Richland County 2014 Year in Review

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2014 Richland County Government YEAR IN REVIEW

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A brief recap of the progress and memorable events that took place in Richland County, South Carolina in 2014. View the video version of the year in review here: http://youtu.be/Wd2-_yFww60

Transcript of Richland County 2014 Year in Review

Page 1: Richland County 2014 Year in Review

2014Richland County Government

YEAR IN REVIEW

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As we marked the 215th anniversary of Richland County becoming a standalone district in 1799, we also invited residents to PLAN TOGETHER for the future by participating in the effort to update

the County’s comprehensive land use plan.

From stellar responses to two winter storms and progress with the Transportation Penny program to celebrating the “International Corridor” and getting more than 16,000 YouTube views of a “Talkin’

Trash” video, Richland County Government ended a remarkable year in public service. Several businesses expanded operations here, bringing jobs and opportunities. Small businesses got

assistance through a new program, and the County redefined the concept of “business friendly” to better assist developers and contractors.

Demonstrating a commitment to the environment, the County outfitted some of its facilities with LED bulbs to reduce energy usage, and the County also was cited as a leader in conservation

efforts. Elected officials and County employees received local, state and national awards, recognitions and appointments; and County Council recognized many residents, organizations

and employees for their accomplishments.

We hope you enjoy this brief 2014 Year in Review of Richland County Government.*

*To view the video version of the 2014 Year in Review, tune to RCTV on Digital Time Warner Cable Channel 1302, Time Warner Channel 2 in some parts of the County or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

The video also can be viewed online on the County’s YouTube Channel, richlandonline.

The year 2014 was one of looking back and looking ahead.

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January 2014

Magistrate Office, Sheriff Substation Open in BlythewoodJan. 6

Northeast Richland County residents celebrated the grand opening of a County building that houses the Blythewood Magistrate Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Region 6 headquarters. The joint facility makes services more convenient to this growing part of the County.

Richland County Council Elects Jackson Chair, Dickerson Vice Chair Jan. 8 At its first meeting of the year, members of Richland County Council chose Councilman Norman Jackson, District 11, to serve as Chair and Councilwoman

Joyce Dickerson, District 2, to serve as Vice Chair for 2014.

Richland County Donates Vehicle to Allen University Police Department Jan. 9

Richland County turned over the keys of a decommissioned Sheriff’s Department vehicle to Allen University’s police department. The seven-officer department had only one car. Richland County Council approved the vehicle donation after learning the university’s police department was in need.

Recreation Commission Breaks Ground on Eastover Pool Jan. 17

Community members joined the Richland County Recreation Commission and County Councilmembers in celebrating the start of construction on a swimming pool at Eastover Park. “We’re bound by two major rivers and a lot of people spend time in and on the water but they don’t always know how to swim, said Councilman Kelvin Washington, District 10. “This pool will give residents that opportunity to learn.”

Richland County’s 215th Anniversary Jan. 20

Richland County unveiled a special seal to mark its 215th anniversary. Several community events were planned for the year to celebrate the County’s past and look ahead to its future.

The year 2014 was one of looking back and looking ahead.

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High-Tech Forecast, Team Work Aid County’s Storm ResponseJan. 29

The efforts of Richland County’s Emergency Services, Public Works and Support Services departments helped minimize the effect of snow and ice on roadways and ensured emergency officials could respond to residents during the winter storm that crippled much of the region. Data from the Richland County Weather Information Network Data Systems (RC WINDS) aided in the response.

February 2014

Second Round of Winter Leads to ‘State of Emergency’ Feb. 12

Weather conditions prompted Richland County officials to close County offices for three days – Feb. 12-14 – out of safety concerns for the public and employees. Council Chair Norman Jackson, District 11, declared a “State of Emergency.” Residents were urged to remain indoors. County crews continued to work during the storm to help residents stay safe and help the area recover as quickly as possible.

After undergoing eight years of restoration, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home was unveiled to the public during a special community celebration. Richland County and the Historic Columbia Foundation worked jointly to provide for rehabilitation of the historic home, which is South Carolina’s only presidential site. Woodrow Wilson lived in the home as a teenager from 1871-1874.

