Company eyes Aiken

The last time the Aiken County Council publicly courted a mystery company with enticements of reduced property taxes, we ended up with Bridgestone's $1.2 billion investment.

This week the Council approved incentives for another mystery company, this one called "Project Sam." Not much is being said about the company, but it would "represent an investment of not less than $10 million."

County officials have said Project Sam would manufacture renewable energy from carbonaceous waste. Biomass is a common renewable energy resource derived from the carbonaceous waste of various human and natural activities. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, biomass energy applications include burning it directly or converting it into gaseous or liquid fuels that burn more efficiently, to generate electricity or converting biomass into chemicals for making plastics and other products that typically are made from petroleum.

That sounds like an energy-related industry that would fit in nicely in this community.

During a time when most communities are losing industries, we are getting more. That bodes well for our leaders and the entire community for contributing to making Aiken County a place people want to live and do business.

We don't know when we'll hear whether or not Project Sam will make Aiken County its home, but we'll certainly welcome it with open arms.