lscog annual report 2015

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Annual Report

January - December 2015

Serving six counties and forty-five municipalities since 1967

2748 Wagener Road PO Box 850

Aiken, SC 29802 P. 803-649-7981 / F. 803-649-2248

www.lscog.org

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Discover how the Lower Savannah COG can be of service to your County or Municipality!

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Letter from Chairman Keith Sloan

2015 has been a year of accomplishments for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments and it is with a sense of great pride and pleasure that we provide our 2015 annual report for your information.

The Lower Savannah COG is an organization of six unique and diverse member counties bound together for the mutual benefit and progress of each. The counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg have committed to making our region the very best it can be for all of our 315,000 plus residents, 45 active municipalities and the local business and industrial community.

For almost 50 years the Lower Savannah COG, utilizing a dedicated and highly skilled staff and board committed to community improvement and progress, has worked with municipal and county governments to design and develop programs and funding sources to help the communities of the region achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.

The Lower Savannah COG has programs that touch virtually all areas of our public service needs. The COG administers state and federal grants in housing, community development, transit, workforce development, economic development, aging and many more areas identified as a need by our member counties.

In 2015 the Lower Savannah COG experienced the retirement of Connie Shade as Executive Director. Consistent with the forward looking vision of the COG, a nationwide search was begun for an Executive Director to lead the COG into the future. The search ended with the selection of Dr. William Molnar as the new Executive Director.

It is with great pride that we review the past and many achievements of our COG in the region. It is with much anticipation and high expectations that we view the future of the LSCOG. Under the leadership of Dr. Molnar, utilizing the skills and talents of our outstanding staff and with a renewed sense of purpose and determination of our board and our member counties, the future looks exceedingly bright for the LSCOG and the citizens and local governments it serves.

Keith Sloan Chairman 2015/2016

Serving the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg

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Farewell to Connie Shade

Ms. Connie Shade, Executive Director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, retired on September 1, 2015 and handed over the reins to Dr. William Molnar. She stayed on for two weeks to give guidance in the transition and received a heartwarming farewell from staff on September 15th and a regional farewell with invited guests on September 17th. Anyone who knows Connie also knows that she poured her heart and soul into the COG, its operations, programs, projects, as well as board, state, county and municipal relationships. She started with the COG forty-five years ago as office manager. At that time she was one of six employees. During the ensuing years, she has served in numerous capacities, having been involved in nearly every program of the COG. Connie has taken the lead to identify and implement new initiatives that have proven to be invaluable in impacting the quality of life for local citizens and helping communities in the region thrive. She retires from a healthy agency, with a staff of around fifty employees, that offers successful programs ranging from community development, economic development, regional planning, a regional housing consortium, workforce development, to tourism and a regional Aging, Disability and Transportation Resource Center. During her tenure as Assistant Executive Director, she assisted in the development of the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, a national model solid waste facility shared by nine counties. She led the region's work in transit system development and coordination, leading to the vision in 2000 of a coordinated regional transportation network, following a study on regional coordination among transit providers. She led efforts to develop and implement public transit system in four counties in the region. all of which continue to operate successfully. In July 2011 she took over the position as Executive Director and now, at the end of her leadership, she leaves all of the COG's programs enjoying a reputation for meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements, high performance, and fiscal responsibility. Over the years, the Lower Savannah COG has been instrumental in generating over $558 million in state and federal grants for municipalities and counties in the region. Connie has proven to be a devoted and passionate leader for the LSCOG and

carrying out its mission. That said, she is looking forward to spending time

with her family, traveling, staying involved in community affairs and wearing

her newest "hat" - grandmother to a one-year old granddaughter.


Connie & Bill Taylor (SC House Representative)

Connie & Yvette Rowland (Office of Senator Lindsey Graham)

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Message from Dr. William Molnar

It is my distinct honor to be the Lower Savannah Council of Governments’ new Executive Director. I look forward to continuing the COG’s strong technical and administrative support to its member counties and the local governments that they serve. In addition, I am excited to bring in new ideas and programs that will complement and expand upon the great work already being conducted within the region.

