The assembled crowd of Republicans mostly from Richmond County also contained representatives from around the area including Anson County Republican Party Chairman Gail Harrington, Scotland County Republican Chairman Hal Culberson and Vice Chairman Sandy Carter.

Between wonderful live performances from the Crosscut Bluegrass band, Richmond Republican Party Chairman Teressa Beavers and Vice Chairman Lee P. Butler took the stage to address the crowd and introduce the guest speakers who were attending the celebration.

Vice Chairman Butler announced that Eighth District United States Congressman Robin Hayes had to attend another special event and couldn’t be at the grand opening. He pointed out that Congressman Hayes had been very good to Richmond County, which drew loud applause and without question would otherwise have been there if he could have made it.

Congressman Hayes’ representative Gary Mitchell was introduced to speak on his behalf and he talked about the various issues Congressman Hayes was focused on in Congress, especially concerning the counties in the district and the military.

He also announced that a flag was flying over the White House that would be assigned to the Richmond County GOP for presentation along with a certification verifying it’s authenticity to the County Party as a gift for the grand opening.

Chairman Beavers introduced North Carolina Republican Party Vice Chairman Linda Daves. She spoke about how important having a headquarters is to a County Party and complimented the Richmond County GOP facility because it had the right design to set-up phone bank to coordinate a fully functioning election campaign operation.

Vice Chairman Butler told the crowd that the grand opening was a special event because it was Chairman Beavers main goal to have a headquarters that would be the focal point for the party as we try to attract more people to the Republican Party and the celebration was a testiment to her vision and determination.

He then announced the District Eight GOP Secretary Sandy Carter from Scotland County. She recited a letter from District Eight Chairman David Black who was also unable to attend the event. After reading the statement, Scotland County Vice Chairman Carter congratulated the Richmond County GOP.

Chairman Beavers commended Tom McInnis for his work in advancing the Richmond County GOP through his tenure as the Richmond County Republican Party Chairman, to his time served representing the RCGOP on the Richmond County Board of Elections and as he takes the oath of office as a newly elected member of the Richmond County Board of Education.

Vice Chairman Butler said Tom was one of the first people he met in the county who was openly willing to admit he was a registered Republican and that the public knowledge of his party affiliation made his election victory for the Board of Education was a compliment ti him and was important because it could be used as a springboard for other candidates who were campaigning for the November election.

Tom McInnis thanked everyone for their vote during the primaries and said he looked forward to helping the parents of Richmond County’s children while serving on the board. He was especially focused on how the $25 million school bond expenditures would be spent, specifically making sure that it would be spent where it had been promised and that it be done effectively.

He also pointed out that, "the eventual cost of the bond would dramatically exceed the inital cost of the appropriated funding, which makes it even more imperative that the school board is careful in the decisions they make with how it’s spent."

Two candidates running for office in the November election who want ot represent Richmond County; District 66 House of Representatives candidate David Browder and Ben Moss Jr. candidate for the Richmond County Commission.

Both candidates addressed what they see as a lack of economic opportunity for the residents of Richmond County and want to do what they can to correct that situation. Candidate Browder by focusing on creating jobs and candidate Moss by guiding the county in a more pro-economic growth direction.

Chairman Beavers and Vice Chairman Butler thanked everyone for participating in the event and Reverend Phil Huber, who started the ceremony with a prayer, ended the speaking portion by giving the benediction and the blessing of the food.

All attendees enjoyed a hot dog dinner catered by Jim Lane, owner of the Ellerbe Springs Restaurant and Inn while the Crosscut Bluegrass band provided more entertainment.