Monica Graham Named Lancaster County 2015 Ambassador for Economic Development
April 3, 2015
24th Annual South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development Awards
LANCASTER, SC – Individuals and companies from every county in South Carolina were recognizedThursday at the Governor’s Mansion for the many contributions they provide to their communities and to economic development as part of the 24rd annual South Carolina Industry Appreciation Week.
Photo: Monica Graham accepting award from Governor Haley and SC Commerce Secretary Hitt at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, April 2.
Phillips Staffing Manager of the Lancaster branch Monica Graham was honored as the 2015 Ambassador for Economic Development for Lancaster County. Phillips Staffing is owned and operated by S. B. Phillips Company, Inc. of Greenville, SC.
“Monica is one of the truly unsung heroes in economic development and workforce training and recruitment,” said LCEDC President Keith Tunnell. “Each year she gives thousands of hours of her time to benefit this community and make it a better place to work and live. She is a shining example of someone who isn’t looking for accolades or credit but who gives of her time, takes pride in her work, and truly cares about the people in Lancaster County and the surrounding region.
“Her work is more than just a job. It is a mission of caring and this community has an asset in her second to none. She never seeks recognition for what she does, but I’m very happy that we are able to honor her with this award and let the community know just how valuable she is to so many people. She is a perfect example of how all of us should be living our lives and giving back to our community. She is one of our shining stars!”
Since 1968, Phillips has provided high quality, value added staffing and recruiting services and solutions to the Southeast’s leading companies. With 11 locations throughout South Carolina and Georgia, Phillips has become one of the Southeast’s leading independent providers of world-class, comprehensive staffing and productivity solutions.
Through an official proclamation, Governor Nikki Haley declared March 30-April 3 as Industry Appreciation Week. The South Carolina Department of Commerce observed Industry Appreciation Week by honoring individuals from each of the state’s 46 counties as Ambassadors for Economic Development. These individuals included local leaders from the private sector representing a variety of businesses and economic development organizations committed to securing new jobs and investment in their communities.
Graham joined Phillips Staffing in 1993 and worked in various roles including reception, CSR and CSS. She was promoted to Branch Manager of the Lancaster location in 1999. Prior to joining Phillips Staffing, Monica attended York Technical College and received a Medical EMT-I degree. She worked part-time as a Medical Technician in emergency transport before deciding to pursue a full career in human resources. In her current role she is responsible for sales, networking, recruiting, job placement and interviewing. Graham has over 20 years of experience in staffing and human resources and is a past recipient of the Phillips Staffing President’s Club Award.
In the community she is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management Carolinas Chapter; WIA Board Vice Chair; RECAB Board Vice Chair; Strategic Planning Committee Chair with the WIA Board; Lancaster Chamber of Commerce member; an EDG member; and she previously served on the Lancaster County Workforce Action Team (WAT). She is also active in Lancaster & York County Work Ready Communities planning and volunteers with various charities benefiting cancer programs and local veterans. In addition, she is involved the children’s and adult women’s ministries at her Church.
Graham will be honored locally at the LCEDC Annual Meeting to be held at noon on April 21 at USC-Lancaster.
About the LCEDC: The Lancaster County Economic Development Corporation is a 501 C4 non-profit corporation charged with the mission of recruiting new business and industry to Lancaster County and working with existing industry to ensure their success. In 2014, the LCEDC was instrumental in bringing more than $500 million in new investment and creation of over 1,500 jobs to Lancaster County. Over the past 2 years, the LCEDC has been instrumental in creating more than $850 million in new investment and creation of more than 3,800 jobs. You can learn more about the LCEDC by visiting the corporation’s website at: www.lancasterSCworks.
