Secretary Hammond honors domestic businesses that have been on file with the Office 100+ years.

(SUMTER, SC) - Today Secretary of State Mark Hammond officially recognized Osteen Publishing Co. as a South Carolina Centennial Business. This honor is reserved for domestic business entities that have been on file with the Secretary of State’s Office for 100 years or more.

Secretary Hammond honored Osteen Publishing in its newsroom in Sumter, South Carolina, home of The Sumter Item. “Sumter has much to be proud of today. Members of the Osteen family have been involved in the newspaper business in Sumter for more than 150 years, and are renowned in South Carolina’s journalism community,” said Secretary Hammond.

Osteen Publishing was incorporated on October 21, 1904. Under the leadership of its now fifth and sixth generation, Osteen Publishing is believed to be the longest continuous family involved in a newspaper in South Carolina, and one of the longest in the United States. Osteen Publishing Co. is the proud owner of The Sumter Item in Sumter, as well as publications in Florida, Alabama and New Mexico. Osteen Publishing Co. is estimated to generate more than $10 million in annual revenues, and employs more than 120 total employees across all locations.

“This is truly an honor to be recognized for what my family has accomplished in this business for so many years,” said co-owner of Osteen Publishing Company and former publisher of The Sumter Item, Jack Osteen. “I firmly believe we will continue to operate a strong, profitable company well into the future.”

“Businesses such as Osteen Publishing Co. show the world that South Carolinians value family, loyalty and quality journalism,” noted Secretary Hammond. 

Secretary Hammond will continue to publicly recognize Centennial Businesses located throughout the state and honor their impact on South Carolina’s growing economy.

Contact: Renee S. Daggerhart
803-734-0629