Homegrown leaders celebrated by Chamber of Commerce

The Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated leadership at its 2nd Annual Homegrown Leaders Summit.

The event was held June 20 at the Blackville Community Center. It recognized graduates of the inaugural Homegrown Leadership Institute and bestowed awards to two business leaders.

“Being a leader is not for faint of heart. You are going to have challenges and struggles. You must lead with a passion,” said Allendale County Schools Superintendent Dr. Vallerie Cave, one of the keynote speakers.

BUSINESS AWARDS

After a catered meal prepared by Blackville-based caterers Kinard’s Kitchen and music from the Partly Cloudy Band, the Chamber announced the recipients of the 2024 Leader in Business Award - Angela Cotton for Barnwell County and Marlon Creech for Allendale County.

“Your excellence in leadership has not gone unnoticed and we thank you both for being shining lights in your community!” said Chamber president and CEO Bob Snead.

Cotton is branch manager of SRP Federal Credit Union’s Barnwell branch. She is also active in the community through the Rotary Club, Chamber board, and other groups. She also participates in medical mission trips to Honduras through the Carolina-Honduras Health Foundation, which was started by the late Dr. Henry Gibson of Barnwell.

“I believe a community is only as strong as its leaders. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to be a leader and not a follower. I am blessed to work for SRP Federal Credit Union, whose philosophy is “People Helping People”. Volunteering in the 10 counties we serve provides great value for our community, as well as our organization,” said Cotton, who is “humbled” by the award.

In addition to those who nominated her, Cotton thanks her co-workers for the work they do. “Because of my strong team, I am allowed time to serve locally in various ways. Find what you are passionate about, be willing to serve, and look for ways to make a difference.

Volunteering time and service has a huge impact on your local businesses, schools and community. I will continue to work hard for change,” she said.

As a member of Allendale Town Council, Creech seeks to better his community. He also was instrumental in keeping the Unity Fest going.

"You have to have a heart for the people. Without the people, the opportunity to lead and serve wouldn't exist. It's important to me to serve my community in order to be the change I want to see. Impact and influence coupled with the ability to connect with people makes the trials and errors of leadership worth the cost. The reward is seeing others strengthened and in position to do the same,” said Creech, who is encouraged to work even harder.

HOMEGROWN GRADUATES

The event also recognized the 12 graduates of the inaugural Homegrown Leadership Institute.

The group met once a month for six months. Various speakers led sessions aimed at helping the participants become better leaders in their businesses and communities.

“We are so proud of your commitment to improving and honing your leadership skills. You are all incredible assets to your community. We are lucky to have you here in our region!” said Snead.

The graduates include Brad Bonnette, department manager at Swiss Krono USA; Doris Jamison, director of housing management at S.C. Housing Authority #3; Kevin Dobson, department manager at Swiss Krono USA; Michelle Pritchard, sales service manager at Swiss Krono USA; Patrick Holt, department manager at Swiss Krono USA; Sharon Perella, contracts manager at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions; Trina Isaac, senior property manager at S.C. Housing Authority #3; Scottie Ray, maintenance planner at Swiss Krono USA; Benjamin Sims, operations manager at BEFESA Zinc USA; Sharri Cook Shirley, human resources business partner at Swiss Krono USA; Mattison Bolen, IDA coordinator at Southeastern Housing & Community Development; and Dennis McCullough, shift maintenance lead at Swiss Krono USA.

“This experience has been transformative, teaching me invaluable lessons about effective leadership. By participating in this program, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a leader in our community,” said Bolen, a resident of Williston.

This is the second time that Sims has been employed in Barnwell Couty. He originally worked for Milliken when the textile industry was strong, but moved back home to West Virginia during the economic downturn. However, he later moved back to South Carolina when his career became stagnant and he found a job opportunity at American Zinc Recycling (now BEFESA) in Snelling.

“I found a community that was hurt but had bounced back. This was due to leaders. There are leaders everywhere within the community,” said Sims. This includes parents serving as coaches and people who serve meals at the soup kitchen.

Applications for the next class open in September with classes starting in January.

LEADER TO LEADER

Four guest speakers shared their stories and imparted some advice to the graduates.

“It takes a lot of vigor to go through a class like that. Thank you for what you do in your community,” said Liz Ponder, vice president of retail and chief strategy officer for SRP Federal Credit Union.

Ponder learned leadership at a young age. Growing up on a farm in a small town, she and her nine siblings all had chores to do. Her parents provided structure which brought clarity, accountability, and valuable lessons their children could use later.

“When you know who you are, you become an awesome leader. When there is mass confusion, no one can follow,” she said.

Some key traits of a quality leader are having a servant’s heart, listening to your inner voice, staying humble, remaining patient, and holding people accountable.

“Am I leading or am I dictating?” asked Ponder.

John Gethers, region director for the Small Business Development Center, said leadership isn’t a trivial thing, but rather something to hold as an honor.

“Strong communities are full of strong citizens. Be a voice and beacon in that community. Be worthy of the trust of people because the more trust you earn, the stronger your community becomes,” said Gethers.

Dr. Cave said a key to a good leader is having a mission and staying focused on that mission.

“Leadership is the capacity to translate passion to reality,” she said.

Dr. Cave remembers her father, who was sheriff of Allendale County for 38 years, always emphasized the importance of completing any job or project. “If a task is once begun, never leave it til it’s done,” she said of her father’s advice.

She encouraged the crowd to “embrace the journey” which will include ups and downs. “Embrace every struggle and challenge. Embrace the good too,” she said.

Dr. Cave said she surrounds herself with a close-knit group of people who can lift her up because it can be lonely at the top.

“Be a thinker, be a problem solver, be an innovator, be trustworthy, and be a leader with compassion,” said Dr. Cave.

The final speaker was Todd Glover, executive director of the S.C. Municipal Association (MASC), which guides and helps the state’s 271 municipalities.

“We see many that are flourishing but also see many that are struggling,” he said of municipalities. “It’s because there’s a lack of leaders stepping up to be committed to their communities.”

Glover said Barnwell and Allendale counties are fortunate to have many leaders who have stepped up to help, including Marlon Creech, a graduate of MASC’s Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government.

“This fantastic evening is the result of a young leader who stepped up to help his community,” said Glover of Enterick Lee, the Chamber’s director of programs and a member of Blackville Town Council. Lee spearheaded the Homegrown Leaders Institute and Summit.

Glover said businesses want to be part of communities they see as thriving. That’s why his organization works to help municipalities, including the elected officials who oversee those towns and cities.

“Be committed and not just involved,” he said to the leaders in the crowd.

Snead thanked everyone who made the evening a success, including the sponsors for investing in the community and leaders – BEFESA, Just for You Home Care, The People-Sentinel, and the Town of Blackville.