2015 annual report for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

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Annual Report
January - December 2015
Serving six counties and forty-five municipalities since 1967
2748 Wagener Road
PO Box 850
Aiken, SC 29802
P. 803-649-7981 / F. 803-649-2248
www.lscog.org

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

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Letter from Chairman Keith Sloan
2015 has been a year of accomplishments for the Lower Savannah
Council of Governments and it is with a sense of great pride and
pleasure that we provide our 2015 annual report for your information.
The Lower Savannah COG is an organization of six unique and diverse
member counties bound together for the mutual benefit and progress
of each. The counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun and Orangeburg have committed to making our region the
very best it can be for all of our 315,000 plus residents, 45 active
municipalities and the local business and industrial community.
For almost 50 years the Lower Savannah COG, utilizing a dedicated
and highly skilled staff and board committed to community
improvement and progress, has worked with municipal and county
governments to design and develop programs and funding sources to
help the communities of the region achieve their goals and fulfill their
dreams.
The Lower Savannah COG has programs that touch virtually all areas
of our public service needs. The COG administers state and federal
grants in housing, community development, transit, workforce
development, economic development, aging and many more areas
identified as a need by our member counties.
In 2015 the Lower Savannah COG experienced the retirement of
Connie Shade as Executive Director. Consistent with the forward
looking vision of the COG, a nationwide search was begun for an
Executive Director to lead the COG into the future. The search ended
with the selection of Dr. William Molnar as the new Executive
Director.
It is with great pride that we review the past and many achievements
of our COG in the region. It is with much anticipation and high
expectations that we view the future of the LSCOG. Under the
leadership of Dr. Molnar, utilizing the skills and talents of our
outstanding staff and with a renewed sense of purpose and
determination of our board and our member counties, the future
looks exceedingly bright for the LSCOG and the citizens and local
governments it serves.
Keith Sloan Chairman 2015/2016
Serving the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg

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

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Message from Dr. William Molnar
It is my distinct honor to be the Lower Savannah Council of Governments’ new
Executive Director. I look forward to continuing the COG’s strong technical and
administrative support to its member counties and the local governments that they
serve. In addition, I am excited to bring in new ideas and programs that will
complement and expand upon the great work already being conducted within the
region.
The work enclosed in this report occurred before Ms. Connie Shade retired from this
position after 45 years of service to the LSCOG. I would first like to thank her and all
the others who have left or retired in the last year, whose efforts are here included.
A few of the highlights of this report are: in Aiken County the Medication Assistance
Program (MAP) doubled the number of recipients, since 2004 they have recorded a
savings in prescriptions for the county of $7.8 million; we assisted the Town of
Allendale with a new well and served 2,651 customers at the SC Works Allendale
Center; the City of Denmark sparkles with a new intersection upgrade; in Calhoun
County we managed four (4) homeowner rehabilitation projects valued at
approximately $180,000 and saw a 40% increase in Business Engagement; and,
Orangeburg County is completing the intersection of I-95 and US 301 with
Guideshare funds. These are just some of the ways that the LSCOG benefits the
region.
Thank you to all who have welcomed me. I look forward to working with Chairman
Keith Sloan and the other members of the Council as we serve our region in this
coming year.
I am especially grateful to our past LSCOG Chairman Ronnie Young for his tireless
efforts on behalf of this organization and his energies with the Workforce
Development Board. Chairman Young’s advocacy for the Council is deeply
appreciated. In addition, I wish to recognize Assistant Executive Director Ms. Nora
Sanders for her continuous devotion and the expertise that she brings to the Lower
Savannah Council of Governments.
As the Council transitions to new leadership there will be many exciting changes. On
the agenda for this coming year is a renewed emphasis on building partnerships, the
development of entrepreneurial opportunities, the enhancement of our external
communications, and the expansion of technological opportunities within the region.
I am always available to discuss this report and how the LSCOG is moving forward to
address the needs of the six county region. If you have questions, please contact me,
or the appropriate division administrator.
Finally, thank you for your interest and support of the Lower Savannah COG’s
continuing mission to serve the citizens of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell,
Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties.
William Molnar, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Serving the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg

