Member News

Graduation Dinner Honors Jr. Leadership Class 11-12

April 23, 2012

(Ed Garrison, (803) 424-2860)

SAMANTHA WOODS (center) of North Central High School received the 2012 Outstanding Junior Leadership Student of the Year award at annual graduation dinner celebration. The award was presented by Junior Leadership chair Laurie Parks and Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk on behalf of former S.C. representative Robert J. Sheheen in whose honor the award is named.

The 2011-12 Junior Leadership Kershaw County program honored 29 juniors and seniors during its annual graduation dinner held April 19 at the historic Robert Mills Courthouse in Camden. The celebration concluded the program’s 24th year.

Students representing Camden High, Lugoff-Elgin High, North Central High and the Camden Military Academy received plaques in recognition of completing the year-long program, which is a joint venture of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, the Kershaw County School District and Camden Military Academy.

The graduates and their guests heard special remarks by keynote speaker Brooks Harper of Lexington, an author of career development books which help youth and young professionals uncover their talents, skills and abilities that bring tangible value to the market place.

Also addressing those in attendance were students representing each of the participating schools. They included Callie Olano of Camden High School, Blake Holmes of Camden Military Academy, Layla Ferjani of Lugoff-Elgin High School and Chris Turner of North Central High School.

Kershaw County schools superintendent Dr. Frank Morgan and Camden Military Academy headmaster Col. Eric Boland presented each graduate with a plaque and a class photo taken on the steps of the State House.

Samantha Woods of North Central received the Robert J. Sheheen Outstanding Junior Leadership Student of the Year award, which honors the former Kershaw County state representative and Speaker of the House.

The award recognizes a Junior Leadership student who demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities during the program year. Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk presented the award on Sheheen’s behalf.

The 2011-12 Junior Leadership year began last August when students attended a two-day retreat and participated in a ropes challenge and team-building course at the Gravatt Camp and Conference Center outside Aiken

The class community service project involved helping with the Kershaw County Special Olympics which was held April 13 on the campus of Camden Military Academy.

Other programs and activities during the year covered cultural diversity, youth court, dining etiquette, job interviewing skills, touring each of the high schools, and visiting the State House in Columbia to meet the local legislative delegation.

The 2011-12 Junior Leadership graduates include: Corey Blanks, Davis Goodrich, Amber Jackson, Lucas Joseph, Callie Olano, Alexandra Stephens, Katie Tiller, Roderick Todd and Brianna Woods of Camden High School.

Alexander Drinnen, Blake Holmes, Nick Pinelli, Alexander Trznadel, Cason Vogel and Alex Webster of Camden Military Academy.

Kyle Ballard, Kaylee Boone, Taylor Cornor, Layla Ferjani, Carrie Lynch, Ashley Martin and Liz Ranges of Lugoff-Elgin High School.

BriAnna Alexander, Carman Fowler, Andrew Galuppi, Megan Moseley, Tyler Tollison, Chris Turner and Samantha Woods of North Central High School.

The 2012-13 class will be selected by their schools and announced in May.

Julianna Cobb Rocks It Out to Win Second Annual Kershaw County's Got Talent!

March 29, 2012

(Jane Peterson, (803-425-7676 x305)

Camden—After three nights of auditions where preliminary judges saw 59 total contestants and 20 finalists performed in the live finale, a winner has been announced! Julianna Cobb of Lugoff was declared the winner of the second annual Kershaw County’s Got Talent produced by the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) on Saturday, March 24. The event was emceed by KOOL 102.7/STARTIME1590's Patty Rose and Tyler Cupp.

Julianna Cobb is the daughter of Michael and Deanna Cobb of Lugoff. She is 17 years old and is a senior at Lugoff-Elgin High School. Aside from her artistic side, she volunteers in the community by volunteering at the local animal shelter and performs at different charity events. Julianna rocked the crowd and wowed the judges with her rendition of Chuck Berry's "Johnny Be Good" on electric guitar. She has been taking guitar lessons from Harry Dubose since she was 9 years old.

"There was such a high caliber of talent at Kershaw County's Got Talent, and I am truly honored that the judges chose me out of everyone as the winner! It was such a great opportunity and valuable learning experience performing in this competition. In most competitions you never get the opportunity to hear what the judges really think of your performance, but in KCGT, the performers get positive and constructive feedback as soon as they're finished," said Julianna. "Thank you to titleist 907d2 the FAC for giving Kershaw County a chance to display their talents," she concluded.

Two finalists were also named that evening. Second runner up was the duo, CB Radio (Chris Currie and Bryan Smith) for their original song entitled "Let It Go." CB Radio accompanied themselves on acoustic guitar and percussion/djemba. Kandace Hudson was named first runner up for vocals with her original song, "Runaway."

“It was an amazing turn out this year," said Jane Peterson, who was one of the preliminary judges. "With such wonderful talent, narrowing down the talent pool to 20 was very difficult. The finale judges had a tough time deciding on a winner."

Twenty contestants vied for the top prize which was a cash prize, Walmart gift card, a season ticket package for two to FAC events in the 2012-13 season, and an opportunity to perform at future FAC events. The finale judges were Joy Claussen Scully, a Camden resident and professional actress best know as the Aim toothpaste spokesperson for 10 years, and who has performed in multiple leading roles on Broadway; Charlie Peterson, owner of Harvest Talent, Inc. in Columbia, an actor's agency; and Bill Roberson, professional actor who has been seen in such films as Forrest Gump and who has worked with such actors as Mel Gibson, Robin Williams, Sidney Poitier, and George Clooney.

Kershaw County’s Got Talent was sponsored McDonald's of Camden. Prizes were also generously donated by Belk and Chili's of Camden and were awarded to the first and second runners up.

For more information or to purchase tickets for all FAC events call 803-425-7676, extension 300, or visit the FAC website at Discount golf clubs .The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County is located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Fine Arts Center is funded in part by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding provided by the City of Camden, Kershaw County, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina along with donations from businesses and individuals.

source from:www.golfbuy.org

2012 Youth Arts Month Exhibit Winners Announced

March 27, 2012

(Jane Peterson, (803-425-7676 x305)

Katie Saville-LE High 12th Grade

Camden—The winners of the 2012 Youth Arts Month exhibit were announced during the opening reception on Thursday, March 8 in the Bassett Gallery of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC.) Youth Arts Month is a partnership project of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County and the School District of Kershaw County’s education programs and is sponsored by Target. The winning pieces are now part of a traveling exhibit to be hosted by Kershaw County businesses over the next year. The exhibit will make a trip to the State Capital before returning to the FAC next spring.