Woodrow Wilson Family Home Reopens After Renovations Feb. 15

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County Airport Commission Elects New Leadership for 2014 Feb. 25

The Richland County Airport Commission, which oversees the operation of the County’s Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport (CUB), elected its officers for 2014: Chairman Don Purcell, Vice Chairman Jim Christopher, Secretary Bruce Cole, CPA, and Treasurer Stuart Hope. The Airport Commission consists of nine members appointed for four-year terms. The commission aids County Council in providing public aviation facilities and services and promoting aviation as a means of broadening the economic base of Richland County.

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Council Gives ‘State of the County’ Address March 19

Richland County Council Chair Norman Jackson, District 11, delivered a “State of the County” address to an audience of residents and County employees. He spoke about Richland County’s bright economic future, the projects of the transportation penny and developing regional partnerships with neighboring counties.

April 2014

County’s IT Department Helps Courts Save Money April 4

Richland County’s Information Technology Department saved taxpayers more than $39,000 by automating a reporting system used by the Probate Court to meet new state law requirements for law enforcement officials. Janet Claggett, the County’s Chief Information Officer, said this partnership between Probate Court and the IT Department

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March 2014

Richland 101 Kicks Off, Gives Residents Inside Look March 7

Richland 101, a free course that covers the basics of Richland County Government, was held throughout March. Representatives from various County departments gave presentations and hands-on demonstrations. Richland 101 participants took a ride on a COMET bus, toured a recycling center, learned about Emergency Services training and learned about elephant “compoost” at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

is a great example of how the right technology at the right time can save money, increase efficiencies and improve morale.

PLAN TOGETHER Community Conversations Held Around Richland County April 7-9

More than 200 residents offered suggestions and opinions about plans for Richland County’s future growth and development at several PLAN TOGETHER Community Conversations. These public workshops were held for three days at different locations throughout the County. As Richland County prepared to update its comprehensive plan for growth and development over the next 25 years, the Planning and Development Department held these Community Conservations to garner residents’ input about what they want their County to be.

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United Way Thanks County for Raising More than $30,000 April 8

The United Way of the Midlands presented Richland County Government with certificates to thank County departments for their 2013 fundraising efforts. County employees raised more than $30,000 for programs and services that benefit local residents.

New County Program Promotes Local Small Businesses April 15

Richland County joined the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the City of Columbia and several other local agencies to hold a series of events in honor of National Small

Business Week. Representatives from the County’s new Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) program held a public outreach meeting to highlight how SLBE can benefit small businesses in Richland County.

Council Recognizes No. 1 Basketball Prospect April 15

Richland County Council recognized A’ja Wilson, of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, as the Naismith National High School Player of the Year and top basketball prospect in the country. Councilman Paul Livingston, District 4, presented Wilson, along with her family members, a signed resolution in her honor.

County, Community Members Celebrate New Medical Facility in Hopkins April 24

Richland County representatives, community leaders and health officials celebrated the opening of Hopkins Family Practice – a much needed facility in the Lower Richland area. The County’s Community Development Department secured the federal funds to build the medical office and reached an agreement with the Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers to operate it.

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May 2014

Officials Kick Off Transportation Penny’s Road Paving Program May 8

County officials and local residents joined in celebrating the official start of Richland County’s dirt road paving program. Mt. Pilgrim Church Road was one of the first roads to be paved using transportation penny funds raised from a voter-approved one-cent sales tax. The County plans to spend $45 million to address more than 230 miles of unpaved roads.

Richland County Councilman Jim Manning, District 8, the Richland County Neighborhood Improvement Program and dozens of community partners celebrated the start of the Decker Boulevard Mural Project. The mural, which was being painted on the wall of the Staples building at 2744 Decker Blvd., depicts the cultural diversity for which the area is known. Columbia native and world-renown artist Karl Wilkes was commissioned to paint the mural.

Decker Boulevard Mural Paints Picture of Community Diversity May 14

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County’s Soil and Water Conservation District Highlighted by USDA April 29

The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District received a three-year grant to demonstrate the benefits of using multi-species cover crops to improve soil health, protect environmental quality and reduce production costs. The USDA spotlighted the study in an article that stated, “The grant is enabling conservation partners in South Carolina to seize the opportunity to be leaders in the soil health movement.”

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Center. A grant from the Richland County Conservation Commission to the Richland County Master Gardener Association enabled the renovation of the 1-mile pathway.