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VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to be a nationally
recognized, comprehensive resource
that facilitates regional solutions
through innovative and cooperative
partnerships.
VALUE STATEMENT
The Lower Savannah Council of
Governments’ Board, Management
and Staff are committed to the
highest ethical standards of
professional service, leadership and
integrity. They strive together in
service to the region to utilize
problem solving techniques and
develop a creative outlook for the
future. The success of the
organization depends on the talents,
skills, and expertise of its board and
staff working as a team. Lower
Savannah Council of Governments
understands the importance of its
mission and vision and values the
trust placed in its organization by the
people it serves.
Serving the counties of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg

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

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Lower Savannah Council of Governments operates South Carolina’s
only Aging, Disability and Transportation Resource Center (ADTRC).
The Resource Center’s purpose is to inform and assist people in our
region about a myriad of topics related to aging, disabilities, family
care-giving, benefits, resources and transportation options that
support independent, healthy and engaged community living. This
center is innovative in that it combines programs relating to public and
human service transit with information and assistance to link to other
health and human service related resources, benefits and options.
People call the center throughout each day with requests and
questions in many diverse areas. The COG also purchases services for
seniors and transportation services from local service providers in each
county of the region, and works to coordinate these services among
agencies serving the public.
SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Area Agency on Aging-planning, service development and
contracted services through local agencies in each county
 Elderly Legal Services
 Long Term Care Ombudsman-Investigation of complaints in
residential care facilities
 Friendly Visitor Volunteer Program for Nursing Homes
 Information, Referral and Assistance for older persons and
disabled adults and their family caregivers
 Medicare and Insurance Benefits Counseling
 Family Caregiver Support Program
 Medication Assistance Program
 Savannah River Site Retiree Association member assistance
 Local Transit System Development and Management - mobility
management - matching riders with available seats in the region
 Responsibility for the Best Friends Express transit system in Aiken
and technical support for the Cross Country Connection transit
system in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties
 Transit coordination between public and private transit providers
 Input into urban and rural long range transit & coordination plans

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HIGHLIGHTS
 Conducted a required procurement for the operation of the Best
Friend Express and Dial-a-Ride services which resulted in a change
of operator for the system
 Applied for and secured funding from SCDOT and then conducted a
required procurement for specialized transportation for older
adults and people with disabilities region-wide; local
transportation providers are looking forward to gearing up for
serving local citizens in all six counties
 Provided mobility management services to members of the public
seeking public transportation, helping them find rides to work,
school, medical care and destinations of independent community
living. ADTRC staff helped local citizens to solve complex problems
involving transportation
 Assisted Orangeburg County in management of the Cross County
Connection Transit System in Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties
 Continued to showcase the ADTRC Call Center by answering
questions from other areas, providing input into “how to”
documents on setting up a one-call center
 Worked with the Aiken City Senior Commission to host a well-
attended Senior Legal Issues workshop in October, 2014
 Strengthened our partnership with the Savannah River Site Retiree
Association (SRSRA) - numerous volunteers from SRS have been
trained and work closely with the ADTRC staff in the center to help
others
 Trained new volunteers for several programs offered through the
Area Agency on Aging including Benefits Counseling and Nursing
Home Visitor programs
 Funding was substantially increased to provide services to
caregivers through issuance of small grants which assist in
purchasing supplies for the patient, sitter services and assistance to
grandparents raising grandchildren. The funding for respite
services helping Alzheimer patient caregivers which started in
2014 is ongoing
 Participated as a sponsor for the Aiken Senior Extravaganza which
sees an annual attendance of over 1,200 seniors
 Made numerous presentations at health and information fairs,
United Way of Aiken County events and to civic and church clubs
Since September 2014
SRSRA has accomplished
the following:
 533 office visits
 309 phone contacts
 9 home visits
 71 people received
Welcome to
Medicare Training
 727 client hours
assistance provided
 $332,868 in health
benefit claims
processed
 39,631 Handy Rides
in Bamberg County
LSCOG contracted to
purchase home and
community services in all
six counties to 1,852
individual seniors through
the aging program.
Services such as meals,
home care, transportation
and wellness activities
provided helped these
older adults remain in
their homes.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - PLANNING
Comprehensive Planning
The LSCOG Planning Department provides technical assistance to member governments
for a wide array of planning activities, including comprehensive planning, land use
planning, hazard mitigation planning and development of zoning ordinances and GIS
mapping. Staff assists local governments with the development of comprehensive plans
and land use plans that meet the requirements of the 1994 Local Government
Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act.
Transportation Planning
Planning staff develop local projects such as intersection, enhancement and roadway
improvement projects in the rural highway network. The projects are funded primarily
through the SCDOT Guideshare program and detailed in a regional Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) makes
recommendations to the LSCOG Board of Directors.
Demographic Research and Studies
The Planning Department provides services for socio-economic research and assists local
governments with varied studies. Staff can create custom demographic profile reports
that include population estimates and projections, income data, housing data and
consumer buying power data, among many other categories. The planning staff can also
assist with housing studies, strategic plans, trend analyses, locating funding sources for
projects and grant application development.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Technical assistance with planning, zoning and land use developments documents for
municipalities and counties in particular Allendale County.
 Assistance for the towns of North, Blackville, Elloree and Bowman with their
Comprehensive Planning Program Update
 Assistance for Eastern Orangeburg with their Study Implementation
 Assistance for the Town of New Ellenton in their Urban Land Institute charrette
 Initial work on the 5-Year Update for Hazard Mitigation Plans.
 6 hours of planning and zoning orientation sessions for local officials through SCAC
and MASC
 10-year updates to Orangeburg County Comprehensive Plan Program
 10-year updates to Towns of Holly Hill and Santee Comprehensive Plan Program

