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February 2025

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SC Counties See Economic Growth As Industries Expand in Palmetto State

A few counties kicked off 2025 with good news on the economic development front. Richland County announced a 41,000-square-foot training center that will serve as a hub for technical training and testing.


The renovation of the property is currently underway and is expected to be complete later this year. Once complete, Scout Motors is set to be the first company to put the state-of-the-art facility to use, conducting job interviews, testing and pre-employment training for its 4,000-employee production center.


“Preparing Richland County residents for the jobs of tomorrow is a top priority,” said Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only meet immediate training needs but will also serve as a long-term asset in creating career pathways for our residents and attracting businesses. We’re proud to be part of this investment and the support it provides in increasing prosperity for all citizens.”


Luck Companies is also boosting the state economy, developing new sites in Chester, Edgefield, Saluda and Spartanburg counties and expanding existing sites in Fairfield and Kershaw counties.


Luck Companies, a provider of crushed stone aggregates and environmental performance products, will invest a total of $450 million in this expansion effort and will create 70 new jobs.


“Our growth strategy is about expanding the reach of our people-focused mission. We believe in creating opportunities for our associates, and for those in the community. Our goal is to have a positive impact across the new communities we’re joining, including the counties of Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Saluda and Spartanburg," said Luck Companies Chief Growth Officer Joe Carnahan.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Good Data, Strong Relationships Highlighted as Building Blocks of Risk Management

County risk managers from across the state convened recently for the 2025 South Carolina Association of Counties Insurance Trusts Member Meeting. This year’s meeting kicked off a little earlier than previous years, giving attendees several more hours of training and education. 


Educational sessions included presentations from attorney William Lyon of Willson Jones Carter & Baxley on workers’ compensation issues affecting counties and attorney Gene Matthews with Richardson Plowden who shared insights into legal and human resources issues impacting county government. Chester County Administrator Brian Hester shared his insights on working with elected officials and bridging the gap with county councils when it comes to risk management strategies and procedures. 


“Data is the most important thing. Data should drive every single thing that we do,” Hester said, adding that risk managers should forge strong relationships with decision-makers and leaders in their county. 


Read more about this year's Insurance Trusts Meeting and Risk Management Awards.

NEWS

NACo's First 100 Days Series Highlights Federal Changes Impacting Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) kicked off a new weekly webinar series to help counties stay informed and equipped to navigate the changing federal government landscape.


The First 100 Days series, provides timely analysis on developments in the first 100 days of the Trump administration. You can watch recordings of previous sessions and sign up for future webinars on the series page.


The webinars focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. 


The webinars are free to attend but you must register online



ETHICS TIP

Statements of Economic Interests Due 3/30

Meghan Walker Dayson, executive director of the State Ethics Commission, offers this reminder to county officials.

 

Did you know that Statements of Economic Interests are due by March 30? 


If you are a member of county council, or serving as your county’s chief financial officer or chief administrative official (county administrator, county supervisor), you are required to file a Statement of Economic Interests. 


Should you need help filing your Statement of Economic Interests, please contact the State Ethics Commission at (803) 253-4192.

EDUCATION

Orientation for Newly Elected Countywide Officials is Less Than 1 Month Away

Orientation for newly elected countywide officials will take place 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Columbia. Registration is now open and is free for those who have recently been elected to serve as county auditor, treasurer, clerk of court, coroner, probate judge, register of deeds or sheriff.


The session is designed to provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of county officials and of SCAC's programs and services.


Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the forms and powers of county government, the state ethics act, budget basics and funding sources, how a bill becomes a law and strategies for building relationships with county council and county administration.


Participants who complete the daylong orientation will receive six credit hours toward their Level I certification in the Institute of Government for County Officials.


Registration is required, and the deadline to register is March 3.

New Classes Offered Through Learning Portal

Enhance your knowledge and skills with three newly available online courses from SCAC.


Institute of Government Level I Required Classes:

  1. Legal Issues in County Government – Dive into the legal landscape impacting local governments to govern more effectively.
  2. Public Budgeting – Master financial planning, budget preparation, capital budgeting, and more to confidently collaborate with your county's financial team.


Continuing Education for Planning & Zoning Officials:

Demographic Impacts on Planning and Zoning – Explore South Carolina’s demographic trends and projections while earning 3.0 hours of CE credit.


Ready to Get Started?

  1.  Access Courses Here.
  2. Log in to the Member Portal.
  3. Visit the “Catalog” tab to find your courses.
  4. Complete a course and receive a completion email with a course evaluation link.


Should you need any assistance with the online course or your Institute of Government transcript please email Alicia Entzminger or call 803-779-8628. If you need assistance with logging into the Member Portal please email Jennifer Haworth.

NACo Invites Leadership Academy Graduates to Sign Up for Leading On Purpose Program

The National Association of Counties is offering a leadership program for those who have completed the High Performance Leadership Academy. The Leading On Purpose program is designed for government leaders seeking to take their skills to the next level.


The program will guide participants as they establish their leadership purpose, enhance team dynamics and navigate complex challenges in work and life.


The eight-week program will launch in February 2025, and space is limited to 100 participants. Cost is $750, and all High Performance Leadership Academy graduates receive a $250 scholarship.


More information on the program can be found here, or you can reach out to Luke Afeman at lukea@pdaleadership.com

GRANT CENTRAL STATION

SC250 Offers Grant Programs for 2025

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) is now accepting grant applications for FY25 (July 2024 - June 2025). SC250’s goals are to inspire education and set up cultural tourism sites that will have an impact on the future.


SC250 offers one $3,000 Non-Competitive Organizing Grant to each official County 250 Committee. This grant is non-competitive so applications are accepted ongoing until 3 p.m. May 7.


SC250 also offers competitive grants in the following levels:


  • Monthly grants up to $15,000 (Apply by the first business day of each month at 3 p.m. through June 2)
  • Major grants from $15,001 to $125,000 (Application deadlines are March 26, and June 26)
  • Premier project grants starting at and above $125,001 (Application deadlines are March 26, and June 26)


Learn more about the FY25 Grant Programs.

Visit our Grants page

Latest issue of County Focus now available online


Check out the winter issue of County Focus magazine online now!


Flip through the digital version.

EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, COLLABORATE

Join us today for Counties Connect 2025

Counties Connect and the Institute of Government for County Officials enables all county officials to become better informed about key local and state issues affecting all 46 counties.


Join us TODAY, Feb. 19, for Counties Connect and hear a legislative briefing from SCAC staff and get an opportunity to meet with representatives and senators at the State House.


The Association will host a reception for members of the S.C. General Assembly this evening. Institute classes including the Council Chairperson’s Workshop will be held tomorrow, Feb. 20

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT

Visit Our County Jobs Page

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