MONCKS CORNER, S.C.– (Tuesday, October 13, 2020) – Berkeley County won a prestigious award from the S.C. Association of Counties for its Project SEARCH program and received special recognition in two other categories for its ManuFirstSC™ program and COVID-19 response. Representatives from the S.C. Association of Counties presented the honors at the County Council meeting on Monday, October 12 (video HERE; pictures attached).
First, Berkeley County received the Barrett Lawrimore Regional Cooperation Award for the County’s Project SEARCH program. Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort with Berkeley County School District that provides internship opportunities in County government to teens and young adults with special needs. The program’s goal is to help students develop the skills they will need for future employment. Representatives from Berkeley County School District, Vocational Rehabilitation, County Council and Project SEARCH students were in attendance to receive the award.
Next, the County received Honorable Mention in the J. Mitchell Graham category for counties with populations greater than 150,000 for its robust manufacturing program ManuFirstSC™. This initiative was developed to support Berkeley County manufacturing industries and residents by providing an innovative pathway to a long-term career for those with little-to-no manufacturing experience. To date, ManuFirstSC™ has helped train 1,090 people for manufacturing positions, including high school students and other County residents.
Finally, Berkeley County was recognized for its entry in the COVID-19 Response and Resiliency Showcase. This entry was new this year and was not adjudicated; rather, the 10 counties that entered were recognized for their efforts throughout the pandemic. Berkeley County specifically highlighted its ability to adjust operations and make safety a priority while still effectively and efficiently serving the public during COVID-19. Additionally, SCAC Executive Director Tim Winslow highlighted Berkeley County’s first in the state public-private partnership with Fetter Healthcare Network to set up testing sites around the County.
This is the first time in 15 years Berkeley County has won an award from the S.C. Association of Counties. The County received the Barrett Lawrimore Regional Cooperation Award in 2005 in partnership with Dorchester and Charleston Counties and the J. Mitchell Graham Award in 1996.
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
