City Quick Connect Podcast from the Municipal Association of South Carolina

The City of Hardeeville won a 2024 Achievement Award for its development of the Hardeeville Commerce Park located on Interstate 95. City Manager Michael Czymbor discusses land acquisition, infrastructure preparation, and what the development means for Hardeeville’s economy and future.

See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/population-5001-10000-city-hardeeville

The City of Abbeville won a 2024 Achievement Award from the Municipal Association for its ongoing capital improvement plan, replacing and upgrading everything from water to sewer, stormwater and electrical lines. City Manager Blake Stone discusses how the efforts have been planned and funded, as well as their impact on economic development and quality of life for Abbeville.

See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/population-1001-5000-city-abbeville

The City of Florence won the 2024 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Economic Development Achievement Award for its sports tourism development involving an expanding slate of athletic facilities. City Manager Scotty Davis and Athletic Director Tim Wilson discuss how the city has built and maintained these facilities, the economic impact of visiting athletes, and what’s next for sports in Florence.

See the award video at https://www.masc.sc/achievement-award/2024/economic-development-city-florence

Main Street Inman won the Main Street South Carolina 2024 Excellence on Main Street Award for the Mayor’s Youth Council, a program focused on civic education and community pride. Its members attend council meetings, volunteer at events and participate in cleanup days. Inman Mayor Cornelius Huff and City Administrator Joe Lanahan discuss the program’s development, its impact on students and its impact on downtown Inman.

See the award video at https://vimeo.com/988521595.

Casey Fields, Joannie Nickel and Erica Wright discuss the Advocacy Initiatives Building Day that will happen in Columbia on September 25, where city and town officials are invited to share their ideas and concerns for the 2025 legislative session at the State House.

More information: https://www.masc.sc/event/advocacy-initiatives-building-day

Garbage trucks face numerous potential fire hazards that can endanger people and become incredibly costly as well. Municipal Association Loss Control Manager Bethany Pendley talks about how cities can handle this hazard, including preventive maintenance, cleaning, and training for what to do when a sanitation truck fire occurs.

Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/07-2023/dont-let-trash-trucks-become-burn-barrels

Municipal Association of SC Field Services Managers Charlie Barrineau and Naomi Reed discuss the issues involved in managing agendas for public meetings. They cover setting the agenda, properly distributing agendas, circumstances for adding agenda items and executive sessions.

Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/12-2023/who-can-set-or-change-agenda

Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom talks with Charles Parker, project director from The Retail Coach, a consulting firm the Municipal Association has partnered with for retail recruitment training. They discuss retail development trends, ways cities can market themselves and address policy considerations for retail, as well as success stories around South Carolina and the nation.

Read Parker’s recent article in Uptown: https://www.masc.sc/uptown/07-2024/role-city-leadership-retail-recruitment

Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover and Chief Operating Officer Jake Broom talk about the Association’s Small Cities Summit, a one-day session taking place in Columbia on August 22 and addressing the specific needs and challenges of smaller cities and towns. This year’s summit will feature an “Agency Hall” where attendees can meet representatives from a variety of state agencies.

Learn more: https://www.masc.sc/event/small-cities-summit

At the Municipal Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting, Executive Director Todd Glover and Legislative and Public Policy Advocate Joannie Nickel give an update on the 2023-24 legislative session. They discuss primary elections, the 2024 state budget, bills that passed and did not pass, and issues that could arise in the 2025 session.