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TRANSPORTATION PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Assistance with designation of Guideshare Funding for the
Orangeburg County US301 Extension and I-95 Intersection
Project
 Participation in the SC Department of Transportation Multimodal
Plan update
 Regular meetings of the Transportation Advisory Committee
(TAC) of the COG to discuss rural transportation and transit
project and program projects for funding
 Participation with the Augusta Regional Transportation
Subcommittee (ARTS) and the Aiken County Transportation
Subcommittee in planning and implementing transit and
transportation projects for the Aiken County urbanized portion of
the planning area
 Programmed funds for the SCDOT Guideshare program for the
federal roadwork network outside of the Aiken/Augusta MPO
(rural area)
DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH & STUDIES PLANNING SERVICES
PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Customized data reports for businesses and development
projects in the area and for economic development purposes
utilizing ESRI’s Business Analyst Online (BAO)
 Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and Census data to
local governments, business and citizens within the LSCOG region
OTHER PLANNING SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Participation in activities of the Savannah River Site Community
Reuse Organization (SRSCRO)
 Serving as active member of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee of Aiken County
 Serving as ex-officio board member of the GAIT Foundation
(Greater Aiken Integrated Trails)
Orangeburg County US 301 and
I-25 Intersection Project—
Construction
Denmark, SC Downtown
Intersection Upgrade

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lower Savannah is the designated regional Economic Development
District (EDD) through the Economic Development Administration
(EDA). It is the responsibility of staff to keep local governments in the
region eligible for financial assistance from EDA through the
development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS). Staff works with local governments and
other eligible entities to develop economic development projects,
apply for funding and administer projects.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Assistance with an Economic Development Administration (EDA)
grant application for the West Avenue Extension Project in North
Augusta
 Assistance for the City of Barnwell with an EDA application
 Developing an EDA grant application for a Health Sciences and
Nursing facility at Orangeburg—Calhoun Technical College
 Grant administration for water lines and well in the Town of
Williston
 Grant administration for Aiken Technical College’s Center for
Energy and Advance Manufacturing; completion and ribbon
cutting ceremony September 2015
 Preparation of Environmental Assessments for various EDA
projects
 Participating in Statewide Economic Development Indicators
Project

