Local invited to White House

Dan Vander Meer, CEO of Dutchman Global and Robyn Vander Meer, CFO have both been invited to attend President George W. Bush's remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday May 20.

Dan Vander Meer was nominated by Colleen Litkenhaus, Assistant Secretary of Commerce. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is the key export promotion agency of the federal government. The service has a worldwide network of employees and a mission of assisting small and medium-sized American businesses in exporting their goods and services worldwide.

Dutchman Global was established in 2005 to provide quality heavy equipment to the global earthmoving and mining industry. Dutchman Global currently ships 98% of its equipment overseas to several geographic territories. Dutchman Globals' experienced sales staff sells Caterpillar, Euclid, John Deere, Komatsu and other used equipment.

Located at 208 Prosperity Court in Florence, Dutchman Global currently has 6 sales and administrative employees in the Florence location. Other employees are located in Canada, South Dakota, Dubai and Guyana.

In April 2008, Dutchman Global was nominated as one of South Carolina's fastest growing companies. Dan Vander Meer was also appointed to South Carolina's District Export Council and Dutchman Global received an Export Achievement Award in 2007.

Grand Opening in Lamar

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its newest member, The Master's Touch Beauty Salon and Barber Shop o5:30 p.m. on Monday May 19.

The Master's Touch is located at 211 Main Street in Lamar, directly across from the Family Dollar Store. Owner and Manager, Denise Johnson and her business partner, Linda Toney purchased the business after operating in that location for 5 years. Johnson is also a native of Lamar and is a licensed Instructor, Cosmetologist and Barber.

Community members helped renovate the building. Johnson states that the business is also a ministry in which community members can come together to help others especially young people. The business offers an onsite Barbering and Cosmetology School with plans to branch off and establish a public school in the area. Johnson also states that there is diversity among the employees and customers because the business caters to different races. In addition, Master's Touch is the only nail salon in Lamar.

Stylists are owner and manager, Denise Johnson, Heather Perrotti, Latoya Goodman and Tawanna Bines. The stylists offer women's, men's and children's haircuts, relaxers and braids in addition to many more.

Walk in's are welcome as well as appointments. For more information contact Denise Johnson at 843-326-1362.