Best of Sumter 2020

439,970 VOTES

THE SUMTER ITEM

327 WINNERS

#BESTOFSUMTER

THANK YOU for voting us BEST AIR & HEATING SERVICE

2190 Storage Road • SUMTER, SC 29153 2020

2

803.469.6950

www.airsolutionssc.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

THANK YOU for voting Archway Academy BEST Child Care Center again in 2020

Serving our community for 35 years!

Archway Academy Building Better Children

Four convenient locations to serve you 2049 McCrays Mill Road 803-773-6480 401 Miles Rd, Summerville 843-873-2693

416 S. Wise Drive, Sumter 803-773-4300 239 Old Summerville Rd, Summerville 843-832-8410

www.archway.academy

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Since 1986, Thompson has provided construction and industrial services with the highest standards in safety, quality and integrity for a variety of industries. We now serve the United States with over 20 locations, plus mobile operations across the globe. Our growing family of companies has come a long way, but Sumter will always be our home. www.thompsonsoutheast.com 800-849-8040 | 100 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150

SAFETY AND SERVICE Thompson’s commitment to safety radiates throughout the entire organization’s culture through a top-to-bottom, all-in approach. We’ve redirected our primary focus to Serious Injury and Fatality prevention. By identifying precursors to the most serious risks and implementing additional controls and layers of protection, we have created a safer working environment that holds everyone accountable for taking safety personally.

Just as we are committed to our people and their safety, we are also committed to serving our community.

We continue to foster a culture of civic engagement as we participate actively in economic development and numerous non-pro it organizations in Sumter.

WORKING AT THOMPSON - PEOPLE FIRST, SAFETY FIRST Thompson started in Sumter as a family business and no matter how we grow, we always want our employees to feel like family. Throughout all the Thompson companies, our core values are safety, quality and integrity, with safety always being our number one priority. We take care of our people through forward-thinking safety programs, leadership devel-opment, exceptional bene its, training and career advance-ment. Thompson really is an exceptional place to work, and as part of our team, you will experience the core values that make us who we are.

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Interested in a career with Thompson? Visit the A PUBLICATION careers page at www.thompsonsoutheast.c om.OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

SAFETY QUALITY INTEGRITY Thompson Industrial Services provides safe, comprehensive industrial cleaning services to major industrial facilities. Our work is safer, faster and more precise with our growing line of advanced automation technologies.

Thompson Construction Group focuses on industrial construction and on-site maintenance. Specializing in large industrial projects, we build and maintain facilities for a range of industries like Power, Paper, Steel and beyond.

Thompson Turner, general contractors, builds commercial, government and educational facilities. We offer single-source, deadlines and budget-oriented delivery, including Design/Build and CM at Risk.

Thompson Power Services provides construction services related to boiler and major gas-path equipment installation and repair for electric utilities and industrial facilities.

Thompson Maintenance Services provides equipment maintenance, facility maintenance, operations support, elevated cleaning and small capital project improvements.

Thompson Disaster Recovery Services provides recovery solutions to State and Federal agencies including the repair, replacement, and reconstruction of residential areas impacted by natural disasters.

Thompson Custom Fabrication provides sheet metal fabrication, structural steel fabrication, CNC Plasma cutting, and on-site installation services to a wide range of industries.

THOMPSON INDUSTRIAL SERVICES IS NOW PROVIDING COVID-19 DISINFECTING SERVICES We’re here to help your organization keep people safe and healthy. Call us to disinfect your facility safely and thoroughly with disinfectant products that are EPA-regulated for the current pandemic.

800-849-8040 | cwise@thompsonind.com

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BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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STAFF PUBLISHER Vince Johnson EDITOR Kayla Green PHOTOGRAPHY Micah Green VIDEOGRAPHY Ty Cornett LAYOUT & DESIGN Ryan Galloway Janel Strieter AD SALES Karen Cave Devin McDonald Mark Pekuri Kathy Stafford COPY EDITING Rhonda Barrick Melanie Smith

Welcome to BEST OF SUMTER 2020, widely recognized as one of the best citywide ballots in the nation.

Throughout this magazine, you’ll find more than 300 winners across business and industry, public service and education.

These winners have been chosen by you. And by "you" I mean a lot of you. Best of Sumter has grown from just a few thousand votes a few years ago to well over 400,000 votes today.

Winners are your neighbors and your friends.

Between the cast of the final vote and the production of this magazine, our world changed. COVID-19 has impacted our community’s physical and economic health. It has put enormous pressure on many of these winners, the winners that make up the fabric of our community.

Now, more than ever, we must support our neighbors and friends represented throughout these pages. Use this magazine as a guide for your spending and your support. Use our winners’ website at theitem.com/bestof throughout your life. Find an accountant, a hair stylist or place to take the kids.

Sumter is a special place, and being named Best of Sumter is a celebration of everything going right in our community.

36 W. Liberty St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 774-1200 www.theitem.com 6

At The Sumter Item, its our honor to promote these valuable local businesses and organizations, and it’s been our privilege to serve our Sumter region for more than 125 years.

Eat local. Read local. Shop local. Support local.

We are #SumterStrong, and we will be for years to come.

Best Regards, Vince Johnson Publisher, The Sumter Item

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Air Solutions continues growth from garage office to Best of Sumter

We at Air Solutions Heating and Cooling are a locally owned and operated HVAC business that was started in 2013 by Jimmy Davis and Richard Cook. With only a home garage as our initial office base, we hit the ground running.

We worked hard to build our business and provide quality installation and heating services as best we could. Over the last seven years, our company has grown our business to 27 employees operating 16 vehicles, specializing in residential change-outs and new construction for more than 3,000 customers.

We operate with a sense of urgency for every customer’s needs. Our 24-hour, on-call service technicians make sure that when people call, day or night, their questions are answered or their needs are met in the most timely manner possible. In an effort to be thorough from start to finish, we follow up with customers to make sure they had the best experience and service possible or ask how their experience could have been better. This helps us modify and improve the ways in which we serve our future clients.

We at Air Solutions are honored to employ veterans, as well as participate in the military appreciation picnic put on by Shaw Air Force Base to show our support of troops and their families both locally and abroad. We have been honored to have donated more than $10,000 in 2019 to such causes. Some of those community events include

Sumter Feeds My Starving Children MobilePack, where we donate monetarily as well as volunteer a couple of hours to help pack hundreds of meals for some of God’s hungriest children around the world. In November, we participate in Operation Christmas Child by providing boxes filled with necessities and fun items to encourage and spread the Gospel to children worldwide. As far as local community outreach, we sponsor and provide HVAC services to the Sumter Pregnancy Center, which strives to support and educate women and men undergoing unplanned pregnancies. We also donate to the American Heart Association through various local events such as the always-fun Sumter Derby Day. We also participate in the Festival of Trees at Christmastime, which is put on by the Tuomey Foundation and benefits such services as hospice care provided by Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Thank you for honoring us with your vote. We are thrilled to be voted Sumter’s Best Air and Heating Service!

Thompson Family of Companies growing along with Sumter We are thrilled and so honored to be named Sumter’s Best Local Industry for 2020! We would like to thank everyone who voted for us in our amazing community as well as our valuable customers and dedicated staff.

Since 1986, Thompson has grown from a modest industrial service business into one of South Carolina’s largest construction and service-related companies.

After over 30 years in business, our Sumter roots have now expanded to cover the Southeastern and Central United States with specialty services that even span the globe. Our growing family of companies now has 3,000 employees and covers nearly every facet of the construction and industrial service sectors. We continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community.

We value all of our customers and serve them with the highest standards in safety, quality and integrity. We have come a long way, but Sumter will always be our home, and we are committed to serving our city as proudly as we serve our customers.

A few projects we are particularly excited about are happening right in the heart of downtown Sumter on Main Street. Thompson Turner Construction has completed construction of Sumter Original Brewery, and it looks forward to serving the community some of the newest and best brews and bar bites.

The Thompson Family of Companies does everything A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

from major construction to equipment maintenance and industrial cleaning services like hydro-blasting, vacuum excavation and COVID-19 disinfecting. Learn more about what all of the Thompson companies and divisions have to offer: • Thompson Industrial Services – Safe, comprehensive industrial cleaning services including disinfection cleaning services specific to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

• Thompson Construction Group – Self-performed industrial construction • Thompson Turner – Commercial and industrial general contracting • Thompson Power Services – Boiler and major gaspath equipment installation, repair and replacement • Thompson Maintenance Services – Equipment and facility maintenance and operations support • Thompson Disaster Recovery Services – Recovery solutions for state and federal agencies • Thompson Custom Fabrication – Comprehensive fabrication and installation services Again, thank you to our personnel, voters and customers, because you are the reason we strive to be the Best of Sumter. You can reach us 24 hours a day at: 800-849-8040 | www.thompsonsoutheast.com.

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Archway Academy starts a lifetime of education on solid ground The Archway Academy team is honored to be named Sumter’s Best Child Care Center for 2020! We would like to thank everyone who voted for us and appreciate the confidence you have in what we do for the youngest members of the Sumter community – our children.

Archway Academy is CELEBRATING 35 YEARS serving the Sumter community since 1985 by providing quality early care and education and engaging afterschool programs. Our mission is to provide a solid foundation for a sound education.

Through an emphasis on leadership development and teacher training, Archway Academy strives to ensure our team stays up to date on the latest developments in early childhood education. Our team of dedicated early childhood professionals works hard to ensure all students attending Archway Academy enjoy enriching, fun-filled experiences to take with them for a lifetime.

The relationships built here with our school family are treasured for years to come. Students attending Archway Academy enjoy unique experiences with our Farm to Preschool Program, including a curriculum based on nutrition, activities involving

food and gardening by the children. The children enjoy planting, growing and eating the food they grow. In addition, Archway Academy is home to the award-winning Camp BBC, a summer day camp for school-age children. The motto of Camp BBC is to create FUN! Archway Academy is family owned and operated and now serves children of children from years past.

We call them our legacy families. Again, thank you to our voters and families, because you and your children are why we work to be the best at what we do.

Archway Academy has two locations in Sumter: 2049 McCrays Mill Road in Sumter and 416 S. Wise Drive, "formerly Bright Beginnings", and two locations in the Summerville area.

Please call (803) 773-4300 or (803) 773-6480 to contact a director for enrollment information.

Find us on our Facebook page, www.facebook. com/archwayacademy. For more information about Archway Academy programs or career opportunities, please visit our website at www.archway.academy.

Hodge Systems named Sumter’s Best Consultant a second year in a row

For more than 20 years, Hodge Systems and Consulting Services has been providing strategic and reliable information technology services to businesses in Sumter and throughout South Carolina.

Sumter native Erick Hodge began the business in 1999 after graduating from the University of South Carolina.

“We value the trust our customers place in our services,” Hodge said, “and are proud to be a part of the Sumter community.”

Thank you for voting us Sumter’s Best Consultant a second year in a row.

Whether it is the implementation of new ERP/accounting systems, cybersecurity enhancements or IT infrastructure design and management, Hodge Systems provides its customers with the critical technology they need to continue growing their organizations.

Hodge Systems currently serves customers in 20 counties, providing customized technology solutions across a variety of industries, including health care, property management, manufacturing and human services agencies.

Hodge, who earned his MBA from the Darla Moore College of Business at USC in 2007, leads a team of 8

technicians who offer more than a century of combined experience in multiple IT disciplines. Their combined talent and knowledge provides clients with technology solutions that not only serve today’s needs but provide strategic guidance for the future.

The company offers competitive pricing on solutions tailored to the needs of each client, including long-term managed services contracts and hourly packages.

Hodge Systems offers several services, including network design and administration, network and cybersecurity management, business strategy and consulting, premises wiring and planning, audio-visual systems, ERP/accounting implementation, physical security and access control and video surveillance.

Hodge Systems holds multiple certifications with technology partners, including Cisco and Sage-Intacct, and is a Samsung Gold partner.

For a personal consultation regarding your organization’s technology needs, call (803) 847-5000, or visit our website at www.hodgesystems.com.

Hodge Systems moved to a new location in the heart of downtown Sumter at 115 S. Main St. in November 2019.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Services we offer Network Design and Administration

Thank ThankYou! You

Network and Cybersecurity Management Business Strategy and Consulting Premises Wiring and Planning Physical Security and Access Control ERP/Accounting Systems Implementation

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

for voting us BEST Consultant for the second year in a row.

115 S. Main Street I Sumter, SC 29150

www.hodgesystems.com BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Off Road Dealership

Extreme Sports Yamaha Polaris

Auto and Transportation Aftermarket Auto Repair

Newman's Automotive Auto & Boat Upholstery

Gandy's Trim & Upholstery Auto Body Shop

Rims / Wheels Store

Commercial Real Estate Company

DCB Tire & Wheel LLC Small Engine Repair

Andrews Small Engine Towing Service

Ace Parker Tire

Auto Parts

CarQuest Auto Parts

Business

Boat Dealership

Active Day of Sumter

Dixie Products Inc.

Car Audio & Electronics

Power Audio

Commercial Contractor

Jones & McIntosh LLC

Used Car Dealership

Car & Truck Accessories

Miss Libby's School of Dance and Gymnastics

Ace Parker Tire

Carolina Collision Center-Sumter

McLean Marine

McLaughlin Ford

Adult Day Center

Air Purification Company

Aire Serv of Sumter

Coldwell Banker Commercial Cornerstone Dance Studio

Miss Libby's School of Dance and Gymnastics Day Spa

Destinations Spa Dry Cleaners

Little's Personal Cleaners Employment Agency

Norman Williams & Associates Inc. Fire Extinguisher Service

Auction Company

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

Bail Bond Company

YMCA of Sumter

JR Dixon Auction LLC

Fitness Center / Gym

Car Salesperson

Michelle's Bail Bonding

Jones Buick GMC

Banquet Facilities

A Ring Around the Roses

Jones Buick GMC

The Mancave

Barber Shop

Elmore-CannonStephens Funeral Home

Limousine Service

Building Design Company

Golf Course

Jay Carter,

Dealership Service Department

Platinum Limousine Luxury Car Dealership

Bilton Lincoln

Motorcycle / Moped Dealership

Honda of Sumter

New Car Dealership

McLaughlin Ford

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Oil Change

Children's Fitness

The O'Donnell House

Floral Company Funeral Home

JJ Hardee Construction and Design

The Links at Lakewood

Car Wash

KaCy J Salon

Tidal Wave Auto Spa Child Care Center

Archway Academy

Hair Salon

Health & Beauty

Salon La Vie LLC Health Care Insurance

Bynum Insurance / Assured Partners

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you, Sumter citizens, for voting for us Best in Sumter Quality plumbing services in Sumter, SC

“The Right Ones to Count On”

Sewer & Drain Cleaning Backed up or slow drains?