More than 124 pieces of student artwork from elementary, middle and high school students throughout Kershaw County were chosen by art teachers and submitted to be a part of the Youth Arts Month exhibit in the Bassett Gallery. Fourteen pieces of exceptional artwork were chosen as overall winners and will now be a part of the Youth Arts Month Traveling Exhibit. This year's exhibit was judged by local artists, Edward Nester, Marta Herman and Craig Craighead.

"This is my 19th Youth Arts Month exhibit, and this year is the perfect meeting of talented students and local arts interests," said Steve Levan, director of education at the FAC. "The quality of the art work created by Kershaw County School students under the guidance of their art teachers is outstanding. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the mounting of some of the middle and high school pieces done by the folks at The Garden Gate Gallery & Frame Shop adds so much. And capping it all off, the exhibit was hung by local professional artists Marta Herman, Ed Nester and Carl Craighead from the Camden Art Association. All of this working together in concert yields a beautiful exhibit that the community needs to be proud of and needs to come and see," Levan concluded

The 2012 winners are:

Abbey Jefferson (Lugoff Elementary, grade K); Brooke Young (Lugoff Elementary, grade 1); Jaiden McCaskill (Wateree Elementary, grade 2); Ella Chandler (Camden Elementary, grade 3); Ana Lucena (Midway Elementary, grade 4); Christopher Tucker (Camden Elementary, grade 5); Maegan Albert (Camden Middle School, grade 7); Kaitlyn Bressler (North Central Middle School, grade 8); Jorge Silve (Camden Middle School, grade 7); Cameron Messinides (Camden High School, grade 9); November Grundvig (Lugoff-Elgin High School, grade 12); Raya Nixon (Camden High School, grade 12); and Katie Saville (Lugoff-Elgin High School, grade 12.)

The Youth Arts Month exhibit is free and open to the public during normal FAC business hours. The Bassett Gallery is located inside the Bassett Building of the FAC and is located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Youth Arts Month exhibit will remain in the Bassett Gallery through April 6.

Lugoff-Elgin High Teacher Nicole Schnibben Named 2012 KCSD Teacher of the Year;

North Central Middle Teacher David Pollock to Serve as First Alternate

May 3, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Lugoff-Elgin High School English teacher Nicole Schnibben was named 2012 Kershaw County School District Teacher of the Year at a gala Monday while North Central Middle teacher David Pollock was named first alternate.

Also honored during the evening’s celebration was ATEC’s Katie Arms who received the Outstanding First Year Teacher award and Jackson School’s Mandy Harris who was named as first alternate in that program.

Principal of the Year Ed Yount from Camden Elementary School was also recognized.

All 20 Kershaw County schools and the SEAGUL program selected teachers of the year earlier this school year. Schnibben and Pollock were two of five honor roll teachers selected as finalists for the district award. Other honor roll teachers were: Brittany Knapko, Camden Elementary; Kari Meldrum, Lugoff-Elgin Middle; and Randy Self, Pine Tree Hill Elementary.

Schnibben started her career as an English teacher with Lugoff-Elgin High three years ago. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Clemson University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina. She was an honor roll finalist in the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher Award program in 2010.

“My primary goal as an educator is to inspire lifelong learners,” said Schnibben. “As a learner myself, I never shy away from sharing with students the wonderfully enriching experiences of my own discovery. Whenever students share new thoughts or unique perspectives, I make sure they know that they have taught ping g20 iron me something.”

Lugoff-Elgin High Principal Tommy Gladden said, “Nicole Schnibben is a very talented young teacher who inspires students to exceed expectations. The comments she makes on her students’ report cards reveal a special relationship that she has established with each student.”

Pollock says that he is a social studies teacher because of his love of cultures and history. He began his teaching career at Hillcrest Middle School and has been at North Central Middle School for four years. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina, a Masters of Education from Coppin State University and Educational Administration certification from the University of Scranton.

Serving as Camden Elementary’s top administrator since 2005, Yount was elected as Principal of the Year by his peers. He did his undergraduate work at Lander University and graduate studies at Western Carolina University. Under Yount’s leadership, Camden Elementary’s state-level honors include being named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, having the School Improvement Council named as a finalist for the Dick and Tunky Riley Award twice and receiving the Red Carpet award.

Arms is only the fourth KCSD educator to receive the district’s newest award to honor first year teachers. An agricultural science and technology teacher at ATEC, Arms uses a variety of instructional skills to ensure maximum learning for students. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Education from Clemson University. Harris teaches fourth grade at Jackson and uses daily formative assessments to inform her instruction. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Coker College, an Associate of Arts from Central Carolina College and an Associate of Health Science from Trident Technical College.

Other first year teachers who were named as honor roll teachers for the Outstanding First Year Teacher recognition include Becca Johnson from Baron DeKalb Elementary School and Lynley Jones-Blankenship from Stover Middle School.

All of the 2012 local school teachers of the year were honored at the gala. They are:

Applied Technology Education Campus (ATEC)	Jody Stevens
Baron DeKalb Elementary	Donna Farnum
Bethune Elementary	LaToya Hough
Blaney Elementary	Tammy Duszynski
Camden Elementary	Brittany Knapko
Camden High	Molly Moxley
Camden Middle	Amy Murray
Continuous Learning Center (CLC)	Jessica Zeller
Doby’s Mill Elementary	Andrea Derrick
Jackson	Betsy Burr
Leslie M. Stover	Charles Ashmore
Lugoff Elementary	Amanda Hicks
Lugoff-Elgin High	Nicole Schnibben
Lugoff-Elgin Middle	Kari Meldrum
Midway Elementary	Molly Lane
Mt. Pisgah Elementary	Denise Catoe
North Central High	George Morrow
North Central Middle	David Pollock
Pine Tree Hill Elementary	Randy Self
SEAGUL	Liz Canada
Wateree Elementary	Michelle Williams

Baron DeKalb Elementary SIC Named Winner of the 2012 SC-SIC Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence

March 24, 2012

(Tom F. Hudson, Associate Director, S.C. School Improvement Council) (803-777-7658/803-603-9141 or, hudsontf@mailbox.sc.edu)

COLUMBIA – The School Improvement Council (SIC) of Baron DeKalb Elementary School has been named the recipient of the 2012 Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence.

The award was presented Saturday afternoon by former SC Governor and US Education Secretary Dick Riley at the SC School Improvement Council (SC-SIC) Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration in Columbia.

