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As part of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 14, the chamber honored Mayor Larry Bagwell for his 40 years of public service to the City of Easley with the presentation of an engraved rocking chair which will be donated to the Easley Area Museum for public display. After his 30-year career as a teacher, coach and athletic director for Easley High School, Mayor Bagwell was elected to Easley City Council in 1979 where he served for 28 years before being elected as Mayor in 2007. Beginning his first term as Mayor in January 2008, he was subsequently re-elected for additional terms in 2011 and 2015. Jerry Garrett, 2019 Chairman of the Board for the Easley Chamber of Commerce, presented the award, noting, “During Mayor Bagwell’s 40 years as an elected official, Easley has undergone a complete transformation. We’ve seen quality of life enhancements with the development Old Market Square, Christopherson Gazebo & Fountain, the Doodle Trail and Doodle Park. And we’ve seen economic & business growth with the development of Easley Town Center and a focus on downtown with Main Street Challenge grants. And we’ve seen a commitment to sports & recreation with the development of the JB Red Owens Sports Complex, which serves as a benefit to our citizens but also as a lucrative sports tourism business. The list of progressive projects and improvements to Easley goes on and on. And through all of that change & progress, he was at the table to provide leadership, guidance and support.” To serve as public recognition of Mayor Bagwell’s service, the donated rocking will remain on display on the front porch of the Easley Area Museum. Mayor Bagwell stated, “It’s quite an honor to be with our Easley Chamber at their awards banquet. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you, Cindy, and all the members for the rocking chair. Forty years seems like a long time, but when you are among friends, it passes quickly.” Cindy Hopkins, President of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, stated, “It’s an honor to recognize Mayor Bagwell for his public service. He is a true community partner and servant leader, and our chamber is grateful for his leadership, support and friendship.”