A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE APRIL ALLEN ON BEING NAMED THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURERS ALLIANCE WOMAN OF THE YEAR.

Whereas, a 1988 graduate of Columbia College, April Allen began her career with the State of South Carolina, working for two governors and the South Carolina Department of Commerce; and

Whereas, during her tenure with the State of South Carolina, she developed extensive expertise in the political, government relations, economic development, manufacturing, and construction arenas; and

Whereas, further, April Allen served as a liaison for Continental Tire during the construction and start-up phase of the Sumter Tire plant and joined Continental as the director of government relations; and

Whereas, in her role as director of government relations, she is responsible for developing a government-relations strategy for environmental policy, workforce development and training, and tax incentives and exemptions in all fifty states; and

Whereas, throughout her career, not only has April Allen's work benefited countless individuals professionally, but also her work with nonprofits and boards throughout South Carolina has benefited the State as a whole; and

Whereas, a board member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee, she also has served as a board member of the Palmetto Center for Women, as chair of the South Carolina Economic Developers' Association, and as the first female chair of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance; and

Whereas, April Allen's leadership and foresight, especially during her tenure as chair of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, helped manufacturers across South Carolina navigate the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic by working towards solutions to protect the industry and its thousands of manufacturing workers; and

Whereas, her career and her labors to strengthen and advance manufacturing in South Carolina and throughout the United States set a shining example for the opportunities and careers for women in manufacturing. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate April Allen on being named the 2023 South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance Woman of the Year.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to April Allen.

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