Call us today for quick, 24-hour emergency Call today to discuss your service! remodeling project and get a free quote!

Plumbing Repairs Call us for any type of plumbing repair! No job is too big or too small, from a leaky faucet to replacing a main drain or water heater. We offer 24-hour service & FREE estimates!

Backflow Testing & Repairs Backflow occurs when certain conditions, outside of a homeowner’s control, arise such as hydrant flushing, municipal pressure drops, service breaks, etc. These can cause water to flow in the direction opposite of its municipal source. Undesirable contaminants can be introduced into the home’s water system when this happens. The devices used to prevent this from happening are called RPZ, or Reduced Pressure Zone valves. We are trained to assess, install, test and repair these devices.

Tankless Water Heaters Tankless water heaters — also known as inline, on-demand, or instant-on water heaters – are an energy efficient choice to consider when replacing your old water heater.

New Installation Remodeling or just need to upgrade your bathroom or kitchen? We can replace damaged or dated fixtures with beautiful new ones. Upgrading a few fixtures can be a lower-cost alternative to a full renovation job and can increase the value of your home. We will install your new sink, tub, toilet, water heater, and more--everything including the kitchen sink!

SPECIALTIES: REPAIRS •REMODELING •WATER HEATERS • TANKLESS WATER HEATERS BACKFLOW TESTING & REPAIRS • BURST PIPE REPAIR • NEW CONSTRUCTION •SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING

WRIGHT WAY PLUMBING 4185 Thomas Sumter Highway, Dalzell, SC 29040 803-499-4108 wrightwayplumbingllc.com

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Nail Salon

Heavy Equipment Rental

Black Oak Equipment Rental LLC Home & Auto Insurance

Bynum Insurance / Assured Partners Hotel

Sully's Travel Agency

Online-Based Business

Tree Service

All Gussied Up Boutique Paralegal Firm

The Brunson Law Firm Paving Company

Charles Smith Company

State Tree

Trucking Company

Hodge Distribution & Logistics Web Design Company

Pest Control

Sword Lily Marketing

Pet Boarding

The TintMan Gill

Sumter Pest Management

Hyatt Place Sumter /Downtown

SCPA/My Buddy Boarding

Internet Service Provider

Pet Grooming

Window Tinting

Community

FTC

For Pet's Sake Grooming

Irrigation Company

Pet Hospital

Sumter County Gallery of Art

Pilates / Yoga Studio

Charity Event

Smoak Irrigation Company

Guignard Animal Clinic

IT Company

Southern Bliss Yoga

Computer Upgraders Junk Removal Service

Waste Management

Printing & Graphics Company

Hill Printing Co.

Self Storage Facility

Life Insurance Company

Shaw Parkway Storage

Lumber Company

T&N Septic Co.

CRW Insurance

Jefferson Barns & Lumber Manufacturing Plant

Art Gallery

Epps Orthodontics K9-5K Church

Bethesda Church of God Civic Club

American Legion Post 15

Septic Tanks

Community Event

Sign Company

Elected Official

Sign Wave LLC Storage Buildings

BD

Graceland On Guignard

Martial Arts

Tanning Salon

Iris Festival

State Rep. Murrell Smith Event Entertainment

DJ Howie D's Event Entertainment

Team Robinson MMA

La Mer Tanning Salon

Massage / Massage Therapist

About The Body Day Spa

Tattoo Studio

Southern Ink Tattoos

The O'Donnell House

Monument Company

Transportation Services

Sumter Opera House

Aycock-Richardson Monument Co.

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Travel Agency

Adore Nail Bar

Zimco

Event Venue

Family Entertainment Firefighter / EMT

Travis Ingram

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Wright Way Plumbing gets it done right the first time Thank you for voting us Best Plumber for 2020!

At Wright Way Plumbing LLC, we are dedicated to providing excellent service for all your residential plumbing needs. We are licensed and insured with over 20 years’ experience in Sumter and surrounding areas, so you’re in good hands with Wright Way Plumbing. We’ll give you a free estimate paired with a satisfaction guarantee. When we set out to complete a job, we get it done right the first time.

We are your reliable, local plumbers serving Sumter and the surrounding areas. We deliver a comprehensive list of plumbing services that will meet all of your home’s needs without breaking the bank. Our team of plumbing professionals is always ready to tackle your plumbing requirements, no matter how complex they are. From small repairs and maintenance to system troubleshooting and installations, we’ll get the job done on time and on budget.

Call us for any type of plumbing repair! No job is too big or too small, from a leaky faucet to replacing a main drain. We offer 24-hour service. We will also install your new tub, toilet and more – everything

AND the kitchen sink!

We can service your gas or electric water heater so that it operates at peak performance and energy efficiency. We can also install a new one if your current one is beyond repair. We also offer tankless water heaters, also known as inline, on-demand or instant-on water heaters, which are an energyefficient choice to consider when replacing your old one. We’re happy to advise you on the best options for your needs.

When conditions arise outside of a homeowner’s control, such as hydrant flushing, municipal pressure drops and service breaks, undesirable contaminants can be introduced into the home’s water system.

We are trained to assess, install, test and repair the devices used to prevent this from happening.

If you are remodeling your bath or kitchen, let our experienced plumbers help with installation or replumbing needs. Give us a call today to discuss your remodeling project, and we’ll provide a free quote!

Call us today at (803) 499-4108 or visit our website at www.wrightwayplumbingllc.com.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US # 1 !

PROUD MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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! u o y k n a h T Murrell Smith “Best Elected Official”

Thank you, Sumter County, for allowing me the honor to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. In my role as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and as District 67’s Representative, I promise to continue to be an effective voice on your behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of South Carolina. Thank you for your continued support!

126 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 14

29151

803.778.2471

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

TintMan Gill provides quality tinting in a family friendly atmosphere

The TintMan Gill would like to thank all the voters who made it possible to win the 2020 Best of Sumter contest as your local family owned window tint shop.

At the TintMan, we treat every vehicle like it’s our own.

The TintMan also offers commercial and residential tinting. We take pride in being able to offer quality products and services at an affordable price. The TintMan Gill LLC is a family owned business that goes above and beyond when it comes to accommodating the customer’s needs. This is done, in part, by offering AfterHourz services upon request because we understand that not all customers are capable of utilizing our services during normal business hours. The TintMan is usually booked, but we think the service is definitely worth the wait. Call or stop by to inquire about other services offered by the TintMan. The TintMan is located at 470 S. Guignard Drive, Suite 5. This is under the same roof as DCB Tire (fourth garage door). You can reach the TintMan by phone at (803) 847-9015.

The Tintman is a proud member of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you for voting us Best Home & Auto Insurance and Best Health Care Insurance in Sumter.

We were there when you first decided to follow your passion.

Today, we’re still here keeping all you have built Safe. Sound. Secure®.

Call or visit us.

BYNUM INSURANCE

1170 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, S.C. 29150 803-469-3030 bynuminsurance.com

Rep. Murrell Smith balances work, family and public service It is an honor to be recognized by my community in The Best of Sumter 2020 publication.

Most people do not realize that service in the S.C. House of Representatives is a part-time job. During session, I travel to Columbia three or four days a week while also juggling work and family time. My wife, Macaulay, and our children, Bee and Murrell, are extremely patient and the most important part of my life.

My “real” job is as an attorney at the Smith Robinson Law Firm, which has roots in Sumter reaching back over 150 years. We are a full-service firm with a highly dedicated group of attorneys and staff. My co-workers deserve as much credit for this recognition as I do.

It is my work in the General Assembly, however, that often receives attention. Fortunately, we have been highly successful in implementing legislative and fiscal policy that improves our state and Sumter County.

Economic development and quality jobs are the centerpiece of my legislative philosophy. It is why our recruitment of companies like Continental Tire and other well-respected manufacturers have been an emphasis, but so is providing incentives for existing businesses to expand.

Another critical aspect of job creation is training, and our investment in Central Carolina Technical College and A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

USC Sumter has been important. Creating partnerships between the colleges, the school district and business has allowed us to understand workforce needs and invest in “real world” initiatives that result in immediate jobs.

This philosophy has led directly to the CCTC Nursing School, the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Training Center, an expanded welding program and USC Sumter’s renovated science building.

I also recognize the pivotal role that quality of life plays in Sumter County. By investing in trails, roads, world-class tennis courts and improved baseball, soccer and football fields, we have enhanced our local parks, playgrounds, festivals, green space and recreational facilities.

Last year, I was elected chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, which writes the state budget and handles fiscal and tax legislation. It is a tremendous honor and challenge, but just as important is that this leadership position ensures Sumter County a “seat at the table.” This has always been my goal and will remain so during my time in public service.

Thank you again for this recognition. It is affirmation that we are accomplishing our goal of making Sumter a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Murrell Smith Representative, District 67 BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

American

Law Enforcement Officer

Kirk Carter Library

Sumter County Library Live Theater

Sumter Little Theatre Networking Group

Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Organization

Sumter United Ministries Park

Swan Lake-Iris Gardens Place for a Girls' Night Out

Sip & Gogh

Place for Kids to Have Fun

Skate Station

Place to Take a Visitor

Swan Lake-Iris Gardens Place to Volunteer

Sumter United Ministries Sports Leagues

Sumter County Recreation and Parks Department Summer Camp

Camp Burnt Gin Wedding Venue

Bridlestone

Eat & Drink 16

Fast Food

Willie Sue's

Chick-fil-A

Asian

Food Truck

Mon Café Japan

Susie's Chicken & Fries

Bar

Frozen Yogurt

Sidebar Barbecue

Sweet Frog

Grocery Store

Bar-B-Que Hut

Piggly Wiggly

Breakfast

Happy Hour

Eggs Up Grill Breakfast Buffet

Shuckers of Sumter Health Food

Shoney's

Be Fit Eat Fit

Brunch

Hot Dog

Baker's Sweets Buffet

Sonic Drive-In Ice Cream Store

The Restaurant at Second Mill

Baskin Robbins

Burger

Sambino's Bistro

J. O'Grady's Business Lunch

Simply Southern Bistro Butcher

Carnivore Butcher & Bottle Cake & Desserts

Baker's Sweets Catering

Italian

Liquor Store

Mac's Place Spirits Local Produce Farm

Dorr Farms Mexican

Yucatan Mexican Restaurant Nightclub

Chick-fil-A

J. O'Grady's After Hours

Coffee Shop

Pizza

Baker's Sweets Country Cooking

Pizza Lane Pizza Delivery

Guignard Diner

Papa John's Pizza

Deli

Produce

Mary Ann's Deli

Bradley's Market

Family Restaurant

Restaurant Drive-Thru

Yucatan Mexican Restaurant

Chick-fil-A

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

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Supporting Sumter with its best smile Since inception, Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has been devoted to the highest level of patient care while maintaining a friendly, family atmosphere. Our clinical teams in Sumter and Columbia are highly trained and equipped to provide quality treatment for virtually any dental need. We have integrated the latest technology to include low-dose 3D imaging and digital scanning to minimize treatment difficulty and increase accuracy in diagnosis. Our services, such as 3D guided implants, cosmetic procedures, Invisalign, sleep apnea treatment, complex restorative options and same-day service on most crowns, bridges and veneers, set our doctors apart. Our hygienists provide optimum preventive care and a full scope of periodontal therapy to help our patients maintain a healthy mouth. Our clerical team members are all extremely knowledgeable and ready to assist with any scheduling or financial need. Everything is done in a gentle manner in a Christian environment.

While our commitment to our patients is unmatched, we at Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry pride ourselves in the manner in which we support the well-being of our community and those

around the world. Our participation in community projects, events and local churches keeps us connected to those around us while our partnership with One World Health affords us opportunities to help provide quality, sustainable health care in impoverished areas around the world. This involvement also provides opportunities for mission trips where we can serve and give to those who have no access to care.

We at Palmetto are excited about our work, the manner in which we care for those around us, and the opportunities dentistry allows us to love the world. In the spirit of the love of Jesus, we exist to make the world better with everything we do.

Love others genuinely; serve others with kindness; and SMILE BIG!

Thank You For Voting Me

Thank you Sumter for voting us

BEST OF SUMTER 3 Years In A Row!!

• SEAMLESS ALUMINUM RAIN GUTTER • GUTTER CLEANING OR REPAIR • LEAF GUARD INSTALLATION

Best Family Practice!

Our primary care providers specialize in family medicine and strive to keep our patients, young and old, healthy all year long.

JONATHAN E. GOFF

803-968-4802 OVER 20 FREE DEPENDABLE PREMIUM YEARS QUALITY SERVICE PRODUCTS EXP. ESTIMATES 18

We Will See You Today!

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

(803) 773-5227 www.colonialhealthcare.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank You # for voting us 1 We strive to provide excellent service to our clients

Come see why we are #1!

Always Buying Gold!

Lowest pawn interest rate in the area & best layaway plan in town!

33 W. Liberty Street, Downtown Sumter • 18 N. Brooks Street, Downtown Manning

www.reliablepawnshop.com

Thank you

for voting us

BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY

2 North Main Street, Sumter SC 29150

803.778.1139 cbccornerstone.com

Thank you for voting us Best Glass & Mirror

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Reliable Pawn Shop earns reputation for honesty and respect

Reliable Pawn Shop has been locally owned since it was established in 1946. We lead the pawn industry as one of the oldest licensed pawnbrokers in the state of South Carolina.

As active members of the South Carolina and national pawnbrokers associations, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. As a result, we have earned the reputation of treating our clients honestly and respectfully.

Our retail inventory includes electronics, power and hand tools, musical instruments, audio/video equipment, DVDs, car audio, holsters, ammo, air conditioners, TVs, computers, lawnmowers, microwaves, fax machines, printers, cameras, bicycles, fishing equipment and much more. We specialize in firearms and jewelry, with new and pre-owned fine jewelry gracing each of our stores in Sumter and Manning and selections that are unrivaled in the area.

At Reliable Pawn Shop, we are happy to help you overcome any cash flow interruption with a collateral loan. We are staffed with experienced pawnbroking professionals to match our services to your specific situation. Thank you for voting for us!

