CEO: SC Oak to Barrel hopes to remain in Bamberg; general manager was trapped inside during tornado

“We like Bamberg. Y’all have been good to us.” Hill said Thursday.

He was at the site to assess the damage to SC Oak to Barrel, which opened in Bamberg less than two years ago and has approximately 40 employees.

The tornado hit downtown Bamberg on Jan. 9 with estimated winds of about 125 mph, which makes it a strong EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. It caused extensive structural damage in the town but no one was injured.

Oak to Barrel General Manager David Hutto had a frighteningly close call.

Minutes after dismissing his employees, the tornado shattered windows and ripped the roof off the building. Hutto had no choice but to hunker down in a corner. Once it was safe to do so, he climbed out of what had once been a window.

Hill said they have insurance on the building, but the most important thing is that everyone is safe.

“The buildings and stuff can be replaced. That just costs money. But the loss of life cannot be replaced. And that’s where the miracle comes in,” Hill said.

Hill was joined Thursday by city and county officials, including Mayor Nancy Foster, County Council Chairman Evert Comer Jr. and County Council members Spencer Donaldson and Jonathan Goodman, County Administrator Joey Preston, Sheriff Kenneth Bamberg and Police Chief James Smoak.

City and county leaders assured Hill they will do everything in their power to help with the rebuilding process.

County Administrator Joey Preston offered to assist in securing storage and office space for the company.

“You guys helped put Bamberg on the map. There has been so much excitement around this company, and we want to keep you here,” Preston said.

Mayor Nancy Foster was visibly relieved when Hill declared his intention to keep the facility in Bamberg if possible, stating, “Thank you so much…we need you, and our citizens need these jobs.”

She plans to meet with the South Carolina Alliance of Economic Development to seek assistance on SC Oak to Barrel’s behalf.

County Council Chairman Evert Comer Jr. stated that despite the property loss, “Thankfully, we are still here and must face the reality of rebuilding and move forward.

“We are grateful SC Oak to Barrel invested in the Bamberg community almost two years ago, and we will support them in every way we can and also seek assistance from our regional, state and federal partners.”