Achievement AwardsStarted in 1987, the Achievement Awards program recognizes successful and innovative municipal projects that improve the quality of life for residents and add value to the community by establishing partnerships and building community support. Affiliate associationsThe Association's 10 affiliate associations provide tailored training and networking opportunities to core groups of municipal employees. Annual meetingEach summer, the Annual Meeting brings municipal officials together for training, networking and discussing issues of common interest. Brokers Tax Collection ProgramThe Brokers Collection Program collects business license taxes from licensed insurance brokers owed to participating municipalities. Cities Mean BusinessThe "Cities Mean Business" builds support for strong cities as the economic engines that help drive the state’s competitiveness. Collection ProgramsMunicipalities contract with the Association to collect delinquent debts and certain business license taxes on their behalf. These programs simplify centralized collections and increase revenue to participating municipalities. Disaster recoveryThe disaster recovery program gives city staff access to the full functionality of a city's computer system within hours of a disaster even if the city's system is destroyed or inoperable. Field servicesThree regional field service managers provide technical assistance, discuss municipal issues and coordinate resources with the Association's 270 cities and towns. Franchise Assistance ProgramIn 2003, the Association entered a strategic partnership with Local Government Services, LLC to provide members technical assistance with cable franchise management. Hometown, SCHometown, SC is an initiative launched with the goal of uniformly communicating the value of cities and towns, building relationships with community leaders, and encouraging support of cities’ role in the state’s economic competitiveness. Insurance and Risk Management ServicesThe three self-funded insurance programs administered by the Municipal Association's Risk Managment Services staff are prime examples of strength and efficiency through joint efforts of member cities. Insurance Tax Collection ProgramCollected more than $116.7 million in business license taxes owed to 257 participating municipalities from insurance companies. Staff collected $6.8 million in delinquent license taxes. Legislative ProgramsThe Association's legislative initiatives support South Carolina hometowns and the value they bring to the state. ListservesThe Association offers access to several listserves to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking between local government officials. Main Street South CarolinaMain Street SC works to revitalize downtowns into vibrant centers of commerce and community following the National Main Street's Four Point Approach - Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. Municipal Clerks and Treasurers InstituteThe Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute is held twice a year for municipal employees to receive specialized training for the clerk/treasurer profession. Ten individuals graduated this year. Municipal Insurance ServicesFormed in 2004, Municipal Insurance Services provides voluntary supplemental insurance products to municipal employees at the lowest cost possible. Municipal News/Daily news clipsEach week, Municipal News highlights articles about legislative top priority issues and local stories illustrating the value of SC cities and towns. Daily news gives a quick overview of news articles related to municipal government. Planning and zoning trainingThe Municipal Association provides training to local government planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals and architectural review, as well as staff who directly or indirectly work with planning officials. PublicationsThe Association offers a variety of publications to assist municipal government officials. SC Local Government Assurance GroupSC Local Government Assurance Group (formed in 1981) provides medical, dental, vision and disability coverage as well as care management and wellness/fitness programs to its members. SC Municipal Insurance TrustSC Municipal Insurance Trust (organized in December 1983) is a cooperative local government program providing "self-funded" workers' compensation protection for municipal employees. Setoff Debt Collection ProgramThe Setoff Debt Program collects delinquent debts (utility bills, taxes, court fines, etc.) owed to program participants. Technology Enhanced City HallThrough the Technology Enhanced City Hall program, local governments receive affordable access to technology services to increase productivity and enhance customer service. Trades certificationCraftsmen in several professional trades receive statewide certification through the Association. Training institutesThe training institutions offer in-depth professional education on pertinent issues. UptownThe monthly newsletter, Uptown, has a new editorial focus this year. The feature section examines a topic of municipal interest from a variety of viewpoints. The new weekly e-newsletter, "Uptown Update," provides information about upcoming meetings. Video LibraryTraining is available on a range of topics including municipal governance, risk management and electric utility issues. |