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

College / University

Romantic Restaurant

Hamptons Salads

Central Carolina Technical College

Air Solutions Heating and Cooling

College Professor

Apartment Community

Pamela Dinkins CCTC

Driving School

The Retreat at Sumter Assisted Living Community

Willie Sue's

Potts Driving School

Covenant Place of Sumter

Sandwiches

Elementary School

Audio / Video Solutions

Mary Ann's Deli Restaurant

RE Davis College Preparatory Academy

Computer Upgraders

Seafood

High School

Bank of Clarendon

Palmetto Oyster House Snow Cones / Shaved Ice

Sumter High School Middle School

Pelican's SnoBalls

Alice Drive Middle School

Sports Bar

Preschool

Buffalo Wild Wings Steak

Outback Sushi

Ginza Grill Japanese Restaurant Sweet Tea

Chick-fil-A Takeout

China Chef Tex-Mex

Moe's Southwest Grill Wings

Leo's Home of the Chicken Wings

Education Adult Education

USC Sumter

20

Air & Heating Service

Westside Christian Academy Private School

Wilson Hall

School Administrator

Anita Hunter

RE Davis College Preparatory Academy

School Teacher

Robin Collier

RE Davis College Preparatory Academy

Tutoring Center

H.Y.P.E. After School Programs

Home & Finance Accounting

Barrineau Accounting

Bank

Bookkeeping Company

Shelly Lundberg, CPA Cable / Satellite Company

FTC

Carpet Cleaning

Rickard Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Company (Residential)

Maid N USA

Contractor / Remodeler

Billy Aycock/Aycock Construction Co. Countertops Company

Walton Counter Tops Credit Union

SAFE Federal Credit Union Decks & Porches

R&M Remodeling Drive-Thru Banking

BB&T

Electric Company

Black River Electric Co-op Inc.

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thanks for voting us

Best Dentist Office 2 Years in a Row!

Family Oriented Warm, Friendly Atmosphere • Painless Experience Single-visit crowns • Smile Enhancement • Preventative Care

Dr. R. Capers Lee

803.494.8466

5635 Broad Street Ext. Sumter, SC 29150 on the corner of 378 & 441

www.DentalTeamofSumter.com Like us on Facebook A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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FTC is your best bet for everything you need to stay connected

Thank you, Sumter Item readers, for voting FTC Best of Sumter for Best Internet Service Provider, Best Local Cellular Company and Best Cable/Satellite Company. We are humbled by your confidence in our products and services. As a local service provider, we are committed to helping you navigate the transition of technological advancements in the way you communicate, share information and seek entertainment.

That is why we recently launched a $70 million fiber construction project that, upon its expected completion in 2024, will deliver the highest-quality connection in the world to about 80% of our service area (Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Lower Florence and Williamsburg counties). As we approach the end of the initial phase, we will evaluate the best way to provide a similar connection to the remaining 20%.

Since winning the vote last year for Best Internet Service Provider, we have improved our internet plans, providing more bandwidth at similar pricing for our customers. We also provide symmetrical plans to our business and residential customers on fiber, meaning their download and upload speeds are identical. It’s all about the best internet experience!

Our expansive wireless network includes 140 towers across our service territory. We are constantly upgrading our cellular technology, proudly providing the most robust system in the marketplace today. Throw in the availability of the latest devices, and you have a wireless experience that is second to none.

The quality of the images on televisions is always getting sharper, but if the provider does not stay on the cutting edge, those newer TVs will not be sound investments. We can say unequivocally that we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the viewer experience, which includes our 24/7 channel highlighting local events and organizations, whole-home DVR, Video on Demand and watchTVeverywhere.

Voice over Internet Protocol is already saving numerous customers money because of the method it is delivered and the programs we have designed for it. If you have not looked into switching to the new voice plan, please call (888) 218-5050, or find us online at ftc.net and see what we can do for you.

Like all of you, we want quality services, but we don’t want to break the bank paying for them. So, combine any of these services together, and you will experience immediate savings of up to $40 a month.

One company, one payment, one bill, big savings, the best service. Military discounts are also available to active duty and retired personnel.

Again, thank you from all of us at FTC for this amazing honor.

Dr. Capers Lee finds service to God in dental profession

Capers Lee, DMD, is a 1982 graduate of the University of South Carolina and attended dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina. He graduated in 1986 and recently completed his 34th year practicing dentistry.

When Dr. Lee met a fellow dentist on a dove shoot in September 2003, little did he know that his life was about to radically change. Danny Gardner, a dentist in Charleston and an avid supporter of foreign and domestic mission work, mentioned taking a trip to Venezuela in the spring, and the rest is history.

Dr. Lee contacted Dr. Bill Sasser of Charleston, a veteran servant with the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and away they went. For the past 20 years or so, Dr. Lee has been able to tap into Dr. Sasser’s trips abroad with the CMDA about two or three times a year, serving in Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and his favorite, Honduras.

“I really think that God is leading me to do this a lot more often, and I am waiting to see how He would work that out. I could never have even dreamed of the blessings He has showered on our family since we started serving the world’s poor so intentionally.”

He is in his 34th year of marriage to his sweet wife, Tilly.

They have three sons, Hunter, Banks and Myles, as well as three wonderful daughters-in-law, Anna, Molly and Bailey.

They also have two young grandsons, Carson and Miller, 22

and twin grandchildren due in July 2020!

Hunter is a U.S. Air Force dentist stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, and Banks is a U.S. Air Force dentist stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Myles is a College of Charleston graduate employed by Bynum Insurance in Sumter.

“I can’t wait to see what God will do next. I’m really looking forward to continuing to serve Him the rest of my days on Earth.”

Dental Team of Sumter 5635 Broad St. Ext. Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 494-8466 www.DentalTeamofSumter.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for voting

FTC

THE BE BEST OF SUMTER! Bestt Internet Service Be Servi Provider Best Cable/Satellite Company Best Local Cellular Company

ONE STOP. FIVE STARS.

ftc.net | 888-218-5050

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Loan Company

Metro Mortgage Locksmith

Fence Company

Cameron R. Barnhill Financial Advisement

BB&T Scott & Stringfellow

Flooring Installation

Dixie Carpets Garage Doors

Advance Doors LLC Glass & Mirror

Glassco Inc.

Grading & Hauling

Charles Smith Co. Gutter Maintenance

Access Lock and Key Manufactured House Dealer

Greg Stone Appraisal Company Real Estate Closing Attorney

Curtis & Croft LLC

Real Estate Company

Oakwood Homes of Sumter

Bowen & Associates

Mold Treatment

Real Estate Inspector

Mortgage Lender

HouseMaster Home Inspections

SERVPRO

Gateway Mortgage Group Moving Company

Anderson Transfer New Home Construction Company

Great Southern Homes Nursing Home

NHC HealthCare, Sumter Painters

Jonathan E. Goff Seamless Aluminum Rain Gutters

Jon Sill's Custom Paint Works

Home Accents Company

Pool Company

Kevin Watford

Roofing Company

Callen Roofing Senior Care

At Your Service Home Care Tax Preparation

Ingram & Associates Tax Firm Window Cleaning

Clean by Design Cleaning Service LLC

Medical

Sumter Lighting and Home

Waterworks Pools and Spas

Home Security Company

Pressure Washing Company

Sumter Hearing Associates

Interior Decorating Company

Propane / Gas Company

Dr. Ryan Garbalosa

Investment Company

Property Management Company

Palmetto Security Company

Nicole Norris Design Studio Inc. Edward Jones Landscaping

Clean Cut Lawn Care & Landscaping

T-N-T Quality Lawn Service Palmetto Gas Corporation

Southern Touch Property Management LLC Real Estate Agent

Julie Rogers

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Real Estate Appraisal

Audiologist

Cardiologist

McLeod Cardiology Associates Sumter

Children's Dentist

Carolina Children's Dentistry of Sumter Chiropractor

Sandhills Chiropractic & Functional Health Center

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

How to choose a local bank

Join the

B UB LU CL H C SH AS WA D W ED TE M II T L II M NL U UN A LIN RO CA RTH NO H CAROLINA | GEORGIA | SOUT KANSAS AS | FLORIDA | MISSOURI | TEX

MADE EASY! FUNDRAISING , R YOUR TEAM FO S OPPORTUNITIE .

ON GANIZATI SCHOOL OR OR

UUPP W WAASSHH CEE N ONC OO TTO AA DDAAYY

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Best of Sumter 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 2530 BROAD STREET, SUMTER, SC

T I D A L W A V E A U T O S P A . C O M

They’re locally focused and committed to their communities, but it may surprise you that community banks make up a whopping 99% of all banks nationally and employ nearly 750,000 Americans. As a matter of fact, community banks make more than 60% of our nation’s small business loans and 80% of agricultural loans. Why should all of this matter to you? Consider these points when choosing a local bank: • Community banks specialize in “relationship banking.” Local bankers build relationships, and those relationships matter, especially when it comes to who you trust with your money.

• Timely decision making. Community banks are locally owned and operated, which makes gaining support and resolving issues much quicker and easier.

• Community involvement. Community banks put their money where their mouth is … literally. And not only money, but their employees give their time and talents to local efforts that support total community growth.

Bank of Clarendon is proud to have been voted the Best Bank in Sumter. Come see why your friends trust us and voted our team the best. As we say, “We’re all the bank you’ll ever need!”

To learn more about community banking, visit icba.org

You voted us Sumter's#1 BanK. Sumter · Manning · Santee · Summerton · Wyboo

BankofClarendon.bank A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Thank You Sumter for Voting Us “Best Urgent Care”

2020

Our Services Include:

* Urgent Care * Outpatient Labs, Ultrasound, CAT Scan & X-rays * Workman’s Compensation Injuries * Physicals * D.O.T. Physicals Open: Monday-Friday 8 am - 7:30 pm

(803) 905-FAST (3278)

www.FasterCareSumter.com 26

LORING MILL

DECLARATION BLVD.

*

WISE DRIVE

3440 Declaration Blvd • Sumter

PATRIOT PKY.

Saturday 10 am - 5:30 pm

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

FasterCare has more than a decade of serving the community We are honored to be named Best Urgent Care for 2020! We would like to thank everyone who voted for us.

We have been serving the Sumter community since 2005 by providing quality patient care.

We are proud to be a locally owned and run urgent care center with many capabilities, including CT scans, X-rays and outpatient laboratory testing. We appreciate our patients who place the trust of their care in the hands of our empathetic and knowledgeable staff.

Thank you to all who voted, because you are the reason we work to be the Best of Sumter.

(803) 905-FAST (3282) 3440 Declaration Blvd.

Sumter, SC 29154 www.FasterCareSumter.com

T h

f o u r o mak y k ing an

VOTED Thank you all for your support!

BEST ADULT EDUCATION

Best Charity Event

All proceeds go directly to the Sumter SPCA

2020

Get the BEST education for YOU today!

USCSUMTER.EDU A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Epps Orthodontics K9-5K Join Us! Saturday, May 30

Preregister for $25 per person ($30 day of race) The first 200 registered are guaranteed an event t-shirt Bring a donation for the SPCA and you’ll be entered to win a prize!

Check-in begins at 7am and the race begins at 8am Race leaves from Epps Orthodontics, 669 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC Register at www.runsignup.com or scan QR Code BEST OF SUMTER 2020

27

Covenant Place is the best for retirement living Covenant Place of Sumter has been voted The Best of Sumter year after year as the No. 1 choice for retirement living! Thank you, Sumter and surrounding areas, for your votes and continued support of Sumter’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community.

A group of caring people in Sumter, South Carolina, made a unique promise – a covenant – to the Sumter community to create a Continuing Care Retirement Community where the needs of mature adults and their loved ones could be met. The result of that promise to Sumter is Covenant Place – a warm, inviting retirement community whose doors opened in the spring of 1994. Tastefully designed to reflect Southern charm and hospitality, Covenant Place maintains its neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy 26 years later.

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Continuing Care Retirement Community, Covenant Place of Sumter Inc. offers the perfect lifestyle options for those who enjoy their independence with security for the future. Covenant Place provides a range of lifestyle options, including independent Apartment Home Living, Assisted Living, Connections at Covenant

Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care and outpatient rehabilitation.

Fundamental services such as meals, housekeeping, transportation and more are included in modest monthly service fees. The lifestyle is more affordable than you may think!

As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in the area, Covenant Place of Sumter is a rental community with no buy-in fees or long-term contract. Local area leaders serve on the Covenant Place Board of Trustees and work together with our management team to maintain our unique retirement community, located in the heart of Sumter at 2825 Carter Road – between Shaw Air Force Base and beautiful downtown Sumter.

Schedule your personal visit today to discover why Covenant Place of Sumter has been voted The Best of Sumter in The Sumter Item’s Readers' Choice contest year after year and why so many have made Covenant Place their home! Contact Melissa Linville at (803) 469-7007 or www.covenantplace.org, or find us on Facebook for more information.

THANK YOU SUMTER

FOR VOTING US THE BEST RESTAURANT FOR BUSINESS LUNCHES AND FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT DURING THE DIFFICULT TIMES WE HAVE BEEN FACING

Thank You to Sumter, Shaw Air Force Base & Surrounding Communities for Voting Us

“The Best of Sumter 2020”

Dance Studio

• TAKE OUT • ONLINE ORDERING • GIFT CARDS • CATERING

65 W. Wesmark Blvd • 803-469-8502

&

VOTED BEST OIL CHANGE & TOWING SERVICE YEAR AFTER YEAR

Children’s Fitness WRECKER

TIRES

OIL CHANGE

ACE PARKER TIRE SERVING SUMTER & THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 35 YEARS!

www.misslibbys.com 28

930 N. LAFAYETTE DR. • SUMTER • 775-1277 • ACEPARKER@FTC-I.NET Come see your Home Town Boys! or visit us at aceparkertires.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank You for voting us BEST Assisted Living Community

Sumter’s Only Full Service Continuing Care Retirement Community

CovenantLiving Place at its best

COVENANT PLACE

Lifestyle Options: •Apartment Homes •Assisted Living

2020

•Memory Care •Skilled Nursing

Call us today to learn more about our lifestyle options!

2825 Carter Road | Sumter, South Carolina 29150 | 803-469-7007 | www.covenantplace.org Covenant Place is a locally owned, not-for-profit, continuing care community. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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AND THE WINNERS ARE...