The annual Riley Award for SIC Excellence was created in 2002 to recognize the significant contributions made to public education by the nearly 15,000 School Improvement Council members who volunteer in every public school in the state. The award is named in honor of Governor Riley and his late wife, Tunky, and recognizes the couple’s longstanding commitment to quality public education.

“The Baron DeKalb School Improvement Council has undertaken some very meaningful work well-deserving of this recognition,” said SC-SIC Board of Trustees Chair Sylleste Davis. “This Council truly exemplifies what SICs are all about – parents, educators and community members working together to make a positive impact on the lives of the schools and the children they serve.”

In the last school year, the Baron DeKalb SIC worked to identify and obtain funding for the construction of a more secure main entrance to the school for student and staff safety. It also spearheaded grant-writing efforts for the creation of an outdoor classroom to enhance teaching and learning in various subjects, and coordinated the creation of a special committee of parents, staff and community members to maintain the classroom space and school grounds. The SIC also partnered with the United Way of Kershaw County’s “Hand in Hand Together” mentoring program to recruit volunteers to assist selected fifth grade students with academic and behavior challenges, resulting in student gains in math and reading Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores and a 40% reduction in disciplinary referrals.

Presented with Honorable Mentions for their work last school year were: Blythe Academy of Languages SIC, Greenville (Greenville County Schools); Burton-Pack Elementary SIC, Columbia (Richland School District 1); Jennie Moore Elementary SIC, Mount Pleasant (Charleston County School District); and Port Royal Elementary SIC, Port Royal (Beaufort County School District). A brief description of the work of each of these SICs is included with this release.

Located in the University of South Carolina’s College of Education, the SC-SIC was established in state law over three decades ago to provide the member training, technical assistance, statutory accountability, and operational resources vital to the continued success of the community-based School Improvement Councils in each of the state’s 1,100-plus K-12 public schools.

Camden Elementary's Yount Named KCSD Principal of the Year

March 23, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Camden Elementary Ed Yount often tells his students that their futures are so bright that they “gotta wear shades.” As he wore his sunglasses in a group of his students, they helped him celebrate his new honor as KCSD Principal of the Year.

Anyone who knows Ed Yount knows his blood is probably Carolina blue. But they also know his love for the UNC Tar Heels is nothing compared to his love for children.

That caring nature and other leadership qualities are what earned Yount the title of 2011-12 KCSD Principal of the Year, an honor bestowed by his administrative peers.

“This is very overwhelming,” said Yount. “I’m extremely humbled and greatly honored. I think this award reflects the outstanding things that are going on at Camden Elementary.”

Yount said that Camden Elementary’s state-level honors include being named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, having the School Improvement Council named as a finalist for the Dick and Tunky Riley Award twice and receiving the Red Carpet award. “We provide a very family-friendly environment,” Yount said.

The students and staff commemorated Yount’s award with a parade featuring balloons and banners. Each and every one of the more than 600 students received a “high five” from Yount as part of the celebration.

Yount describes his philosophy as “doing whatever it takes” to make sure students are focused on learning. In the past, he has challenged students to increase their performance and rewarded them by sleeping on the school’s roof and being made into a human ice cream sundae. “I’ll do anything to help them,” he said.

He also is proud of the school’s willingness to give back to the community. “Teaching kids how to be good community citizens is an important part of what we do at Camden Elementary,” Yount said. The school participates in fundraisers for Relay for Life, the March of Dimes and local food drives.

Married to SEAGUL teacher Gina, Yount has three children: Ashton who is preparing for a job with Campus Outreach; Ward, a student at Anderson University; and Claire, a Lugoff-Elgin High student.

Yount was named principal at Camden Elementary in 2005. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal at Pine Tree Hill Elementary and East North Street Academy in Greenville. He did his undergraduate work at Lander University. After completing his graduate studies at Western Carolina University, Yount started his career at Presbyterian College and later taught at several schools in Greenville County.

He will be formally recognized as the KCSD Principal of the Year at the district’s gala on April 30 where the district’s new KSCD Teacher of the Year and Outstanding First Year Teacher will be named.

Kershaw County Schools Have Best Performance Ever in State Program Recognizing Academic Achievement

March 19, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Fifteen Kershaw County schools—six more than last year—were among 853 schools statewide recognized today by the State Department of Education for academic achievement and closing achievement gaps in 2011.

This is the district’s best performance in the 11 years of operation for the Palmetto Gold and Silver awards program; previously the greatest number of local schools honored in one school year was nine.

“I am thrilled with this news,” said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Frank Morgan. “These results are absolutely due to the hard work of our schools at a time when resources were limited, and it would have been understandable if our performance had slipped. Instead, our staff, students and families not only worked together to maintain our academic progress, but more importantly continued to increase our success.”

The state awards program honors schools with high levels of absolute performance, high rates of growth and substantial progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students. The program includes two parts—recognition for general school performance as well as progress in closing achievement gaps between groups of students.

Schools received general awards for overall performance based on both the absolute and growth ratings and the growth index found on school report cards. These ratings are determined by PASS scores for elementary and middle schools. For high schools, the ratings are based on exit exam results, graduation rate and percentage of students passing end-of-course tests.

Four schools—ATEC, Doby’s Mill Elementary, Lugoff Elementary and Lugoff-Elgin Middle—received Gold Awards in the general performance category. Silver Award winners were Bethune Elementary, Blaney Elementary, Camden Elementary, Camden Middle, Jackson School, Mt. Pisgah Elementary, Stover Middle, North Central Middle, Pine Tree Hill Elementary and Wateree Elementary.

For the second award category, schools received recognition for closing the achievement gap based on academic gains made by students who fall into four subgroups—African-American students, Hispanic students, students participating in federal free or reduced-price lunch programs and students with non-speech disabilities.

North Central High received a Silver Award for closing the achievement gap. Silver Awards for Closing the Achievement Gap are based on the 2014 graduation rate goal of 88.3 percent, which was adopted by the Education Oversight Committee in April 2008. Schools receive silver awards for exceptional growth when at least one of their four student subgroups meets or exceeds the annual increase in on-time graduation rate needed to achieve the 2014 goal.

The state's Education Oversight Committee establishes criteria for the awards, and the Department of Education applies those criteria to determine which schools are honored.

KCSD Teacher of the Year Helen Walker Named One of Top Five to Compete for SC Teacher of the Year

March 6, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Helen Walker

Kershaw County School District (KCSD) Teacher of the Year Helen Walker is one of five teachers named as a finalist in the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Program.

Walker is a music teacher at Doby’s Mill Elementary who will now be interviewed by the state selection committee. The South Carolina Teacher of the Year will be named at a gala at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Tuesday, May 1.

