The Small Business and Rural Development Division of the S.C. Department of Commerce is seeking photos that show our state's rural life.

The 9th annual Rural Summit Photography Contest is part of the annual South Carolina Rural Summit conference, which will be held in Aiken on March 4.

The contest is open to the public, and entries should reflect the unique features of rural life in South Carolina. Fifteen finalist photos will be chosen by S.C. Department of Commerce staff and displayed at the Rural Summit. Attendees of the Rural Summit will vote, and the winning photo.

Photographs must be original work of the applicant and feature rural South Carolina subject matter. Photos may be color or black-and-white, and should be submitted as an 8” by 10” image with name of photo, name of photographer, and completed registration and release forms, which are located on the Commerce website.

Business News

•  Henry “Rocky” Miller has been named vice president and retail sales manager the Rock Hill branch of First Citizens bank on Main St.

Miller will be responsible for introducing the bank’s products and services to prospective clients, providing customized financial solutions for customers, and representing First Citizens in Rock Hill and the surrounding community.

“Rocky has a track record of strong leadership and a commitment to customer service, which is one of our core values,” said Andy Shene, regional market executive for First Citizens. “His more than 27 years in the banking industry position him to provide our customers with unparalleled service and quality financial solutions. We are thrilled to welcome Rocky as the newest member of our First Citizens team.”

Miller previously has worked as a personal and commercial banker for Wells Fargo, formerly Wachovia, a senior loan officer for ArrowPointe Federal Credit Union, and an assistant vice president for Founders Federal Credit Union. He is chairman of the York County Crime Stoppers Board and as treasurer of the ChristmasVille Board of Governors. He also is an active member of the York County Regional Chamber Board. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wingate University.

• The board of directors of the Equipment and Engine Training Council, located in York, has named Erik Sides as its executive director. The appointment follows the retirement of Jim Roche and is effective immediately.

Sides has been in the power equipment industry for the past 15 years, working as a training manager for turf equipment manufacturer Jacobsen. He also worked closely with engine manufacturers including Kubota and Briggs & Stratton. He has been an active EETC board member for the past 8 years.

The EETC offices have been relocated to 3880 Press Wallace Drive, in York The new telephone number is 803.222.6149 Email address is eetc@eetc.org

Calendar

FRIDAY Britax USA is holding a free car seat check at its Charlotte headquarters, 13501 South Drive from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 12 – A free workshop on investing will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the York County Library on Black Street in Rock Hill. “Investing with Confidence” will be conducted by Matt Griffin, financial consultant at Family Trust Investment Services. He will give an overview of stocks, bonds and mutual funds, how to determine your tolerance for risk, asset allocation,