The Orangeburg County Community of Character effort is a collaborative effort by:

  • Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association (DORA)
  • The Times and Democrat
  • Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce
  • Orangeburg County Development Commission

It is the intent of the Character initiative to partner with all segments of our communities such as education, business, industry, family, faith, government, media, civic, chamber and the citizens of Orangeburg County. In May of 2000, a core group of community leaders met for an introduction to this initiative, and since that date the following has transpired:

  • Adopted Mission Statement & Goals

  • Committees formed and Co-Chairs selected

  • Character Traits Defined

  • Municipalities passed Character resolution

  • Citizen nominated monthly who best exemplifies monthly trait..  Featured in The Times and Democrat and on the Radio.

  • Speakers’ Bureau Formed

  • Bi-monthly meetings held

  • Grants obtained for funding

  • Character Brochure Designed

  • Character Website Established

  • Character Flag Designed (Available for sale)

  • Presented to 17 Mayors and Orangeburg County a Character flag to fly in their community.

  • Letter to Governor requesting State pass character resolution to become Character State.

  • Orangeburg County Ministers’ Luncheon and breakfast held.

  • Govenor Jim Hodges signs proclamation SC "State of Charactor Day"

  • Porch Reflections of Orangeburg County - Book Signing 3/10/03 (Available for sale)

  • Governor Mark Sanford signs proclamation SC "State of Charactor Day"


     

148 Cities/Towns and 29 Counties nationwide, and 13 international cities have passed character resolutions.

The cities in South Carolina are Aiken, Allendale, Beaufort, Chapin, Conway, Florence, Georgetown, Greenwood, Ridgeland, Lexington, North Augusta, and all municipalities in Orangeburg County (17).

Municipalities in Orangeburg County are:

Orangeburg, Livingston, North, Neeses, Woodford, Norway, Branchville, Santee, Rowesville, Springfield, Holly Hill, Eutawville, Bowman, Cordova, Cope, Vance, Elloree.

Orangeburg County is one of only 2 counties in South Carolina, and 28 counties nationwide who have passed character resolutions. Orangeburg County has the distinction of being the only county in South Carolina where all municipalities have passed character resolutions and one of four nationwide.

 

Memorials can be made to the Orangeburg County Community of Character intitiative.