The Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the 2007 “Waddy Thompson Citizen of The Year.” All communities are filled with “local heroes.” For some, the work and effort they put in is easy to see, while with others, it is not readily seen”, said Chamber executive director, Lisa B. Stokes. “Both make a difference and help to make Bamberg County a better place to live,” she added.

Stokes said these citizens are important in forming the future of our community through their work with children, business, education, government and/or social service.

Nominees should be individuals in the Bamberg County community who have contributed through community service/involvement, leadership, vision and volunteer service. Primary emphasis will be given to a good “story” of community involvement explained Stokes.

The basis for the award may be granted for outstanding service in singular or multiple fields. Those submitting nominations should submit a typed or neatly handwritten essay explaining why you think your nominee should be chosen as the 2007 “Waddy Thompson Citizen of They Year.”

The nominee’s biography should also be included with the essay. Nominations are due by 12:00 noon Friday, September 5.

Nominations should be mailed to:
Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce
“Waddy Thompson 2006 Citizen of The Year” Selection Committee
604 Airport Road, Bamberg SC 29003

Call the Chamber at 803-245-4427 for additional information.

Bluffton - Ward Edwards is launching the second cycle of its grant program investing up to $10,000 in projects that promote or improve environmental sustainability in coastal South Carolina and Georgia.

The Healthy Community Grant is a competitive program funded by Ward Edwards to encourage creative solutions for existing environmental problems, plant seeds for innovation in stewardship, and recognize tangible efforts that lead to long-term sustainable benefits. The Grant Program will achieve this through identifying and funding projects that encourage stewardship of resources with a particular benefit to the environment, provide environmental education or promote principles of sustainable design.

The 2007/2008 Healthy Community Grant Recipients include:

• United Way of the Coastal Empire (Liberty County, GA) - Students will collect plastic bottles to be recycled into useful items such as fleece pullovers that will be given to students in need.
• American Society of Landscape Architects (Savannah, GA) - This project will create a native plant book specific to coastal South Carolina and Georgia that will seek to make environmental stewardship achievable on the personal level.
• Marshview Organic Community Farm (St. Helena, SC) - Local youth will be trained in the operation of an organic farm through applications of environmentally safe organic products and practices.
• Town of Bluffton (Bluffton, SC) - The Town of Bluffton will construct a demonstration rain garden at Town Hall.
• St Peter's Catholic School (Beaufort, SC) - The grant monies will enable students to do a water quality study in a high salinity estuary that is experiencing rapid growth.

As a civil engineering and surveying firm, Ward Edwards' three core beliefs are that people are created to be in community, people are accountable for stewardship of the earth and people find fulfillment in creative purpose. This grant program ties all of those ideas together and is an invitation to the community to get involved. “This grant as a vehicle for encouraging creative stewardship," says Allen Ward, President.

The application process is a two-step process. The initial one-page Project Summary is due on September 10, 2008. A select group of qualified applicants will then be asked to submit a full application package which will be due on November 14, 2008. It is anticipated that the grant(s) will be awarded in February 2009. To download a complete Healthy Community Grant application package, click here or go to www.WardEdwards.com.