On Nov. 20, 2024, the HCG Leadership Development Program (LDP) 2023 cohort presented their final project to County leaders.
The cohort worked with a variety of County departments and community partners to create a concept for the development of 'pocket parks,' which could serve as small public spaces for community members.
With a focus on minimizing maintenance and repair, the proposed concept included the potential for planting native trees and shrubs, installation of park benches, and future inclusion of 'little free libraries' at some or all of the sites.
A plan was also proposed to empower community members to get involved, as well as ideas for partnership opportunities with locals groups, such as the Friends of the Library, Scouting America, and Horry County Schools.
Incoming County Administrator Barry Spivey said he appreciated the focus on bringing resources together from all possible avenues in pursuit of a common goal.
"Thank you for your work on this. What you have proposed here is a public-private partnership, and that's key for our community."
Following the formal presentation, the cohort fielded questions and comments from Executive Staff, department heads, and partners who worked with them during their time in the LDP. Asked what they learned from the project, the cohort had one united message to share -- the power of working together.
"We believe in working together--the more you can get involved, the better it is, then we can share in something, everyone takes ownership. It's nice to see that actually can work," said Capt. Heather Wilson, with Horry County Police Department.
"Horry County is not one department -- I might have already known that, but you don't really know it unless you experience it," said Sadina Lewis, with Horry County Memorial Libraries.
"While we may have known each other individually, none of us knew what the others did int he county, and now we do, now we can help," said Richard Helmer, with the Department of Airports.
Asked what they will take away from the LDP experience, cohort members shared how they've learned to initiate collaboration rather than wait for it to occur.
"We also learned that there are groups out there willing to help, but you have to approach them, you have to take the initiative to reach out to them," said Jamie Norman, with Horry County Finance Department."
"Pick up the phone, write the email, use those connections -- the interconnectivity is super important. It's admitting, 'Hey, I don't have a particular connection,' but someone else in the group or with the County might," said Tony Casey, with Horry County Public Information Office.
"'What can I do? How can I help lead?' This program has helped me become a better leader and step out of my comfort zone," said Melissa Shenk, with Horry County Memorial Libraries.
The Horry County Human Resources Department, which develops and coordinates the LDP, concluded the occasion with gratitude and congratulations.
"Thank you all and job well done. It was a pleasure--your minds, your ideas, your thoughts, all of these things went into making it to where you are now," said Jamaal George, with Horry County HR.
The LDP program spans the course of two years and seeks to equip County employees with higher level leadership skills. Participants are encouraged to adopt a 'whole community' approach wherein government and individuals work together for the better of all.