Did you know that just minutes from downtown Greenville, there's a business park that's driving our region's economy forward? In this episode, we sit down with Jody Bryson, the President and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), to learn how this unique organization has become a magnet for top companies and high-paying jobs. Discover the fascinating history behind SCTAC, its $6.1 billion economic impact, and the exciting projects on the horizon, including a state-of-t...
Mar 11, 2025•26 min
Are you curious about ranked-choice voting and what it could mean for our elections? In this episode, election law expert Michael Dimino breaks down the basics of this intriguing alternative to our current system. You'll learn how ranked-choice voting works, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and how it's being used in some states and countries. Whether you're a political junkie or just looking to make sense of our electoral process, this episode offers valuable insights in an approachable wa...
Mar 04, 2025•17 min
Get a clear, nonpartisan explanation of South Carolina's primary election system and proposals to change it. Links: Michael Dimino Bio: https://commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/academics/faculty/detail/13/ _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Get in touch. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter....
Feb 25, 2025•30 min
Big changes could be coming to South Carolina's primary voting system and the way you register to vote. Learn about the five new bills that could impact how SC residents vote in primaries, including closed primary proposals and ranked-choice voting options. Today we break down the proposed changes to SC's primary voting system. This episode explores how these proposals compare to other states' systems and what they could mean for SC voters. Links: Bills: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025...
Feb 21, 2025•10 min
Thinking of running for office or helping on a campaign in South Carolina? In this episode, expert Leigh McGill with Campaign Ethics Consulting Services breaks down the basics of campaign finance reporting. Learn about required disclosures, contribution limits, common pitfalls to avoid, and why it pays to get professional guidance from the start. Links: Connect with Leigh McGill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-mcgill-03aba099/ Campaign Ethics Consulting Services: https://www.campaignethicssc....
Feb 11, 2025•17 min
Ever wonder how all those political ads and mailers get paid for? Explore the complex world of campaign finance with nonprofit leader John Tynan. Learn the difference between PACs, super PACs, 501(c)(4)s, and more - and how to follow the money trail as an informed voter. Links: Connect with John Tynan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tynan-1446b34b/ South Carolina State Ethics Commission: https://ethics.sc.gov/ Conservation Voters of South Carolina: https://www.cvsc.org/ _ Produced by Podcast S...
Feb 04, 2025•22 min
Ever wondered how to get that pesky pothole fixed? We talk with GP McLeer, Mayor of Fountain Inn and director of Upstate Mobility Alliance to break down the complex world of local government and transportation. Learn who's responsible for roads, how projects get prioritized, and what you can do to advocate for improvements in your community. Links: SCDOT's "Who Owns My Road?" interactive map website: https://ris.scdot.org/RoadwayInformationStreetFinder.aspx SCDOT Project Viewer Map website: http...
Jan 28, 2025•25 min
Benton Blount, the newly elected Greenville County Council Chairman, sits down to discuss his priorities for 2025. He covers hot topics like the county budget, fixing roads, the Unified Development Ordinance, and how to improve transparency and build public trust. Get an inside look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for Greenville County. Links: Previous episode with Benton Blount: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/learning-as-they-lead-reflections-from-the-heart-of-public-service...
Jan 21, 2025•32 min
Your credit score can open doors to opportunities or slam them shut, impacting everything from where you can live and work to how much you pay for insurance. In this episode, we talk with Kerri Smith from Self-Help Credit Union and Dr. Mark O'Rourke from the MICAH Project about what makes up your credit score and why it matters. They discuss practical ways to build and repair credit, including local resources that can help you escape high-interest predatory loans. Learn how you can get involved ...
Jan 14, 2025•21 min
Curious what's in store for Greenville County in 2025? We break down the big changes coming in local elections, county leadership, and even plans to fix those pesky potholes. Plus, a look at the podcast's exciting year ahead as it approaches 100K downloads! Links: Episode about how municipal elections work and odd year elections: https://simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org/vote-smart-your-ultimate-guide-to-greenvilles-local-elections/ Episode about FILOTs (Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreements): https://si...
Jan 07, 2025•11 min
Today we revisit one of our most popular episodes uncovering the story of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a transformative 25-mile multi-use trail in Greenville County, with special guests Frank Mansbach, Volunteer Executive Director of Bike Walk Greenville, and Ty Houck, Director of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources for Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Discover how this cherished trail has impacted recreation, transportation, and the local economy, attracting million...
Dec 31, 2024•25 min
Purchasing a vehicle is a significant financial decision that requires careful planning and research. In this episode, Kerri Smith, South Carolina President of Self-Help Credit Union, shares valuable insights and practical steps to help listeners navigate the car buying process. Learn how to determine an affordable payment, research vehicle options, understand financing, and work with dealerships to make an informed purchase. Links: Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org Kelly Blue Book: ...
Dec 17, 2024•19 min
Don't let holiday spending derail your financial future. Kerri Smith from Self-Help Credit Union shares insider tips to sidestep predatory lenders and high-interest debt this season. Learn how to give your family the best gift of all: a financially secure new year. Tune in now for must-hear advice! Links: Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org SC 211: https://sc211.org SC Fair Lending: https://scfairlending.org/ _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project...
Dec 10, 2024•17 min
Discover why giving to local nonprofits matters more than ever. Today we chat with two Greenville County foundation leaders, Meliah Bowers Jefferson of the Jolly Foundation and Andrew Ross of the Hathaway Family Foundation, about the power of individual donors to transform their community. Learn how you can make an impact, whether you have dollars or just time to give. It's not about the size of your gift, but the strength of your heart for your hometown. Links: Philanthropic landscape study of ...