The work enclosed in this report occurred before Ms. Connie Shade retired from this position after 45 years of service to the LSCOG. I would first like to thank her and all the others who have left or retired in the last year, whose efforts are here included. A few of the highlights of this report are: in Aiken County the Medication Assistance Program (MAP) doubled the number of recipients, since 2004 they have recorded a savings in prescriptions for the county of $7.8 million; we assisted the Town of Allendale with a new well and served 2,651 customers at the SC Works Allendale Center; the City of Denmark sparkles with a new intersection upgrade; in Calhoun County we managed four (4) homeowner rehabilitation projects valued at approximately $180,000 and saw a 40% increase in Business Engagement; and, Orangeburg County is completing the intersection of I-95 and US 301 with Guideshare funds. These are just some of the ways that the LSCOG benefits the region.

Thank you to all who have welcomed me. I look forward to working with Chairman Keith Sloan and the other members of the Council as we serve our region in this coming year.

I am especially grateful to our past LSCOG Chairman Ronnie Young for his tireless efforts on behalf of this organization and his energies with the Workforce Development Board. Chairman Young’s advocacy for the Council is deeply appreciated. In addition, I wish to recognize Assistant Executive Director Ms. Nora Sanders for her continuous devotion and the expertise that she brings to the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

As the Council transitions to new leadership there will be many exciting changes. On the agenda for this coming year is a renewed emphasis on building partnerships, the development of entrepreneurial opportunities, the enhancement of our external communications, and the expansion of technological opportunities within the region.

I am always available to discuss this report and how the LSCOG is moving forward to

address the needs of the six county region. If you have questions, please contact me,

or the appropriate division administrator.

Finally, thank you for your interest and support of the Lower Savannah COG’s continuing mission to serve the citizens of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties.

William Molnar, Ph.D. Executive Director


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VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to be a nationally

recognized, comprehensive resource

that facilitates regional solutions

through innovative and cooperative

partnerships.

VALUE STATEMENT

The Lower Savannah Council of

Governments’ Board, Management

and Staff are committed to the

highest ethical standards of

professional service, leadership and

integrity. They strive together in

service to the region to utilize

problem solving techniques and

develop a creative outlook for the

future. The success of the

organization depends on the talents,

skills, and expertise of its board and

staff working as a team. Lower

Savannah Council of Governments

understands the importance of its

mission and vision and values the

trust placed in its organization by the

people it serves.


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As early as 1966, over a year before Governor Robert E. McNair would sign legislation dividing South Carolina into ten official planning districts for area-wide programs, a small group of local leaders were preparing the designation of the Lower Savannah Economic Development District. These men, who united Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties toward the common goal of promoting the various economic resources of their region, would be proud to know that after forty-eight (48) years the Lower Savannah Council of Governments would remain an strong and respected regional organization for the six counties of the region. The office was officially established on June 20, 1967 by an EDA grant of $31,450 and local funds of $10,500. Today Lower Savannah boasts an annual budget of $8.9M with numerous grants and contracts from federal, state and local sources. The original staff of less than 3 members has grown to 50 personnel all working on various programs to improve the region’s quality of life. Lower Savannah grew from a board of 18 members in 1967 to its current membership of 39 with representatives appointed by county governments. Some of these members have more than 35 years of service with Lower Savannah, and the majority of the members have served 15 or more years. The board is dedicated to setting policy for the organization and ensuring that the needs of each county is served – regardless of the land size or population of the county.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Lower Savannah Council of Governments operates South Carolina’s only Aging, Disability and Transportation Resource Center (ADTRC). The Resource Center’s purpose is to inform and assist people in our region about a myriad of topics related to aging, disabilities, family care-giving, benefits, resources and transportation options that support independent, healthy and engaged community living. This center is innovative in that it combines programs relating to public and human service transit with information and assistance to link to other health and human service related resources, benefits and options. People call the center throughout each day with requests and questions in many diverse areas. The COG also purchases services for seniors and transportation services from local service providers in each county of the region, and works to coordinate these services among agencies serving the public.

SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Area Agency on Aging-planning, service development and

contracted services through local agencies in each county

Elderly Legal Services

Long Term Care Ombudsman-Investigation of complaints in

residential care facilities

Friendly Visitor Volunteer Program for Nursing Homes

Information, Referral and Assistance for older persons and

disabled adults and their family caregivers

Medicare and Insurance Benefits Counseling

Family Caregiver Support Program

Medication Assistance Program

Savannah River Site Retiree Association member assistance

Local Transit System Development and Management - mobility

management - matching riders with available seats in the region

Responsibility for the Best Friends Express transit system in Aiken

and technical support for the Cross Country Connection transit

system in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties

Transit coordination between public and private transit providers

Input into urban and rural long range transit & coordination plans

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HIGHLIGHTS

Conducted a required procurement for the operation of the Best Friend Express and Dial-a-Ride services which resulted in a change of operator for the system

Applied for and secured funding from SCDOT and then conducted a required procurement for specialized transportation for older adults and people with disabilities region-wide; local transportation providers are looking forward to gearing up for serving local citizens in all six counties

Provided mobility management services to members of the public seeking public transportation, helping them find rides to work, school, medical care and destinations of independent community living. ADTRC staff helped local citizens to solve complex problems involving transportation

Assisted Orangeburg County in management of the Cross County Connection Transit System in Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties

Continued to showcase the ADTRC Call Center by answering questions from other areas, providing input into “how to” documents on setting up a one-call center

Worked with the Aiken City Senior Commission to host a well-attended Senior Legal Issues workshop in October, 2014

Strengthened our partnership with the Savannah River Site Retiree Association (SRSRA) - numerous volunteers from SRS have been trained and work closely with the ADTRC staff in the center to help others

Trained new volunteers for several programs offered through the Area Agency on Aging including Benefits Counseling and Nursing Home Visitor programs

Funding was substantially increased to provide services to caregivers through issuance of small grants which assist in purchasing supplies for the patient, sitter services and assistance to grandparents raising grandchildren. The funding for respite services helping Alzheimer patient caregivers which started in 2014 is ongoing

Participated as a sponsor for the Aiken Senior Extravaganza which sees an annual attendance of over 1,200 seniors

Made numerous presentations at health and information fairs, United Way of Aiken County events and to civic and church clubs

Since September 2014

SRSRA has accomplished

the following:

533 office visits

309 phone contacts

9 home visits

71 people received

Welcome to

Medicare Training

727 client hours

assistance provided

$332,868 in health

benefit claims

processed

39,631 Handy Rides

in Bamberg County

LSCOG contracted to

purchase home and

community services in all

six counties to 1,852

individual seniors through

the aging program.

Services such as meals,

home care, transportation

and wellness activities

provided helped these

older adults remain in

their homes.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - PLANNING

Comprehensive Planning

The LSCOG Planning Department provides technical assistance to member governments

for a wide array of planning activities, including comprehensive planning, land use

planning, hazard mitigation planning and development of zoning ordinances and GIS

mapping. Staff assists local governments with the development of comprehensive plans

and land use plans that meet the requirements of the 1994 Local Government

Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act.

Transportation Planning

Planning staff develop local projects such as intersection, enhancement and roadway improvement projects in the rural highway network. The projects are funded primarily through the SCDOT Guideshare program and detailed in a regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) makes recommendations to the LSCOG Board of Directors. Demographic Research and Studies The Planning Department provides services for socio-economic research and assists local governments with varied studies. Staff can create custom demographic profile reports that include population estimates and projections, income data, housing data and consumer buying power data, among many other categories. The planning staff can also assist with housing studies, strategic plans, trend analyses, locating funding sources for projects and grant application development.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Technical assistance with planning, zoning and land use developments documents for

municipalities and counties in particular Allendale County.

Assistance for the towns of North, Blackville, Elloree and Bowman with their

Comprehensive Planning Program Update

Assistance for Eastern Orangeburg with their Study Implementation

Assistance for the Town of New Ellenton in their Urban Land Institute charrette

Initial work on the 5-Year Update for Hazard Mitigation Plans.