New Videos Use Song, Humor to Advocate Responsible Trash Disposal June 13

To encourage recycling and the proper disposal of hazardous waste and other household materials, Richland County released two videos that

Eastover Community Welcomes New Swimming Pool June 12

Children flocked to Eastover Park to join community representatives and County Councilmembers as a new swimming pool was opened. The pool is one of several recreation projects financed by a $50 million recreation bond approved by Richland County Council in 2008.

June 2014

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Richland Recycles Day Promotes Eco-friendly Practices May 16

Richland County gave residents the opportunity to responsibly rid themselves of rubbish at Richland Recycles Day, a recycling event held at the State Fairgrounds. Electronics, paint, tires and more were collected and students from several local schools were educated by County employees about recycling, sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Reopening of Renovated Walking Trail is Celebrated May 17

Richland County Councilwoman Julie-Ann Dixon, District, 9, helped cut the ribbon on a newly restored walking trail around the pond at the Clemson Sandhill Research and Education

Richland County Launches New Website, Software to Assist Contractors, Developers May 21

Richland County’s Development Services launched the next phase of its plan to be more accessible and user-friendly. Its new website ties all aspects of the development process into one consolidated site and new software allows customers to track projects online from the initial submission of building plans to the issuance of the final “certificate of occupancy.”

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enhance citizens’ quality of life and create a stronger economic base,” Jackson said.

Revitalization Begins at County’s Decker Center June 26

County officials visited the former Decker Mall as it is transformed into the Decker Center, a building that will house the Richland County Central Court, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department regional headquarters, County administrative offices and a community room.

Team Selected to Oversee Transportation Penny ProjectsJune 30

Richland County Council selected a program development team to oversee the many components of the County’s Transportation Penny program. In a

joint venture, ICA, Brownstone and MB Kahn Construction were named as the program development team that will manage the broad range of infrastructure improvement projects.

July 2014

Small Businesses are Certified in County’s New Initiative July 2

A group of 22 small businesses were recognized by Richland County as the first to become eligible to participate in projects and contracts with the County through a new program – Small Local Business Enterprises. Industries represented covered construction, architecture, professional services, engineering, wholesale and commodities.

County’s Transportation Penny is Set to Benefit Midlands June 16

Richland County Council Chair Norman Jackson and other leaders officially signed a resolution to submit an application to the state for a $336 million grant for transportation projects designed to stimulate economic development and improve traffic flow in the region. Local funding for the proposal came solely from the County’s Transportation Penny program. “This project will foster economic competitiveness,

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use humor and music to emphasize responsible disposal of household waste. The faces and voices of County employees were used as singingrecycling bins and trash receptacles, pieces of trash and other items to provide information about recycling, trash collection and more.

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Journey” as part of its local history series. Debbie Bloom, manager of the Library’s Walker Local and Family History Center, guided residents through a pictorial history of Richland County from its earliest days to the present using vintage photographs and rarely seen maps.

Residents Offer Input at PLAN TOGETHER Workshops July 7-9

Richland County’s Planning Department held a second round of public meetings in a yearlong effort to engage the community in updating the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The PLAN TOGETHER workshops were interactive, with participants using electronic polling devices to weigh in on a variety of questions with the results displayed on a screen in real time. Residents also had the opportunity to review planning maps.

Library Presents Pictorial History of Richland County at 215th Anniversary Event July 10

To mark the County’s 215th anniversary, Richland Library Main presented “Richland County History: A Visual

County’s Transportation Penny Program Shifts into High GearJuly 27 In its first year, Richland County’s transportation sales tax brought in $53 million – $3 million more than anticipated. The higher-than-projected revenue puts the County closer to the voter-approved goal of generating $1.07 billion through a penny sales tax increase over 22 years. If revenue continues to exceed

projections, the initiative could reach its goal sooner than anticipated, shortening the lifespan of the sales tax increase.

New Business Lands at County Airport July 28

The Richland County Airport Commission, Richland County Council and the local aviation community were happy to welcome a new business to the Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport: Aircraft Maintenance Services (AMS). AMS, a maintenance and repair company originally based in Camden, moved its core operations to the County airport to be more centrally located and have more operating space.

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August 2014

Richland County Hires New Director of Procurement Aug. 11

Cheryl Patrick was hired as the new Procurement Director. Patrick is a Certified Professional Public Buyer, and her career includes six years as procurement manager with the SC Department of Transportation and three years as a procurement manager with the SC Budget and Control Board.

