The Commission's objective is to evaluate the state's current tax structure and provide recommendations to the General Assembly. "The TRAC is tasked with the arduous task of recommending changes to SC's taxation system, which primarily consists of sales, income and property taxes," Chairman Cooper remarked. "These two gentlemen have direct experience in how tax policies affect business and consumer decisions."

Kenneth Cosgrove is responsible for the Operations and Marketing division of Piedmont Petroleum Corporation. He obtained his Masters of Business Administration from Clemson University. Mr. Cosgrove was the youngest member elected to the Board of Directors of the SC Association of Convenience Stores.

Chairman Cooper stated, "Mr. Cosgrove has considerable knowledge and experience in the small business arena from his family's long term operation of convenience stores, these businesses touch every tax collected by the state of SC and Kenneth can provide tremendous insight on how changes to the system will affect consumer behavior as well as small businesses."

Robert Steelman, J.D. has over 30 years of state, federal, legal and management experience in 40 states and several foreign countries. At present, he serves as the Tax Vice President of Michelin North America, Inc. He earned both his law degree and Masters of Law and Taxation from William & Mary School of Law. Mr. Steelman formerly served as a member of the SC Tax Commission and the SC Department of Revenue Advisory Board. "Mr. Steelman brings an impressive resume from the manufacturing sector and comes highly recommended by several organizations," said Chairman Cooper.