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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - A paper mill in the Georgetown area will be closing its doors permanently.

International Paper is closing its mill on South Kaminski Street, the company announced in a news release on Thursday.

The closure will come in stages, with the full closure expected by the end of 2024. The company said 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees will be impacted by the closure.

“This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” the mill’s manager Bernie Chascin said.

All of the employees impacted will be offered severance benefits, along with outplacement services and access to mental health resources, according to the news release.

Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said her heart goes out to those affected by the closure.

“International Paper has been a fixture in our community for decades, playing a large role in our local economy and supporting our community,” Jayroe said. “The shutting down of the mill is unfortunate because of the positive impact it has sustained over the years in Georgetown.”

Georgetown County also issued a statement, saying it’s saddened by the news.

“IP has been a great corporate citizen here for nearly 90 years, and the loss is devastating,” the county’s statement reads. “In addition to the elimination of nearly 700 jobs, there are further community impacts including to contractors, small businesses and nonprofits. The Georgetown County Administrator and Economic Development staff is talking with IP today [Thursday] to get more information and will be meeting with other officials at the local, regional and state levels in various agencies, along with business partners to plan the way forward.”

The county also added there will be new employment opportunities coming soon but did not provide further details on that.

The Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce CEO Marilyn Hemingway also responded to the closure saying the chamber has offered its help during this difficult time.

The mill, which sits outside of city limits, produces around 300,000 tons of fluff pulp designed for an array of products, including baby diapers. The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers for another paper mill company through a contract that will expire at the end of the year.

The closure comes as International Paper also announced it is reviewing “strategic options” for its global cellulose fibers business, and focusing on “sustainable packaging solutions.” International Paper said it generated almost $3 billion in revenue from that business last year and has operations in three countries.

As for the Georgetown mill, International Paper plans to “retain 100% of the mill’s fluff pulp capacity by transferring production to other mills and further reducing the Company’s exposure to commodity pulp grades,” the news release states.

The full news release can be read here.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

Copyright 2024 WMBF. All rights reserved.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced the decision to review strategic options for its global cellulose fibers (GCF) business. The decision to explore alternatives for the GCF business is consistent with the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

IP's GCF business creates safe, high-quality absorbent pulp for a wide range of applications like feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings and more. The GCF business generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023 and has operations in three countries, with eight mills and two converting facilities.

"International Paper is committed to maximizing value for our shareholders, and to that end, we have launched a comprehensive and thorough review of strategic options for our global cellulose fibers business," said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail.

"GCF is focused on accelerating earnings by aligning resources with our most strategic fluff pulp customers, implementing an 80/20 mindset and creating a simplified and focused portfolio. Our team is well-positioned to win with attractive customers in the growing global fluff pulp market," said Clay Ellis, Senior Vice President, Global Cellulose Fibers, International Paper. "Throughout our review, we will maintain our strong customer relationships with the same high standards and close collaboration."

International Paper has retained Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC as financial advisor to help review strategic options for the GCF business. The review of strategic options is at an early stage, and there can be no assurance that this review will result in any kind of transaction or other outcome. The Company will provide updates on the progress or status of this matter if and when it deems further disclosure is required or appropriate.

IP to Close Georgetown, S.C. Pulp and Paper MillAdditionally, the Company announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill. The mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected by the end of 2024.

The Georgetown mill produces approximately 300,000 tons of fluff pulp designed for a range of consumer applications from baby diapers to incontinence products. GCF plans to retain 100% of the mill's fluff pulp capacity by transferring production to other mills and further reducing the Company's exposure to commodity pulp grades.

The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers that it sells to Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM) pursuant to a strategic contract, which IP and Sylvamo have mutually agreed to terminate as of December 31, 2024.

"This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities," said Bernie Chascin, Georgetown mill manager, International Paper.

In total, 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees will be impacted. All employees will be offered severance benefits, outplacement services and access to mental health resources.

About International Paper International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that this review of strategic alternatives will not result in any transaction or other desired outcome; that we will be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of this review of strategic alternatives; and that we will be unable to realize the anticipated benefits from our closure of the Georgetown, South Carolina pulp mill. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 16, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on July 26, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or changes in expectations.

SOURCE International Paper

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Georgetown County School District has named its next leader.

The district’s board of trustees announced Friday that Dr. Bethany A. Giles has been appointed as the new superintendent following a unanimous vote during a special board meeting.

Dr. Giles was named interim superintendent in May after Keith Price announced his resignation. She was one of four finalists considered for the job.

“I am grateful to our Board for their leadership, support, and vote of confidence. I believe this opportunity is a reflection of uncommon favor. It is a reminder to me of the immense responsibility that comes with leading this amazing district – the one that has been home and continues to be home. I accept the responsibility to serve, uplift, and lead boldly – our home, our school, our community. But this is not just about me. It is about us working together in harmony to do what is right for our most precious commodity, our children. Together, we will lead our district forward,” said Dr. Giles.