6 hours of planning and zoning orientation sessions for local officials through SCAC

and MASC

10-year updates to Orangeburg County Comprehensive Plan Program

10-year updates to Towns of Holly Hill and Santee Comprehensive Plan Program

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TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Assistance with designation of Guideshare Funding for the

Orangeburg County US301 Extension and I-95 Intersection

Project

Participation in the SC Department of Transportation Multimodal

Plan update

Regular meetings of the Transportation Advisory Committee

(TAC) of the COG to discuss rural transportation and transit

project and program projects for funding

Participation with the Augusta Regional Transportation

Subcommittee (ARTS) and the Aiken County Transportation

Subcommittee in planning and implementing transit and

transportation projects for the Aiken County urbanized portion of

the planning area

Programmed funds for the SCDOT Guideshare program for the

federal roadwork network outside of the Aiken/Augusta MPO

(rural area)

DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH & STUDIES PLANNING SERVICES

PROVIDED INCLUDE

Customized data reports for businesses and development

projects in the area and for economic development purposes

utilizing ESRI’s Business Analyst Online (BAO)

Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and Census data to

local governments, business and citizens within the LSCOG region

OTHER PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Participation in activities of the Savannah River Site Community

Reuse Organization (SRSCRO)

Serving as active member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory

Committee of Aiken County

Serving as ex-officio board member of the GAIT Foundation

(Greater Aiken Integrated Trails)

Orangeburg County US 301 and

I-25 Intersection Project—

Construction

Denmark, SC Downtown

Intersection Upgrade

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lower Savannah is the designated regional Economic Development District (EDD) through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It is the responsibility of staff to keep local governments in the region eligible for financial assistance from EDA through the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Staff works with local governments and other eligible entities to develop economic development projects, apply for funding and administer projects.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Assistance with an Economic Development Administration (EDA)

grant application for the West Avenue Extension Project in North

Augusta

Assistance for the City of Barnwell with an EDA application

Developing an EDA grant application for a Health Sciences and

Nursing facility at Orangeburg—Calhoun Technical College

Grant administration for water lines and well in the Town of

Williston

Grant administration for Aiken Technical College’s Center for

Energy and Advance Manufacturing; completion and ribbon

cutting ceremony September 2015

Preparation of Environmental Assessments for various EDA

projects

Participating in Statewide Economic Development Indicators

Project

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

LSCOG Community Development staff provide technical assistance to local governments with carrying out activities that address community, economic and housing development needs that benefit low to moderate income (LMI) persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted conditions, or met other urgent community needs that pose a serious and immediate threat to the public health and welfare. CD staff work as a liaison between the unit of local government, funding sources, citizens and other community based organizations to bring together resources to improve communities.

CD staff assistance includes project planning and development, grant writing and grant administration for community development projects. CD staff assists with meeting regulatory compliance measures such as Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), the Fair Housing Act, NEPA, ADA/Section 504 Rehabilitation Act and other requirements.

The Lower Savannah Regional Housing Consortium (LSRHC) supports a program to provide the supply of decent, affordable housing to low and very low-income households and to expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers in the region.

COMMUNITY DEV’T SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE Provided CDBG administrative functions for the following

Town of Perry Water Systems Improvements

Town of Allendale New Well

City of Orangeburg Russell Street Improvements

Town of Blackville South Boundary Village Renaissance Phase II, Water

Looping and Well Project

City of Barnwell Hagood Avenue Water Upgrade

Calhoun County Belleville Water Tank

Town of Fairfax Pump Station Upgrade

Town of Wagener Water Upgrade

Town of Cameron Drainage Improvements

Town of Williston Water Improvements

Town of Ulmer Water Improvements

Allendale County Old County Jail Demolition

Town of New Ellenton Greendale Neighborhood Demolition

City of Orangeburg Boswell Street Demolition

Prepared Environmental Assessments for various CDBG Projects

City of Denmark Water Upgrade—CDBG Application Preparation

Calhoun County Fire Truck—CDBG Application Preparation

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LOWER SAVANNAH REGIONAL HOUSING CONSORTIUM

(LSRHC)

Mission

To foster partnerships between regional governmental, for profit and

nonprofit entities, in order to increase capacity and access to affordable

housing; to increase affordable housing stock free from discrimination in

support of community and neighborhood development.

LSRHC Program Goals

Increase the support of decent, affordable housing to low and very

low income households

Expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers

Strengthen the ability of state and local government to provide

housing

Leverage private sector participation

Project Funding Categories

Rental Rehabilitation (must be in partnership with a LSRHC designated CHDO)

Homeowner Rehabilitation (maximum assistance $45,000; funds must address

health & safety issues)

Homebuyer Program

Funding Beneficiaries

Households benefiting from these programs must be at or below 80% of

HUD median income for the area and meet other federal and program

requirements.

