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.

Scotty Davis named Florence interim city manager

Reprinted from ABC News 15

FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Scotty Davis has been named the interim Florence city manager.

Davis has been placed in the position following the resignation of Randy Osterman, who retired earlier this week.

Davis has worked for the city for the past 26 years being promoted to various positions, including deputy city manager.

He said he's excited that he'll be able to continue to move Florence forward in his new position.

"I've worked for the city for 26 years now. I was the deputy city manager for about 7 years now. So this is a natural progression. And now, I'm becoming the city manager. I'm certainly thankful that I am able to serve the citizens of Florence in this capacity," said Davis.

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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SC Association for Community Economic Development Announces 2023 Community Garden 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 fifteen (15) awardees of the 2023 Community Garden 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 community development organizations, nonprofits, foundations, farms, and healthcare providers. This year’s awardees, listed alphabetically, include:

  • Care Connections Inc.

  • Carolina Human Reinvestment

  • Chesterfield Family YMCA

  • Community Organizations for Rights and Empowerment

  • Families Engagement Inc.

  • First Impression of SC

  • The Green Heart Project

  • Living Wright Foundation

  • New Horizon Foundation

  • NoMa STEAM

  • Pick 42 Foundation, Inc.

  • RobinHood Group

  • Set in Stone Sustainability Farm

  • St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic

  • Top Notch Community Garden

The objective of this year’s grant program was to make available fifteen (15) single grant awards in the amount of $5,000 each for the establishment and expansion of community gardens in low-income, rural communities. The Community Garden 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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SC Association for Community Economic Development announces John Simpkins, President of MDC, as a keynote speaker at 24th Annual Conference

CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is proud to announce John Simpkins, President of MDC, as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2023. The 24th annual conference is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.

Simpkins works with the entire MDC team to set strategy, shape their portfolio of work, and engage with partners and the public around the urgent challenge of eliminating disparities to build a South where all people can thrive. Prior to joining MDC in 2020, Simpkins held various leadership roles in efforts to promote equity, access, and inclusion at the state, national, and international level. A constitutional scholar and practicing attorney, Simpkins served in the Obama Administration as deputy general counsel for the White House Office of Management and Budget and general counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development. After leaving government service, Simpkins served in leadership roles at Prisma Health and the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute, where he mobilized the more than 3,000 Fellows around the world to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant economic effects.

Simpkins received his Bachelor’s of Art degree in government from Harvard College and his Juris Doctor and Masters of Laws degrees in international and comparative law from Duke University School of Law. He is a Senior Lecturer at Duke Law School and is a member of the Liberty Fellowship, a program in the Aspen Global Leadership Network dedicated to moving South Carolina forward.

“I am excited to participate in SCACED’s Opportunity SC: 2023 Conference and look forward to delivering insights on advancing equity in South Carolina,” said Simpkins. “Thank you to SCACED for hosting this important forum of community development leaders from across South Carolina.”

SC Association for Community Economic Development announces Tom Barkin as a keynote speaker at 24th Annual Conference

Reprinted from the Soda City BizWire

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) is proud to announce Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“Richmond Fed”), as a keynote speaker for its annual conference, Opportunity SC: 2023. The 24th annual conference is the largest comprehensive community development convention and forum in South Carolina.

Barkin is a leader in monetary policy, bank supervision and technology. He serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee, and is also responsible for bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., West Virginia and Maryland. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges.

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. He earned his bachelor’s, MBA and law degrees from Harvard University.

“I look forward to being a part of Opportunity SC: 2023 and sharing my perspectives on the economy and labor market,” said Barkin. “Thank you to SCACED for hosting this event and for continuing to advance community development in South Carolina.”

SBA, SCACED and NPHC to Host Free Small Business Resource Session in Columbia

Reprinted from Soda City Biz Wire

COLUMBIA, S.C. —The Small Business Administration (SBA), South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED), and the Columbia Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) have announced a partnership to bring resources and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses owners at an informational session in Columbia, SC on June 19th from 4:00 – 6:30 PM.  This unique event celebrates the leadership role the nine national historically black Greek lettered fraternities and sororities (the Divine Nine) to South Carolina and the nation’s economic mobility and progress.

The session, titled “Access to Capital & Resources for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs”, will be held at the Palmetto Patio located at 1122 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs and small business resource providers who support businesses in all stages of development.

Regional SBA leaders and small business resource providers, such as the SBA-funded South Carolina Community Navigator Program, will be on-site to offer complimentary services that assist the unique needs of each small business owner. Services offered will focus on:

  • Access to capital

  • Government contracting

  • Disaster recovery and resilience

  • Counseling and technical assistance

“SBA is committed to helping small businesses start, grow and succeed in South Carolina and beyond,” said Gregg White, SBA District Director for South Carolina. “We are excited to partner with SCACED and NPHC to bring valuable information and resources to the small business community in Columbia.”

“SCACED is proud to be part of this initiative that connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Bernie Mazyck, President & CEO of SCACED. “As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I encourage anyone who is interested in starting or growing their business to attend this session and learn more about the opportunities available.”

“NPHC is honored to host this event and support our fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Dr. Brenda B. Branic, President of NPHC Columbia Chapter. “We believe that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our community, and we look forward to seeing them succeed.”

Registration for the event is free but required. Complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Click here to register for the event.

About SCACED (www.scaced.org)

SCACED is a coalition of over 170 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.

Community Capital Alliance focusing on Rock Hill economic development

CN2 News

ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – The South Carolina Community Capital Alliance is spending its second day in Rock Hill.

More than 200 guest are attending the organization’s conference happening at the Rock Hill Sports and event center.

The alliance works to increase capital resources for South Carolina’s most under served and under-capitalized communities.

At the event several speakers highlighted topics in impact investing, community financing tools, and other tactics to support community economic development across the state.

The conference also focusing on Rock Hill development, using the downtown area, Knowledge Park and the City’s South-Side Revitalization to show how a town can create a new vision.

“Part of what we do with this conference is we come to projects like this.” said Alliance Board Member, Deborah McKetty. “We get to see the before and the after and then we really get to talk to the developers. Who were the visionaries behind this project? How were the nuts and bolts put together? Where did the financing come from? How did the community’s vision turn into an actual project that’s serving the community in the way that it is? So that’s kind of the whole purpose of this, to really understand how these projects happen.”

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