Rock Hill Councilmember Kathy Pender became the Association’s new president after she was elected by representatives from cities and towns across South Carolina during the 2021
Annual Meeting.
In her address, Pender thanked municipal officials for their dedicated work as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten public health and economic activity.
“I’m so proud of the leadership you all have shown in your communities during the pandemic, from supporting local businesses and restaurants with flexibility, to supporting your residents
with volunteer testing and vaccination sites,” she said.
“I believed what I said back in February 2020, and I believe it even more now. We are one South Carolina.” Inman Mayor and outgoing Association President Cornelius Huff
Inman Mayor and outgoing Association President Cornelius Huff recalled his first speech as president during Hometown Legislative Action Day in early 2020. Just before the beginning of the pandemic and its hardships, he spoke of the importance of building one voice for government officials to improve the lives of South Carolinians.
“I believed what I said back in February 2020, and I believe it even more now. We are one South Carolina,” he said.
He also drew attention to legislative successes of the past year, including business license standardization legislation that preserves local control over the critical revenue stream, and the extension of the abandoned buildings tax credit.
Association Executive Director Todd Glover described Association programs designed to fulfill some of its strategic goals, including the expansion of its advocacy team and outreach with state and federal lawmakers, retail recruitment training for municipal officials taking place through the end of 2021, and the City Connect Market, a new joint purchasing program to help cities receive better pricing on commonly purchased products and services.
Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover describes the Association’s strategic goals.
Glover also called attention to the importance of local officials working to maintain valuable local decision-making during the pandemic.
“Thank you so much for what you do and your service to your cities and towns,” Glover said. “We know that it’s hard and long work.”
Find presentation material and recordings for the Annual Meeting, the Municipal Association’s 2021 Annual Report and 2021 Legislative Report online.