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LSCOG Community Development staff provide technical assistance to
local governments with carrying out activities that address community,
economic and housing development needs that benefit low to
moderate income (LMI) persons, aid in the prevention or elimination
of slum and blighted conditions, or met other urgent community needs
that pose a serious and immediate threat to the public health and
welfare. CD staff work as a liaison between the unit of local
government, funding sources, citizens and other community based
organizations to bring together resources to improve communities.
CD staff assistance includes project planning and development, grant
writing and grant administration for community development projects.
CD staff assists with meeting regulatory compliance measures such as
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), the Fair Housing Act, NEPA,
ADA/Section 504 Rehabilitation Act and other requirements.
The Lower Savannah Regional Housing Consortium (LSRHC) supports a
program to provide the supply of decent, affordable housing to low
and very low-income households and to expand the capacity of non-
profit housing providers in the region.
COMMUNITY DEV’T SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
Provided CDBG administrative functions for the following
 Town of Perry Water Systems Improvements
 Town of Allendale New Well
 City of Orangeburg Russell Street Improvements
 Town of Blackville South Boundary Village Renaissance Phase II, Water
Looping and Well Project
 City of Barnwell Hagood Avenue Water Upgrade
 Calhoun County Belleville Water Tank
 Town of Fairfax Pump Station Upgrade
 Town of Wagener Water Upgrade
 Town of Cameron Drainage Improvements
 Town of Williston Water Improvements
 Town of Ulmer Water Improvements
 Allendale County Old County Jail Demolition
 Town of New Ellenton Greendale Neighborhood Demolition
 City of Orangeburg Boswell Street Demolition
 Prepared Environmental Assessments for various CDBG Projects
 City of Denmark Water Upgrade—CDBG Application Preparation
 Calhoun County Fire Truck—CDBG Application Preparation

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LOWER SAVANNAH REGIONAL HOUSING CONSORTIUM
(LSRHC)
Mission
To foster partnerships between regional governmental, for profit and
nonprofit entities, in order to increase capacity and access to affordable
housing; to increase affordable housing stock free from discrimination in
support of community and neighborhood development.
LSRHC Program Goals
 Increase the support of decent, affordable housing to low and very
low income households
 Expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers
 Strengthen the ability of state and local government to provide
housing
 Leverage private sector participation
Project Funding Categories
 Rental Rehabilitation (must be in partnership with a LSRHC designated CHDO)
 Homeowner Rehabilitation (maximum assistance $45,000; funds must address
health & safety issues)
 Homebuyer Program
Funding Beneficiaries
Households benefiting from these programs must be at or below 80% of
HUD median income for the area and meet other federal and program
requirements.
Aiken County Town of New Ellenton
Town of North Augusta
Town of Perry
Allendale County Town of Allendale
Town of Fairfax
Town of Ulmer
Bamberg County Town of Bamberg
City of Denmark
Town of Erhardt
Barnwell County Town of Blackville
Town of Snelling
Town of Williston (joined in 2013)
Calhoun County Town of Cameron
Orangeburg County Town of Neeses
City of Orangeburg
Town of Santee (joined in 2013)

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - TOURISM-
THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY
The Thoroughbred Country actively promotes the area to travelers and
travel media. Advertisements are placed into niche market locales and
publications. A visitors guide containing information on sightseeing,
lodging, dining, shopping, hunting, fishing, golfing and camping is
produced every year for fulfillment of inquiries. These guides are
distributed to individual requests as well as stocked in the state’s
welcome centers, regional and other local venues.
TOURISM SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Coordination and hosting of travel media to obtain print and
electronic coverage in magazines, newspapers, blog, etc.
 Placing Thoroughbred Country advertising in various publications
including WRDW, Tripinfo.com, American Road Magazine, South
Carolina Living, Explore the Southeast and Great Vacation Getaway
newspaper inserts, USA today, Southern Living, Preservation, SC
Vacation Guide, SC Chamber Guide, Escape to the Southeast, AAA
Living, AAA Home & Away, AAA World, Atlanta Magazine and the SC
Welcome Centers on I-20, I-95 and I-26
 Maintaining website, Facebook and Twitter accounts to promote
Thoroughbred Country
 Conversion studies to determine how many inquirers have actually
converted to visitors
 Participation in Hospitality Day at the Statehouse, an annual event
that showcases the tourism and hospitality industry to the SC
legislators
 Distribution of literature at travel shows including the Family Circle
Cup, World AM, Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic, Flowertown Festival,
Southeast Wildlife Expo, Greenville Camping & RV Show, Travel South
and Forrest Wood Cup
 Quarterly meetings of the Thoroughbred Country Tourism Advisory
Committee
 SC Peaches & Berries partnership brochure to promote local growers
 Media Press Room Partnership with Laurie Rowe Communications;
www.travelmediapressroom.com
 2014 Hospitality Employee of the Year Award Winner: Mandy Collins