“This is a celebration of the outstanding teacher that Helen Walker is, and the truly talented teachers that we have in Kershaw County,” said KCSD Superintendent Frank Morgan. “Helen is a very caring individual who goes above and beyond to make every student enjoy their musical experiences in her classroom.”

Walker has been a music teacher with the school district since 2000, also serving at Baron DeKalb, Pine Tree Hill and Jackson elementary schools during her career. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Wolverhampton University and a Master of Education from Francis Marion University. She is national board certified in elementary music as well as Orff and Music Learning Theory certified.

“My primary goal as an educator is to bestow upon my students knowledge and a love for music,” said Walker. “I would like to share with them a lifelong gift of playing, creating and enjoying music recreationally and/or professionally.”

Doby’s Mill Elementary Principal Ginger Catoe said, “Helen’s passion has allowed her to create an award winning music program which is intermingled with technology, academics, discipline and musicality. Helen’s classroom, chorus, and choral performances are on the cutting edge of creativity which is why she is an inspiration to her students, parents, peers, profession and school.”

Walker is the third KCSD teacher in six years to be named an honor roll teacher in the State Teacher of the Year program. Lugoff Elementary School teacher Melody Johnson also received the honor in 2010 and former Pine Tree Hill Elementary teacher Ann Marie Taylor in 2007. Taylor went on to be named 2008 State Teacher of the Year, following in the footsteps of two former KCSD Teachers of the Year who also were named State Teacher of the Year, Mary Lostetter in 2000 and Mary Ann Blaskowitz in 1982.

Pine Tree Hill Elementary Principal Lisa Shannon Named SCIRA Administrator of the Year

February 29, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Pine Tree Hill Elementary Principal Lisa Shannon (right) accepts her award as Administrator of the Year from SCIRA President Faye Johnston.

For her work promoting literacy, Pine Tree Hill Elementary School Principal Lisa Shannon was named as the South Carolina International Reading Council’s Administrator of the Year Saturday.

“Dr. Shannon has done a great job of making sure more students are reading on grade level, which is a critical factor in their success,” said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Frank Morgan. “Improving students’ reading abilities will help them increase their skills in all other subjects.”

Under Shannon’s leadership, the school has incorporated K-2 daily literacy groups. Students in upper grades participate in novel studies and meet daily to discuss important elements of reading, such as problem solving and characterization.

Student participation in the school’s Accelerated Reading (AR) program has also fundamentally increased the past few years. Student achievement is displayed in the halls and students’ successes are celebrated throughout the year including announcements on the school’s morning webcast and quarterly AR parties.

Pine Tree Hill Elementary was recognized earlier this school year as one of the top three schools in the state by the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators for closing the achievement gap.

“We’re proud of Dr. Shannon’s leadership and pleased to see her recognized at the state level,” Morgan said. “She is an outstanding role model.”

Doby's Mill Elementary Wins State's First Lego League Competition

February 27, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

State Champs G.R.I.T. team members pictured left to right: Amanda Raper (coach), Daniel Hastie, Elaina Richmond, Colby Blizzard, Auston Lee, Jaden Phillips, Carey Quarles and William Lee (coach).

Doby’s Mill Elementary Principal Ginger Catoe said her robotics team students were on the edge of their seats as the judges were calling out the winning team number at the state championship of the FIRST Lego League Tournament Saturday. When they realized that they had won, they immediately jumped in the air.

“We were very excited,” said Catoe. “This team has worked very hard, and we are so pleased to be headed to national competition in St. Louis in April.”

This is the fourth DME team to qualify for the World Festival in the past six years under the leadership of volunteer William Lee. The six-member G.R.I.T.—Great Robots in Training—team outperformed 80 other elementary and middle school teams from across South Carolina.

Catoe said the Champions Award is the award given to the top team at the event for consistency and overall winning in all of the judging categories: robot design, research presentation, core values/teamwork and high performance/robot runs.

The state competition required members of student teams to maneuver their robots through an obstacle course, solve complex problems, and develop research skills.

The students had to program their robot named “Shrimp” to compete in a Food Factor challenge involving a kitchen, miniature food pieces, bacteria, a thermometer, groceries and a farm.

The 81 teams were asked to research a food, the way it can be contaminated and a solution for the contamination. DME students chose apples because they are the most contaminated produce and created a child-proof container called Protector 2344. G.R.I.T. presented its information to the judges in an entertaining infomercial.

Doby’s Mill is now raising funds for the team to compete at the First Lego League World finals. “Our community has been extremely supportive of our team in the past,” said Catoe. “With tight school budgets, we have to rely on fundraising in order to make this experience possible for our students.”

Persons interested in donating can send contributions to Robotics Team, Doby’s Mill Elementary School, 1964 Fort Jackson Road, Lugoff, SC 29078.

Students on the Doby’s Mill team are: Colby Blizzard, Daniel Hastie, Auston Lee, Jaden Phillips, Carey Quarles and Elaina Richmond. The team is coached by Doby’s Mill teacher Amanda Raper and volunteer coach William Lee.

Doby's Mill Elementary Wins State's First Lego League Competition

February 27, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

State Champs G.R.I.T. team members pictured left to right: Amanda Raper (coach), Daniel Hastie, Elaina Richmond, Colby Blizzard, Auston Lee, Jaden Phillips, Carey Quarles and William Lee (coach).

“We were very excited,” said Catoe. “This team has worked very hard, and we are so pleased to be headed to national competition in St. Louis in April.”

The students had to program their robot named “Shrimp” to compete in a Food Factor challenge involving a kitchen, miniature food pieces, bacteria, a thermometer, groceries and a farm.

Thompson, DuRant Recognized for School Board Service

February 20, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Kershaw County School Board Chairperson Mara Jones (center) congratulates Carol Thompson (left) and Kim DuRant (right) on reaching milestones with their school board service.

Kershaw County School Board members Carol Thompson and Kim DuRant were recognized by the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) with special lapel pins for reaching milestones in their years of service on the Kershaw County School Board. School Board Chairperson Mara Jones presented the pins to Thompson and DuRant at the Feb. 7 school board meeting.

Thompson—who has the longest tenure of any current school board member—was recognized for 15 years of service. She serves as the board’s chaplain and has also been the vice chairperson in the past. DuRant was recognized for 10 years of service and is the board’s current vice chairperson. She served as the chairperson of the board’s facilities committee in the past.

Thompson and DuRant are two of 89 school board members honored throughout the state by the SCSBA.