County Councilman Bill Malinowski, District 1, visited Dutch Fork High School and presented the Silver Foxes with a resolution to commend the football team’s 2013 state championship as a new season was about to begin. Head coach Tom Knotts and principal Dr. Greg Owings accepted the signed resolution and thanked Malinowski for recognizing the 2013 team. “It means a lot to us to have the support of Mr. Malinowski and all of County Council,” Knotts said.

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Council Adopts Two Policies for Increasing Energy Efficiency July 31

Two policies were adopted by Richland County Council that ensure new and renovated County buildings meet certain energy standards and County vehicles move toward cleaner fuel alternatives. The new policies were implemented as positive steps forward as the County continues its commitment to sustainability practices.

Event Highlights Importance of Protecting Waterways Aug. 23

Riverfront Park and its adjoining waterway were abuzz with activity as hundreds of people participated in the fifth annual Summer Celebration of Water. Held jointly by Richland County, the City of Columbia, Lexington County and the South Carolina Section of the American Water Works Association, the event encourages residents to learn more about protecting and enjoying rivers, lakes and other water sources.

Council Commends Dutch Fork High School’s Football Team Aug. 27

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Richland County CASA Holds “I Have a Dream” Rally on Anniversary of Speech Aug. 28

In honor of the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) led a march down Main Street in Columbia on Aug. 28 – 51 years after the famous words were originally spoken. More than 200 people took part in the march and rally to show support for the futures of Richland County’s youth by remembering Dr. King’s works of advocacy and justice.

September 2014

Historic Marker Unveiled at Cornwell Tourist Home Sept. 4

A historic marker funded by the Richland County Conservation Commission was unveiled at the Harriet Cornwell Tourist Home, 1713 Wayne St. Owned by Harriet Cornwell for several decades, the house was a “tourist home” that provided lodging and meals for African-American travelers who were turned away from white-owned hotels and restaurants during the era of segregation.

County Residents Take Part in Third Round of PLAN TOGETHER Workshops Sept. 8-11

Richland County residents joined in a third and final round of community meetings to give insight and

suggestions about what the County’s future should look like. Five PLAN TOGETHER meetings were held at different locations throughout the County. At the meetings, residents reviewed a draft amendment to the County’s comprehensive plan that will establish policies for future growth and development in Richland County.

Richland County Receives Funding for Pilot Program to Conserve Energy Sept. 10

As part of a pilot program to conserve energy, Richland County replaced fluorescent fixtures at one of its largest facilities, the Public Works Department, with new technology. A $5,000 grant from the South Carolina Energy Office and $8,900 in funding from the SCE&G Energy Wise program helped offset the

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October 2014

County Managers Get Dunked During Charity Event Oct. 2

Community Welcomes New Park, Nature Center in Crane Creek Sept. 20

Crane Creek area residents celebrated the grand opening of a new park and nature center – a facility that was made possible through the joint efforts of Richland County and community leaders. The Richland County Planning

cost to outfit the Powell Road facility with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. For the first quarter of the year, the County saw an average reduction of 15 percent in energy usage at the facility.

Richland County Names New Conservation Director Sept. 20

Quinton Epps was named the director of the Richland County Conservation Department. He has worked for Richland County since 2010,

previously serving as the Stormwater Manager and Floodplain Coordinator. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field of environmental and conservation issues and served four years in the Peace Corps in Africa.

and Development Department spent $470,000 renovating the 2.6-acre park after receiving input from the local community. The park features a walking trail, covered picnic areas, grills and benches. “To see what this park was before and what it is now – I’m just speechless,” said Councilman Torrey Rush, District 7.

The Richland County Public Works Department held a fall festival to raise money for United Way of the Midlands. As part of the festivities, four County managers – Sparty Hammett, Geo Price, Stacy Culbreath and Michael Green – took a seat in a dunk booth, and employees were all too eager to pay for a chance to sink them. County Departments held several events including rummage sales, auctions and a charity basketball game – with all proceeds benefitting the local organizations that are served by the United Way.

