Last year South Carolina showed the power of listening, respect and kindness. Whether passing the nation's first body camera law, removing a divisive symbol of the past from the Statehouse, or helping neighbors through the floods, our people rose to the occasion. While I appreciate the peaceful intent of this weekend's rallies, I'd ask that we not put our fellow citizens or law enforcement at risk - which is exactly what attempting to block highways does. Instead, let us remember the feelings of respect, cooperation, and brotherhood that brought our state through the last year, and made South Carolina an example, for all the world, of how to move forward in the wake of tragedy.

I just watched the most amazing movie..."The Words" with Dennis Quaid, Jeremy Irons, and Bradley Cooper is an amazing story about an author that will keep you guessing through the entire movie! ‪#‎AmazonPrime‬

We pray for peace for the people of Dallas. We join all of our officers in blue across the country who are mourning the loss of their brothers. Michael and I are praying for the families of those officers who were taken from us as well as those who were injured yesterday amid more senseless violence.

Today we celebrate another #1 for South Carolina! We are the first state in the country to have ALL of our counties certified Work Ready. Businesses across the country and the world can be sure that we are committed to providing a highly skilled, loyal workforce that is second to none!!

Get excited! Travel+Leisure Magazine rated Charleston as the “World’s Best City.” On top of that Hilton Head Island was voted the “#1 Island in the US to Visit." Come see what makes South Carolina the best state in the country for a vacation!! ‪#‎SCPride‬

Great news! Borgeson Universal Company announced 36 new jobs in Travelers Rest! They manufacture top of the line steering joints for the auto, military and aerospace industries. Help us welcome them to SC and learn more about their company here: www.borgeson.com

As we take time to relax and enjoy time with those we love, let us always remember those who have sacrificed for our freedom. We are a blessed country. Let us never take our blessings for granted. Happy Independence Day!

We have officially named today “Chanticleer Baseball National Champions Day” in SC! Michael and I are proud to congratulate CCU on winning its first national championship. This team embodied so many of the things we love about our state!

Photo credit: Sam Holland

Today the Coastal Carolina University Chants showed us that with hard work all dreams are possible. Drive by the Statehouse today and tomorrow and see why it's another great day in South Carolina!! Chants you have made South Carolina so proud! ‪#‎TealNation‬ ‪#‎GoChants‬

Get excited! Pure Power Technologies just announced 79 new jobs and a $15 million dollar expansion in Blythewood!! Pure Power is a leader in engineering and making diesel fuel injectors. To learn more about our friends a Pure Power visit: www.purepowertechnologies.com ‪#‎MadeInSC‬

Get excited our Coastal Carolina University Chants are on a roll in Omaha!! Tonight they face the Arizona Wildcats in the final game of the Men's College World Series! Please join us tonight at 8pm tuning in and cheering them on!! ‪#‎SCPride‬ ‪#‎TealNation‬

I love this....

It was fun spending time with one of our great local artists, Ernest Lee Tees the "Chicken Man." He has beautiful and fun pieces that he sells at the corner of Gervais Street and Oak Street in downtown Columbia!

Congratulations to Miss Clemson Rachel Wyatt on being crowned Miss South Carolina 2016!! We are so proud of you and can't wait to cheer you on this September when you compete for Miss America!! ‪#‎GoTigers‬ ‪#‎SCPride‬

Our Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are headed to the College World Series finals!! Help cheer them on in their first game this Monday at 7 pm. Go Chants! ‪#‎TealNation‬ ‪#‎SCPride‬

Peace....

A new favorite song...I love her voice. Happy Friday! Enjoy! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-3m_V1XNPxA

Today in Easley, we celebrated the the most significant victory for ethics reform since Lost Trust! Thanks to the hard work of leaders like Senator Larry Martin, we can now say that legislators no longer police themselves, legislators have to tell you exactly who pays them, and state government is more accountable to the people it serves. This is a huge win for the people!