Chester, SC Rotary Club

10/08/2026

09/15/2026

Rotary Legislative Update 🇺🇸

On September 8, 2026, the Chester Rotary Club welcomed South Carolina House Representative Randy Ligon, District 43, serving Chester and York Counties, and Chester Rotarian, who provided an informative legislative update covering the past two years.

Representative Ligon discussed several important topics, including the $16 billion FY 2027 state budget, SCDOT modernization, an increase in the homestead exemption to $75,000, income tax cuts, and the Workforce Readiness Act.

He also highlighted funding that directly impacts Chester County, including $1 million awarded to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office and $280,000 awarded to The Gateway for an emergency shelter.

Thank you, Randy, for taking the time to share this important legislative update with the Chester Rotary Club and for keeping our community informed!

09/15/2026

📣 Chester Rotary Learns About the Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum

September 1, 2026, Chester County Administrator Brian Hester welcomed Jeremy Ward and Morgan Shirley as his guests to present a factual overview of the Capital Project Sales Tax (Penny Sales Tax) Referendum.

Chester County voters will have the opportunity to vote on the referendum on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Here are some key facts shared during the presentation:

🔹 Largest Capital Project Investment: This referendum represents the largest amount ever proposed for capital projects in Chester County.

🔹 Community Selection Committee: The committee that reviewed and selected the projects included Susan Kovas, Chair; Melvin Jackson, Vice Chair; Pam Temple, Secretary; Steve Bishop; Eddie Railey; and Ginger Sharpe, representing communities throughout Chester County.

🔹 Not a New Tax: The referendum is an extension of the existing Penny Sales Tax, with the funds dedicated solely to capital projects in Chester County.

🔹 100+ Applications Reviewed: The committee reviewed more than $100 million in project applications before narrowing the list to 23 projects, totaling approximately $30 million or more over the next 10 years.

🔹 County Council Approval: The project list was presented to Chester County Council, which could either approve or reject the list but could not modify it. County Council approved the list on June 15, 2026, for consideration by Chester County voters.

🔹 Projects Across the County: The proposed projects cover a wide range of capital needs throughout Chester County.

🔹 Funds Are Restricted: If approved, the money can only be used for the projects included on the approved list. Funds may also be used to address project cost overruns or potentially future Penny Sales Tax capital projects.

🔹 Accountability: Chester County will carefully monitor project budgets and expenditures to ensure the funds are used as intended.

For an interactive list and additional information about the proposed projects, visit the Chester County Capital Project Sales Tax website: https://chestercountysc.gov/cpst/

👏 Thank you to Brian, Jeremy, and Morgan for an informative program and for sharing information about both upcoming and previously completed capital projects in Chester County!

09/15/2026

August 25, 2026, the Chester Rotary Club was pleased to welcome District 7750 Governor Eric Krichbaum, a member of the Reedy River Rotary Club of Greenville, and Assistant District Governor Ryan Blancke from York, SC!

At noon, the Chester Rotary Board met with Governor Krichbaum and Assistant Governor Blancke to discuss past club projects, accomplishments, and future goals.

At 1:00 p.m., Governor Krichbaum shared an inspiring message focused on three important areas of Rotary: membership, fundraising, and communication, including the importance of using social media to share the impact of our club. When these three areas work together, they help create a club that is both fun and prosperous!

Governor Krichbaum closed with an important challenge for all Rotarians: “How can we create an even greater impact on our world?” 🌎

💡 Fun Fact: Did you know that most Rotary District Governors go through approximately four years of training and preparation before serving as District Governor?

Thank you, Governor Krichbaum and Assistant Governor Blancke, for spending time with the Chester Rotary Club and challenging us to continue making a difference in our community and beyond! ❤️💙

08/28/2026

Fred Castles, Executive Director of the Chester Metropolitan District, recently shared an update on the major improvements underway at the Robert W. Hemphill Filtration Plant on Highway 9 at the Catawba River.
Originally built in 1964, the plant has served CMD customers for more than 60 years. This important modernization project represents an investment of more than $21 million in our area’s water infrastructure and includes upgrades to pumps, piping, electrical systems, computerized monitoring systems, filtration, and more.
Funding for the project includes a $10 million grant, a $9 million loan, and approximately $3.8 million in CMD funds. The remaining work is expected to be completed in about six weeks.
Thank you to Mr. Castles for providing such an informative presentation and update on this vital project that helps ensure a reliable supply of potable water for CMD customers.