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW - WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The MISSION of the Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board is
to: "provide workforce investment activities, through a local workforce
investment one-stop delivery system, that increase the employment,
retention, and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill
attainment by participants and, as a result, improve the quality of the
workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity
and competitiveness of the six county region."
The Lower Savannah Workforce Development Board operates SC Work
Centers in the six county region. The centers provide basic and
individualized training services to adults, dislocated workers and older
youths for employment and training opportunities. Additionally,
business services offered such as On-the Job and Incumbent Worker
Training strengthen the relationship between employers and the
Workforce Development Board in the six county region.
 483 WIOA Adult applicants
served during PY 14
 191 WIOA Dislocated
Worker applicants served
during PY14
 200 WIOA Youth applicants
served during PY 14
1095 employment and
career workshops and
other groups activities held
Ten (10) companies
received IWT funding in
the amount of $73,512
OJT funding provided jobs
to 38 workers with a
successful completion rate
of 71%
 58,440 SC Works visits
were conducted by citizens
of the Lower Savannah
Region to access
Reemployment Services
 Business Service staff
reported a 40% increase in
Workforce Division/
Business Engagement in
Calhoun County
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 The past twelve month period has been of steady growth for all
Workforce Programs. We have secured contracts with one service
provider for our 6 county region and are working hand in hand
with them to ensure workforce services are in a state of
continuous improvement. The local Workforce Development
Board has been revamped according to Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) standards. Their input and leadership has
been instrumental in our success over the last year and will be
vital as we launch into the new workforce areas of Sector
Strategies and Apprenticeships for the Lower Savannah region.
 The LSCOG Workforce Division has upgraded the Information
Technology (IT) and computer systems in all six of our SC Works
Centers to provided an improved experience for both those
seeking re-employment services in the centers as well as the
many employers using the centers as a hiring base.
 Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funds became available to the
region and a call for projects was issued. Ten (10) firms received
IWT funding in the amount of $73,512. Through these funds, 713
persons will receive opportunities to improve their skills through
employer initiated training to increase their earning power and
credentialing within their chosen fields or occupations.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTSERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE
 Along the same training lines, On the Job Training programs (OJT)
reached a total of 38 workers throughout the region at an
successful completion rate of 71%. These persons were
previously unemployed and were placed with local businesses
and industries who agreed to hire the persons full-time and train
them over a pre-approved time frame. A portion of the training
period is subsidized by WIOA funds based on total number of
employees at the form/organization. Of the 38 participants
enrolled in OJT programs last year; 27 remain employed with the
firm which offered the OJT opportunity.
 Both the IWT and OJT programs are part of an expanding business
services effort of the Lower Savannah WIOA program. It is the
goal of the Business Services Staff to encourage local employers
to call the WIOA program when they have employment needs
and to build a relationship between the industries and businesses
throughout the region.
 The WIOA Staff, WIOA Workforce Development Board, and Youth
Standing Committee, are addressing new WIOA requirements
centered around Work-Based Learning (WBL). WBL opportunities
includes: Internships and Work Experiences, Transitional Jobs,
Summer Jobs, Apprenticeships, On-the-Job Trainings and
Incumbent Worker Trainings. Under WIOA, 20% of all Youth
Program funds must be spent in the above categories. The LSCOG
workforce division has committed itself to achieve this goal.
Youth Service Providers, as well as Business Services staff are out
in force increasing the region’s WBL opportunities so that we will
not only met this new requirement of the new Workforce law but
to also provide the valuable foundational employment skills that
many of our Youth lack due to the absence of real workplace
experiences that quality WBL will provide.
 Youth forums were held during March in Aiken at Aiken Technical
College and in Orangeburg at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical
College to reach students ready for graduation but with no plans
past high school. These two forums, offered in cooperation with
Lower Savannah WIOA and the WIA Youth Standing Committee,
the two technical colleges, and the Regional Workforce Advisor,
had an attendance of over 500 students. During the forums,
Youth Forum