The South Carolina School Boards Association facilitated an extensive search for a new superintendent. The process, according to the district, was designed to ensure transparency and community involvement.

Multiple input sessions were held with district employees, parents, and local stakeholders, as well as a meet-and-greet event where the community had an opportunity to meet with the finalists.

“I want our parents to know that we are accessible. We are available please reach out to us and anything we can do to make the learning environment or the learning experience better not only for the kids but them as well,” said Giles.

Giles has 23 years of experience in public education, all with the Georgetown County school system, and is a Georgetown County native. She earned degrees from South Carolina State University and The Citadel and received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from S.C. State University.

MYRTLE BEACH — Hurricane Milton will impact the Grand Strand this week, but forecasters don't expect the area to see much damage from the storm.

Rough surf, rip currents, gusting winds and some beach erosion are possible, according to the National Weather Service's Oct. 7 report, which said the "limited coastal impacts" would arrive between late Oct. 9 and Oct. 11.

The NWS expects gusts along the Grand Strand to peak around 35 mph on Oct. 10, and light rain could arrive with the storm, which is expected to make landfall along Florida's West Coast as a major hurricane on Oct. 9.

This comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast, killing more than 225 people in six states.

Fueled by warm water in the Gulf of Mexico, Milton surged to a Category 5 behemoth with sustained wind speeds of 165 mph before dropping to a Category 4 storm. Forecasters expect the storm to weaken before it makes landfall. However, the hurricane will cover a vast area, causing widespread impacts.

Since the storm’s track remains uncertain, forecasters said the potential for stronger winds, heavier rain and higher waves remains possible.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH — Before "The Voice," Gail Bliss admits she knew little about the one and only D-O-double-G.

Then she reached the next episode.

"It was so funny because I’m like, Snoop Dogg?" the 61-year-old flight attendant said of the rapper and "The Voice" judge who recently picked her for his team on the NBC singing competition. "I know nothing about the guy. ... (But) I’m the happiest girl in the world right now. I’m sitting here wearing my Snoop Dogg necklace, what he called his ‘drip’ — which I had no idea what a ‘drip’ was — but now I own one and it’s just hilarious.”’

Bliss, who lives in Little River, impressed the "Gin and Juice" artist with her rendition of The SteelDrivers' “If It Hadn't Been For Love” on the Sept. 30 show.

Contestants on "The Voice" sing for a panel of celebrity judges. Along with Snoop, this season's judges are Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire. In this phase of the competition, the blind audition, the judges' chairs are turned away from the contestants. They hear them, and they swivel around if they decide to pick a singer for their team.

Bliss admits her performance on the show wasn't her “best vocal day.” And when none of the judges spun around after her song, she accepted her fate.

“I was resigned to the fact that nobody turned so I’m like, ‘Alright, let’s let these kids have their chance,’ ” Bliss said.

Stefani and McEntire offered some parting compliments, but then Snoop spoke up.

"The spirit of my mother is in me right now," he said, then spoke about how his mother's sister was also named Gail and she was one of his favorite aunts. He pointed out the show had a feature called the coach's replay, which allows a judge to spare an eliminated vocalist. When Snoop hit the red button sending Bliss to the next round, she was thrilled.

"When he started talking about the spirit of his Auntie Gail and his mother and talking about if he were to push the button, you can see my head and I’m thinking I didn’t (make it),” Bliss said. “I’m like, ‘What is he talking about?’ and then when he hit his button and I realized I was actually still in this competition, saved by the unlikeliest choice in Snoop Dogg, I was ecstatic. I was jumping around like a hyena on steroids, I’m just so thrilled and happy laughing."

For Bliss, auditioning for the show was one of her goals after turning 60.

"I don’t want to have any regrets,” she said. “I always try to get things done before I’m too old and too rigidly that I can look back and say, ‘Oh man, I should have done this or should have done that.’ "

Of her birthday goals — her "six epics" — trying out for "The Voice" was the finale. Although she had been singing professionally for most of her life, never did Bliss think she would actually end up on national television, much less advance in a competition. But she wanted to try, and she told the judges that's why she was there.

"If nothing else, I want to inspire the older folks to keep dreaming, keep living, keep having fun," she said. "That's where I'm coming from."

Now Bliss heads to the show's next phase, the battle stage where coaches pair two artists to perform together. One is chosen to advance. No matter what happens, she hope she motivates her peers.

And despite having "no interest in rap," she's learned a lot about her new coach and remains grateful to Snoop.

"I thought (rap) was all he had done," she said. "Then people are like 'Did you realize he did a collaboration with Martha Stewart?’ And I’m like, 'No.' (Others said) ‘Did you realize he’s been in Brazil with Pharrell Williams?’ And then I started looking into him a little bit and I’m like, ‘Man, this guy is a cool cat.'"

Well, Dogg, technically.