Governor Appoints Tony Catone as Next Director of the S.C. Department of Social Services

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Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Anthony "Tony" Catone as the next director of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS).

The appointment of Catone, 47, is subject to Senate confirmation. 

Catone, who was named the agency's acting director in January following the departure of former director Michael Leach, has served as part of the agency's executive management team as general counsel for the last 10 years.

"Tony Catone has done an exemplary job leading the agency since stepping in as acting director earlier this year," McMaster said. "His proven leadership and deep knowledge of the agency's operations make him the right person to lead SCDSS forward as it continues its critical work of strengthening families and communities across our state." 

Prior to serving as SCDSS' general counsel, Catone held leadership positions at Florida Atlantic University and Clemson University, where he worked on public service initiatives, legal affairs, and risk management.

He has also worked as a trial and litigation attorney.

"I’m deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the people of South Carolina by leading an agency that plays such a critical role in the wellbeing of our communities. I accept this appointment with a profound sense of responsibility and a commitment to service and collaboration," Catone said.

He added, "If I am confirmed, we will work to strengthen our support systems and improve accessibility to the essential services that uplift our most vulnerable citizens."

Catone earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, where he studied concurrently in the Master of International Business Studies program at the Darla Moore School of Business.

He holds undergraduate degrees in political science and modern languages from Clemson University. 

“Over the last few years, we have seen improved outcomes in many areas at SCDSS, but there is still much more work to be done, and that is why I am thrilled to see Mr. Tony Catone named as its next director," said Sue Williams, CEO of the Children's Trust of South Carolina. "He has the passion and leadership skills to take SCDSS to the next level.”

Komar Industries Relocating And Establishing First SC Operation in York County

Komar Industries, a manufacturer of balers and compactors, announced it is establishing its first South Carolina operation in York County.

The $11.5 million investment will create 160 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

Komar specializes in the design and manufacture of balers, stationary compactors and self-contained compactors. The company is also a leading innovator of technology for the recycling and waste management industries.

Relocating its subsidiary, Bace, LLC, from North Carolina, Komar will upfit the existing building located at 200 Ratchford Road in York.

Officials said the new operation will grow the company’s manufacturing capabilities in waste and recycling compactor technology.

Operations are expected to be online in July 2025. Those interested in joining Komar should go to the company’s careers page.

The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

The council also awarded a $150,000 Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“Komar Industries is pleased to expand our manufacturing network of factories with our first operation within South Carolina. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the York community and an employer of choice in the area,” said Komar Industries CEO Mark Koenig.

Duke Energy Offers $500,000 To Support South Carolina First Responders

South Carolina government agencies and nonprofits can now apply for grants up to $20,000 to fund training, life-saving equipment and innovative technology to aid in weather-related disaster planning and recovery operations.

The Duke Energy Foundation is offering $500,000 through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to support severe weather emergency preparedness across the Palmetto State.

Hurricane Helene's impact on South Carolina was historic, widespread and deadly – forever changing lives and landscapes.

The storm also forced communities and their first responders to rethink how they prepare for future severe weather events.

Duke Energy Foundation microgrants will help local governments and nonprofits improve their planning and responses.

Application process: South Carolina nonprofits and governmental agencies can apply for individual grants up to $20,000 through April 25. 

Eligible projects: Funding is available to support equipment upgrades, communication tools, specialized training, planning initiatives, severe weather materials and kits, storm shelters and preparedness activities that benefit low-income communities.

More info and application: Go to duke-energy.com/SCHEROgrants for complete details.

By the numbers 

This is the fourth year of the $500,000 microgrant program – bringing total support to $2 million.

Since 2022, Duke Energy's HERO Grant Program has funded 99 microgrants, delivering critical support to nonprofits and local agencies across South Carolina.

Said Jim Baber, chief of the Hodges-Cokesbury Fire Department in Greenwood County: "We originally anticipated using our UTV (utility task vehicle) purchased with grant funds from Duke Energy Foundation for wildland fires and EMS purposes.”

Baber added, “However, during our response to Hurricane Helene, it proved invaluable in getting crews and tools to places that our trucks could not reach. We used it for tree removal as well as delivering food, water and other necessities to residents that otherwise would have been unable to get these supplies."

International African American Museum, Highest In the Room Present 4th Annual Gullah Gala Fashion, Music Experience

The International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, formally announced its role as the presenting sponsor for the Gullah Gala 2025.

Created by Highest In The Room, The Gullah Gala is a cultural couture fashion and music experience celebrating the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture and the African Diaspora.

The main event, The 4th Annual Gullah Gala Fashion and Music Experience: “The Gullah Gatsby," will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the IAAM, solidifying, officials said, the museum’s commitment to honor and showcase the profound contributions of African Americans to fashion, art, music, and entrepreneurship.

This will be the second time the Gullah Gala has been hosted at IAAM, with the event previously held at the site in 2024.

The Gullah Gala, now expanded to a four-day festival from May 15 to May 18, will feature a series of exclusive events throughout Charleston.

This year’s Gullah Gala on May 17 will continue to highlight the intersection of  fashion, art, music, and cultural performance, providing a platform for designers, artists, and vendors to share  their passionate work with a national audience.

The dress code for this occasion is “Gatsby/Roaring ‘20s attire”  to enhance the overall aesthetic and experience of the gala. 

Cultural Celebration: The IAAM will serve as the central stage for the Gullah Gala, displaying the  vibrant and unique fashion and artistic expressions of the Gullah Geechee community.

National Platform: This sponsorship will continue elevating the Gullah Gala’s organic reach,  amplifying the cultural impact of the event, and bringing national attention to the Gullah Geechee  heritage. 

Honoring Heritage: The IAAM’s involvement reaffirms its mission to educate and inspire by exploring  the stories of the African American journey, particularly within the realm of artistic expression.

Saturday, May 17th Main Event: The IAAM will host the main showcase of the Gullah Gala with its  fashion show displaying unique designers, cultural and art performances, and vendors. 

Event Details: 

Event: The 4th Annual Gullah Gala Fashion and Music Experience: “The Gullah Gatsby”

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 

Time: 5:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Dress Code: Gatsby/Roaring ‘20s attire 

Location: International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St, Charleston, S.C., 29401

Tickets: Tickets for Saturday’s Gullah Gala start at $80 and can be purchased at  https://www.highestintheroom.co/events/4th-annual-gullah-gala-fashion-and-music-experience-the gullah-gatsby 

Officials said the IAAM’s support of HITR’s Gullah Gala reinforces Charleston’s position as a global hub for Black excellence in fashion, music, and the arts.

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