North Central High Tourism Management Students State Champs Again

February 20, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1226)

Team picture (left to right) Teacher – Darron Kirkley, TJ Love,

Hannah Truesdale, Hailey Hunter and Andrew Galuppi

For the second time in a row, the North Central High School Tourism Management team has won the South Carolina Lodging Management Program Championship.

Coached by NCHS teacher Darron Kirkley, the four-person team had to plan a world premier event for a Celebrity Apprentice event at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The competition was judged by professionals who work at the Culinary Institute in Charleston and/or are hoteliers in Charleston. The contest is an invitational competition that correlates with the standardized national tests.

Students were responsible for planning the catering menu, making invitations, formatting a budget and designing a floor layout for the event. The students also competed in a Jeopardy-style knowledge bowl and had to solve two case studies involving food and beverage and marketing.

Winning team members include Andrew Galuppi, Hannah Truesdale, TJ Love and Hailey Hunter who will now go on to compete in the national competition Mar. 28-30 in Orlando, Florida. The program is coordinated by the South Carolina Hospitality Association.

“These students have been working during their lunch and learning centers for several weeks to be ready,” said Kirkley. “Needless to say, it took countless hours of work and planning to complete the project. I am very excited about traveling back to the national competition this year with these students, as I know they will do great.”

Crappie USA Returns to Lake Wateree

March 6, 2012

(KC Chamber of Commerce, (803) 432-2525)

On March 17th, 2012, Crappie USA will host a fishing tournament on Lake Wateree out of Clearwater Cove Marina. The tournament is the first which the nation’s oldest Crappie tour has held on Lake Wateree in many years and is designed for everyone from the weekend angler to the traveling pro. Qualifiers at this local event become eligible to compete for the National Championship at the $100,000 Cabela's Crappie USA Classic.

This is the only tour that hosts two divisions. The first is the Amateur Division and the second is the Semi-Pro Division. Each individual fishing the tournament must be a member of Crappie USA. Membership may be obtained at the Registration/Seminar the day prior to the tournament.

The Amateur Division is for the everyday fishermen/women. The cost is $100 per team. A team consists of two partners and, a child or young adult under the age of 16 is also allowed to fish with the team. The pole limit is the same and no other rules change. This child rule is to help promote taking young people fishing and allow them an opportunity to be a part of the tournament. The three top teams in the Amateur Division will qualify for the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic to be held on Oct. 24-27, at Kentucky Barkley Lakes in Cadiz, Ky.

The Semi-Pro Division is for regular tour fishermen/women and teams that have a desire to compete with regular tour fishing teams. The main difference in the two divisions is the cost. The cost for the Semi-Pro Division is $200 per team. The same rules apply to the Semi-Pro Division that applies to the Amateur Division. The top three teams in the Semi Pro Division will also advance to the Cabela’s Classic at Kentucky Barkley Lakes.

This local event also features a Kids' Fishing Rodeo and is free for children 12 and under. Just have them bring their favorite fishing pole. All participants in the Kid’s Fishing Rodeo will be eligible to win one of (6) $1,000 scholarships to be drawn at the Crappie USA Classic.

Join us for a day at the lake and fish for crappie in one of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes. Constructed in 1919, with more than 13,000 surface acres and 242 miles of shoreline, Lake Wateree has served as one of the state's premier fishing and boating destinations for almost 100 years and is a year-round favorite for anglers. See the Pro’s in action and also see the newest advanced technology in fishing. The registration and seminar will be held at Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, located at 607 South Broad Street in Camden, the evening of March 16th.

This information has been provided by the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. The Chamber is not an official rules information source. Please refer to tournament brochures found in the local bait and tackle shops, visit www.CrappieUSA.com, or drop by the Chamber to obtain a copy of the official rules provided by Crappie USA.

Lake Wateree has the best Crappie fishermen/women in the nation…let’s have a great tournament!

Jr. Leadership Kershaw County 2012-2013 Applications Now Available

February 20, 2012

(Ed Garrison, (803) 424-2860)

Applications for the 2012-13 Junior Leadership Kershaw County class for rising juniors and seniors are now available at the county’s high schools and the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

Students interested in being a part of next year’s class must be a junior or senior at one of the county high schools during the current school year and complete an application by March 23. Completed applications must be turned in to the high school which the student attends. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Each high school reviews its submitted applications and a school selection committee selects its 2012-13 representatives based on factors such as leadership ability, creativity, initiative, dependability, character, involvement in activities and good academic performance.

Students selected for the 2012-13 Junior Leadership class will be announced in May and will attend an orientation session with their parents before the end of the school year to review next year’s schedule and expectations.

Students chosen to participate will be required to pay a $50 tuition to help cover costs such as travel, meals and supplies. The tuition will be non-refundable after July 1. Tuition scholarships are available based on need.

The 2012-13 Junior Leadership class will be composed of 32 juniors and seniors representing Camden High School, Lugoff-Elgin High School, North Central High School and Camden Military Academy.

The program begins its 25th year next August. It is an education partnership of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, the Kershaw County School District and Camden Military Academy.

For additional information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 432-2525.

AT&T Invests More than $950 Million in SC from 2008 to 2011 to Improve Local Networks

February 16, 2012

(Josh Gelinas, (704) 417-2147)

AT&T* invested more than $950 million in its South Carolina wireless and wireline networks from 2008 through 2011 with a focus on improving the company’s mobile broadband coverage and overall performance of its networks.

“Private-sector investment is the engine which will power economic recovery and in today’s globally-connected marketplace, advanced communication services and technologies are vital,” said state Sen. Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston). “Announcements such as this are why the General Assembly has worked diligently over a number of years to update and modernize communications laws to attract the investments that support economic opportunities for individuals and businesses. It is good to see that our efforts are continuing to pay dividends for the people of South Carolina.”

During 2011, AT&T made more than 950 wireless network upgrades in four key categories in South Carolina. These enhancements include:

Activating nearly 20 new cell sites or towers to improve network coverage.
Deploying faster fiber-optic connections to more than 550 cell sites. Combined with HSPA+ technology, these deployments enable 4G speeds**.
Adding capacity or an extra layer of frequency to cell sites – like adding lanes to a highway – with the addition of more than 275 of these layers, or “carriers”.

Upgrading more than 110 cell sites to provide fast mobile broadband speeds.

“New jobs and economic growth depend on the advanced communications services and infrastructure which these investment dollars deliver,” said Pamela Lackey, President, AT&T South Carolina. “Investing at this level is made possible by the hard work of South Carolina’s forward-looking policymakers in creating a legal and regulatory climate that facilitates competition and encourages the commitment of private capital. We look forward to the opportunities which the products and services powered by these investments will bring to our state.”

