Florence County's two new council members took their Oath of Office Thursday at the Florence County Council Chambers.
More than 50 people attended the swearing in ceremony.
Willard Dorriety now represents District 9 on Florence County Council and Kent C. Caudle represents District 5.
Both men say improving economic development is their main objective as new council members.
"Creating new jobs creates new opportunities for everyone that lives here. And improves the quality of life financially, which is what we need to do. But it also improves your tax base," said Dorriety.
Florence County is still considered the hub of the Pee Dee because it has so many industries.
Caudle says the county is in the perfect spot to make it the industrial center of the state.
"You look at the logistics we have here with I-20 starting here and ending in Texas. And I-95 being the busiest interstate in the country.We have a lot of things to offer here. We need to capitalize on our location as much as anything," Caudle explained.
Both previously served on the Florence District One School Board of Trustees.
They say their experience on that board will help them and their fellow council members to see that Florence County leads South Carolina in economic development.
Longtime council members Mitchell Kirby and Roger Poston were also sworn in Thursday.
They say they look forward to working with the council's newest members.
