(WALTERBORO, SC - NOVEMBER 3, 2015) On October 28, South State Bank presented a $1,000 donation to the Colleton County Economic Alliance to help fund the Career Development Program for Colleton County Schools.

'This program allows students to experience first-hand what job opportunities are available at these businesses,' said Lee Petrolawicz, senior vice president, South State Bank. 'We are proud to be able to be part of this program which will have such a great impact by helping students make the right career choice. Having the right people in the right jobs over time will improve our workforce and, as a result, improve our local economy and the quality of life in our community.'

The program is a partnership among the Walterboro Chamber of Commerce, Colleton County Economic Development Alliance and South State Bank to fund industry tours for youth in Colleton County.

Students in the program participated in career development surveys earlier in the school year. These students were focused on careers in manufacturing. Tours were then organized with local industries to provide the opportunity for students to visit the companies and see what local jobs are available to them.

Petrolawicz, who serves on the board of Colleton County Economic Alliance, made the presentation to Ken Sarley, plant manager for Glanbia and Kimberly Footman, career development facilitator for Colleton County High School.


South State Corporation is the largest bank holding company headquartered in South Carolina. Founded in 1933, the company's primary subsidiary, South State Bank, has been serving the financial needs of its local communities in 24 South Carolina counties, 13 Georgia counties and 4 North Carolina counties for over 80 years. The bank also operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401K Fiduciaries, Inc., both registered investment advisors; and First Southeast Investor Services, Inc., a limited purpose broker-dealer. South State Corporation has assets of approximately $8.5 billion and its stock is traded under the symbol SSB on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. More information can be found atwww.SouthStateBank.com .

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