SC Association for Community Economic Development announces Charles Blow, NYT Bestselling Author, Columnist, & MSNBC Analyst as a keynote speaker at 25th Annual Conference

As published in Lowcountry Biz SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is proud to announce Charles Blow, New York Times Bestselling Author and Columnist, Analyst at MSNBC, as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2024. The 25th annual conference celebrates SCACED’s 30th Anniversary and is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.

Through his books, commentary on MSNBC, and now as an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, Blow tackles today’s most pressing issues with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. Blow is the New York Times bestselling author of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which won a Lambda Literary Award, the Sperber Prize, and appeared on numerous “best of” lists. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, draws on both his personal experience and observations of society to call for an end to systemic racism. Blow previously served as Graphics Director at New York Time, leading the paper to significant awards, and also worked as the Art Director of National Geographic Magazine and for The Detroit News. Blow is a prolific and insightful commentator on politics, public opinion, and social justice, often challenging those in power with clarity and candor.

Heralded for his forward-thinking coverage of American politics and society, as well as his skill in graphic design to create powerful narratives with compelling visuals, Blow is also an in-demand speaker and gifted moderator. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, SalonTV, CBS News, and regularly as an analyst on MSNBC, and has been featured in The Washington Post, The Ringer, Oprah Daily.

“I am excited to serve as a keynote speaker at Opportunity SC: 2024,” said Blow. “In celebration of SCACED’s 30th Anniversary, I look forward to sharing my perspectives and insights to the progress made in South Carolina and the work that lies ahead in ensuring an equitable future for South Carolina.”

Bernie Mazyck named 2024 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award Recipient

Wednesday, May 22 marked a special occasion for SCACED's President & CEO, Bernie Mazyck, who received Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award at their Honors award ceremony in downtown Charleston! Named after one of the region’s most notable and popular leaders, the late father of former Mayor Joe Riley, this prestigious award recognizes an outstanding leader who has, through a lifetime of leadership, committed to making the community a better place to live, work and do business. Watch the tribute video above and check out the pictures below from the night. The full press release is also linked below!

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Reprinted from Lowcountry Biz SC

The Charleston Metro Chamber announced that Bernie Mazyck, President and CEO of SCACED, will be honored with the prestigious Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award at The Honors on May 22. Through his years of leadership, Bernie has proven to be an outstanding leader who is dedicated to enhancing our community.

Named after one of the region’s most notable and popular leaders, the late father of former Mayor Joe Riley, the Joseph P. Riley award was initiated in 1992 by the Charleston Metro Chamber. This prestigious award recognizes an outstanding leader who has, through a lifetime of leadership, committed to making the community a better place to live, work and do business. The recipients of this award are dedicated to serving and strengthening the Charleston community.

Since 1998, Bernie Mazyck has served as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development. SCACED is the state’s trade association and funding intermediary for Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, and grassroots economic development organizations. Through its network of members and partner organizations, SCACED strives to improve the quality of life for poor families and communities by providing innovative and sustainable solutions to low-wealth communities in South Carolina.

Since his time with SCACED, Bernie helped shepherd the growth of the community economic development movement in South Carolina from four organizations to over 200. Under Bernie’s leadership, SCACED and its member organizations developed projects valued at over $150 million, with an economic impact in South Carolina of over $350 million. Through SCACED’s members and partners, over 1,000 families purchased their first home, CED organizations created over 6,000 jobs and thousands of families built wealth in rural and distressed communities in South Carolina.

New resources for minority entrepreneurs to be unveiled at Small Business Resource Mixer at The Opportunity Center

CHARLESTON, S.C. — To celebrate May 2024 as National Small Business Month, and to bring new resources to small and minority-owned business owners in the Lowcountry, the Lowcountry Minority Business Partnership (LMBP), led by the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce (CMCC), and Coastal Community Foundation (CCF), is hosting a Small Business Resource Mixer, “Capital Conversations,” at The Opportunity Center in North Charleston on Friday, May 10.

The event will feature a robust lineup of small business resource providers who assist entrepreneurs with operations, marketing, and accessing capital. Attendees will have the ability to directly connect with these support organizations and receive complimentary services. Resource providers and funders who will be on-site include:

• Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce

• Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments

• Lowcountry Local First

• City of Charleston

• South Carolina Community Loan Fund

• CommunityWorks

• South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

• BlacQuity

• South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• REV Credit Union

• RDM Solutions

• Latina Bazaar Market

• Necessary Actions Consulting

• Real Estate House International

• City of North Charleston

The event will also feature the much-anticipated launch of the Ecosystem Resource Guide, a new platform that helps Lowcountry entrepreneurs navigate the many agencies and resources available to find the specific assistance they need to enhance their business. Attendees will also learn about two new programs available supporting minority entrepreneurs – the Cummins CARE Loan Program and CMCC’s Minority Business Accelerator Program.