“Our goal is to deliver a network experience that mobilizes everything for customers,” said Laurent Therivel, AT&T’s VP/GM of Mobility and Consumer Markets in the Carolinas. “The ongoing investment we’re making in South Carolina is designed to increase coverage and reliability, and to provide advanced services to our customers.”

CNN Money recently recognized AT&T for enhancing its wireless network. Last year, AT&T completed 150,000 network enhancements across the country, more than triple the year before, giving customers more capacity and faster speeds, as well as improving 3G dropped-call performance by 25 percent.

AT&T plans to support the build or upgrade of thousands of cell sites nationwide to increase network speed, coverage and reliability for both mobile voice and broadband services. In addition, AT&T plans to install additional radio “carriers” at thousands of cell sites nationally, enabling new layers of spectrum capacity to carry larger volumes of mobile broadband traffic. Additional capacity helps support rising mobile data traffic volumes, which continue to increase at a rapid pace.

AT&T operates the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network*** with nearly 30,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly wireless data plans.

For more information about AT&T’s coverage in South Carolina or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

Jr. Leadership Kershaw County Etiquette Session

January 20, 2012

(Ed Garrison, (803) 424-2860)

Students of Junior Leadership Kershaw County recently participated in a session on social and formal dining etiquette. The class met at the Mill Pond Steak House in Boykin and was served a four-course meal. Sara Fakoury, a certified trainer with the National League of Junior Cotillions, covered social skills and formal dining techniques. Kershaw County schools superintendent Dr. Frank Morgan and volunteers from the business community served as servers. Junior Leadership Kershaw County is a partnership of the Chamber of Commerce, school district and Camden Military Academy. It is comprised of juniors and seniors from Camden, Lugoff-Elgin and North Central high schools and Camden Military. It is celebrating its 24th year this spring.

MIDSTATE Chambers Coalition Announces 2012 Initiatives at Legislative Luncheon

February 8, 2012

(Liz Horton, (803-432-2525)

More than 75 people gathered Wednesday, February 8th, for the MIDSTATE Chambers Coalition Legislative Luncheon to hear an overview of the organization's 2012 legislative initiatives, as well as; issues impacting the Midstate region.

Legislative members from 11 counties across the Midstate attended the event to hear from Chamber presidents on key issues such as; nuclear industry workforce development, military base support, transportation infrastructure, creating a business-friendly region, and our ports.

“It was remarkable to have 35 elected officials and 40 Chamber leaders in attendance at our first MIDSTATE Chambers Coalition luncheon,” said Randy Halfacre, President/CEO of the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center. “Together, we can make a tremendous difference to bring about positive change that encourages growth and development, leading to job creation and enhanced quality of life. I am excited about our opportunities and the strength we share when we focus on common issues for the good of the region.”

The MIDSTATE Chambers Coalition comprises more than 1.3 million people and a labor force of over 520,000; more than 70,000 students attending 19 colleges and universities; home to 9 airports; four interstate highways; 3 major military bases whose presence contributes over $7.1 billion annually to the local economy; 8 full service hospitals with more than 2500 beds; 75 international companies and over 100 corporate headquarters. The MIDSTATE region is represented by one-fourth of the state House of Representatives and one-third of the state Senate.

“It is vitally important that the Chambers have come together for the good of the entire region”, remarked Representative Todd Atwater, House of Representatives, Lexington County. “The MIDSTATE Coalition has hit the target by identifying the largest issues with potential to impact our region and developed strategic plans to work those areas to encourage economic growth, jobs creation and a business friendly climate. I applaud the Chambers for coming together to make this a true effort on behalf of our region.”

The MIDSTATE Chambers Coalition is a collaboration of the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber, Edgefield County Chamber, Fairfield County Chamber, Greater Aiken Chamber, Greater Blythewood Chamber, Greater Chapin Chamber, Greater Columbia Chamber, Greater Irmo Chamber, Greater Lexington Chamber, Greater Sumter Chamber, Kershaw County Chamber, Lake Murray Chamber, Newberry County Chamber, Greater North Augusta Chamber, Orangeburg County Chamber, Saluda County Chamber, Tri-County Regional Chamber, Calhoun County Chamber, and the West Metro Chamber.

For a full report on the topics discussed visit: http://www.columbiachamber.com/PD F/DOC020912.pdf

New Online Employment Application Available on KCSD Website

February 2, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1229)

Persons interested in working for the Kershaw County School District now submit their job applications using KCSD’s online Applitrack system located on the district’s website.

“Previously, we have gotten applications for our certified positions from CERRA—the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement,” said Professional Development/Recruitment Director John Gardner. “By having people complete the application directly with us, we know that they are definitely interested in our school district.”

Gardner said another advantage of the new system is that applicants can apply for multiple types of positions by completing one application. “The system creates a unique application based upon the types of positions of interest as indicated by the applicant.”

He also said the new program will allow the school district to access a candidate’s information much more quickly and efficiently. “We no longer have to print applications in hard copy or send them to schools for consideration. It is all automated now. We are now able to work smarter as we serve the needs of the public.”

All support documents such as employer references are loaded right into the new system. Gardner said that the online system also allows a candidate to save information and return to it later so that an application does not have to be completed in just one session. The system emails the applicant when the application is complete and can send an email to schedule interviews.

The site also has a current listing of available jobs, both certified and non-certified which are updated regularly. To access the new online application, visit the district’s website atwww.kershaw.k12.sc.us and click on the “employment” tab.

Persons wishing to apply for a vacancy in the school district who may not have access to the Internet may visit the district office and complete an application using a lobby computer.

Camden Elementary School Teacher Named SC VFW Citizenship Education Teacher

January 23, 2012

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803-432-8416 x1229)

Darlene Cantey is so passionate about bringing America’s history to life that she calls her 4th grade class the Patriots. When they study the Revolutionary War, they learn about it as if they were students during that time including attending a Ball at Historic Camden.

“Mrs. Cantey has been promoting the values and greatness of our country to her classes for many years,” said Camden Elementary School Principal Ed Yount. “She is the leader in our school for finding ways to support both veterans and current soldiers.”

For her efforts, Cantey was recognized by VFW Post 8346 as its local Citizenship Education Teacher. Today she was honored as the South Carolina Citizenship Education K-5 Teacher and will now compete on the national level. Other grade level winners were Hillcrest Middle School teacher Carla McDaniel from Simponsville and South Florence High School teacher Michael Brown from Florence.