In-Home Care

Comfort Keepers

Sumter Pediatrics, P.A. Periodontics

Cosmetic Dentist

Palmetto Adult Medicine

Dr. Wallace L. Marshall, DDS

Laser / Skin Care

Physical Therapist

Cosmetic Surgeon

Colonial Aesthetics Advanced Laser & Day Spa

Dentist

Lasik Surgery

Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Emily Clark, MD

Dental Team of Sumter Dermatologist

Dr. Phillip L. Latham Jr. MD Dialysis Company

Fresenius Kidney Care of Sumter Home Durable Medical Equipment

Reliable Medical Equipment

Ear, Nose, and Throat

Sumter ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery Endodontics

Michael W. Nimmich, DDS Family Practice

Colonial Healthcare Hearing Aid Center

Miracle Ear

Home Health

Amedisys Home Health Hospice Care

Caris Healthcare Hospital

Prisma Health Tuomey Imaging Services

Tuomey Outpatient Imaging Center 30

Internal Medicine

Pediatric Practice

Dr. Gregory A. King, MD Sumter Eye Center

Medical Center

Tandem Health Nurse

Allison Shuler, MSN, RN Tandem Health

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Sumter ObGyn

Occupational Therapist

Sumter Physical Therapy Clinic Optometrist

Dr. Larry Scheele, OD Oral Surgeon

Richard S. Marks, PA Orthodontist

Dr. Thomas Epps Epps Orthodontics

Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Danny Ford

Outpatient Surgery

Wesmark Ambulatory Surgery Center Outpatient Therapy Clinic

Access Physical Therapy

Todd Hoover, PT Podiatrist

James B. Cahill, DPM, LLC Prosthetics Company

Reliable Medical Equipment Psychiatrist

Dr. David Justice Tandem Health

Psychologist

Sumter Behavioral Health Services Urgent Care

Faster Care Vein Specialists

Dr. Michael J. Naylor

Professionals Bankruptcy Attorney

Weissenstein Law Firm LLC Bartender

Phil Slusher

Hamptons/Rafters

Chef

Raffaele Dall'Erta Hamptons

Civil Attorney

Jason L. Reddick Consultant

Hodge Systems and Consulting Services LLC

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

TH A NK Y O U

PROPELLING COMMUNITIES; to all readers of Sumter Item for voting us TRANSFORMING LIVES. The Best Mortage Company FIVE Years In A Row!

MARY KOLB

Mortgage Sales Manager | NMLS 415199 803.626.0104 Office 803.464.4445 Cell Mary.Kolb@GatewayLoan.com

LAUREN LOCKLEAR

Loan Originator Assistant | NMLS 1130248 803.626.0118 Office Lauren.Locklear@GatewayLoan.com

PROPELLING COMMUNITIES; TRANSFORMING LIVES.

Gateway Mortgage Group, a division of Gateway First Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 7233. 665 Bultman Dr. | Sumter, SC 29150

Gateway Mortgage, a new kind of financial institution

Thank you for voting me

Best Insurance Agent

Gateway First Bank was born from the legacy of a 100-year-old community bank, Farmers Exchange Bank, and one of the top mortgage companies in the nation, Gateway Mortgage Group. This 2019 merger created a new kind of financial institution – one that thrives on entrepreneurial spirit and offers personalized financial services and expertise to our customers, employees and partners.

At Gateway, we weave the knowledge and expertise of our local mortgage professionals together with stateI help safe drivers SAVE 45% or more of-the-art technology and the powerful resources of a to make your homebuying experience Driving and avoiding accidentsnational can savecompany you I help safe drivers defensively SAVE 45% or more easy, reliable and fast. My promise to my clients is to Driving serious defensivelymoney. and avoiding accidents can save you And savings for driving safely is just the provide transparency, timely communications and serious money. And savings for driving safely is just the beginning. find you all deserve. the discounts you deserve. beginning.

I’ll help you I’ll findhelp all theyou discounts excellent service. I am committed to building stronger communities and families one home at a time. Call me Call me Call to start saving today. saving today. me to start today, and let’s get started!

Mary Kolb Mortgage Sales Manager | NMLS 415199 Bobby Beatson Agency, Inc. (803) 626-0104 – Office 803-778-6579 Bobby Beatson Agency, Inc. 389 Rast Street www.GatewayLoan.com/mary-kolb Sumter

803-778-6579

bbeatson@allstate.com

DISCOUNT PERCENTAGES VARY BY STATE, include discounts for having multiple Allstate policies/products and are subject to terms and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

179387

389 Rast Street Street Sumter, SC 29150 Sumter bobbybeatsonagency.com bbeatson@allstate.com

Gateway Mortgage Group, a division of Gateway First Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 7233. | 665 Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

31

Providing a personalized service to honor the life of each person

We are thrilled and so honored to be named Best Funeral Home for 2020. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home proudly serves the communities of Sumter County, Shaw Air Force Base, Lee County and Clarendon County. We are proud to embrace traditional values, diversity and innovation in honoring the spirit and life of each person we serve. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home has a full selection of funeral and memorial services, burial and cremation services and celebration services. Our funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to your inquiries.

Again, thank you to our voters and customers because you are the reason we strive to be the Best of Sumter.

ElmoreCannonStephens Funeral Home 515 Miller Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 7757500

Thank you!

3 years in a row!

We Do Automotive Service With A Smile.

1109 FLORENCE HWY, SUMTER, SC 29153 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8AM - 5PM

CALL TODAY! (803) 773-3379

• Oil Changes • Tune-Ups • Computer Diagnostics • Brake Service & Repair • Tires • AC Service

• Wheel Balance • Starters • Radiators • Shocks & Struts • Belts and Hoses • Air Conditioning

Thank you for Voting us Best Automotive Repair in Sumter 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

www.newmansautomotivesumter.com 32

Thank You Sumter For Voting 2020 Us The Best Employment Agency

2020

Norman Williams & Associates, Inc. Proudly serving Sumter for over 40 years

344 W. Liberty St. • Sumter, SC • 803-775-5308 • Fax: 803-773-3854 www.williamstemporary.com Email: Jess@williamstemporary.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for voting us

Best Funeral Home

515 Miller Road • Sumter, South Carolina 29150 Phone: (803) 775-7500 • www.ecsfuneralhome.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

2020

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Feel like you're always living in a dream with luxury housing at The Retreat For almost two years, the City of Sumter has enjoyed these stylish apartments nested on over 40 acres with the best of the city just minutes away. Our community offers spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes to suit all your wants and needs. Located conveniently on Broad Street, The Retreat is situated within the Sumter County school district, is convenient to the best dining, shopping and entertainment the city has to offer and is less than 5 miles from Shaw Air Force Base.

With phase two recently completed, The Retreat has more to offer than ever before. From the zero-entry luxury pool to the free-standing Crossfit gym to the fully furnished guest suites, which come with the flexibility of a hotel but the comfort of a house, this community has been designed with you in mind. Conveniently open six days a week, we invite you to stop by for a personal tour and find out why this property is truly a retreat!

Epps Orthodontics gives cutting-edge care to all ages

Thank you for voting Epps Orthodontics the Best of Sumter!

Since 1987, Dr. Thomas W. Epps has been providing children and adults with exceptional orthodontic care.

Dr. Epps received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Clemson University and his Doctorate of Medicinal Dentistry from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dentistry. He was ranked No. 1 in his dental class and completed a residency program at the University of Florida.

Dr. Epps feels it is important to stay on the cutting edge of orthodontics. He strives to continue his education by attending orthodontic seminars, reviewing current dental/orthodontic literature and reading and researching the latest and constantly changing orthodontic technology. Dr. Epps also maintains memberships in many prestigious professional organizations. He is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Southern Association of Orthodontics, South Carolina Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association and the Tri-County Dental Association. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Speech and Hearing Clinic.

We would be happy to help you and your family with braces or any other orthodontic appliances. Call us at (803) 775-5500 to schedule your appointment today.

36

For All Your Sign Needs!

Thank You For Voting Sign Wave the Best Sign Company in Sumter.

Thank you

for voting us BEST Vape Store 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

1345 Peach Orchard Rd Sumter, SC

803-494-2322

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for choosing us, Sum Sumter!

Best Apartment Community The Feel of a Resort

The Comforts of Home 803-494-1500

3330 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Putting members first at SAFE Federal Credit Union

At SAFE Federal Credit Union, our members come first.

Unlike big-box corporate banks, we work to achieve the best-possible financial outcomes for our members, not for anonymous groups of shareholders.

That’s why we are so grateful to our members and our community for giving us a vote of confidence in naming us Best of Sumter 2020’s top credit union. Thank you!

We’ve come a long way since our early days in 1955era Sumter County, when 15 Shaw Air Force Base civilian employees gathered together what cash they had to start a credit union.

Now, we’re one of the largest Midlands-based credit unions with more than $1.1 billion in assets and over 126,000 active account holders and growing.

Part of our forward vision is making sure our members have the most convenient account access possible.

That’s why we have 17 branch locations throughout the Midlands, as well as our recently upgraded online and mobile banking platforms to serve our members no matter where they are.

We can’t wait for you to join our SAFE family!

Connect with us online at www.SAFEfed.org, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SAFEfederalcreditunion, or @SAFEFCU.

Thank you from Curtis & Croft's dedicated staff

Thank you to all of our clients, friends and business associates for voting Curtis & Croft Best Real Estate Closing attorney’s office. Our office has an exceptionally hard-working and dedicated support staff who work as a team to make this potentially cumbersome process as seamless and efficient as possible. It is their efforts that are also recognized by this designation and, we extend our sincere thanks to all of them.

Additionally, we are proud to have Bill Buxton on our staff, who has been voted Best Family Attorney for the third year in a row.

Real estate transactions and Family Court matters can involve a great deal of negotiation, contentiousness and emotion. It is our hope that when facing issues related to the purchase or sale of a home, or matters related to the Family Court, our clients and potential clients will not hesitate to let us know how our team may be of service to guide them and represent them in a manner that provides not only a clear path, but also the best possible outcome.

We give a special thanks to the Sumter real estate community for its confidence in us, and we salute all the family law attorneys for their work in the name of justice and fairness to all parties concerned.

VOTEDVOTED BEST CREDIT UNION IN SUMTER! BEST CREDIT UNION IN SUMTER! VOTED BEST CREDIT UNION IN SUMTER! Thank you to our more 126,000 members who have Thank you tothan our more than 126,000 members who have VOTED BEST CREDIT UNION IN SUMTER! trusted us with their financial trusted us with their future. financial future.

Thank you to our more than 126,000 members who have Thank youtrusted to our more than 126,000 members us with their financial future. who have trusted with their financial future.

Us us Today Contact UsContact Today

VOTED VOTED BEST BEST CREDIT CREDIT UNION UNION IN IN SUMTER! SUMTER! Thank you to our more than 126,000 members who have

38

Thank you toToday our more than 126,000 members who have SAFEfed.org 800-763-8600 Contact Us SAFEfed.org 800-763-8600 Federally insured by NCUA trusted us with Federally insured

by NCUA Contact Us Today trusted us with their their financial financial future. future.

800-763-8600 SAFEfed.org Federally insured by NCUA 800-763-8600 SAFEfed.org

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST FAMILY LAW & REAL ESTATE CLOSING

W. Calhoun St. • Sumter, SC 29150 or selecting Amedisys 325 (803)778-7404 • (803)773-5645 fax e Best of Sumter 2019! www.curtisandcroft.com

for selecting Amedisys he Best of Sumter 2019!

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

proud to serve Sumter and the surrounding community. Thank your vote of confidence in the Amedisys Hospice team.

Sumter’s ONLY 5 star Amedisys Hospice, we measure our success by the comfort health agency as are proud tohome serve Sumter and thetheir surrounding community.

Thank patients and the satisfaction of families.

Our specialized for your vote of confidence in the Amedisys Hospice team. services are provided by some of the region’s most talented, rated by the Centers for sionate, and experienced hospice our specialists. e at Amedisys Hospice, we measure success by the comfort Medicare Medicaid ur patients and the satisfaction of and their families.

Our specialized ividualized plans of care and evidence-based practices allow us to

THANK YOU SUMTER FOR VOTING

R&M REMODELING #1

pice services are provided by some of the region’s most talented, compassionate, high-quality hospice careAmedisys for every patient, giving To learnhospice more about mpassionate, and experienced specialists.

e freedom to live all us theonline days ofattheir lives in comfort and dignity. visit www.amedisys.com

r individualized plans of care and evidence-based practices allow us to For information Amedisys Healthgiving ver compassionate, high-qualityon hospice care forHome every patient, (803) 720-5244. m the freedom to live services all the dayscall of their lives in comfort and dignity.

medisys edisys.com

For hospice information call (803) 774-4036

R&M REMODELING #1

2020

(803) 513 -1807 • KEITHOAKLEY1257@GMAILCOM

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US

t Amedisys 803) 774-4036. amedisys.com

allhome (803) health 774-4036.

0-5244. CMS FIVE-STAR

sys homeQUALITY health CARE CENTER 720-5244.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

39

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Photographer

Megan Manus Photography

Audri J's

Computer Store

Counselor

Wright Way Plumbing

Plumber

Computer Upgraders

The Well

Private Investigator

This N That Thrift Store

Drayton Investigations

Cosmetics Store

Matt Wilkie Criminal Defense Attorney

Chip McMillan

Electrical Contractor

Charles "Eddie" Drayton Veterinarian

Dr. Lester Bell

C2 Electric

Animal Medical Clinic

Estate Planning Attorney

Wedding Coordinator

Frank Shuler Event Planner

Anna Kate Sherrill

Parte Events and Design

Family Law Attorney

Bill Buxton

Curtis & Croft

Insurance Agent

Bobby Beatson Allstate

Loan Officer

Chris Lee

Bank of Clarendon

Pediatrician

Dr. James M. DuRant Jr. Sumter Pediatrics

Personal Injury Attorney

Marc Brown

Personal Trainer

Bodies by CG Pet Sitter

Kim West

Doggie Do's

Pet Trainer

Dogs in Training with Paw-la 40

Children's Clothing Store

Sharon Rogers & Bobbie McIntosh Southern Wedding Decor

Shopping & Commerce Antique Store

Broadstone Manor Antiques & Interiors Appliance Store

Ard's Appliance Sales & Service Bookstore

The Olive Tree and Doolallies Boutique

The Gift Garden Bridal Shop

Kyla Ann's Bridal Boutique Carpet / Flooring Store

Dixie Carpets and Flooring CBD Retailer

Alderman Drug Company & Medical Supplies

Consignment Store

Sephora

Department Store

TJ Maxx

Feed Store

Southern States Farm Home Garden Fishing Store

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Fitness Store

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Flea Market

378 Flea Market Furniture Store

Discount Furniture Outlet Gas Station

Tanners

Gift Store

The Olive Tree and Doolallies Guns & Firearms Dealer

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods Hardware Store

Wally's Hardware Jewelry Store

Galloway & Moseley Jewelers

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for voting

KELLY’S Termite & Pest Control

TERMITE TERMITE & PEST & PEST CONTROL CONTROL

As Best New Business in Sumter 2020!