Aiken County Town of New Ellenton

Town of North Augusta

Town of Perry

Allendale County Town of Allendale

Town of Fairfax

Town of Ulmer

Bamberg County Town of Bamberg

City of Denmark

Town of Erhardt

Barnwell County Town of Blackville

Town of Snelling

Town of Williston (joined in 2013)

Calhoun County Town of Cameron

Orangeburg County Town of Neeses

City of Orangeburg

Town of Santee (joined in 2013)

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TOURISM-

THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY The Thoroughbred Country actively promotes the area to travelers and travel media. Advertisements are placed into niche market locales and publications. A visitors guide containing information on sightseeing, lodging, dining, shopping, hunting, fishing, golfing and camping is produced every year for fulfillment of inquiries. These guides are distributed to individual requests as well as stocked in the state’s welcome centers, regional and other local venues.

TOURISM SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Coordination and hosting of travel media to obtain print and

electronic coverage in magazines, newspapers, blog, etc.

Placing Thoroughbred Country advertising in various publications

including WRDW, Tripinfo.com, American Road Magazine, South

Carolina Living, Explore the Southeast and Great Vacation Getaway

newspaper inserts, USA today, Southern Living, Preservation, SC

Vacation Guide, SC Chamber Guide, Escape to the Southeast, AAA

Living, AAA Home & Away, AAA World, Atlanta Magazine and the SC

Welcome Centers on I-20, I-95 and I-26

Maintaining website, Facebook and Twitter accounts to promote

Thoroughbred Country

Conversion studies to determine how many inquirers have actually

converted to visitors

Participation in Hospitality Day at the Statehouse, an annual event

that showcases the tourism and hospitality industry to the SC

legislators

Distribution of literature at travel shows including the Family Circle

Cup, World AM, Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic, Flowertown Festival,

Southeast Wildlife Expo, Greenville Camping & RV Show, Travel South

and Forrest Wood Cup

Quarterly meetings of the Thoroughbred Country Tourism Advisory

Committee

SC Peaches & Berries partnership brochure to promote local growers

Media Press Room Partnership with Laurie Rowe Communications;

www.travelmediapressroom.com

2014 Hospitality Employee of the Year Award Winner: Mandy Collins

http://www.tbredcountry.org/

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The MISSION of the Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board is to: "provide workforce investment activities, through a local workforce investment one-stop delivery system, that increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by participants and, as a result, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the six county region."

The Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board operates SC Work Centers in the six county region. The centers provide basic and individualized training services to adults, dislocated workers and older youths for employment and training opportunities. Additionally, business services offered such as On-the Job and Incumbent Worker Training strengthen the relationship between employers and the Workforce Development Board in the six county region.

483 WIOA Adult applicants

served during PY 14

191 WIOA Dislocated

Worker applicants served

during PY14

200 WIOA Youth applicants

served during PY 14

1095 employment and

career workshops and

other groups activities held

Ten (10) companies

received IWT funding in

the amount of $73,512

OJT funding provided jobs

to 38 workers with a

successful completion rate

of 71%

58,440 SC Works visits

were conducted by citizens

of the Lower Savannah

Region to access

Reemployment Services

Business Service staff

reported a 40% increase in

Workforce Division/

Business Engagement in

Calhoun County

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

The past twelve month period has been of steady growth for all

Workforce Programs. We have secured contracts with one service

provider for our 6 county region and are working hand in hand

with them to ensure workforce services are in a state of

continuous improvement. The local Workforce Development

Board has been revamped according to Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act (WIOA) standards. Their input and leadership has

been instrumental in our success over the last year and will be

vital as we launch into the new workforce areas of Sector

Strategies and Apprenticeships for the Lower Savannah region.