Before allowing time for networking and connecting with funders and resource providers, the event program culminates with a success panel of local entrepreneurs discussing their personal testimonies of how the resources available at the event have transformed their business operations.

Statewide Community Economic Development Association Honors Senators Tom Davis and Scott Talley with SCACED 2023 Legislator of the Year Awards

COLUMBIA, S.C. —To recognize years of achievement in the South Carolina General Assembly, with a special commitment to supporting issues at the forefront of the community economic development agenda, the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) honored Senator Tom Davis of Beaufort and Senator Scott Talley of Spartanburg with their 2023 Legislator of the Year awards at their 2024 Legislative Luncheon last week.

SCACED’s annual Legislator of the Year Award recognizes legislators who support the community economic development industry. Senator Davis (pictured left) was the primary sponsor of legislation that would combat predatory lending in South Carolina, one of SCACED’s 2023 and 2024 policy priorities. Because of his support, the legislation reached the farthest any such legislation had previously moved, successfully passing out of the Labor Commerce and Industry Committee and onto the full Senate floor. Senator Davis also successfully worked to allow revenue from the South Carolina accommodations tax to be used for affordable housing initiatives. Charleston County has already used this new resource to fund affordable housing.

Senator Talley is a longtime supporter of the SC Community Development Tax Credits and has played a pivotal role in growing and uplifting the Spartanburg community. The SC Community Development Tax Credits support Community Development organizations across South Carolina who are providing access to rental and homeownership, small business lending and technical assistance, workforce development, financial literacy, and home preservation. His influence served as a catalyst for several community development projects in the area. Senator Talley announced last year that he will not seek reelection in 2024.

“We’re proud to honor these champions of community economic development, at a time when national issues have griped the attention of our state legislature,” said Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of SCACED. “Their consistent voice and influence in the General Assembly is refreshing and a reminder that members of the General Assembly are elected to address local issues, most of which impact marginalized citizens of South Carolina.”

SCACED’s 2024 Legislative Luncheon featured over 100 attendees that included members of the association, community leaders, partners, and legislators. The luncheon included a brief program where each Legislator of the Year honoree was recognized and SCACED discussed its 2024 Policy Priorities: To reauthorize the Community Development Tax Credits, advocate for anti-predatory lending legislation, and advance SC Housing’s Housing Trust Fund home repair program.

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For over 25 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.

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Overall Reflection-Reflections from State of the South: Charleston, South Carolina

In February, State of the South held its fifth convening in Charleston, South Carolina. Meeting over two days, community members, nonprofit leaders, business owners, policymakers, and artists gathered to discuss how to make Charleston, South Carolina, and the larger South equitably accessible to everyone.

Following the event, we invited panelists and participants to reflect on their experiences.  We’re honored to share with you this reflection from Bernie Mazyck at South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development. 

Journey…Destination…Arrival.  These are words that resonate with me when I ponder the work of Equity…Justice…Opportunity.  My work, which focuses on improving the quality of life for poor, marginalized and oppressed people in South Carolina, is rooted in a sense of calling, “To bring good news to the poor, liberate the oppressed, declare a season of God’s favor.”  But when I turn on the news I see injustices, poverty, and predatory lenders charging poor people interest rates of 300% on a small dollar emergency loan.  It’s expensive to be poor in South Carolina. And when we consider statistics that point to disparities among marginalized people in the South, especially if you are a member of a marginalized group (African American, Hispanic, Native American, and rural), you may shrink into a state of depression and dispiritedness.  These thoughts and emotions set the table for the recent convening in North Charleston, of the State of the South, hosted by North Carolina-based MDC from February5-7and which provided a space to not only reflect upon our current situation but also to reimagine the possibilities for equity and prosperity in our state. 

The South, and especially South Carolina, is a contrast in narratives.  On one side, you have the history of slavery and oppression, which continues to cast its long shadow over the present and the future prosperity of the state. That history continues to play a role in the disparities among people of color in almost every indicator ranging from health, wealth, educational attainment, and social status.  But the South, including South Carolina, is also experiencing economic growth at a level never experienced before in its history. During State of the South, MDC President & CEO John Simpkins shared a data point that was quite revealing.  He stated that, “The six (6) southern states (including South Carolina) contribute more to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) than all states in the northeastern corridor combined.” This data point highlighted tremendous opportunities for racial equity, justice, and economic opportunities for members of our communities who continue to be left behind. 

