Grand Strand Newsmakers

Georgetown County Public Services employees receive awards

The Georgetown County Public Services Department presented employee excellence awards to three members of its staff as part of National Public Works Week celebrations last week. Winners included Sharon Moultrie, Matt Miele and Scott Walker.

Moultrie, who has been employed with Georgetown County Public Services for 26 years was presented with the Leadership Award. She was drafted to take over her division and has done a stellar job at keeping the department running efficiently and managing daily operations, said Tracy Jones of the county’s Stormwater Division, who handed out the awards in a ceremony on May 25.

“Many times she has had to iron out messy situations, and always puts forth her best effort to keep the division running smoothly,” Jones said. “Sharon has the unique ability to motivate the crews to work hard, even during crunch time when efficiency really counts. She is able to get work completed on time – and sometimes in the nick of time – when almost impossible deadlines are set.”

Moultrie was complimented on her ability to lead her team to successful results and take charge of any situation.

Scott Walker, who joined the Georgetown County Public Services Department two years ago, was presented with the Green Earth Award for his efforts in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability.

“Scott’s dedication to the environment truly comes out in everything he does for his division,” Jones said.

Hired as a laborer, Walker quickly proved his value to the department, working his way from the county’s Household Hazardous Waste facility to commercial recycling collection truck driver, where he had the opportunity to learn about, promote and make improvements to the county’s commercial recycling program. He also works at the county’s semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection events, where he made improvements in how materials are handled, allowing greater efficiency and safety.

Walker was recently promoted to heavy equipment operator, but still helps out at recycling and cleanup events throughout the county.

“His positive work ethic and personal motivation to recycle made him an ideal candidate for this award,” Jones said.

Matt Miele, an employee of Georgetown County’s Public Works Division for just over a year, received the Team Player Award. Despite being new to the team, he has proven himself to be an employee who works hard and goes above and beyond to get a project done right, Jones said.

Miele works on projects across all departments in the county, usually up against difficult deadlines, and achieves exceptional results.

“He meets the challenges of his job in a timely and professional manner, treating all residents with whom he comes in contact with respect and courtesy,” Jones said. “He has a great spirit and represents the county well.”

Described as patient and efficient, Miele is also self-taught in several aspects of the job. He works to support the county’s Stormwater Division with construction compliance inspections, pre-construction meetings and numerous final inspections. He makes himself available to accommodate developers and contractors, and is dependable and committed to helping out wherever he is needed within the county’s organizational structure.

McNair Attorney Appointed to Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Board of Directors

McNair is pleased to announce Shareholder Jim Gilliam has been appointed to the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development (MBREDC) Board of Directors. His appointment started in January of 2017 and will consist of serving a two-year term.

The MBREDC is an organization founded to function as a vital, comprehensive resource for location and expansion assistance, and to facilitate development programs throughout Horry County. Their mission is to lead Horry County’s efforts in attracting, growing and retaining sustainable businesses that create jobs. MBREDC is made up of more than 170 members.

“Coming together with other business professionals from around the region solidifies the importance of economic development in the area,” said Gilliam. “The ultimate goal is to create jobs and opportunities. Through this appointment, I am looking forward to giving back to the Grand Strand, as it has been a place I’ve called home for many years.”

Gilliam is a Shareholder in the Firm’s Myrtle Beach office and focuses his practice on employment law, business law and appellate practice. He provides advice to employers regarding compliance with federal and state employment laws, as well as prepares operating agreements for clients and drafts business arrangements. Gilliam represents his clients in appeals before all courts and has filed numerous briefs before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Hundreds Participate in Hands Across the Sands events at Brunswick Beaches

Local residents, as well as vacationers, braved the midday sun to stand in support of clean beaches on Saturday May 21st. Four of the eleven North Carolina Hands Across the Sand events were held in Brunswick County. Participants stood in long lines for 15 minutes starting at noon at Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island. The largest gathering was at Sunset Beach where almost 200 people formed a chain down the beach flanked by signs saying “Protect Our Coast” and “No Drill NC”.

While some people came to the beach specifically to participate in the event, many left their beach chairs and towels to stand against offshore drilling and fossil fuels that threaten the health of our beaches, marine life and coastal economy. More than 200 people signed a petition expressing their concern with the impact of the Presidential Executive Order signed on April 28th, which opens the possibility of oil and gas exploration/drilling, and seismic testing off America’s coasts, including the shores of Brunswick County. Many attendees and beach goers requested updates and action alerts from Oceana, an international organization that advocates for healthy oceans.

Hundreds of similar events were held on beaches, the shores of lakes and in parks across the United States and throughout the world. In 2016, thousands of people participated in these events worldwide. It is expected that the number of sites and participants for 2017 will surpass the 2016 figures in recognition that now is a critical time for our oceans and environment.

The date for next year’s Hands Across the Sand event is May 19, 2018.

NMB Middle names Privett student of the month

Livingston Privett is being honored by the North Myrtle Beach Optimist Club as the May Student of the Month. Livingston is the daughter of Crystal Adkins and is in the 8th grade at North Myrtle Beach Middle School. Livingston is a member of the robotics, yearbook, and Wizard of Oz Musical.

Away from school, Livingston is involved with the Connection Church of the Nazarene, North Myrtle Beach. She volunteers at the Human Society of NMB and participates in the Recycling Club at various sporting events. In her free time she enjoys sharing her love to draw and paint with others. With her actions, she is able to be a positive role model for other students and improve her community’s environment.

Livingstons’s message to other students is to always be involved in class by asking questions when you are confused and talking to your teachers. She also believes that it is important to step out of your comfort zone and to always stick to achieving your goals.

During high school, Livingston would like to achieve excellence academically, be socially responsible, and achieve her goals. After graduation, she would like to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a medical engineer.

The Student of the Month is selected by a committee of teachers. The selection is based on community service, academic achievement, personal effort, and positive behavior.

American Legion 503 honors vets during Memorial Day

This story was originally published June 7, 2017 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Grand Strand Newsmakers."