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workshops were offered on various training programs offered
through the technical colleges that would lead to well-paying
jobs. There were presentations from industry leaders and
motivational speakers. Follow-up with the students post forum
attendance was coordinated and follow-up with the technical
schools is on-going .

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 Hosted two legislative breakfasts on February 2nd at LSCOG in
Aiken and on February 9th at the Orangeburg Office on Aging in
Orangeburg. The most positive aspect was the quality of the
conversations with the members of our legislative delegations
who attended regarding regional and localized COG program
activities.
 Hosted the Municipal Elected Officials training workshops
sponsored by the Municipal Association of SC. These workshops
are provided for elected officials as they attain certification for
courses related to being an elected official.
 Provided several wellness events for COG staff which included
healthy challenges, stress free activities, recycling, healthy food
cook-offs, screening programs, flu shots and Lunch and Learn
sessions. All activities are led by a staff Wellness Committee and
geared toward making staff members healthier.
 Lower Savannah COG hosts a Toastmasters Club – the COG
Toasters – to help staff improve their public speaking and
communication skills.
 Provided staff with a glimpse into the Graniteville Mill life by
creating a staff retreat day with the help of former mill employees
and Graniteville native and board member Roger Boyd.

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AIKEN COUNTY
Roger Boyd 8 years
Willar Hightower 20 years
LaWana McKenzie 7 years
Lessie Price 28 years
Kathy Rawls 20 years
John Simmons 34 years
Don Wells * 3 years
Thomas H. Williams 10 years
Ronnie Young 20 years
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Dorothy Riley 4 years
Vernie Harney 10 years
Bill Robinson 26 years
Wilda Robinson 2 years
DaWan Smith 4 years
Theresa Taylor 14 years
BAMBERG COUNTY
Justin Bamberg * 1 year
Jerry Bell 4 years
Clint Carter 10 years
Larrry Haynes 4 years
Alzena Robinson 17 years
Jasper Varn 22 years
Gerald Wright 10 years
BARNWELL COUNTY
Freddie Houston 30 years
Lowell Jowers 6 years
Lonnie Hosey * 4 years
David Kenner 12 years
Keith Sloan 14 years
Pickens Williams, Jr. 31 years
Thomas L. Williams 11 years
CALHOUN COUNTY
Pamela Claxton 3 years
Ted Felder 1 year
James Haigler 22 years
Roger Hill 12 years
Joe Sikes 5 years
Russell L. Ott * 2 years
David Summers 33 years
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Janie Cooper-Smith 10 years
David Covington 24 years
Brad Hutto * 4 years
Joe Jackson 40 years
Clyde Livingston 20 years
Johnny Ravenell 10 years
Silas Seabrooks, Jr. 24 years
Harry Wimberly 18 years
* Legislative Ex-Officio Member

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AIKEN COUNTY
Cathie Justen
Kathy Rawls
Cindy Raybould
Scott Singer
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Layman Cook
Barbara Lewis
BAMBERG COUNTY
Frances Johnson
Alzena Robinson
Susan Jerkins
BARNWELL COUNTY
Laymon Cook
CALHOUN COUNTY
Shayla Jenkins
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Anne Weathers
Jimmy Boland
Janie Cooper-Smith
Eva George
Reverend James McGee
AIKEN COUNTY
Ronnie Young
Stephen Strohminger
Joe Berry
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Bill Robinson
Terri Boone
Catherine Russell
BAMBERG COUNTY
Trent Kinard
Joey Preston
Bill Johnson
BARNWELL COUNTY
Freddie Houston
Curtis Hogg
Pickens Williams, Jr.
CALHOUN COUNTY
Roger Hill
Elaine Golden
Boyce Till
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Sinkler Boone
Janie Cooper-Smith
Harold Young
Region-Wide Representative: Jestine Sanders-Carter