Dec 03, 2024•17 min
Money doesn't have to be stressful! Kerri Smith and Michael Gates of Self-Help Credit Union share eye-opening insights on what money really is and provide practical tips to take control of your finances. Learn how to build savings, reduce money anxiety, and use your hard-earned cash as a tool to improve your life. Links: Self-Help Credit Union: https://self-help.org SC 211: https://sc211.org Greenville Human Relations Commission: https://www.greenvillecounty.org/humanrelations/ _ Produced by Pod...
Nov 26, 2024•18 min
Downtown revitalization requires a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach to be successful, as evidenced by the thriving downtowns across Greenville County. Today we interview Craig Scharton, an experienced downtown and community revitalization professional, who shares the key elements of the Main Street revitalization framework, roles of different community partners, and examples of downtown renewal done right in South Carolina and beyond. Links: Craig Scharton LinkedIn Main Street South Carolina...
Nov 19, 2024•19 min
Dive into Greenville County's 2024 election results! Learn which precincts had the highest (and lowest) turnout, the surge in early voting, and how to explore detailed precinct-level data yourself. Plus, a look ahead at what's next for the podcast. Links: SC Votes stats walkthrough. Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution....
Nov 12, 2024•16 min
In this episode, we sit down with Juan Castrejon and Hanaa Khan, two Greenville County residents preparing to vote in their first presidential election. They share valuable insights on the importance of civic engagement for young people, the barriers that keep their peers from the polls, and the role schools can play in building a stronger democracy. Links: Interview on "The Great Retention" podcast: https://pod.fo/e/27dca5 _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a pr...
Nov 05, 2024•22 min
Meet Democrat J Fritz Weibel, South Carolina House of Representatives District 28 candidate in the November general election. ALso running is Republican Chris Huff who declined to participate. District 28 covers Conestee and most of Southern Greenville County with the exception of the lowermost southwest corner. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: J Fritz Weibel...
Oct 21, 2024•12 min
Meet Democrat Stephen Dreyfus and Republican Stephen Frank, South Carolina House of Representatives District 20 candidate in the November general election. District 20 generally covers the Taylors area, straddling highway 29 between the cities of Greenville, Greer, and Travelers Rest. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Stephen Dreyfus: http://www.stephendreyfus...
Oct 21, 2024•12 min
Meet Sarah Dulin and Missey Marsh, Area 27 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 27 is in the Golden Strip and includes Five Forks, East Georgia Road, Lee Vaughn Road, and Scuffletown Road, with nearly half of it spreading into Laurens County. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Sarah Dulin: None provid...
Oct 18, 2024•18 min
Meet Greg Cantrell, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, and Jack Logan, Area 25 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 25 generally covers the area along Augusta Road including part of Chanticleer, Pleasant Valley, Belle Meade, and Mount Pleasant. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Greg Cantrell: https://www.cant...
Oct 17, 2024•28 min
Meet Angie Mosley and Steve Whaley, Area 21 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 21 is on Greenville County’s Eastside and includes Boiling Springs Road, Thornblade, the Hartness community, and the Kingsbridge and Kilgore Plantation area. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Angie Mosley: https://www.fa...
Oct 15, 2024•18 min
Meet Scott Cline, Robert Hamilton, Dan Healy, and Amanda Stone, Area 19 candidates for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 19 generally covers Northwestern Greenville County to the state line, Travelers Rest, and Berea. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Scott Cline: https://scottclineforschoolboard.com/ Robert Ham...
Oct 10, 2024•36 min
Meet Carolyn Styles, Area 17 candidate for Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees in the November general election. Area 17 generally covers Northeastern Greenville County to the east of US 25 and down to Old Rutherford and Stallings Road on the South end, encompassing some of the Paris Mountain area. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Carolyn Styles: http...
Oct 08, 2024•13 min
As Greenville County begins the response and recovery process from hurricane helene, this short episode provides a few resources for help with the disaster's impacts on your home and belongings and for dealing with challenges such as food, prescriptions, and more. We also share how you can help your neighbors and those in need. Links: FEMA Assistance: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual Community Relief Fund Donation: https://ignite.stratuslive.com/unitedwaygc/get-involved/donate/uwgc _ P...
Oct 02, 2024•10 min
Meet Democrat Taylor Culliver and Republican Ross Turner, South Carolina Senate District 8 candidates in the November general election. District 8 generally covers the neighborhoods of Augusta Street, Gower, Hollingsworth, the west end of Pelham Road, and much of the Golden Strip of Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Tayl...
Sep 24, 2024•21 min
Meet Democrat Chandra Dillard, South Carolina House of Representatives District 23 candidate in the November general election. Also running is Libertarian James Atkins Jr. who declined to participate. District 23 generally represents downtown Greenville, Nicholtown, West Greenville, and the Mill Communities of Pete Hollis Boulevard and Rutherford Street. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share...
Sep 17, 2024•9 min
Meet Democrat John MacCarthy and Republican David Vaughan, South Carolina House of Representatives District 27 candidates in the November general election. District 27 runs along I-385 and includes Southeast Mauldin, most of Simpsonville, and a little bit of northwest Fountain Inn. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: John MacCarthy: www.johnmaccarthysc27.com Dav...
Sep 10, 2024•23 min
Meet Democrat Wendell Jones and Republican Tim Kennedy, South Carolina House of Representatives District 25 candidates in the November general election. District 25 generally represents the area along Augusta Road of Pleasant Valley, Belle Meade, Mount Pleasant, and Donaldson. In this episode, each candidate has 10 minutes to introduce themselves to the voters. Your vote is so important! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Links: Wendell Jones: https://www.wendellkjones.com/ Tim ...
Sep 03, 2024•18 min