The LSCOG Workforce Division has upgraded the Information

Technology (IT) and computer systems in all six of our SC Works

Centers to provided an improved experience for both those

seeking re-employment services in the centers as well as the

many employers using the centers as a hiring base.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funds became available to the

region and a call for projects was issued. Ten (10) firms received

IWT funding in the amount of $73,512. Through these funds, 713

persons will receive opportunities to improve their skills through

employer initiated training to increase their earning power and

credentialing within their chosen fields or occupations.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTSERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE

Along the same training lines, On the Job Training programs (OJT)

reached a total of 38 workers throughout the region at an

successful completion rate of 71%. These persons were

previously unemployed and were placed with local businesses

and industries who agreed to hire the persons full-time and train

them over a pre-approved time frame. A portion of the training

period is subsidized by WIOA funds based on total number of

employees at the form/organization. Of the 38 participants

enrolled in OJT programs last year; 27 remain employed with the

firm which offered the OJT opportunity.

Both the IWT and OJT programs are part of an expanding business

services effort of the Lower Savannah WIOA program. It is the

goal of the Business Services Staff to encourage local employers

to call the WIOA program when they have employment needs

and to build a relationship between the industries and businesses

throughout the region.

The WIOA Staff, WIOA Workforce Development Board, and Youth

Standing Committee, are addressing new WIOA requirements

centered around Work-Based Learning (WBL). WBL opportunities

includes: Internships and Work Experiences, Transitional Jobs,

Summer Jobs, Apprenticeships, On-the-Job Trainings and

Incumbent Worker Trainings. Under WIOA, 20% of all Youth

Program funds must be spent in the above categories. The LSCOG

workforce division has committed itself to achieve this goal.

Youth Service Providers, as well as Business Services staff are out

in force increasing the region’s WBL opportunities so that we will

not only met this new requirement of the new Workforce law but

to also provide the valuable foundational employment skills that

many of our Youth lack due to the absence of real workplace

experiences that quality WBL will provide.

Youth forums were held during March in Aiken at Aiken Technical

College and in Orangeburg at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical

College to reach students ready for graduation but with no plans

past high school. These two forums, offered in cooperation with

Lower Savannah WIOA and the WIA Youth Standing Committee,

the two technical colleges, and the Regional Workforce Advisor,

had an attendance of over 500 students. During the forums,

Youth Forum

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workshops were offered on various training programs offered

through the technical colleges that would lead to well-paying

jobs. There were presentations from industry leaders and

motivational speakers. Follow-up with the students post forum

attendance was coordinated and follow-up with the technical

schools is on-going .

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Hosted two legislative breakfasts on February 2nd at LSCOG in

Aiken and on February 9th at the Orangeburg Office on Aging in

Orangeburg. The most positive aspect was the quality of the

conversations with the members of our legislative delegations

who attended regarding regional and localized COG program

activities.

Hosted the Municipal Elected Officials training workshops

sponsored by the Municipal Association of SC. These workshops

are provided for elected officials as they attain certification for

courses related to being an elected official.

Provided several wellness events for COG staff which included

healthy challenges, stress free activities, recycling, healthy food

cook-offs, screening programs, flu shots and Lunch and Learn

sessions. All activities are led by a staff Wellness Committee and

geared toward making staff members healthier.

Lower Savannah COG hosts a Toastmasters Club – the COG

Toasters – to help staff improve their public speaking and

communication skills.

Provided staff with a glimpse into the Graniteville Mill life by

creating a staff retreat day with the help of former mill employees

and Graniteville native and board member Roger Boyd.