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AIKEN COUNTY
Brian Sanders
Kevin Price
Reggie Barner
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Shekinah Washington
BAMBERG COUNTY
Joe Guess, Jr.
BARNWELL COUNTY
Evelyn Coker
CALHOUN COUNTY
Tyrone Dantzler
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Willie Owens
Harold Young
AIKEN COUNTY
Jenny Burghardt
Ashley Havird
Marylin Kiline
Judy Whaley
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Terri Boone
Lottie Lewis
Kathleen Myrick
Hayward Simmons
BAMBERG COUNTY
Jewel Davis
Nancy Foster
John White
BARNWELL COUNTY
Vivian T. Alston
Bob Cothran
Lynn S. McEwen
Eddie Richburg
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS (NON-VOTING)
Jerry Bell
Hollie Evans
Elizabeth Ringus
Joyce Freeman
Robert Mahoney
Joy Raintree

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AIKEN COUNTY
Catie McCauley
Dee Crawford
Laura Haffly
Kim Matthews
Lessie Price
Brian Smith
Deborah White
Dr. Susan Winsor
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Darainey Hudson
Donella Robinson
BAMBERG COUNTY
Teresa Hannibal (Chair)
Donald Parler
Dr. Renee Ritter
BARNWELL COUNTY
Jeff Martin
Marty Martin, Jr.
Jeanette Murray
CALHOUN COUNTY
M. Pat Black. Jr.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Kenisha Grimes
Ruby Polin
Curtis Randolph
Billy Reynolds (VChair)
C. W. “ Bill “ Welch
AIKEN COUNTY
LaLita Ashley
Brandon Chandler
Dee Crawford
Jeanette Murray
Patrick Keating
Lessie Price
BAMBERG COUNTY
Rebecca Bodiford
Christopher Green
Dr. Teresa Pope
BARNWELL COUNTY
Joye Hallman
Doris Jameson
ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Lorri Bennett
Joni Mc Daniel
Ruby Polin
Renee Ritter
Felicia Chandler
Chanosha Lawton
Stephanie Williams-Rouse
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Carmen Landy
Wanda Wiggins
CALHOUN COUNTY

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ADMINISTRATION
Dr. William Molnar
Nora D. Sanders
Christine Chandler
FINANCE
Frances Owens
Kelley Hayes
Deloris Williams
HUMAN SERVICES
Lynnda Bassham
Linda Nalley Al-Jabere
Nikki N. Cannon
Mary Beth Fields
Susan H. Garen
Vickie Jackson
R. M. “ Cathie” Lindler
Catherine Longfellow
Janis Lott
Dana A. Luttrull
Rhonda H. Mitchell
Katherine Oliver
Jan Randall
PLANNING
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
TOURISM
Jennifer Tinsley
Patrick Caldwell
Leslie Z. Crawford
Jeff Derwort
Deborah T. Fair
Melissa F. Freitas
Mary Ann Keisler
Nicole Przybylowicz
Amanda Sievers
Heather Warren
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
André Anderson
Denise A. Blystone
Bartel Boone
Karen Chapman
Stephanie Ray Evans
Megan R. Helmig
Geneva S. Jackson
Wendy Mahuron
Vickie Richardson
Sally C. Sharpe
Dianna Simmons
Chesney Tyler
H. Lee Willing
SOUTHERN CAROLINA
ALLIANCE
Becky Beyer
SRS CRO
Richard McLeod
Amy Merry
Mindy Mets
AIKEN-EDGEFIELD
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIP
Will Williams
CONTRACT STAFF
N. L. “Shorty” Caprell
Dan L. Cherry
Sandy Watkins

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

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2748 Wagener Road
PO Box 850
Aiken, SC 29802
P. 803-649-7981 / F. 803-649-2248
www.lscog.org