SC Association for Community Economic Development Announces New Chairperson of Board of Directors, New Board Members

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The South Carolina Association of Community Economic Development (SCACED) announced today the election of a new chairperson of the Board of Directors and two new members to the Board.

Ginny Stroud, Community Development Manager at United Bank, will serve as SCACED’s Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the 2024 term year. Stroud previously served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors and has served on the Board since 2015. Before joining United Bank, Stroud served as the Community Development Administrator for the City of Greenville from 2001 to 2020. In her role at United Bank, Ginny manages Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) investments and community development lending while also supporting local CRA strategies in North Carolina and South Carolina markets. 

“Leading SCACED’s Board of Directors is an incredible honor,” said Stroud. “I look forward to working with the Board, SCACED’s staff and its members to continue making an impact in South Carolina’s marginalized communities.”

“SCACED will benefit greatly from Ginny’s leadership of the Board of Directors,” said SCACED President & CEO Bernie Mazyck. “As SCACED celebrates its 30th Anniversary, Ginny’s wealth of experience in community development and familiarity with SCACED will enhance our efforts to increase the quality of life of low-wealth communities.”  

SCACED also elected two new members of the Board of Directors. Tanya Rodriguez-Hodges, Founder & Executive Director of Latino Community Development, and Donna Waites, President of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, will begin their respective three-year terms on the Board this year.

In addition to Stroud, SCACED also announced the election of three new officers to serve in 2024 on its Board of Directors. The new officers include:

• Kim Graham, Community Development Officer, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Vice Chairperson

• Lila Anna Sauls, PhD, President & CEO, Homeless No More, Secretary

• John F. Verreault III, Senior Vice President, Community Development, TD Bank, Treasurer

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For 30 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. Learn more about SCACED here.

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Commentary: Commonsense bill would protect SC consumers, provide more lending

The Post & Courier

In the pursuit of economic justice and prosperity, the importance of practical legislation cannot be overstated. The bill S.910, introduced by Sen. Tom Davis, represents a decisive move toward fair lending practices and protecting the financial well-being of the state's vulnerable residents.

As advocates for economic opportunity and wealth creation in low-income communities, we recognize the detrimental impact of predatory lending on communities. With more than 45 years of combined history dedicated to fostering economic opportunity and financial wellness, our organizations — CommunityWorks and the S.C. Association for Community Economic Development — have witnessed firsthand the repercussions of easy access, exploitive, high-cost payday, installment and auto title lenders in South Carolina.

The predatory lending industry has constructed a business model targeting individuals in poverty, exploiting them when they face financial hardships such as car repairs, unexpected medical costs and increased food prices. The industry’s focus is only on ensuring the loan payment does not exceed the borrower’s income, with little consideration for the person's actual ability to repay. Then once borrowers are hooked, these lenders call, text and email to refinance the loan after only a couple of payments are made. Each time a loan is flipped or renewed, new ancillary products are added, and the borrower may get a check for another $100, increasing the outstanding principal balance. The result is a debt cycle that is difficult to break.

SC Association for Community Economic Development Announces 2023 Hoop House Grant Awardees

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), in partnership with United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), announced today six (6) awardees of the 2023 Hoop House Grants.

The grant awards were offered through USDA-NRCS’ South Carolina Food Connection Community Gardens Project, which supports the creation and growth of community gardens and hoop houses in food insecure areas and among high-risk and underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and rural residents. 

This year’s awardees span across the state and a variety of industries, ranging from nonprofits, community development organizations, tribal groups, and farms. This year’s awardees, listed alphabetically, include:

• Catawba Tribal Nation

• Eden Community Garden

• First Impression SC

• Kidogo Farms

• Sustaining Way

• Tommy Dodd

The objective of this year’s grant program was to make available six (6) single grant awards in the amount of $10,000 each for the establishment and expansion of hoop houses in low-income, rural communities. The Hoop House grants offer training paired with funding to support minority and veteran producers in furthering the production of fruits and vegetables as an important source of fresh food and nutrition to communities lacking access to locally grown produce.

“SCACED is proud to collaborate with these community advocates for sustainable locally grown produce,” said SCACED program associate Ken Harvin. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact these community gardens will have on their communities.”

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 200 individuals and organizations who support the development of healthy and economically sustainable communities throughout South Carolina. For over 25 years, SCACED and its members have worked collaboratively to build wealth and create economic opportunity for all SC residents including a focus on minority communities and other groups who have been left out of the economic mainstream. 

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