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AIKEN COUNTY

Roger Boyd 8 years

Willar Hightower 20 years

LaWana McKenzie 7 years

Lessie Price 28 years

Kathy Rawls 20 years

John Simmons 34 years

Don Wells * 3 years

Thomas H. Williams 10 years

Ronnie Young 20 years

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Dorothy Riley 4 years

Vernie Harney 10 years

Bill Robinson 26 years

Wilda Robinson 2 years

DaWan Smith 4 years

Theresa Taylor 14 years

BAMBERG COUNTY

Justin Bamberg * 1 year

Jerry Bell 4 years

Clint Carter 10 years

Larrry Haynes 4 years

Alzena Robinson 17 years

Jasper Varn 22 years

Gerald Wright 10 years

BARNWELL COUNTY

Freddie Houston 30 years

Lowell Jowers 6 years

Lonnie Hosey * 4 years

David Kenner 12 years

Keith Sloan 14 years

Pickens Williams, Jr. 31 years

Thomas L. Williams 11 years

CALHOUN COUNTY

Pamela Claxton 3 years

Ted Felder 1 year

James Haigler 22 years

Roger Hill 12 years

Joe Sikes 5 years

Russell L. Ott * 2 years

David Summers 33 years

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Janie Cooper-Smith 10 years

David Covington 24 years

Brad Hutto * 4 years

Joe Jackson 40 years

Clyde Livingston 20 years

Johnny Ravenell 10 years

Silas Seabrooks, Jr. 24 years

Harry Wimberly 18 years

* Legislative Ex-Officio Member

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AIKEN COUNTY

Cathie Justen

Kathy Rawls

Cindy Raybould

Scott Singer

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Layman Cook

Barbara Lewis

BAMBERG COUNTY

Frances Johnson

Alzena Robinson

Susan Jerkins

BARNWELL COUNTY

Laymon Cook

CALHOUN COUNTY

Shayla Jenkins

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Anne Weathers

Jimmy Boland

Janie Cooper-Smith

Eva George

Reverend James McGee

AIKEN COUNTY

Ronnie Young

Stephen Strohminger

Joe Berry

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Bill Robinson

Terri Boone

Catherine Russell

BAMBERG COUNTY

Trent Kinard

Joey Preston

Bill Johnson

BARNWELL COUNTY

Freddie Houston

Curtis Hogg

Pickens Williams, Jr.

CALHOUN COUNTY

Roger Hill

Elaine Golden

Boyce Till

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Sinkler Boone

Janie Cooper-Smith

Harold Young

Region-Wide Representative: Jestine Sanders-Carter

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AIKEN COUNTY

Brian Sanders

Kevin Price

Reggie Barner

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Shekinah Washington

BAMBERG COUNTY

Joe Guess, Jr.

BARNWELL COUNTY

Evelyn Coker

CALHOUN COUNTY

Tyrone Dantzler

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Willie Owens

Harold Young

AIKEN COUNTY

Jenny Burghardt

Ashley Havird

Marylin Kiline

Judy Whaley

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Terri Boone

Lottie Lewis

Kathleen Myrick

Hayward Simmons

BAMBERG COUNTY

Jewel Davis

Nancy Foster

John White

BARNWELL COUNTY

Vivian T. Alston

Bob Cothran

Lynn S. McEwen

Eddie Richburg

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS (NON-VOTING)

Jerry Bell

Hollie Evans

Elizabeth Ringus

Joyce Freeman

Robert Mahoney

Joy Raintree

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AIKEN COUNTY

Catie McCauley

Dee Crawford

Laura Haffly

Kim Matthews

Lessie Price

Brian Smith

Deborah White

Dr. Susan Winsor

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Darainey Hudson

Donella Robinson

BAMBERG COUNTY

Teresa Hannibal (Chair)

Donald Parler

Dr. Renee Ritter

BARNWELL COUNTY

Jeff Martin

Marty Martin, Jr.

Jeanette Murray

CALHOUN COUNTY

M. Pat Black. Jr.

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Kenisha Grimes

Ruby Polin

Curtis Randolph

Billy Reynolds (VChair)

