, Main Street manager for the South Carolina Municipal Association; and Howard Duvall, executive director of the SCMA, cut the ribbon Feb.

11 after officially naming Manning a Main Street South Carolina member. NOW is a great time to get money. Get a Money Now in minutes! Need cash in a hurry at can time? Apply for the Money Now Loan. Walk in with your tas paperwork and let us file your return. Upon loan approval, you'll walk out with money in no time at alll It's that euryl Plus, every return we prepare comes wich free electronic fling So come in NOWI North Brooks St.

433-5777 JACKSON HEWITa command in 5-45 A A The Clarendon Sun.