South Carolina S 974: SC Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 974 Text of Previous Version (Mar. 03, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 974

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE LIONEL SMITH, LTD., ON 
THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY; to COMMEND THE STORE FOR ITS 
SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE IN MENSWEAR, TAILORING, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE; to HONOR 
LIONEL "SMITTY" SMITH AND VAN SMITH FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP, 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LIFE OF 
DOWNTOWN AIKEN AND THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA; AND to EXTEND BEST WISHES 
FOR CONTINUED PROSPERITY.

Whereas, Lionel Smith, 
Ltd., a high-end men's clothing store in Aiken, first opened its doors in March 
1976 under the leadership of founder Lionel "Smitty" Smith, beginning 
a tradition of fine menswear, expert tailoring, and personal service that would 
become a hallmark of the Central Savannah River Area and known throughout South 
Carolina; and

Whereas, the visionary 
legend behind Lionel Smith, Ltd. and a man with an infectious smile and a 
genuine interest in every person he meets, Mr. Smith ("Smitty" to all 
Aikenites) honed his craft from his teenage years forward, working in and 
managing local and regional clothing establishments- including Belk's, 
Owen-Thomas, and LeGrand's- experiences that shaped the customer-first 
philosophy and deep vendor relationships that define Lionel Smith, Ltd.; and

Whereas, after its 
founding in 1976, through hard work, community relationships, and exceptional 
service, Lionel Smith, Ltd. quickly grew into the premier men's fashion 
destination for Aiken County and the two-state region, attracting devoted 
clients from across the Southeast; and

Whereas, in 1982, the 
store secured its enduring home in the heart of downtown Aiken, reinforcing 
both the vitality of Laurens Street and the city's village-center identity, and 
helping to anchor a welcoming retail environment for residents and visitors 
alike; and

Whereas, Mr. Smith and 
his late wife of fifty-nine years, Dorothy Burton "Dot" Smith, had two 
children, Van and Kelli. Van purchased the business from Mr. Smith in 1992 and 
decided that to have continued success in the menswear business, Lionel Smith, 
Ltd. had to be known for its high level of customer service and exquisite taste 
level in merchandise. In recent years, Van and his team have ushered in a new 
era for Lionel Smith, Ltd. while maintaining the excellent customer service and 
quality goods for which the company has been known; and

Whereas, Lionel Smith, 
Ltd. is renowned for expert alterations executed by in-house seamstresses, a 
curated and extensive tie selection, and a classic in-store atmosphere that 
invites conversation and cultivates long-term relationships with generations of 
customers; and

Whereas, over the 
years, Lionel Smith, Ltd. has continued to prove its staying power through its 
commitment to its community, bolstering its reputation and flourishing in an 
age when small family businesses are increasingly rare, and online retailers 
have created enormous pressure on brick-and-mortar stores. The Lionel Smith, 
Ltd. story reflects the kind of tradition, perseverance, and pride that 
resonates nationwide; and

Whereas, for five 
decades, Lionel Smith, Ltd. has supported local employment, invested in 
downtown Aiken, and served as a civic-minded business that reflects the best of 
South Carolina hospitality and craftsmanship. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the 
Senate with the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the 
South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate 
Lionel Smith, Ltd., on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary; commend the 
store for its sustained excellence in menswear, tailoring, and customer service; 
honor Lionel "Smitty" Smith and Van Smith for their leadership, 
entrepreneurship, and contributions to the economic and cultural life of 
downtown Aiken and the Central Savannah River Area; and extend best wishes for 
continued prosperity.

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Lionel "Smitty" Smith, 
Van Smith, and the employees of Lionel Smith, Ltd., with the deepest 
appreciation of the people of South Carolina for fifty years of excellence.

----XX---

This web page was last updated on March 03, 2026 at 02:18 PM