C. W. “ Bill “ Welch

AIKEN COUNTY

LaLita Ashley

Brandon Chandler

Dee Crawford

Jeanette Murray

Patrick Keating

Lessie Price

BAMBERG COUNTY

Rebecca Bodiford

Christopher Green

Dr. Teresa Pope

BARNWELL COUNTY

Joye Hallman

Doris Jameson

ORANGEBURG COUNTY

Lorri Bennett

Joni Mc Daniel

Ruby Polin

Renee Ritter

Felicia Chandler

Chanosha Lawton

Stephanie Williams-Rouse

ALLENDALE COUNTY

Carmen Landy

Wanda Wiggins

CALHOUN COUNTY

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ADMINISTRATION

Dr. William Molnar

Nora D. Sanders

Christine Chandler

FINANCE

Frances Owens

Kelley Hayes

Deloris Williams

HUMAN SERVICES

Lynnda Bassham

Linda Nalley Al-Jabere

Nikki N. Cannon

Mary Beth Fields

Susan H. Garen

Vickie Jackson

R. M. “ Cathie” Lindler

Catherine Longfellow

Janis Lott

Dana A. Luttrull

Rhonda H. Mitchell

Katherine Oliver

Jan Randall

PLANNING

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

TOURISM

Jennifer Tinsley

Patrick Caldwell

Leslie Z. Crawford

Jeff Derwort

Deborah T. Fair

Melissa F. Freitas

Mary Ann Keisler

Nicole Przybylowicz

Amanda Sievers

Heather Warren

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

André Anderson

Denise A. Blystone

Bartel Boone

Karen Chapman

Stephanie Ray Evans

Megan R. Helmig

Geneva S. Jackson

Wendy Mahuron

Vickie Richardson

Sally C. Sharpe

Dianna Simmons

Chesney Tyler

H. Lee Willing

SOUTHERN CAROLINA

ALLIANCE

Becky Beyer

SRS CRO

Richard McLeod

Amy Merry

Mindy Mets

AIKEN-EDGEFIELD

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

PARTNERSHIP

Will Williams

CONTRACT STAFF

N. L. “Shorty” Caprell

Dan L. Cherry

Sandy Watkins

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1967-1968 P. E. Eugene Brabham* Bamberg County, Charter Member 1968-1969 Joseph B. Wilder* Barnwell County, Charter Member 1969-1970 Charles Weber * Orangeburg County 1970-1971 Clarence Evans* Calhoun County 1971-1973 James D. McNair* Aiken County, Charter Member/Emeritus 1973-1974 Ernest Corbin Bamberg County 1974-1975 H. W. Wall* Allendale County 1975-1976 Jack Keel Barnwell County 1976-1976 H. W. Norris Calhoun County 1976-1977 Wilbur Hunt Orangeburg County 1977-1978 Hammond Burkhalter* Aiken County 1978-1979 Joseph C. Jackson Orangeburg County 1979-1980 Jack Croft* Allendale County 1980-1981 DeWitt M. Norwood, Jr.* Barnwell County 1981-1982 Ralph F. Cullinan* Aiken County 1982-1983 C. M. Kinsey, Jr.* Bamberg County 1983-1984 Charles L. Riley* Allendale County 1984-1985 M. Rudy Groomes Orangeburg County 1985-1986 Fay Hatcher Aiken County 1986-1987 William H. Nimmons Bamberg County 1987-1988 Conner A. Isgett, Jr.* Calhoun County 1988-1989 F. Pickens Williams, Jr. Barnwell County 1989-1990 Nathaniel B. Rice* Allendale County 1990-1991 LaWana R. McKenzie Aiken County 1991-1992 Freddie L. Houston Barnwell County 1992-1993 W. E. Smoak* Calhoun County 1993-1994 Chester A. Ray* Orangeburg County 1994-1995 Alzena Robinson Bamberg County 1995-1996 Olivia G. Cohen* Allendale County 1996-1997 W. Hammond Burkhalter* Aiken County 1997-1998 Clyde T. Reed Barnwell County 1998-1999 S. J. Robinson* Calhoun County 1999-2000 Harry F. Wimberly Orangeburg County 2000-2001 Jasper B. Varn, Jr. Bamberg County 2001-2002 William E. Robinson Allendale County 2002-2003 Ronnie Young Aiken County 2003-2004 Jim H. Kearse Barnwell County 2004-2005 David K. Summers Calhoun County 2005-2006 J. Danny Covington Orangeburg County 2006-2007 Robert Chatman Bamberg County 2007-2008 Moses L. Cohen Allendale County 2008-2009 Kathy Rawls Aiken County 2009-2010 Thomas L. Williams Barnwell County 2010-2011 Roger L. Hill Calhoun County 2011-2012 Janie Cooper-Smith Orangeburg County 2012-2013 Clint Carter Bamberg County 2013-2014 Theresa Taylor Allendale County 2014-2015 Ronnie Young Aiken County 2015-2016 Keith Sloan Barnwell County *Deceased

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2748 Wagener Road PO Box 850

Aiken, SC 29802 P. 803-649-7981 / F. 803-649-2248

www.lscog.org

lscog annual report 2015

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