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Residents Lace Up, Make Richland R.U.N.S. a Flying Success Oct. 4

Richland R.U.N.S., a charity 10K run and 5K run/walk, took place at the County’s Jim Hamilton-L.B. Owens Airport (CUB). Walkers and runners gathered at the airport and by 7:45 a.m., they were weaving their way through the historic Rosewood community. The event was a celebration of all Richland County communities – Rural, Urban, Neighborhoods, Suburbs – and it also recognized the County’s rich aviation history. Richland R.U.N.S. was one of several special events held this year to commemorate the County’s 215th anniversary. A 10K state record was set during the race.

The historic Thompson Cottage, located at 1632 Richland St., was opened to the public as the Committee for the Restoration and Beautification of Randolph Cemetery (CRBRC) prepared to begin restoring it. CRBRC plans to rehabilitate the 1870s home through a grant from the Richland County Conservation Commission. The cottage was purchased by Henry Thompson in 1872 and was in the Thompson family for more than a century.

Conservation Grant Helps Fund Restoration of Thompson Cottage Oct. 6

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The first Decker Boulevard International Block Party was centered around the unveiling of a large mural symbolizing the cultural diversity of Decker Boulevard, the County’s “International Corridor.” World-renown artist Karl Wilkes was commissioned to paint the colorful mural. Richland County Councilman Jim Manning, District 8, led efforts to organize the mural project, which was funded by the County’s Neighborhood Improvement Program.

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November 2014

Voters Re-elect Richland County Councilmembers Nov. 4

Five Richland County Councilmembers were re-elected in the November election. Three retained their seats, running unopposed: Councilmen Gregory Pearce, District 6; Seth Rose, District 5; and Paul Livingston, District 4. Councilman Bill Malinowski, District 1, and Council Chair Norman Jackson, District 11, were both contested and won.

Richland County Names New Public Works Director Oct. 18

Ismail Ozbek was named director of the Department of Public Works. Ozbek previously served as the County Engineer for Public Works. He has more than 30 years of engineering experience and has earned several awards, including “Engineer of the Year” by the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers.

Neighborhood Planning Conference Marks 10 Years with “Striving for Happiness” Oct. 11

About 100 residents attended the 10th Annual Richland County Neighborhood Planning Conference, an event that provides the stepping stones for improving the quality of life in local communities. With the theme “Striving for Happiness,” the conference focused on ways a built environment can influence residents’ happiness. A mobile workshop allowed attendees to travel by bus to visit a revamped local park.

Richland County Celebrates Cultural Diversity at Mural Unveiling Nov. 8

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Richland County held its first waste audit at the Richland County Administration Building to demonstrate how much waste tossed at the facility is recyclable. Volunteers picked through nearly 390 pounds of trash and sorted it into different categories: recyclable, compostable and items for the landfill. The results of the waste audit will be used to help employees practice better recycling.

Volunteers Search Trash for Treasure at Waste Audit Nov. 20

Public Information Office and Sheriff’s Department Release Videos Nov. 19

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) teamed up with the Richland County Public Information Office to create a series of short videos focusing on the many services and responsibilities of the RCSD. The videos feature deputies from a variety of RCSD divisions, including School Resource Officers, the Community Action Team and a K-9 Unit.

Richland County Applauds Longest-serving Magistrate in State Nov. 18

Lykesland Magistrate Judge Michael Davis was honored with a special resolution and a standing ovation as Richland County Council recognized him as the longest-serving magistrate judge in the County – and in the state. With 45 years on the bench, Judge Davis has built long-standing relationships with County residents, government officials, state legislators and national figures.

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December 2014

Lower Richland Schools Celebrate Arbor Day with County’s Conservation Department Dec. 5

Richland County Wraps Up 215th Anniversary Year Dec. 18

Richland County held a community drop-in to cap off a year of looking back and looking ahead. The event at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center was a final celebration of the County’s 215th anniversary. Richland County’s boundaries were formally incorporated Dec. 18, 1799. The anniversary event also allowed residents to view the amendments to be made to the County’s comprehensive plan. Residents provided input about the plan at workshops held throughout 2014.

Richland County Hires New Stormwater Manager Dec. 1

Richland County hired Synithia Williams as the new stormwater manager. Williams has 10 years of experience in the stormwater field, most recently serving as the environmental coordinator for Lexington County. She has received several awards for her work in water and air quality and was named a “Green Queen” by The State newspaper in 2010.

Students at Webber Elementary School in Eastover and Horrell Hill Elementary School in Hopkins celebrated Arbor Day by participating in a tree planting event courtesy of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District. EdVenture Children’s Museum presented a play and educational entertainer Tim Womick gave a spirited, informative performance.