08/18/2026

🌟 Looking for your next local adventure? 🌟
At our August 11 Rotary Club meeting, guest speaker Amy Bender, Tourism Director with the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, shared the exciting work happening to promote all that Chester County has to offer!

Visit visitchestercountysc.com to find places to stay, eat, shop, and explore—whether you’re planning a staycation or inviting friends and family to visit.

And don’t forget to follow Chester County (S.C.) Delish on Facebook for Kelli Johnson's reviews on local food finds, restaurants, and tasty events! 🍽️

Chester County is full of hidden gems—go discover them! 💙

08/11/2026

Last week, Rotary welcomed Henry Austin and Caden Taylor of McNeely’s Sheds and Storage Buildings as guests of Rotarian Phillip Thompson-King. Located at 1858 J.A. Cochran Bypass in Chester, McNeely’s offers ready-to-go buildings on site as well as custom buildings through Old Hickory Buildings and Eagle Carports. With a wide variety of styles, colors, and options available, customers can find quality storage solutions to fit their needs. McNeely’s also offers free delivery and financing options, with lot buildings typically delivered within 5 to 10 days and custom orders installed within 4 to 6 weeks. Henry and Caden shared a great program with the club, and we appreciate them taking the time to join us. For more information, contact Henry or Caden at 803-718-9299. A special thank-you also goes to Sam Austin of Sam’s Equipment for providing raffle and pop test prizes for the meeting. Thank you, Henry and Caden, for an informative and enjoyable program!

08/11/2026

On July 28, 2026, Rotary welcomed Thomas Monroe, Regional Workforce Advisor with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, as Val Taylor’s guest speaker. Thomas shared how SCDEW supports workforce development across York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties—starting with young learners and continuing through every stage of career growth. From engaging preschoolers with locally made products to introducing middle school students to hands-on opportunities through the WOW (World of Work) Program, SCDEW is helping students explore future careers in meaningful ways. Vehicle fairs, employer connections, and real-world demonstrations—like trying on linemen gloves—give students a closer look at the many career paths available in our region. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing how SCDEW is helping prepare the next generation for success. You never stop learning, and SCDEW is ready to help!

07/29/2026

On June 21, 2026, the Chester Rotary Club welcomed Felicia Pope, Director of Business Services with Founders Federal Credit Union, as the guest speaker of Rotarian Kira Levister. Felicia shared an informative program on the differences between banks and credit unions, explaining how credit unions are member-focused and often able to offer competitive interest rates while giving back to the communities they serve.

Felicia also highlighted Founders Federal Credit Union’s continued growth across the Carolinas. With more than 900 employees, the majority based in South Carolina, Founders is expanding its footprint into North Carolina as well. She also shared information about Founders’ workplace education program, through which businesses can request financial education sessions for employees on topics such as saving, investing, and understanding the financial world. To date, more than 3,000 companies have participated in this program.

Thank you, Felicia, for visiting the Chester Rotary Club and sharing this valuable update on Founders Federal Credit Union. We also appreciate the generous basket of Founders swag you brought for our Rotarians to enjoy!

07/29/2026

On July 14, 2026, the Chester Rotary Club welcomed Sabrina Gast, Statewide Forensic Nurse Examiner Program Director, for an informative and meaningful program about the Statewide FNE Program. This victim assistance network works in partnership with local hospitals, law enforcement, advocacy centers, EMS, fire departments, clergy, and other agencies to provide coordinated support and specialized care for victims of sexual assault.

The program focuses on establishing a statewide standard of care, providing specialized nursing coverage 24/7, supporting victims’ rights, and connecting individuals with resources such as advocacy, education, emergency funding, transitional housing, and safety planning. Funded through a federal program, the Statewide FNE Program currently operates in cooperation with MUSC in Lancaster and Chester Counties, with plans to expand into York County.

Thank you to Sabrina Gast for sharing this important information with our club, and thank you to Jessica Stillwell of MUSC Chester, who serves as the SANE Coordinator, for helping bring awareness to this vital service in our community. For more information, please contact 803-750-1200.