Join Michelle Priest, Run Chairman and Deb Barr, Sponsor Chair of the Isle of Palms Connector Run as they talk to host Bill Macchio about healing, preventing and raising awareness for Child Abuse, and about how people and businesses can get involved.

GET INVOLVED: https://www.ioprun.com/registar
SPONSOR: https://www.ioprun.com/sponsor
VOLUNTEER: https://www.ioprun.com/volunteer

Looking for a way to celebrate community, support local heroes, and help prevent child abuse? Then lace up your sneakers and join the Isle of Palms Exchange Club for the annual Connector Run!

This exciting event is more than just a race – it's a chance to give back to the Lowcountry in a big way. Here's how:

Four Pillars of Service:

The Isle of Palms Exchange Club is dedicated to making our community a better place through four key programs:

• Building Community: Working hand-in-hand with local organizations to strengthen the Lowcountry.

• Honoring Americanism: Promoting pride in our nation, appreciation for our freedoms, and gratitude to veterans.

• Investing in Youth: Supporting scholarship programs for local schools.

• Preventing Child Abuse: This is the National Exchange Club's core mission, and the Isle of Palms Connector Run directly supports this cause.

Running for a Cause:

Launched in 1993, the Connector Run has become a mainstay event. All proceeds stay local, benefiting organizations like Windwood Family Services, HALOS, and Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, just to name a few. These groups work tirelessly to prevent child abuse, promote healing, and raise awareness.

More Than Just a Race:

Participating in the Connector Run offers something for everyone:

• Support a Worthy Cause: Know that your registration fee is directly impacting the lives of children in the Lowcountry.

• Enjoy Family Fun: There's an after-party for both adults and kids, making this a fun-filled event for the whole family.

• Compete or Celebrate: Whether you're aiming for the fastest time or simply enjoying the run with friends, the Connector Run welcomes all levels.

• Challenge Yourself: The scenic course features options for runners and walkers of all abilities. Age groups will be recognized with their own fastest times, so you can strive to be the champion in your category!

Get Involved:

Interested in learning more? Visit the Isle of Palms Exchange Club website or inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Let's run together and make a difference!

Additional Information:

• How the money is generated and used: Learn more about how your participation directly impacts the Lowcountry.

• Benefits of Sponsorship: Discover how supporting the Connector Run can benefit your business.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Kevin Cornett, Chief of Police, Isle of Palms, SC chats with host Bill Macchio in this episode of the Island Vibes Podcast. Chief Cornett talks about how he got into law enforcement, the different jobs he's done within police departments in South Carolina, and how it was he became the Chief of Police ... in Springdale, and later IOP.

About halfway through the video the subject of the new firearm law in South Carolina. Among other topics, they touch on:

- Who can and cannot own or purchase a firearm.
- Where you can carry firearms.
- Changes the Police Department made in response to the new gun carry law.
- SLED training available. The classes aren't mandatory, but they're strongly encouraged by Chief Cornett and the IOPPD. For example, it's important to understand the Stand Your Ground Doctrine.

If you’re curious about open carry and concealed carry regulations under the new South Carolina law, tune in to this informative episode! And you can learn more about the IOPPD at https://iop.net/police.

Join us as Isle of Palms LENS Foundation Co-Chairman Kitty Riley chats with host Zach Giroux about their mission to support the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD) and foster positive relationships between officers and the community. Learn how LENS provides recognition for our dedicated officers, funding for advanced training, and vital support for the IOPPD.

Kitty reveals details about the upcoming Isle of Palms LENS Banquet, a major community event benefiting both the police department and the public. Discover the four key ways the banquet makes a difference. This year's event features a special highlight: The "Taste of the Island" Competition showcasing the Isle of Palms' vibrant hospitality industry with delicious offerings from local restaurants. Don't miss this chance to celebrate our community heroes and enjoy a night of delicious food and fellowship!

Get more information about the IOP LENS Foundation and the May 15's 2024 LENS Banquet on the Isle of Palms LENS website.

Jimmy Ward tells host Zach Giroux about his bid for re-election to the Isle of Palms City Council, aiming to bolster the city's budget and address drainage and bus service issues.

As a city council member with four non-consecutive terms and 37 years of experience as a CPA, Ward has a keen eye on the needs of Isle of Palms and is dedicated to serving the city. As a city council member, he introduced a motion to strengthen the city's presence at the State House. He is also focused on IOP's tax revenue.

Join Zach Giroux as he speaks with Jimmy Ward about his plans for re-election to the Isle of Palms City Council.

Kevin Popson is running for re-election to the Isle of Palms City Council. He originally got involved with the IOP City Council, not because he wanted to be a politician, but because he felt as a land developer and home builder he had the experience to help with some of the city's projects at the time, such as the renovation of the Public Safety Building, docks at the Marina, and Isle of Palms' drainage issues. 

Even though Popson is a residential builder he's found that he can use his experience to get things done for the city. In this next term, if he's re-elected, he feels like the elephant in the room is the Short Term Rentals and property rights, although he's also got an eye on staffing the police and fire departments, and finding ways to keep those employees on the Island.

Listen as Popson explains his position on the Short Term Rentals and how it's grounded in owner's property rights.

🏛️ To find more details on casting your ballot in the Nov 7th election including new rules, where to go, and what time the polls are open see https://www.iop.net/municipal-elections.

Listen to more Isle of Palms Podcasts, including upcoming interviews of others running for in the 2023 IOP Municipal Elections.

Ashley Carroll is running for Isle of Palms City Council. Carroll moved here in 2008, attended the College of Charleston and decided to run for city council because of her love for the Isle of Palms. She said IOP is an awesome small-town community that offers the feel of a neighborhood. In reference to the referendum issue, she sees a lot of discord on both sides and a lack of civility. She feels that the referendum sounds good on the surface but there are some issues that need to be ironed out. She is also concerned with infrastructure, public safety, flooding & drainage, beach erosion, beach accessibility, walkways, beach paths, handicap-accessible parking, golf cart parking and traffic improvements. Hear exactly what she has to say about her platform and what she stands for in this November's coming election.

🏛️ To find more details on casting your ballot in the Nov 7th election including new rules, where to go, and what time the polls are open. See: https://www.iop.net/municipal-elections

Listen to more Isle of Palms Podcasts, including upcoming interviews of others running for in the 2023 IOP Municipal Elections.

Listen to Rusty Streetman’s vision for serving the Isle of Palms. If voted again to the Isle of Palms City Council, Streetman would like to do things like bring projects that have begun across the finish line, serve his community and address important issues such as parking and Short Term Rental caps facing the city.

🏛️ Find more details on casting your ballot in the Nov 7th election including new rules, where to go, and what time the polls are open. See: https://www.iop.net/municipal-elections

Listen to more Isle of Palms Podcasts, including upcoming interviews of others running for in the 2023 IOP Municipal Elections.