County Employees Volunteer to Help Improve Water Quality Dec. 8

A shorescaping project to improve water quality in a retention pond at the County’s Public Works facility was spearheaded by the County’s Stormwater Management

Department and Clemson University Extension’s Carolina Clear program. Employees and volunteers planted native vegetation and rolled out erosion control blankets to demonstrate to the community methods for improving water quality.

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County’s Twitterverse Grows Dec. 10

Richland County’s Twitter followers reach the 6,000 mark.

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Justin Martin, a Richland County Public Information Office employee, won a National Association of County Information Officers 2014 Awards of Excellence for a public service announcement about proper recycling

Richland County Councilman Kelvin Washington Sr. was named one of the Midlands 50 Most Influential People of 2013 by Business Monthly Columbia

Ronaldo D. Myers, Director of the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, was elected the 3rd Vice President of the American Jail Association and President of the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association

For the first time in its 30 years, Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was 100 percent compliant in all 14 categories of the national requirements

Richland County received the Emily Hall Tremaine Local Government Leadership Award for its sustainability efforts

Richland County 2014: A Year of Awards, Appointments and Accolades

Richland County Utilities Department employee Carla Lamb received the Water Environment Association of SC, Capital District award for Lab Analyst of the Year

Richland County Building Director Donny Phipps was made an honorary member of the Building Official’s Association of South Carolina, was elected to the International Code Council Board of Directors, and was elected to the board of directors of the Palmetto Property Maintenance Officer’s Association

The University of South Carolina Association of Lettermen elected Richland County Councilman Seth Rose, District 5, into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame for 2014

Chris Eversmann, Director of the Jim Hamilton–L.B. Owens Airport, was named an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives

Chanda Cooper was named the 2013 Outstanding Conservation District Employee by the SC Association of Conservation Districts

For the 19th consecutive year, the Richland County Finance Department received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada

Richland County was one of several organizations to receive a 2014 Historic Preservation Honor Award for restoration of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home

Richland County GIS Manager Brenda Carter and GIS Technician II Betty Etheredge received GIS Achievement Awards at the 2014 SCARC Conference

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Richland County 2014: A Year of Awards, Appointments and Accolades

William Simon, Land Development Division Manager for Richland County Public Works, was elected to the board of directors for the South Carolina American Public Works Association

Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson was elected the 2014-2015 County Council Coalition President of the SC Association of Counties, which is composed of council members from all 46 South Carolina counties

Anna Lange, Richland County’s Sustainability Manager, became certified as an Accredited Commercial Energy Manager

Councilman Torrey Rush, District 7, was appointed to serve on the International Economic Development Task Force

Vector Control Director Tammy Brewer was presented the L.A. Williams Jr. award for extensive contributions to mosquito control and employee Katherine Sandel was named Technician of the Year by the South Carolina Mosquito Control Association

Liz McDonald, the Richland County Deputy Assessor for Administration, earned the highest certification available, Certified General Mass Appraiser

Valeria Jackson, Richland County Director of Community Development, was nominated to serve on the National Community Development Association

Beverly Harris, Richland County Public Information Director, won an International Association of Business Communications South Carolina Palmetto Award for a series of news releases

Richland County Development won the John A. Sasso Award for its Community Development Week celebration

The Richland County Fleet program was named one of the “100 Best Fleets in North America” by Governing Magazine

A joint effort of Richland County, the City of Columbia and Lexington County to address homelessness received the Audrey Nelson Award

Richland County Utilities Department employee Stephen Gardner was named Distribution Operator of the Year by the Water Environment Association of SC, Capital District Water

Richland County EMS employees Bridgett Walker and Brian Rucker were each awarded the Radiant Responder Medal by Providence Hospital

Richland County’s Information Technology Department employee Joe Hallbick received the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award from GMIS, a worldwide IT organization, and Mike Prince, Applications Manager, accepted on behalf of a team of IT employees the G2 Government-to-Citizen Award

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Thank you for a successful 2014!

Richland County looks forward to serving our residents and business community in the new year.

This is a publication of the Richland County Public Information Office.

Richland County Public Information Office 2020 Hampton St., Suite 4069, Columbia, SC 29204 803-576-2050 ● www.rcgov.us ● [email protected]