Cantey’s efforts are felt throughout the school, most notably visible in the school’s Veterans Wall of Fame where students and employees bring in photos of family members who are current soldiers or veterans for display in a main hallway. In addition, Cantey’s students provide care packages and personal notes to soldiers through the Letters to Soldiers Project. She also plans an annual schoolwide Veterans Day program where community veterans speak and sponsors the school’s Geography Club.

Parent Margaret Bishop helped with the nomination form for Cantey. “This award has Darlene written all over it,” she said. “I can’t imagine anyone more deserving.”

County Middle Schools to Participate in National Job Shadowing

January 2012

(Ed Garrison, (803) 424-2860)

Kershaw County middle schools will join the nation next month by recognizing Groundhog Shadowing Day on Thursday, Feb. 2. Seventh and eighth grade students will be allowed to go to work with a parent, relative or neighbor to learn more about the workplace and potential careers.

Last year more than 1,000 local middle school students shadowed in area businesses and industries as part of the district’s annual Go to Work with Your Parent or Relative Day, which has expanded to include neighbors and close friends of students.

“This is one of the most popular workplace learning activities we do each year,” says Ed Garrison, the district’s coordinator for career education activities. “For many students this opportunity is their first introduction to the workplace and the skills necessary to be a productive employee".

“I encourage all Kershaw County businesses to take part in this activity and host one or more students, particularly if they are the son or daughter of one of their employees.”

Garrison says the goal is to help students learn more about careers and workplace expectations. “Not only can it be a good bonding experience for the parent and child, it can also open up a whole new world for students in terms of possible careers to consider as they head on to high school and beyond.”

Students who participate must have written permission from their parent or guardian and the business they are shadowing. “We are asking area employers to allow their employees to once again host their son, daughter, relative or even a neighbor if a request comes across their desk,” adds Garrison. “It’s a fantastic learning opportunity all the way around.”

To help make the activity more meaningful and not just a day off from school, when students return to the classroom they are given assignments to complete that relate to the shadowing.

Garrison says alternate career-related activities will be made available this year for teachers to use with their students who remain in the classroom on Feb. 2.

“This will allow students to explore careers by either going online to approved Internet sites for virtual shadowing experiences or by viewing closed-circuit video programming.”

Garrison says that not all students are able to shadow and “we want to offer them and our sixth grade options for some career exposure.” Last year more than 600 students participated in virtual shadowing activities in the classroom.

Job shadowing is one of many workplace leaning opportunities offered students in Kershaw County schools. High school shadowing is offered to students beginning in the 9th grade and is available throughout the year. Internships are also available to high school students beginning in the 11th grade.

Morningside of Camden Names New Director

November 3, 2011

Morningside of Camden is pleased to introduce new Executive Director, Daryl Orage. Daryl comes to Morningside from Charleston. He has experience in human resources and operations with assisted living communities in that area. Previous to that, Daryl worked at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control as a Senior Inspector.

His experience there includes surveying facilities to ensure their compliance with state licensing standards; developing and managing the multi-million dollar budget for the state's Division of Emergency Medical Services, and managing staff training among other duties. In his new role, the South Carolina State graduate will manage daily operations of a 40 apartment community and staff of 22.

Daryl is married to Deborah and has one son, Carmichael, age 20.

CMS Teacher Valerie Willis Receives State SE Region Earth Science Award

October 14, 2011

(Mary Anne Byrd, (803) 432-8416 x1229)

Camden Middle School teacher Valerie Willis thought it was a big honor to be nominated for the 2011 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award and was thrilled to earn the top award for South Carolina. So when she learned that she also received the honor for the whole Southeast region, she was even more flattered.

“At a time when the importance of earth science is increasing but the attention paid to it is just beginning to catch up with the need, it is encouraging to encounter teachers such as [Willis] who do so much to bring earth science the recognition it deserves,” said Clemson University emeritus professor John Wagner.

Wagner nominated Willis for the award and serves as the state coordinator for the National Association of Geoscience Teachers who sponsor the award along with the South Carolina Science Council.

This is the first time in 12 years that the South Carolina winner has also won the regional competition.

Willis has taught earth science for the past eight years and constantly searches for new ways to engage kids in the classroom. She incorporates multiple intelligence strategies in her teaching which include hands-on and virtual labs, research-based projects, 3-D models, drawings and computer based software to encourage student creativity.

Students leave her classroom with tools to guide their inquiring minds, an awareness of our precious resources and what needs to be done to protect them.

"If I am not exploring the land, I am swimming in the sea,” Willis explained. “I love our planet Earth and feel very strongly about preserving all that is outdoors. Earth is grandiosely amazing, and I am a firm advocate of environmental education."

For the past three years, Willis has worked with the school’s Environmental Club to sponsor cell-phone collection drives. She received the Golden Apple Award for bringing hands-on gem mining to her school and was selected to attend the Santee Cooper-Energy Educators Institute in 2009.

Willis is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and was chosen by Clemson University to attend the Discover Carolina/SC Life Summer Field Course.

“Mrs. Willis is a very hard working teacher who strives to get the most out of her students,” said Camden Middle Principal Jeff Jordan. “She is certainly deserving of this award.”

She will be officially recognized during the SC Science Council’s annual awards ceremony next month.

Jr. Leadership Kicks Off 24th Year

August 2011

Roderick Todd and Lucas Joseph of Camden High School work to solve the broken bridge activity of the team challenge course. Alex Webster of Camden Military Academy observes from behind. Thirty students spent two days bonding with each other and learning leadership skills.

Junior Leadership Kershaw County kicked off its 24th year Aug. 26-27 with a two-day retreat for the 2011-12 class that included conquering a high ropes course.

Thirty juniors and seniors representing Camden, Lugoff-Elgin and North Central high schools as well as the Camden Military Academy participated in a variety of team-building and leadership development activities.

Junior Leadership Kershaw County is a partnership of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, the Kershaw County School District and Camden Military Academy. The program began in 1988 and is one of the oldest continuously running high school leadership programs in the state. Since it began approximately 700 students have completed the program.

“Junior Leadership is one of the most popular programs we sponsor,” says Liz Horton, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “It is a unique venture and has really resonated with our schools, their students and the ping g20 iron business community.

“Over the years it has been very successful developing student leaders and future leaders in our community. Some of the graduates have gone on to become doctors, attorneys, teachers, a state representative and even a pro football player.”

During the year students will meet in monthly sessions to learn more about leadership, career opportunities, state government and cultural diversity. They will also participate in a community service project.

