PICKENS — On March 15, the Pickens Revitalization Association presented its inaugural “I Fan The Flame” award to Pickens Mayor David Owens. The monthly award recognizes individuals that have supported and contributed to the community in extraordinary ways — those who have demonstrated a passion for helping make Pickens a great place to live, work and play.
Owens grew up in Pickens and was very active in sports. He enjoyed playing little league football and baseball and went on to play high school football and baseball for Pickens High School. Because of his achievements in sports at Pickens High, he was inducted into the Blue Flame Hall of Fame. After college and a career as a SC State Trooper, Owens retired and was elected to city council in 2000. In 2003, he became mayor and is now serving in his third term.
Since 2003, he has been honored to be a part of seeing so much growth in Pickens. He has seen major improvements to the infrastructure, construction of a new recreation facility that enables Pickens to reach more children, seeing the improvements at Hagood Senior Center, streetscapes project, water plant improvements and much more.
“One of the most recent developments has been establishing the Pickens Revitalization Association with the Main Street Program,” Owens said. “We need a vehicle for our concerned, talented residents to enjoy and help prosper the city in the right ways. The PRA affords everyone an opportunity to do that. My ultimate vision is to make Pickens an even better place to raise a family, a place where our next generations want to stay.”
“I Fan The Flame” Platinum 2012 sponsors include the Historic City of Pickens and Great Oaks Dental. East Main Treasures and Pace & Reeves BP, Inc. are this year’s bronze sponsors.