Wednesday, August 13

• 8:00 a.m.                       Registration and Continental Break
• 9:00 – 9:15 a.m.             Welcome  
• 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.             Understanding Forms of Government and Defining Your Role

This session will provide public officials with a comprehensive overview of the various forms of government, including their structures and functions. Participants will explore the importance of understanding their specific roles and responsibilities for effective governance and community engagement. Through an interactive discussion, elected officials and public officials will gain valuable insights and best practices for fulfilling their duties.

• 10:15 – 10:30 a.m.        Break
• 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.        HR 101: Foundations for Small-town Leadership 

Whether you're an elected official, city administrator or department head, understanding the basics of human resources is essential for effective local government. This session will provide a practical overview of core HR responsibilities in small towns, including legal compliance, hiring practices, employee policies and performance management. Designed with the realities of limited staff and resources in mind, this session will help you build a stronger, more consistent foundation for your town’s workforce.

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Strong Controls, Stronger Cities: Practical Approaches to Financial Management in Small Municipalities

Small towns face unique financial challenges, limited staff, tight budgets and increasing oversight. But some are rising to the occasion with smart, practical policies that ensure transparency, accountability and resilience.

This session brings together financial staff from across the state to share what’s working in their communities. Through a moderated panel discussion, you’ll hear real-world strategies that these towns are using to build strong internal financial controls, avoid pitfalls and improve public trust.

• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.         Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.             Business License Update

South Carolina’s Act 176, the Business License Standardization Act, requires every municipality and county government with a business license tax to update its business licensing class schedule every odd-numbered year to go into effect the following year. As such, 2025 is a time to update your licensing practices to stay compliant with state law.

• 2:30- 2:45 p.m.             Break
• 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.            Opportunities for Small Business and Community Growth: The Rural and Small Business Community Revitalization Initiative 

This initiative is dedicated to empowering all small-town rural communities, especially those in the Tier 3 and 4 counties of South Carolina, with resources and programs that create opportunities for revitalization and sustainability. Hear from the SC Department of Commerce on their work to foster stakeholder engagement, provide essential resources, and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development through enhancing infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and building community resilience.