(803) 481-0BUG ( 0 2 8 4 ) A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

41

LE CHECK PLACEIS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP OFTANNERS CENTER SPREA 2 LOCATONS TO SERVE YOU Monica Phan OWNER

2605 WAREHOUSE BLVD. (HWY 15 SOUTH), SUMTER, SC • (803) 506-2804 3088 ALEX HARVIN HWY. (HWY 301 & RACCOON RD.), MANNING, SC • (803) 473-2050

42

WE INVITE YOU TO SEE WHY TANNERS IS VOTED #1 FRIENDLY SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON...

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

I, Monica Phan, owner, would like to thank all my wonderful customers for voting us at

TANNERS #1 GAS STATION IN SUMTER

6 Years In A Row!

AD

• • • • • •

DAILY KITCHEN SELECTION 100% Gas 87 Octane 100% Gas 90 Octane CAM2 Race Gas Regular Gas On Road & Off Road Diesel Propane Fill Station

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Great Foods • Pizza Hamburgers • Subs Hot Dogs • Chicken Wings Hot Bar–Breakfast and Lunch

FULL SERVICE CONVENIENCE STORE

Beer • Wine • Cigarettes Lottery • ATM Clean Bathrooms

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

43

Tanners – more than a gas station, here to serve the community

It has always been my dream, since I came here when I was 13, to help people in the community.

Being here every day at Tanners allows me to send people to work in the morning and home in the evening with a smile on their face.

I’ve worked so hard to be able to own my own store to serve Sumter, Manning and the surrounding area with all their fuel-up, snack and convenience store needs, and I love talking to all of you every day and seeing your faces come back again and again.

Starting out as an accountant, I always knew I wanted to be in retail. In 2010, my dreams came true, and I thank all the loyal customers and the staff at Tanners for making it the Best Gas Station in Sumter for 2020 and now six years in a row!

Whether you need gas, breakfast, lunch or a hot dinner, it is my responsibility to send you away satisfied. Tanners offers a variety of fuel, including regular gas, propane, small engine fuel and race gas. Our store is packed with anything you’d want fast, from candy and chips to cold beverages. Our pizza and wings are hot and ready to take out or eat here daily.

You, the customers, are that most important part of my business. My reliable and caring staff has been here through hurricanes and snow, using a generator to provide food and gas knowing others may be out and in need.

From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank the voters enough for honoring me with Best of Sumter’s Best Gas Station award for 2020. It means the world to me because you mean the world to Tanners.

If you haven’t been out to see us at either of our locations on U.S. 15 South in Sumter or U.S. 301 in Manning, please come visit to learn about everything we have to offer. If you’ve been with us for a while now, we can’t wait to see you soon.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:45am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00pm Tuesday Prayer Service 7:00pm Wednesday Family Enrichment 7:00pm

2730 BROAD ST, SUMTER, SC 29150

(803) 469-2585 44

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

McLeod cardiologists offer expert cardiac care

The physicians of McLeod Cardiology Associates in Sumter offer expert heart care to the patients of Sumter County and surrounding areas. Cardiologists Dr. Ryan Garbalosa and Dr. Dennis Lang and Electrophysiologist Dr. Prabal Guha provide the highest-quality adult cardiovascular care utilizing the latest techniques.

Our care involves diagnoses and treatment of a wide array of conditions. From medication therapy to necessary medical procedures, we work closely with our patients to determine the best course of action for their health. We also focus on strategies for prevention of risk factors for heart conditions. There are many risk factors that can’t be controlled, like family history, age and gender. But many heart conditions can be influenced by lifestyle choices. We believe in building strong relationships with our patients that allow for discussion on lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of dangerous diseases.

For advanced heart care, you can trust McLeod Cardiology.

McLeod Cardiology Associates welcomes new patients. Appointments can be made by calling (803) 8835171. Physician and self-referrals are welcome. McLeod Cardiology Associates cares for patients in Sumter at 540 Physicians Lane and in Clarendon County at 21 E. Hospital St., Manning.

THANKS FOR VOTING OUR CARDIOLOGIST AS “BEST OF SUMTER 2020” McLeod Cardiology Associates thanks you for voting Dr. Ryan Garbalosa as Best Cardiologist in “Best of Sumter 2020”.

Our entire team of highly-skilled physicians is dedicated to providing our area with the highest quality adult cardiovascular care utilizing the latest techniques and treatments.

McLeod Cardiology Associates welcomes new patients. To make an appointment, call 803-883-5171. Physician and self-referrals are welcome.

Dr. Dennis Lang

Dr. Ryan Garbalosa

McLeod Cardiology Associates 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 803-883-5171

A PUBLICATION OFofTHE SUMTER ITEM 62236-MH Best Sumter ad.indd 1

Dr. Prabal Guha

McLeod Health mcleodhealth.org

BEST OF4/13/20 SUMTER10:51 2020 AM 45

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Paint Store

Lighting & Fan Store

Tobacco Store

Sherwin Williams

Sumter Tobacco Shop

Party Rentals

Tool / Equipment Rental Store

Let's Party!

Black Oak Equipment Rental LLC

Sumter Lighting and Home

Party Supply Store

Local Cellular Company

Pawn Shop

James Formal Wear

Pet Store

Sully Vapes

FTC

Mattress Store

Let's Party!

Reliable Pawn Shop

Discount Furniture Outlet

Leon's Lagoon

Men's Clothing Store

Pharmacy

C. Anthony's Menswear Music Store

Seaco Music Nursery

Tree House Nursery Office Equipment

Herald Office Supply Outdoor Furniture & Accessories

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

Cut Rate Soda Fountain & Drug Store Shoe Store

Tuxedo Rental Vape Store

Vitamin / Supplement Store

BJ's Health Food Store Wig Store

Diamondz Luxury Hair Extensions

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

Window Company

Sporting Goods

Women's Clothing Store

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods

Glassco Inc. TJ Maxx

Tire Store

Ace Parker Tire

Congratulations Best of the Best Best Boss

Best Local Industry

Aire Serv of Sumter

Jim Fetter

Kelly's Termite and Pest Control

Thompson Industrial Services

Best Expo Booth

Best Place to Work

Best Locally Owned Business

Tasteful Kreations Catering and Event Planning

46

Best New Business

SKF

Aire Serv of Sumter

See the full list of winners throughout this magazine and online at TheItem.com/BestOf.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

• Weddings

• Birthday Parties • Karaoke

• Music Videos

• Proms/School Events • Holiday Parties • Bar Mitzvahs

• Any Special Occasion

803-518-1737 www.djhowied.com Howie@djhowied.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

47

Having a party? Put DJ Howie D on the list for the best time!

No one wants to go to a party and be lulled to sleep by the music choice or feel awkward when the DJ makes you uncomfortable.

If you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, school event, anything, make sure that does not happen by booking DJ Howie D Entertainment DJs. Splitting his time between DJing and his job as a detective with the Sumter Police Department, DJ Howie will make sure guests are on their feet dancing, laughing and having fun the whole time. They won’t want to go

"

home!

We entertain guests of all ages and bring the party to any occasion, with music, entertainment, games and a state-of-the-art photo booth.

Weddings, birthday parties, karaoke, music videos, prom and school events, holiday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs and any other special occasion imaginable. You name it.

"

See what real clients had to say about DJ Howie D Entertainment DJs! This guy is wonderful, and he’s got moves on the dance floor. A true entertainer and a master to his craft. – LaTonya on The Knot

"

I was impressed with the DJ service and would use them again. They kept us all entertained and followed my instructions to a T! Loved everything about them!

– April on The Knot

We had such a mix of people at our wedding but that didn’t matter! EVERYONE was on the dance floor. That was my one fear was that people would not dance or there would only be a few people dancing, but Howie made sure everyone was comfortable and having fun!! – Caitlyn on The Knot

Your local mortgage professionals since 1993!

NMLS# 296204

Martha Neal NMLS# 299117 803.765.1772 phone Metromc.com 48

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

A home leader since 1987

We truly appreciate our customers voting us Best in Tree Service for 10 years in a row.

1455 N. Pike E Sumter, SC statetree.net 803-773-1320

Metro Mortgage is honored to have been voted among the Best of Sumter. Martha Neal and her team have helped thousands of families purchase and refinance homes in the Sumter and Shaw communities. Since starting in the mortgage business in 1987, Martha has been a leader in her field and quickly became an expert in working with members of our armed service community. Martha joined Metro Mortgage shortly after the company was founded in 1993 and has grown the business through referrals from satisfied customers and real estate partners.

Martha readily shares, “The best feeling is hearing from a former customer that is ready to buy another house or refinance their home and knows that Metro is going to take care of them, AGAIN! We have done as many as 10 loans for one family over the years.�

In addition to VA loans, Metro offers conventional, FHA and USDA programs. Each member of the Metro team is customer focused, working with homeowners to find the mortgage solution that best fits their needs. By keeping the processing and closing in house, Metro is able to provide exceptional service, update clients on the status of their loan in real time and close loans quickly.

Experience, communication and personal service are the standard at Metro Mortgage and set it above the rest!

Thank You, Sumter! for voting us Best of Sumter for all of your Tuxedo rental needs Serving Sumter 38 Years

8 W. Hampton Avenue

773-2320

www.JamesFormalWear.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

49

Sandhills Chiropractic and Functional Health Center is here to help you and your family

Our mission at Sandhills Chiropractic and Functional Health Center is to deliver exceptional health care to our community by providing the very best in upper cervical-specific chiropractic, nutrition and functional medicine from birth through life.

Dr. Benjamin Leldon Bradshaw is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Pastoral Science, an expert in Functional Medicine and Nutrition, board certified by the American Board of Chiropractic Internists and the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. He serves on the board of the Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific Organization and is an instructor to doctors and students all over the world. Dr. Bradshaw is renowned for working with autoimmune disorders such as thyroid and diabetes.

Some of the other services we are known for include: hormone testing for men and women, pediatric care, food sensitivity, mold testing, family planning, nutritional counseling and more.

Call (803) 469-0340 to schedule you and your family's appointment today!

Thank you for your Support!

Animal Medical Clinic of Sumter, where our patients are family members

The Animal Medical Clinic of Sumter was founded in 1981 by Dr. Lester Bell and has been dedicated to providing quality care to your pets since its doors first opened. Dr. Bell has 40 years of experience in veterinary medicine and has handpicked a group of doctors and technical staff who are compassionate and stay abreast of the latest advances in veterinary medicine and surgery. The Animal Medical Clinic strives to bring those advances as well as human touch to all our patients. This is reflected by being accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association for more than 27 years. The staff is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Our goal is to offer the best in veterinary care to Sumter and surrounding areas. We believe our patients are our family members. Our mission statement has always been “Excellence in Veterinary Care.”

We have supported our local Humane Society (SPCA) and several rescue groups for 35-plus years and continue to offer our support by volunteering, having performed more than 5,000 surgeries on their behalf.

THANK YOU for voting us Best Painters

Jon Sill’s CUSTOM PAINT WORKS Commercial & Residential

803-464-2480

sumterpaintman@yahoo.com

Thank you

for voting us Best Bookkeeping Service Service.

It’s our pleasure to serve you!

WINNER 6 YEARS IN A ROW!

3355 Patriot Parkway, Sumter

(803 ) 469-2500

Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm 50

•

Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm

Shelly A. Lundberg Certified Public Accountant 2630-B Hardee Cove, Sumter, SC slundbergcpa.com 803-469-7300

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

You want the best for your pet.

So Do We. Caring for animals isn’t what we do‌

Lester M. Bell, DVM

Addie K. Williams, MS, DVM

James R. Breland, MS, DVM

It is who we are.

We are fur-ever grateful for your trust in us.

21 Pinewood Rd, Sumter (803) 773-1616 ACCREDITED MEMBER SINCE 1992

www.animalmedicalsumter.com

Wendy Burbage

Jessica Slaughter

Rebecca Slate

Madison Ferguson

Denise Curry

Rachael Willis

Rebekah DuBose

Brianna Sprott

Thank you for voting us

#1 CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE! We are so honored that you have once again voted us the Best Chiropractor of 2020. It is your faithful support that gives us passion and purpose. We continue to strive for excellence and are grateful you have entrusted us with you and your family’s health. We will always give you our very best and give the glory and honor to God.

Leldon Bradshaw DC, DABCI, DACBN

Chiropractic Functional Medicine Functional Nutrition Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Infared Sauna Food Allergy Testing Comprehensive Thyroid and Hormone Testing Diabetes Lifestyle and Nutritional Support

 Â? Â?Â?Â?   ­€ Â

‚

� � ƒ „  „  …   … ‚†

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

51

Thank you Sumter for voting

Aycock-Richardson Monument Co. #1

Saluting Outstanding Achievement Congratulations to the BB&T Scott & Stringfellow Sumter office for being named the Best for Financial Advisement in the Annual Best of Summer contest. We salute your success and the commitment to excellence it reflects.

Thank you for your contributions that strengthen the Sumter community and enrich its future.

L. Travis McIntosh, AAMS Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor Charles V. Noyes, II Vice President, Financial Advisor

2020 Aycock-Richardson Monument Co. We are Sumter’s and surrounding counties’ oldest monument provider and strive to be the most trusted monument & stonework provider.

216 North Main Street, Suite 200, Sumter, SC 29150-4959 803-774-2700 n 888-901-6688 No payment was made to participate or receive nomination. Any person can make nominations and votes can be cast by any person daily. Winners who receive the most votes are awarded the honor.

A fee was paid to distribute the recognition resulting from the contest.

BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is a division of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. BB&T Securities, LLC, is a wholly owned nonbank subsidiary of Truist Financial Corporation. Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered, or recommended by BB&T Scott & Stringfellow are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may lose value.

Complete Building, Design & Construction Services, including:

650 S. Guignard Dr. Sumter • 803-773-2654 Concrete Placement

Structural Steel Erection Pipe Fitting

Building Sumter one construction site at a time Welding

Equipment Relocation Office Remodels Carpentry

Jones & McIntosh is a full-service construction company providing design build and construction Together we can services such as build amazing things. concrete placement, structural steel erecting, pipe fitting and welding, equipment relocation, office remodels and Commercial Contractor general carpentry. Jones & McIntosh focuses on the long-term relationships with Best surrounding Sumter industries as we partner with food and beverage, chemical pulp and paper and other local industries to provide top quality services.

Jones & McIntosh is also partnered with two metal building brands and performs the design and erection for each as needed. We provide competitive pricing and deliver quality craftsmanship and Jones & McIntosh, LLC workmanship. All personnel with Jones & McIntosh deliver superb leadership and 2185 Storage Road, Sumter, SC 803-905-3500 safety practices while meeting scheduled completion dates. Please let us know how we can help.

