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 11 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 Municipal Association of South Carolina serves as the municipal agent to receive and distribute to South Carolina municipalities the municipal broker’s premium tax collected by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Cities Mean BusinessThe "Cities Mean Business" campaign encourages new and stronger collaboration between local elected leaders and their business leaders. 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. Daily news clipsDaily news gives a quick overview of news articles related to municipal government. 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 servicesRegional 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. Insurance and Risk Management ServicesThe two self-funded insurance programs administered by the Municipal Association's Risk Management Services staff are prime examples of strength and efficiency through joint efforts of member cities. Insurance Tax Collection ProgramCollected more than $122 million in business license taxes owed to 266 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. Local Government Management Training ProgramEducates local government managers in areas that are essential to being an effective manager/administrator and to help newer managers/administrators network and build professional relationships with peers. 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. 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 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 ServicesThrough the Association, 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 and electric utility issues. |