June 2025

COUNTY FOCUS

Homegrown Fun: Agritourism Helps Counties Grow Revenue and Visitors

Agritourism is one of the fastest-growing revenue generators for small and mid-sized farms across the country, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tours of working farms and "pick your own produce" programs are becoming increasingly popular.

Here in South Carolina, farm income from agritourism nearly doubled between 2017 and 2022.

"Agritourism is the crossroads between agriculture and tourism," said Jackie Moore, director of agritourism with the S.C. Department of Agriculture. "It includes any activity carried out on a working farm or ranch that allows the public—for educational, entertainment or recreational purposes—to view or enjoy rural activities."

Be sure to check out the upcoming summer issue of County Focus magazine for tips on boosting agritourism in your counties!

COUNTY SPOTLIGHTS

Georgetown County Dives into Summer with New Splash Pad and Swim Lessons

Georgetown County officially opened a new splash pad at the Northwest Regional Recreation Center at Choppee earlier this month. Kids in attendance had a chance to test out the new addition to the recreation center, which will be open seven days a week at no cost to visitors.

Georgetown County is also helping keep residents cool and safe this summer by offering swimming lessons through a partnership with the YCMA of Coastal Carolina. The "Safety Around Water" program uses a mobile swimming pool to offer free lessons to kids ages 5 through 15.

The initiative is part of a regional effort to reduce drowning rates and teach essential water safety skills in underserved areas.

You can read about a similar water safety program in the spring issue of County Focus magazine.

Fairfield County EMS Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Cardiac and Stroke Care

The American Heart Association has awarded Fairfield County EMS with the Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Achievement Award in recognition of their dedication to providing timely and evidence-based care to patients experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes.

According to a statement from Fairfield County, "This national recognition reflects our commitment to saving lives through early identification, rapid intervention and strong coordination with regional health care systems. Our EMS professionals are trained to initiate treatment as soon as they arrive on scene—often up to an hour sooner than if a patient arrives by private vehicle—providing critical care that improves outcomes and saves lives."

The Mission: Lifeline EMS initiative highlights the essential role that EMS plays in the chain of survival.

Learn more about how Fairfield County delivers swift care to cardiac patients.

Business Booms in Bamberg County With Arrival of Blackhorse Steel Works

Blackhorse Steel Works has established operations in Bamberg County, creating 40 new jobs.

Blackhorse provides innovative and advanced steel solutions for industrial and commercial projects, including cutting, welding as well as bending, forming and precision processing. The company invested $5.2 million a 107,000-square-foot facility, which began operations in May, where miscellaneous and structural steel components are manufactured.

Bamberg County also received a $150,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development to assist with building improvement costs.

"Bamberg County is pleased to have another industry invest in our people ... the 40 jobs being created will help provide a better quality of life and help families maintain healthy lifestyles, homes and communities where both families and businesses can flourish. We welcome Blackhorse Steel Works and look forward to providing a pro-business environment where the company can grow for years to come," said Bamberg County Council Chairwoman Sharon Hammond.

EVENTS

Leadership Trailblazer Michael Bonner Named 2025 Annual Conference Keynote Speaker

The 2025 SCAC Annual Conference keynote address will be delivered by renowned leadership and organizational development innovator Michael Bonner.

Bonner empowers leaders to reflect, strategize and execute in the professional and personal areas of their lives, and he is keenly focused on creating a learning environment that instills a passion for learning in current and future leaders.

Learn more about this year's events.

AWARDS

Deadline to Submit Entries for 2025 SCAC Awards Competition is Around the Corner

The Aug. 11 deadline for submissions to the 2025 J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award and Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award will be here before you know it! All applications must be submitted online at sccounties.org/awards.

The SCAC Awards webpage includes a toolkit, frequently asked questions, a library of past presentations and winning applications as well as more resources to help entrants prepare and submit their projects.

If you have questions about the awards programs, contact Victoria Dixon at vdixon@scac.sc or 803-252-7255 ext. 147 or Susan Turkopuls at sturkopuls@scac.sc or 803-252-7255 ext. 115.

2025 Legislative Wrap-Up

SCAC had another successful legislative session and was able to get some policy positions passed, move bills that address policy positions ahead and amend pending legislation that is more favorable to counties. This year was the first of a two-year session, and bills that were not adopted have an opportunity to pass in 2026.

Read more for an overview on some key new laws and updates on issues SCAC will follow and advocate for in 2026.

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT

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