Office: 803-905-3500 Fax: 803-905-3545 Email: jandm@ftc-i.net 52

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Complete Building, Design & Construction Services, including: Concrete Placement Structural Steel Erection Pipe Fitting Welding Equipment Relocation OfďŹ ce Remodels Carpentry

Together we can build amazing things.

Best Commercial Contractor

Jones & McIntosh, LLC 2185 Storage Road, Sumter, SC

803-905-3500

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

53

Dixie votes Sumter "Best American City for Business"

Our family has been operating our business, Dixie Products, for more than 50 years. We are deeply grateful for the many wonderful people of Sumter and Shaw who have supported us as customers and friends.

We at Dixie know, from experience, that as a city that embraces, encourages and supports the success of businesses both new and old, the City of Sumter has no rival.

Sumter wins, first place, #1!

The loyal citizens of Sumter, these many years, have trusted us to supply their truck accessories, utility buildings, trailers, toolboxes and lawnmowers from our truck side and have invited Dixie Carpets into their homes and businesses to help choose new flooring!

Especially now with the homegoing of our founder, husband, father and boss, “Mr. Bobby,” we are so glad Sumter has been our business home honoring us with your votes for Best Car and Truck Accessories, Best Flooring Installation Company and Best Carpet/Flooring Store!

Our son, Rob, will continue to help you with everything that is needed for your truck and keep it dressed up for every occasion.

Denise and Jan, the Dixie Blondes, will still strive to make it easy and frugal to choose the best-quality flooring from our many new products.

Once again, we at Dixie – Jan, Rob and the DuBose family, faithful employees and installers – thank each of you personally for your very special, valuable vote of confidence in us!

We pray God’s favor, blessing and safety on your life, today and every day!

Sumter Pediatrics: Giving your family the best care Sumter has to offer

The physicians and staff of Sumter Pediatrics, P.A., continue to be honored that our practice has been voted Best Pediatrics facility for the second straight year in the Best of Sumter 2020 contest. Our group of dedicated providers has been providing care for Sumter, Shaw Air Force Base and the surrounding communities for over 50 years. We continue to offer a full range of services to care for your child no matter what age. In addition to in-office visits, we now offer telehealth visits, as well, to better serve you from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.

We would also like to take the time to thank Sumter for voting James M. DuRant Jr., MD, the Best Pediatrician for the second time in the Best of Sumter contest. Dr. DuRant and his colleagues are here to serve you and provide the very best possible care Sumter has to offer.

Call us today to schedule an appointment.

237 Church St., Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-6311 www.sumterpediatrics.com Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - noon Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

Thank You for voting Dixie in 3 categories!

BEST FLOORING • TRUCK ACCESSORIES • FLOOR INSTALLATIONS

Come See T he

Dixie Blondes!

Dixie 1255 Carpets & Dixie Products N. Lafayette • Sumter • 775-4391 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday • 8:00am - 12:00pm Saturday

54

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Experience...

Thank you for voting us BEST Pediatrics

You Can Count On!

Dr. DuRant

SUMTER

Heather Blanton Burns, DNP Hanna Rivers, FNP

PEDIATRICS, P.A. Together We Are Caring For The Future

237 Church St. | Sumter, SC | 803•775•6311

www.sumterpediatrics.com

Mac’s Place

Dr. Key

Dr. Arscott

Dr. Mitchiner

Dr. Grier

Dr. Easler

and congratulations to Dr. DuRant for being voted

BEST PEDIATRICIAN Thank you for voting us BEST Bankruptcy Attorney

Weissenstein Law Firm, LLC A. Paul Weissenstein, Jr. Attorney at Law General Practice including

FINE WINE & SPIRITS

BANKRUPTCY

Auto Accidents • Disability • Estate Planning Litigation • Real Estate • Wills • Estate Administration Foreclosures • Personal Injury • Social Security www.WeissensteinLawFirm.net “Pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, we are a debt relief agency and help people file for bankruptcy relief.”

803-418-5700 106 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 29150

Everyone at Mac’ s Place Spirits would like to THANK our customers for this award. We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to another great year!

Thank you for voting us your #1 Security Company for 8 years.

4 Locations to Serve You!

Your confidence in our ability to serve you for 43 years is humbling and gratifying.

1415 Guignard Pky. 699 A Bultman Dr. 699 B Bultman Dr. 5644 Broad Street Ext. A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

803-774-3201 803-774-2710 803-774-3700 803-494-9116

4 Medical Ct. Sumter, SC 29150

We are here for YOU.

(803) 469-6222

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

55

Sumter BD plant advancing the world of health

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care.

The company supports the heroes on the front lines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers.

BD and its 65,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of health care delivery processes, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. Every one of us plays an important role in bringing the BD brand to life by seeking new and better solutions that address our customers’ unmet needs, improve patient outcomes, reduce the cost of care, and expand health care access.

The devices we manufacture at BD’s Sumter facility are, in large part, used by health care workers in acquiring, containing and preparing a patient’s sample for diagnostic testing. As an example, if you’ve ever had your blood drawn, it’s very likely your health care provider

used a BD needle, several BD tubes, or both. Those are the devices that we manufacture at BD Sumter.

BD began operations in Sumter 50 years ago with 125 associates and has steadily grown to nearly 1,000.

Over the years, BD Sumter has employed thousands of people from Sumter and surrounding counties and, they have produced many hundreds of billions of medical devices in return. Our associates take pride in BD’s purpose and make it their own. And we feel that’s why our average employment tenure exceeds 17 years of service. In addition to their incredible work at BD, many of our associates also participate in various communityminded philanthropies and regularly serve as leaders in organizations throughout our community.

On behalf of our BD Sumter Leadership Team, I’d like to extend a big thank you to our BD associates! Your efforts are making a world of difference. And to the citizens of Sumter, thank you! We are honored and take great pride in knowing that you acknowledge us as an employer of choice here in the region.

We are BD. We are focused on Advancing the World of Health. #BDWayAllTheWay

THANK YOU FOR VOTING

Thank You Sumter for voting us #1 In Home Care!

CELEBRATING

60 YEARS

E B R ATI N

C

G

60 EL

YEARS

BEST NEW & USED CAR DEALERSHIP 950 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 803-773-1481

www.mclaughlinford.com

56

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

We’re celebrating 50 years of manufacturing medical devices in Sumter, South Carolina!

Thank you, Sumter, for all you do!!

Advancing the World of Health

Delivering Superior Quality Medical Device Products Through a Talented and Engaged Workforce

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

57

Bowen & Associates Realty opened in the fall of 2017. It has grown very fast!

It now has 22 agents, a full-time office administrator and bookkeeper. Its location, very close to Shaw Air Force Base, has been very convenient for walk-in buyers, sellers and renters.

Bowen and Associates has an in-house lender, Todd McDonald, with Guaranteed Rate for the convenience of its buyers.

It represents Homes for Heroes, which is a great program for military, veterans, first responders, medical personnel and teachers. Today, it has assisted well over a dozen families with substantial cash back after closing rebates. It has a fully staffed rental department.

Bowen and Associates participates in many Sumter and Shaw events, giving back to the community that supports it!

Thank You for Voting Us Life is busy...

BEST LIFE INSURANCE let an agent handle your insurance, and relax knowing they have you covered.

I took a vow . . . I will keep that promise til’ death do us part.

That’s why I bought life insurance from Auto-Owners, to secure your future, no matter what.

THE BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY CITY • 000-000-0000 25 E. Calhoun, St., Sumter, SC www.bestinsuranceagency.com

25 E. CALHOUN ST • SUMTER 803-775-1168 (803)-775-1168 • www.crwins.com

Robbie Nalley & Scott Kinder

www.crwins.com

Thank You for choosing us as

Best Real Estate Company

3219 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150

803-468-4291

bowenandassociatesrealty.com 58

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

James Formal Wear is the perfect fit for any occasion

Thank you, Sumter! The James family has been renting and selling quality tuxedos in the Sumter area since 1957 with integrity and dependability. Come see us for a large selection of tuxedos with competitive pricing and exceptional service.

Being an independent store, we are not obligated to any one company or style. If you need a special color of tuxedo or vest and we don’t have it, we will find it for you. Accommodating the customer is our No. 1 priority.

But, the fit of the tuxedo is the most important reason for coming to James Formal Wear. Our experienced sales staff will measure you correctly.

On your special day, you will feel comfortable and confident while walking down the aisle or for any other formal occasion.

Visit us at 8 W. Hampton Ave., Sumter, SC 29150, or call (803) 7732320.

Nancy Lee Zimpleman

Call us to handle all your marketing needs.

803.774.2182 nancylee@swordlily.net Swordlily.net

Thank you for Voting Us Best Garage Doors

803.934.1484 125 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter GarageDoorsSumterSC.com

Computer Upgraders Thanks our Customers For Their Support

Thank You

COMPUTER UPGRADERS

for voting us BEST Travel Agency 2 Years in a Row

1345 Peach Orchard Rd Suite C . Sumter, SC

Thank you for voting us Best Web Design Company 2 years in a row!

PC, Apple, Custom Builds, Notebook, Phone, Tablet, TV, Printer, Cell Phone Repair Electronic Repair and Sales

803-494-2322

803-773-2881

www.computerupgraders.com 19 Pinewood Road, Sumter, SC 29150

INGRAM & ASSOCIATES

Tax Firm

Across from Millwood Elementary

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

THANK YOU for Voting Us #1 Tax Preparation Company Year After Year!

Honored to be serving the surrounding area since 1966

2020

4424 BROAD ST. EXT., SUMTER, SC 29154 PHONE (803) 494-8292 • FAX (803) 494-8126

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BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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McLeod Health and Palmetto Adult Medicine – health care you can trust

The physicians of Palmetto Adult Medicine, Dr. Ansel McFaddin, Dr. Harry Jordan, Dr. Andrew Reynolds and Dr. Hugh Stoddard, are trusted members of our community and bring years of experience providing quality care to the residents of Sumter, Clarendon, Lee and Williamsburg counties. Together, McLeod Health and Palmetto Adult Medicine provide the highest level of expertise in diagnosis and treatment of adult medical conditions.

Specializing in: • Arthritis & Autoimmune Diseases • Cholesterol & Diabetes Management • High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease • Geriatrics & Medicare Wellness Visits • Osteoporosis • Pulmonary Disease • Well visits, physicals • Women’s Health Palmetto Adult Medicine is now offering Televisits, a convenient option for a virtual medical visit using a mobile device from your home. To schedule an appointment, please call (803) 905-6800.

Guignard Animal Clinic voted Best Animal Hospital

Guignard Animal Clinic has been serving the Sumter area for more than 30 years. Our goal is to provide the highest-quality medical and surgical care to our patients while providing our clients with education and assistance in all aspects of animal care and ownership, including public health awareness. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations by treating owners and their pets with respect, honesty and compassion and treating all animals as if they were our own. Our services are provided in a clean, safe and friendly environment, and our goals are to work as a team, complementing each staff member’s talents and retaining a positive attitude.

We are a full-service veterinary clinic, offering complete medical, surgical and dental care for a variety of animals including cats, dogs, avian, exotic pets, horses and livestock. Our friendly doctors are also available to perform house calls when convenient. We have several onsite diagnostic options such as laboratory testing and digital radiography as well as a full dispensing pharmacy for your convenience.

Because preventing illness and disease is the core of good medicine, we also offer comprehensive preventative examinations, vaccinations and routine annual testing tailored to all of your pet’s life stages. Our friendly staff is always ready to assist you and your pet.

THANKS FOR VOTING

PALMETTO ADULT MEDICINE AS BEST INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE FOR 2020!

“We are honored by the Best of Sumter recognition and look forward to continuing to serve the healthcare needs of our community.”

- Palmetto Adult Medicine

Dr. Ansel McFaddin

Dr. Harry Jordan

Palmetto Adult Medicine

1295 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 803-905-6800

Dr. Hugh Stoddard

Dr. Andrew Reynolds

McLeod Health mcleodhealth.org

Adult 2020 Medicine ad.indd 1 4/8/20 9:51ITEM AM 60 62237-Palmetto BEST OF SUMTER A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER

For Choosing Us as Your Personal Jeweler

As we celebrate our 85th Anniversary in business, we are honored to again be voted The Best Jewelry Store in Sumter.

We appreciate your vote and your continued confidence, and look forward to serving you and your family by helping to create magical memories for many years to come!

Family Owned and Operated

Over 50 Years in Carpet & Flooring

(803) 481-5257

rickardcarpetcleaning.com

Sincerely Yours, Danny Chandler | Britton Moseley and the Staff of Galloway & Moseley Jewelers

Fine Jewelers Since 1935 444 N Guignard Dr • Sumter • 803.775.1209 2001 Hoffmeyer Rd • Florence • 843.292.0150 online at www.GallowayandMoseley.com

A big Thank You for voting for us!

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BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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The Law Office of Jason L. Reddick, LLC Would like to thank you for voting us Best Civil Attorney

The Law Office of Jason L. Reddick, LLC is a general practice law firm representing residents of the State of South Carolina with their legal needs as they may arise.

• Divorce • Child Custody • Child Support • Adoption • Name Change • Restraining Orders/Orders of Protection • Criminal Defense • Simple Wills/Living Wills/Powers of Attorney

• Business Formation Consulting (LLCs, Partnerships, etc.)

• Personal Injury/Automobile Accidents • Guardian ad Litem • Contract Formation and/or Review • Debt Collection • Magistrate Court/Summary Court

If you need help in any of the above legal areas, do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation. If you do not see a specific issue listed, feel free to contact us to see if we are able to assist you. If we are unable to assist you, our office will likely be able to refer you to a qualified attorney who can handle your situation appropriately.

132 North Main Street • Sumter, South Carolina 29150 • Office: (803) 795-4467

www.jasonreddicklawsc.com

Thank Y�u!

piggly wiggly

for voting us BEST Durable Medical Equipment & Prosthetics Company

246 Broad Street • Sumter, SC

803.934.9212

reliablemedequipment.com

Thank y�u

Your neighborhood one-stop shopping experience.

Thank you for voting Piggly Wiggly the BEST GROCERY STORE, locally owned and operated for 4 generations, the McLeod Family and all of the Piggly Wiggly Employees say thank you for letting us serve the Sumter community for 60+ years!

for voting us BEST Senior Care

645 Bultman Drive • Sumter, SC

803-607-9677 62

Piggly Wiggly #88 Piggly Wiggly #90 Piggly Wiggly #91 1455 S. Guignard 1011 Broad St. 114 E. Calhoun St.

778-5752

773-6011

775-4712

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Yucatan Mexican Restaurant dedicated to customers

We would like to thank you for voting us Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Family Restaurant in the 2020 Best of Sumter contest. Family owned and operated for 21 years, we have strived to provide the best restaurant experience possible. Our team prides itself on providing great-tasting food and a comfortable family environment in which to enjoy it.

