The past several weeks have been hectic yet very productive. Many impressive outcomes have been recognized, including the finalization of the promotion ladder (for Extension Associates, Extension Specialists), SPMS (EPMS) calibration, identification of priority hires, drive-through SC State Fair, and the formation of a new CAFLS/PSA/Extension marketing committee. These initiatives have taken many hours of planning. Words cannot express how proud I am of our Extension Leadership Team. The ELT has risen to every challenge with determination and passion. There have been many challenges that they have met during this pandemic, and they continue to figure out ways to improve Extension.
Remember that we are updating the County Office Stages for Reopening Map on the For Employees webpage. The reopening stages are determined by data provided by SCDHEC’s Recent Disease Activity by County report. The new map is now being updated on Fridays, and your DED will contact you about your office’s status weekly. We are beginning to see a rise in cases across the state, and we must drive it back down. Please continue doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 using simple yet effective safety protocols. Be a Part of the Solution and wear your masks so that we can get back to our in-person events and open our offices back up to the public.
The budget remains a top priority. Dean Keith Belli is working with Provost Bob Jones to hire critical positions to continue to grow Extension across the state. The District Extension Directors and Program Team Directors have worked on the priority list of positions and justification for each. Each of you must understand that we will fill only critical positions until we can stabilize the budget. A situation occurred last week, which will most likely cause us to reevaluate our priority hires. We have been using a program through the SC Department of Corrections at the Garrison Arena. Clemson Extension and the University have elected to no longer participate. More employees will need to be hired for the Garrison Arena. I will keep you updated on this progress. On a brighter note, we have broken ground on the new expo center. The center will enhance the offerings of the Garrison Arena for event coordinators all over the Southeast and beyond and will help increase revenue.
In other news, I am encouraged by the 4-H Youth Strategic Planning Committee’s progress to continue with their planning. The 4-H Strategic Plan will set the standard for our statewide 4-H program for the next five years. We are very fortunate to have Dr. John Cook from Auburn University chairing this committee.
Additionally, I want to thank the DEDs for their work with the County Coordinators to develop an essential and uniform plan to work with each county’s Administration unit. Your work with the local county administration is vital for the survival of Extension. The Cooperative Extension Service was formed to develop an educational system supported by the county, state, and federal government. It is an actual balancing act for us to provide crucial information on the local, state, and national levels; however, we must develop programs that will meet these demands. Our County Extension Advisory Committees are essential for moving forward with the budget. Over the years, we have lost consistency in communications with these groups. It is part of our Extension Strategic Plan 2020-2025 to have an active advisory group in each county.
Early voting has begun for the November 2020 elections. I hope that all of you will exercise your right to vote. Information about voting in South Carolina, including early voting locations, can be found on the vote.org website. Your vote will make a difference.
In closing, your Extension Leadership Team has worked hours to develop policies that protect you and your families. Our number one priority is the safety of our Extension family. I hope you realize decisions are made to protect you, your family, and our stakeholders. Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. Be a Part of the Solution. Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Serve as a responsible and positive ambassador for Clemson Extension. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
