Joe Wilson

Joe Means Jobs traveled down the road to Allendale Collum Lumber to visit the family-owned operation that currently employs around 300.  With the tough economy, the company has gotten creative to keep up the bottom line, including expanding product lines and even stepping up exports to as far away around the globe.

Wilson met with workers and heard their concerns about a wide range of issues.  They keep busy at this facility, churning out around 120 million feet of lumber a year.

Company President Hank Scott told Joe it’s essential the company keep up on the technology curve, which means his operation has to often get new computer software programs for sophisticated cutting systems every few years.  A bigger tax break on depreciating assets could go a long way in helping, Wilson said.

Joe wrapped his day with two final stops, meeting with constituents at Bluffton BBQ and the Hilton Head Business Expo After Hours.  In every Joe Means Jobs appearance, folks had a chance to meet up close with Joe and ask him anything on their mind.

So after a late Thursday night, Joe Means Jobs tour, part one is done.  But we’ll be planning more Joe Means Jobs tours soon, so stay tuned!