The staff enjoys getting to know our guests, and we are truly honored to have the opportunity to serve you each day.

Thank you again to our loyal customers. We look forward to serving the Sumter community in the years to come.

– Hector Reyes and the Yucatan staff

"

Our team prides itself on providing great tasting food and a comfortable family environment in which to enjoy it.

Jason Reddick voted best for civil cases

Sumter County has been trusting The Law Office of Jason L. Reddick LLC with its legal matters since 2012, and we are thankful for everyone who voted us Best Civil Attorney in Sumter for 2020.

Our office is located in the heart of historic downtown Sumter. Our highly qualified team takes special pride in serving members of the Sumter community and armed forces with regard to military divorces, civilian divorces and custody agreements.

We also represent clients in criminal defense, civil litigation and probate matters. Jason has been proud to serve Sumter County and the surrounding communities since his return to Sumter in 2012 following his graduation from law school at the University of South Carolina.

We can make special arrangements for home visits, if necessary. We also serve clients throughout the state of South Carolina. Helping you to get the best legal outcome you deserve is our highest priority.

Please contact us at (803) 795-4467 to schedule a consultation.

Again, thank you for putting your trust in us. We constantly aim to do the best by you, and we truly appreciate the honor you’ve given us.

Thank You Sumter for Voting Us “BEST PLACE FOR MEXICAN FOOD”

& “BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT”

(803) 905-1955 1316 BROAD ST, SUMTER, SC 29150

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Sumter Physical Therapy gives result-driven treatment in family environment

Thank you to everyone in the Sumter, Lee and Clarendon areas who voted for us to be named Best Occupational Therapist in Sumter for three years running. I also want to extend my gratitude for all those who especially voted for me, Todd Hoover, as Best Physical Therapist. It is an HONOR to be serving our Sumter, Lee and Clarendon communities alongside the BEST STAFF a person could ever ask to be associated with for the last 24 years. It is our team and family approach that sets us apart from all the REST. We have been blessed and honored to have provided and continue to provide the best physical therapy and occupational therapy in the area.

It is our mission to provide each and every person with the most caring, compassionate and effective result-driven treatment possible utilizing the wealth of knowledge and experience of our staff. We strive to treat each patient as part of our extended family. Our family environment fosters a positive response in our patients, which helps people heal and recover in a positive manner, both

physically and mentally. Whether it is a sprain, strain, contusion or post-operative repair, we have the experience and expertise to do the best job and get the results you deserve.

We are locally owned and operated and would love to serve anyone in need of physical or occupational therapy. Again, thank you to our voters and customers, because YOU are the reason WE strive to be the Best of Sumter.

Sumter Physical Therapy 1185 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC (803) 469-3213

THANK YOU SUMTER & SURROUNDING AREA

for voting us Best of Sumter 2020 Brian Broadway

C.W. Ard

Mark Ard

for voting the

Links at Lakewood BEST Sumter Golf Course in 2020.

3600 Greenview Pkwy., Sumter, SC 29150

803.481.5700 www.thelinksatlakewood.com

SEE US FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE NEEDS!

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Thank you Sumter, Shaw, & Surrounding Communities for voting BILLY AYCOCK 2020

APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE

773-2737 • 21 W. Wesmark Blvd., Sumter 64

Best Contractor/ Remodeler

7 years in a row!

803.309.4574

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

for voting us Sumter’s Best Occupational for voting us Sumter’s Therapy Clinic Best Occupational Therapy Clinic

SUMTER 1185 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC

803-469-3213

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Thank you Anita Hunter Best School Administrator

for voting us

R.E. Davis College Prep. Academy Best Elementary School

Robin Collier Best School Teacher

345 Eastern School Road, Sumter

803-495-3247

Wally’s Hardware is very thankful to be voted Best of Sumter for Hardware Store

3 YEARS IN A ROW!

Come see what makes us #1

Thank you, Sumter, for voting us Thank you, Sumter, for voting us Best Fitness Center/Gym Best Fitness Center/Gym for Best of Sumter 2020! for Best of Sumter 2020!

To join the excitement, find us on-line, visit or call us!

To join the excitement, find us on-line, visit or call us!

1291 Broad St. Ext. • Sumter, SC 469-8531 Open: Mon-Fri. 8am - 5:30pm • Sat. 8am - 2pm 66

www.ymcasumter.org www.ymcasumter.org 510 Miller Road 510 Miller Road

Facebook/Sumterymca Facebook/Sumterymca 803.773.1404 803.773.1404

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Sumter Strong at R.E. Davis HouseMaster is looking out The administration, faculty, staff, district-level for you and your four walls personnel and stakeholders support all students as they develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, academically challenging and literacy-focused learning environment.

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy’s motto is “Armed with our S.W.O.R.D.” Students are reminded daily to use their S.W.O.R.D. (Seek Excellence, Work Hard, Observe Rules and Procedures, Respect Self and Others, and Do the Right Thing).

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy places an emphasis on educating the whole child through character development, AVID, NMSI (STEM education program) and integrated research-based best teaching practices to meet the individual needs of our students.

We are a Title I school where teachers challenge students through content-based critical thinking skills, problemsolving activities, educational field trips, guest speakers and hands-on math and science activities.

Community leaders, members of the faith-based community, parents and other stakeholders actively participate in the school renewal plan, accreditation process and are members of the School Improvement Council, which ensures a perpetual focus on developing all students for career and college readiness.

We are honored to have been voted the Best of Sumter for 2020 Real Estate Inspector! Thank you to all of the real estate professionals and clients for continuing to recommend our services. For the past 28 years, we have provided Sumter and the surrounding areas with the most comprehensive and thorough inspections in the industry.

HouseMaster inspectors have completed over 3 million home inspections nationally, and our unique level of experience, training and annual testing are just a few of the advantages that HouseMaster customers remember and appreciate. It’s no wonder the most respected real estate professionals feel confident in telling their clients about HouseMaster, knowing they are selecting a professional home inspector who has been there yesterday, today and, most importantly, tomorrow.

So, whether you are purchasing, selling or investing, call us today to schedule your home inspection, or visit our easyto-navigate website at www. housemaster.com and schedule online. Thank you again, Sumter, for voting us the Best Real Estate Inspector, and we look forward to serving you for the next 28 years.

www.housemaster.com A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Thanks for choosing us Sumter!

Southern Touch Property Management is a veteran, family owned company proudly serving all of Sumter County and surrounding area. We are fully licensed and offer full-service property management. We specialize in the management of single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, condos and offices.

Why choose Southern Touch?

✔ Professional and responsive service to all our clients ✔ Competitive pricing ✔ We maintain low vacancy rates and consistent rental income ✔ Up-to-date understanding of the rental market conditions resulting in optimized market pricing and income generation. ✔ Available on the weekends and after hours. ✔ Easy to find near Swan Lake

We also offer in-house real estate selling/buying services

Caring for your investment Michelle Schneider

Southern.Touch.pmic@gmail.com 5 Medical Ct. • Sumter

803.847.3794 Thank you for voting us Best Lumber Company

Thank you for voting us the best!

Catering

Fast Food

Restaurant Drive-Thru

Sweet Tea

BARNS & LUMBER

Thank you for voting Chip McMillan

Sumter Locations 1057 Broad St., Ste 7 (Sumter Mall) 803-775-9072 1170 Broad St. 803-905-2620 68

Jefferson

BEST CRIMINAL ATTORNEY PLAYER & McMILLAN ATTORNEYS AT LAW

305 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 803-775-2306

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

“Caring “ C a r i nfor g fYour o r Yo Investment” ur Investment”

VOtEd VOtEd BESt BESt OfOf SuMtER SuMtER PROPERty PROPERty MaNagEMENt MaNagEMENt 2018 2018thRu thRu 2020!

2020!

Looking Looking for for a home a home to Buy? to Buy? Selling Selling or Maybe or Maybe Keeping Keeping it as aitRental? as a Rental?

Professional Professional RealReal Estate Estate Services Services Veteran Veteran Owned Owned & Operated & Operated Call Call Michelle Michelle at 803.847.3794 at 803.847.3794 or or Nanci Nanci at 803.848.1762 at 803.848.1762

5 Medical 5 Medical Ct. •Ct. Sumter • Sumter • 803.847.3794 • 803.847.3794 • Southern.Touch.pmic@gmail.com • Southern.Touch.pmic@gmail.com

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Voted Best 2020

Office Equipment

736 Broad Street • Sumter, SC 29150

(803) 778-6575

And so much more!

We’ve got you covered.

Thank you for voting us Best Paving Company 3 years in a row!

www.heraldoffice.com

Charles Smith Co. sets the standard in project time, budget

We are ecstatic to be named Best Paving Contractor for 2020. Our sincere thank you to all our friends, colleagues and clients who voted for us to receive this honor for the fourth year in a row! Being recognized this way is a testament to the excellent service our company has provided to clients across South Carolina. Charles Smith Co. LLC is a fully licensed and insured paving company that has been in business since 2004. Charles has dedicated his complete focus on building a quality, conscientious group of employees with state-of-the-art equipment who ensure exceptional service to every customer.

With more than 50 years of combined experience, our management team stands ready to handle any of your project needs. At Charles Smith LLC, “Our Standards Set the Grade” with an emphasis on producing quality projects on time and under budget.

Again, thank you to our voters and customers, because you are what makes being the Best of Sumter possible.

LLC

charlessmithcompany.com

Our Standards Set The Grade

• Paving • Parking Lots • Sidewalks • Concrete

• Grading • Repaving Existing Lots • Seal Coating • Line Striping

Call for a FREE ESTIMATE!!

70

• Handicap Ramps • Asphalt Repairs • Sitework • and More!

2020

(803) 469-7207

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

NHC HealthCare – where life is celebrated

NHC HealthCare, Sumter provides a full range of extended health care services designed to maximize the well-being and independence of our patients. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our patients through our flexible, interdisciplinary approach to health care that is centered on caregiver compassion delivered in a comfortable, home-like environment.

Our licensed, 24-hours-a-day skilled nursing center has 135 beds with both private and semiprivate rooms. We provide a wide array of therapeutic, rehabilitative and continuing care services. Each day, our caring and competent staff commits itself to the values of patient dignity, superior quality of care and exceptional customer service.

At NHC HealthCare, Sumter, commitment to a quest for excellence allows us the responsibility to step outside the norm, as we look for solutions in caring for families. We consistently exceed industry standards in our award-winning center.

L ik e u s okn Fa c e b o o

(803) 494-4776

THANK YOU SUMTER FOR VOTING

Carolina Collision Center THE #1 AUTO BODY SHOP

3745 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29154 • carolinacollisioncenterofsumter.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Best Breakfast Bar 2 YEARS IN A ROW

Proudly Serving Great Food & Friendly Smiles For Over 36 Years!

226 S. Pike West (378 Bypass) (803) 773-3321

HEALTH CARE

A Division of National HealthCare

NHC H C EALTH

★★★★★ A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

ARE

Proud winner of  Best Nursing Home  Twelve Years In A Row!

Sumter’s only freestanding CMS 5 star rated facility

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

71

Th

voting us B est C hildren’s D e r o f u o y nti ank

st

We care for the unique needs of children like no other practice. Kids and parents love our fun atmosphere and friendly staff, whose sole focus is helping children to learn healthy dental care.

Dr. Beth Poag

Dr. Felicia Goins

Dr. Sharlene Martin

500 Physicians Lane • Sumter, SC 29150 • (803) 775-4793 72

Dr. Joshua Durrant

www.carolinachildrensdentistry.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

A Trusted Name in Maid Service

WALTON COUNTER TOPS Granite | Quartz | Marble | Solid Surface

Serving the Sumter Area for 20 Years • Move Ins/Outs

• Small-medium sized businesses

• Deep Cleanings

• Weekly/Bi-weekly/ • Commercial Monthly Services • Real Estate

(803) 495-8018

You deserve a maid today!

INSURED BONDED AND LICENSED

Thank you for voting us the Best Counter Tops!

WADE WALTONowner

Wade Walton: (803) 518-0696 Layton Watts: (803) 795-9896 SHOP: (803) 775-2080

waltoncountertops.com

Carolina Children's Dentistry brings smiles and confidence to kids

Let’s face it … Not every child likes to go to the dentist.

That’s where Dr. Felicia Goins, Dr. Lisbeth Poag, Dr. Shari Martin and the newest dentist on the team, Dr. Joshua Durrant, come in. This team of dentists has over 75 years of combined dental experience, providing a full range of dental restorative and hygiene services for patients starting at birth through adolescence. They specialize in unwrapping the fears of their young patients one at a time until they have a child well-equipped to handle whatever dentistry can throw their way. By customizing care to meet each child’s individual needs and offering a fun, kidfriendly environment, the doctors and staff are successful at establishing lasting relationships and providing pleasant dental experiences. Building relationships both with the patients they serve and their families is one of the major goals at Carolina Children’s Dentistry. Knowing where a patient or his or her parents are coming from is part of the key to treating the patient as a whole, not just “the tooth” in front of you.

The team members at Carolina Children’s Dentistry are truly the magic-makers. From playing with a new patient A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

to providing a loving sedation visit to assisting parents with their insurance and scheduling, this gifted and passionate team is what truly makes us stand out and what makes the doctors honored to come to work each day. They have a love for children and work to make each child realize his or her own capabilities at each visit.

Carolina Children’s Dentistry understands that providing quality dentistry along with proper oral hygiene education for the patients and parents is key to ensuring optimal dental health. The ultimate goal for Carolina Children’s Dentistry is to make beautiful smiles and to help each child gain the confidence to develop strengths and grow into the person he or she is meant to become.

Carolina Children’s Dentistry 500 Physicians Lane Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 775-4793 BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Furry and feathered friends always welcome at For Pet’s Sake All of us here at For Pet’s Sake would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude for the honor of being voted Sumter’s Best Grooming Salon.

Since opening our doors in April 2015, we have built many special relationships with our furry and feathered friends and their owners.

Our pets and people are most precious to us. We feel we have something to offer that other salons don’t because we cater to all pets. We groom dogs and cats, but we also know that birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and more need grooming, as well. A good grooming regimen is a top priority in caring for these loved ones in our lives.

We carry an assortment of bling and leather collars and leashes, dresses and shirts for our furry friends, as well as bow ties and treats.

Visit out website at www.forpetssake-grooming.com, and don’t forget to like us on Facebook.

Thank you again for making us No. 1 in Sumter. If you have not yet visited us, stop by and say hello. We are located at 1155 N. Guignard Drive.

