From left are Stan Brooks, Human Resources Director Alice Manufacturing, David Lynn, Health and Safety Director Fluor Corporation, John Cutchin, President of Palmetto Plating.

Easley’s Palmetto Plating was the host for the quarterly Easley Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturers Luncheon held March 16 at the Kimberly Hampton Library. Craig Homan, President of Easley Custom Plastics, is the chairman of the group and opened the meeting.

A report on the modification of the SC state unemployment tax changes was given by Jim Daly, HR director of Reliable Sprinkler. This is a large tax increase on businesses that will be levied to repay the $950 million the federal government loaned South Carolina to pay unemployment compensation. The Easley Chamber of Commerce supports our manufacturing group to moderate the tax rates and to spread payments over a longer period of time.

David Lynn HSE director with Fluor Corporation was the speaker. Mr. Lynn was a former OSHA inspector and talked about safety in the workplace and being proactive with health and safety issues with OSHA. The first priority is management commitment to a strong safety process in your workplace. He explained the advantage of the voluntary protection program (VPP) with OSHA and how you can join with them for no liability inspections of your work areas and become a “STAR” plant with OSHA.

Tim Hendricks with Advanced Machinery Works will host the next luncheon in June with a speaker on SC legislation results.