The two-day opening retreat is the foundation of the program where students learn about team-work and overcoming obstacles. On Aug. 26 students participated in Myers Briggs personality profile session led by Dr. Linda Salane of Columbia College’s Leadership Institute. They also heard from Don Jenkins, managing partner of Leaders Advantage in Columbia, who led the students in an exercise about leadership values.

Students were challenged to practice their leadership skills on Aug. 27 during their day-long participation on a low and high ropes course at the Gravatt Camp and Conference Center near Aiken. Tackling the ropes course obstacles puts the students to the test both as individuals and as a team,” says Laurie Parks, who chairs the Junior Leadership steering committee. “It is a long, grueling day, but in the end it is worth their sweat and toil. They enjoy it immensely.”

The year ends in April with a graduation dinner and presentation of the Robert. J. Sheheen Outstanding Junior Leadership Student of the Year award.

Students apply for Junior Leadership in the spring of the school year and are chosen by their schools as representatives in the program.

This year’s class includes:

Camden High: Corey Blanks, Davis Goodrich, Amber Jackson, Lucas Joseph, Callie Olano, Alex Stephens, Katie Tiller, Roderick Todd and Briana Woods.

Camden Military Academy: Alexander, Drinnen, Blake Holmes, Nick Pinelli, Alex Trznadel, Cason Vogel and Alex Webster.

Lugoff-Elgin High School: Antuan Augustus, Kyle Ballard, Kaylee Boone, Taylor Cornor, Layla Ferjani, Carrie Lynch, Ashley Martin and Liz Ranges.

North Central High School: BriAnna Alexander, Carman Fowler, Andrew Galuppi, Meagan Moseley, Tyler Tollison, Chris Turner and Sammi Woods.

source from: http://www.golfbuy.org

Program to Spur More Than $180 Million in Lending

July 21, 2011

The South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) announced today it will be leveraging $18 million in federal funds to spur more than $180 million in job-creating lending activity to small businesses. South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Otis Rawl stood alongside JEDA and the South Carolina Bankers Association for the announcement. The program will make funds available to participating financial institutions to increase credit availability for qualifying credit worthy small businesses.

“As I travel the state, small businesses continue to cite access to capital as a major concern and a key competitiveness issue in growing their businesses. We thank our elected officials for authorizing this initiative that will ultimately create jobs,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

The South Carolina Senate has authorized implementation of the capital access program. The funds are South Carolina’s share of the $1.5 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative, created nationwide by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of the U.S. Small Business Jobs Act signed into law last fall.

“The state had to show that it could expect this investment would return at least $10 in new private lending for every $1 in federal funding,” said Lloyd Hendricks, president and CEO of the South Carolina Bankers Association.

JEDA will work with the Business Development Corporation of South Carolina to implement and administer the capital access program, called SC SSBCI CAP. For more information, visitwww.scjeda.com or www.businessdevelopment.org.

A Sunset Breakfast-Dawn Inspired Dishes Served at Dusk

March 25, 2011

(Katherine Lemay Brown, (803) 432-5858)

The University of Georgia recently hosted a meal plan special event which featured a fruit dish from Bloomsbury Inn. The presentation, A Sunset Breakfast, featured menu items from select bed and breakfasts from across the United States. The Bloomsbury Cold Fruit Soup was one of three fruit selections presented. Of the hundreds of recipes tested, this recipe was one of thirty-four menu items featured. The selected recipes were served to over 8,300 industry participants.

The Bloomsbury Cold Fruit Soup recipe will again be featured in the Sunset Breakfast event when it competes for national recognition in the Loyal E. Horton Menu Awards in mid April. Bloomsbury Inn and owners, Bruce and Katherine Brown, were presented a commemorative plate in appreciation of their participation. Katherine Brown noted, "It is an honor to be the only bed in breakfast in the State of South Carolina to have a recipe selected for another state's event which will now compete for national recognition. We often receive compliments on the soup when we offer it as our first course at breakfast, but it had not occurred to me that it was special enough to be one of the top three in the Nation." The soup is offered three or four times a month to the guests of Bloomsbury Inn. Bruce Brown thinks that, "Katherine is too modest about the breakfast meals that she serves. I was not surprised when we learned that one of her recipes had been selected with recipes presented by such renown chefs as Matthew Minor, The Swag near Ashville NC, vegan Chef Kyle Evans of Stanford Inn by the Sea in CA, or Four Seasons Farm Chef Pierre Wolfe."

Bloomsbury recipes are shared in a variety of ways. You can now dine at the University of Georgia to enjoy the soup; you can book an evening at Bloomsbury Inn and request the soup for breakfast; or, you can make it for yourself. The recipe can be found online: www.bloomsburyinn.com or in the Camden Junior Welfare League cookbook, Dining by Candlelight.

Chamber Business Member Spotlight Beyond Bargains Nursery

December 15, 2010

(Liz Horton, (803) 432-2525)

Pictured L-R: Deborah Outlaw, Chamber Board President, Faith Childers, owner of Beyond Bargains Nursery, and Liz Horton, Chamber Executive Director.

On Wednesday, December 15, 2010, Deborah Outlaw, President of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Liz Horton, Executive Director of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce paid a surprise visit to the owner of Beyond Bargains Nursery, with popcorn and balloons stating they simply "popped by" to say thanks to Mrs. Childers for her support of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce the past few months. Beyond Bargains Nursery is one of the Chambers newer members having joined in July of 2010.

They are located at 756 Hwy 1 North in Camden and offer locally grown flowers and vegetable plants, fruit trees, shade trees, shrubs, bulk garden seed and wildlife plots. The nursery also features a gift shop and fireworks store. Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The nursery will close on January 2nd and reopen on March 1st for the Spring.

Buy the biggest and best fireworks to celebrate the New Year at their Camden location, or at their Lugoff location (Mega Fireworks of Lugoff) which will be open extended hours December 28th through January 1st.

Faith & Danny Childers say, "We love what we do and we are here to support the community. We work hard to provide a large variety, but if we don't have what you need, let us know and we will try to get it."

For more information, drop by, or call (803) 420-0925.

Whittington Gallery Wins 2011 Custom Woodworking Business Portfolio Award

November 15, 2010

(Tamara Whittington, (803) 272-0510)

Whittington Gallery has won a 2011 Custom Woodworking Business Portfolio Award with "The Dream Wagon" bed in the Specialty Woodworking Category. This national competition is an annual event. Whittington Gallery will be featured in the upcoming issue of Custom Woodworking Magazine.

Street: 607 South Broad Street, Camden, South Carolina 29020 | ph: 803-432-2525
Mail: P.O. Box 605, Camden, South Carolina 29021 | fax: 803-432-4181 | RSS: Upcoming Events
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