“Where Plants Grow” Big Selection!

Expert Service!

Expert Advice!

Growing Tips!

LOW PRICES!

We believe what sets us apart from other grooming salons is our: - Quality of service and care - Variety of pets accepted - Meeting the needs of pets - Attention to detail - Educating owners about pets when asked - Donating to the community - Abundance of services - Curb service for those who need it - Picture of every pet posted to our

Facebook page

803-883-5527

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US

through the COVID-19 pandemic & again voting us “Best Country Cooking”

3750 Thomas Sumter Hwy (521) Dalzell, South Carolina

BEST NURSERY

803.499.7601 HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

July–Oct.: Sat. 8:30am–2:00pm Closed Sunday Until Fall

J. Rafe Dixon, SCAL 4059

GUIGNARD DINER “Country Cooking”

(803) 774-6967

439 Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC

THANK YOU, SUMTER, FOR VOTING US THE

BEST AUCTION COMPANY

www.jrdixonauctions.com 74

803-418-5532

2020

Breakfast

Lunch

Mon. Fri. 6:00am - 10:45am Mon. Fri. 11:00am - 2:30pm

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you for voting us

Best Pet Groomer

FULL SERVICE GROOMING SALON 1155 N. Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150

803-883-5527

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Thank you Sumter for voting T&N Septic Tank #1 in the #2 Business.

Voted Best Roofing Company 3 Years In A Row!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR AMAZING CUSTOMERS!

CALLEN ROOFING, LLC SERVING SUMTER & SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 60 YEARS

State Licensed & Bonded

Specializing in shingles, flat roofs, metal roofsystems & carpetry

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Jeff Callen 803-968-3248

We are glad to be serving Sumter these many years and look forward to helping many more.

T&N

Septic Tank Company Inc.

me o Ho

Celebrating 30 years of

Great Quality. Great Prices. Great Service.

This is what makes us #1!

f the Chicken Wing!

“Home of the Chicken Wing” Eat In or Take Out

Thank You For Voting Us The Best Place For Wings!

18 years in a row!

CALL 803-481-2428 or 803-481-2421 Family Owned & Operated Since 1963 • www.tandnseptic.com State Board Of Health Approved • Licensed • Insured Serving All Counties

Zane Callen 803-491-4541

2020

1961-B McCrays Mill Rd. Gamecock Plaza • 775-6538

Thank you for your support!

Voted Best Interior Design

15th Year Running!

Thank you for voting us BEST MATTRESS STORE AND BEST FURNITURE STORE — YEAR AFTER YEAR 2891 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150 LAYAWAY AVAILABLE

803-469-8733

Like Us On Facebook !

76

Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7pm Sat: 9:30am-5pm Closed Sunday

466 N. Guignard 803•773•8083 www.nicolenorrisdesign.com

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Preparing students for college and successful life beyond Wilson Hall

Wilson Hall is a small school by design, giving teachers and students the opportunity to get to know one another on a more personal level. We help students develop their academic and intellectual capabilities by maintaining a challenging curriculum and a professional faculty in a supportive, family like atmosphere. But Wilson Hall is about much more than just academics.

It is about teaching students to become well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of ethics and morals. It is about character development. It is about encouraging students to become leaders and active members of the community. It is about an authentic, complete education for each student who steps onto our campus.

Wilson Hall is located on a 17-acre campus in historic Sumter, South Carolina, and it is within 10 minutes of Shaw Air Force Base. Situated in the western suburbs of Sumter, the school is surrounded by well-established residential neighborhoods. To learn more about it, call (803) 469-3475 or visit www.wilsonhall.org.

Thank you for voting Wilson Hall the Best Private School in Sumter!

Wilson Hall is an independent, co-educational school for students in three-year-old preschool through 12th grade.

520 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150

WILSONHALL.ORG A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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When they don’t learn the way you are teaching...

Then teach the way they can

LEARN! Basic Manners to Ring w o h S Ready

Oakwood Homes opens the door to a better life

At Oakwood Homes of Sumter, our mission is to open doors to a better life and help families build happiness through homeownership. We are proud of our dedication to innovation and providing affordable, quality-built homes, and we’re also so proud to be voted Sumter’s Best four years in a row!

Our voters may be some of hundreds of happy customers who choose to save big on energy bills and keep their money in their wallets, and you can be, too. Upgrade to the Energy Smart Home package to increase the energy efficiency of your new home with features like upgraded insulation, low-e windows and more.

Visit Oakwood Homes in Sumter, and browse our modular homes and mobile homes for sale. Create your dream home with our customizable features.

Stop by today, and tour our homes on display.

Our team of Doug Peyton, general manager, and home consultant David Weston appreciate your trusting us with your family’s home and dream. You made us the Best of Sumter for 2020 because you are the best.

If you don’t know us yet, let us help you open the door to a better life, one HOME at a time.

Thanks to Sumter for voting me Best Pet Trainer!

DOGS in TRAINING with Paw-la AKC Approved Evaluator/Instructor

(803) 983-0902

dogsintrainingwithpawla@gmail.com follow us on Facebook for updates and class schedules 78

As a professional instructor and an AKC approved evaluator, Paula Cearley has more than 35 years of training experience with multiple obedience titles. She teaches a positive, reward-based program that will create a happy and well-mannered dog, whether it is a stay-at-home pet, a world traveler or a Dog Sports Competitor.

The goal of Dogs in Training with Paw-la is to provide a reasonably priced training program that is both fun and educational. The hugely successful ’30 Day’ Program was developed by Paula to meet the needs of the average pet owner, yet it still provides a foundation for future advanced training. This program is now online and offering homeschool options to accommodate our less-mobile population and shelter-in-place citizens. Both programs address impulse control issues and teach attention skills along with all basic commands.

Train your own dog, in your own home … in your own time.

Services available include workshops, group classes, private sessions and online programs at every skill level. Also testing for Canine Good Citizens, STAR Puppy, Tricks Title and Farm Dog Title.

Proud to be the trainer that other trainers support.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you Sumter for Voting us #1 Manufactured Home Dealer.

2020

We take pride in offering Quality Homes & Service and look forward to meeting Housing needs in Sumter this year and years to come.

4Years Straight!

3590 Broad Street, Sumter, SC

of Sumter

803-494-5700

www.oakwoodhomesofsumter.com

Stop by and see why Bilton Lincoln was voted #1

You live in Sumter.

2020

Your news should, too.

Watch new episodes Monday Friday at TheItem.com

Serving Sumter and surrounding areas since 1993

Bilton

Thank you for voting us BEST OF SUMTER Luxury Auto Dealer

LINCOLN & PRE-OWNED

3 YEARS

70 W. Wesmark Blvd. • Sumter

www.biltonlincoln.com

803-773-7339 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

IN A ROW!

studio@theitem.com I (803) 774-1200 BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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Vision for 2020: A better Sumter needs a better Sumter Item

BY VINCE JOHNSON

One of the longest-running newspapers in California printed its final edition recently.

The Martinez News-Gazette ended 161 years of publishing in a town of about 40,000 people and a staff once as large as 50.

The community is outraged and perplexed, the staff is at a loss, and management feels like it has run out of options.

Unfortunately, this story has been on repeat in the newspaper industry for more than a decade.

More than 2,100 newspapers across the country have disappeared since 2004, according to a recent UNCChapel Hill report. Many of those closures were in communities quite similar to Sumter. The number of employees in America's newspapers has dropped by more than 50% since 2008, and for many other newspapers remaining, the term "ghost" newspaper has been created to signify a physical newspaper that lacks the staff to create content of local significance.

I'm glad that paragraph is over. It guts me to write it. The problem was not

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that journalists forgot how to write stories or that advertising representatives suddenly lost their ability to sell ads, and, at least on the local level, it has never had too much to do with anything going on in Washington.

Times simply changed. Users and advertisers had more options.

Newspapers were picked apart by competitors, piece by piece, and, as an industry, local newspapers didn't move fast enough to change with the evolving media landscape, especially in the digital realm.

Here's the better news before we get to the good news. The Sumter Item has survived. For more than 125 years, in fact. Today, we're more of an exception than the rule, driven by loyal local customers, a Sumter-based family ownership and a dedicated staff capable of reliably covering our community.

Our staff size isn't what it was at its peak, and we're humans who make our fair share of mistakes, but we're much more of a feisty goblin than a ghost of a newspaper.

The Item has transformed, and I hear it from our community daily.

We're reaching you where you are, whether in the printed newspaper, through magazines, contests, social media, video, podcasts or our incredibly popular email newsletter of the day's top stories. Our total audience has more than doubled in the past two years, and we're constantly finding ways to evolve while still focusing on the power of our local newspaper printed five days a week.

Now for the good news, but this is also where we need your help.

We truly can be the best local media company in the country. We can cover the Sumter, Clarendon and Lee county region better than any other community is covered.

In 2020 and into the next decade,

the region is set up for something special. New businesses continue to open in our revitalized downtown and throughout our communities. Strides are being made to improve education for all our children. Groups are attracting new industries to our front door with high-paying jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact.

Quality local journalism isn't free, but it's important to the livelihood of the community. The community needs The Item to be a megaphone to those stories. With local news, more people attend local events, more citizens participate in local government, and less corruption occurs using taxpayer dollars.

Local news is an economic driver.

We tell you about your neighbors.

Hopefully, that means something to you.

In 2020, we need you to advocate for The Sumter Item. We need you telling others to subscribe, either through a digital-only subscription or through a print and digital subscription. We need you telling local businesses and events to advertise in The Item, reaching the region's largest local media audience while also bolstering the local media that builds community.

We need to keep our advertising dollars in the Sumter region.

We're fighting for you, the people across the Sumter region, and we need you fighting for us, as well. We will all be better for it.

Vince Johnson is the publisher of The Sumter Item.

BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank You!

re celebrating 50 years of ufacturing medical devices Sumter, South TO Carolina!

OUR RED CARPET EVENT PARTNERS

hank you, Sumter, for all you do!!

Advancing the World of Health

g Superior Quality Medical Device Products ugh a Talented and Engaged Workforce

Thank you!

Murrell Smith “Best Elected Official”

Thank you, Sumter County, for allowing me the honor to represent you in the South Carolina House of Representatives. In my role as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and as District 67’s Representative, I promise to continue to be an effective voice on your behalf and on behalf of all the citizens of South Carolina. Thank you for your continued support!

126 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC

A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

29151

Wright Way Plumbing 803.778.2471

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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CarQuest Auto Parts of Sumter and Patriot Auto Parts has once again been voted the best place to buy auto parts in Sumter, and we are beyond excited I can honestly say we have the best customers in Sumter, and they have shown their love for us again in 2020. There are no words that can express how much our customers mean to us. We pride ourselves on customer service. Especially in a world that doesn't always find the value in it, this award says different. I believe because of our excellent customer service our customers have spoken loudly in our favor, making this our seventh year in a row winning this award. I have always wondered if we were doing the right thing. Because of this platform allowing customers, family, friends and just anyone that may know of your business to vote, you don't have to wonder.

The organization of Carquest Auto Parts, in my opinion, is the best in the industry, and through joining the Advance Auto Parts Corporation we have only became stronger. I am proud to fly the Carquest red, white and blue. I think the resources and tools available to us from Carquest allow us to provide the best possible product at the best possible price, all the while offering customer service that is second to none.

I would like to highlight some of our services as we don't just sell auto parts. We make hydraulic hose assemblies. We mix automotive paint. We are a VP racing fuels distributor, and we also package custom colors in aerosol cans. We also have our own private labeled hand cleaner, Patriot Hand Cleaner, which is available at both locations. We are always trying to grow our market and add products that we believe our customers desire.

The Sumter community, in my opinion, has some of the best people in the country living here. We have so many great customers who have become friends but are more like family. That’s what you get in a community like Sumter.

Our customer service is most important to us because our customers are our top priority. I know 2020 has been a tough year thus far, but I believe that the best is yet to come. God bless our military and first responders, and God bless our country. My prayer is that we represent Sumter by truly being one of Sumter’s Best in 2020 and beyond.

Dale Player Lee Brown-Owner of Auto Parts of Sumter Manager of Patriot Auto Parts

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods thankful to loyal customers for 69 years!!!

Simpson Hardware & Sporting Goods is a third-generation family owned local hardware and sporting goods store chain. In the time that The Sumter Item has done the Best of Sumter competition, Simpson has won Best Sporting Goods (including this year), Best Guns (including this year), Best Fitness (including this year), Best Shoes (including this year), Best Outdoor Furniture (including this year), Best Fishing (including this year), Best Hardware and Best Propane. We were also awarded Best Locally Owned Business in 2019. Simpson owes any success to our loyal, wonderful customers and talented, helpful associates. We are so grateful!

Over the years, Simpson has grown to four stores in Sumter and Manning with over 120 associates. Simpson Hardware Co. was founded in 1951 by the late Carl Simpson Jr. with the purchase of a store in Camden. Several years later, a second store was opened in Hartsville. After selling both locations to extended family members, Mr. Simpson purchased Boyle Hardware in Sumter. That store was opened under the Simpson Hardware name on West Liberty Street in 1961 and became the first ACE Hardware store in South Carolina in 1963. After one move several blocks away, the original Simpson Hardware in Sumter remains on West Liberty Street.

Later that year, a second location was founded at the Palmetto Plaza Shopping Center on Guignard Drive under the guidance of Carl Simpson III. That store expanded rapidly and moved twice within the shopping center. With growth, this basic hardware store became widely known for its sporting goods and lawn and garden departments. The Palmetto Plaza location burned to the ground on April 9, 2000. After several temporary moves, Simpson Plaza Hardware opened in its new building on Wesmark Boulevard in 2002.

The other two stores in the company are located on Pinewood Road in Sumter and North Brooks Street in Manning. Each has undergone major renovations in the last eight years. During this recent crisis more than ever, we have remained open serving our community with essential and nonessential items alike. In the coming years, the Simpson Hardware company plans to grow and expand beyond its current four stores. We currently have varying and new products in fishing, sporting goods, grilling, clothing, gifts, footwear, paint and much more. We welcome you to visit any and all locations of this family owned local store.

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BEST OF SUMTER 2020 A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

Thank you Sumter for voting us 7 Years in a Row

BEST PLACE TO BUY AUTO PARTS

4494 Broad Street 803.494.4444

2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

2020 816 S. Guignard Dr. 803.778.1841 YOUR FULL LINE PART STORE WHERE YOU GET IT ALL! PARTS • AUTO PAINT MIXED TO MATCH • HYDRAULIC HOSES MADE HERE A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

BEST OF SUMTER 2020

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A PUBLICATION OF THE SUMTER ITEM

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