Winter Small Business Workshops at Camden Library Branch
Camden, SC – (December 19, 2025) City of Camden Community Development Coordinator Katharine Spadacenta continues the winter small business workshop series again in 2026, in partnership with the Kershaw County Library. These four workshops throughout January and February are meant for small business owners, entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, and any member of the public wishing to attend. Workshops will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. All workshops are free to attend in person at the Camden Library Branch, 1304 Broad Street.
January 13 – Small Business Tax Workshop – Struggling to understand what tax liability means for you and your small business? Small business consultant Jeffrey Cooper will lead participants through a discussion of what you need to keep record of and what different business structures are responsible for when it comes to the IRS. Bring a notebook or a laptop to this workshop.
January 29 – Increasing Cash Flow, Managing Debt – For self-employed and sole proprietors, your money is often your business money. Learn strategies to make your money work harder for you and build lasting wealth. Health and Wealth Educator Kryshonda Torres leads this workshop.
February 10 – Proper Protection – For sole proprietors and self-employed, this workshop will equip you with knowledge to confidently safeguard your income, family, and legacy. Health and Wealth Educator Kryshonda Torres will guide you through essential life, disability, and long-term care coverage options in this workshop.
February 26 – Marketing on a Budget – Making sure people know where to find you and keep your business top of mind by using social media tools that give your business the most bang for your buck. Bring a laptop or tablet to this workshop, led by Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta.
For more information, visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
CAMDEN, SC – The City of Camden, South Carolina, is inviting qualified Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firms to submit Statements of Qualifications and Proposals to provide pre-construction and construction services for two high-priority municipal projects.
The projects include:
Renovating and converting the old First Palmetto Bank building into the new Camden City Hall.
Converting the front half of the current City Hall into the new Camden Police Department, while upgrading the rear half of the building to support the City of Camden Fire Department.
The selected CMAR firm will collaborate closely with the City and project stakeholders to ensure both projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and meet all applicable codes and performance standards.
CAMDEN, SC — The December City Council meeting was filled with recognition for excellence and outstanding service, highlighted by the naming of a longtime Public Works employee as Employee of the Month and statewide honors for the Camden Police Department.
A longtime Public Works employee who stands out for saving the City money through his hands-on problem solving was named Employee of the Month. City Manager Matt DeWitt recognized Robbie Truesdale, whose two decades of service and ability to troubleshoot issues on the spot often eliminate the need for outside contractors. DeWitt described him as a dependable, highly skilled member of the team.
“Robbie is a true jack-of-all-trades who consistently goes above and beyond,” DeWitt said. “It’s employees like him who make this a great place to work.”
Truesdale received the Employee of the Month award along with a 20-year service pin and bonus as part of the City’s new longevity recognition program. Public Works Director Jack Thornsberry joined the presentation as DeWitt highlighted the department’s continued efforts to serve residents efficiently.
The council also recognized employees reaching significant service milestones, highlighting their dedication and contributions to the City. Sergeant Carl Smith, widely known as a downtown ambassador, marked 15 years with the police department following more than three decades in law enforcement. John Lyles, recognized for his steady work ethic and positive attitude, and Lt. Keith Norris, frequently seen representing the department at community events, each celebrated five years of service. Michael Bateman, celebrating 5 years with the Fire Department, accepted his pin with his young daughter present.
Seven additional employees who could not attend were acknowledged for their long-term commitment, including Charles Drakeford, with 25 years in Water and Sewer; David Enlow, 20 years at the water plant; Ty Smith, 15 years with Wastewater; and Oliver Ellerbe, who reached 10 years in Sanitation, and Tristan McCreadie, 5 years with the Fire Department. These recognitions underscore the City’s ongoing commitment to honoring employees whose work supports Camden’s operations and community every day.
Continuing the evening’s focus on excellence and recognition, a major highlight came when Amanda White, statewide forensic nurse coordinator for the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, presented the Camden Police Department with a SAFE Designation for its work in responding to sexual assault and human trafficking cases. Camden is now one of the first 10 agencies in the state to earn this voluntary certification, which honors departments that exceed standard requirements in trauma-informed response, evidence handling, and victim safety.
“Agencies participate because they want to provide the best possible care,” White said, commending the department’s dedication to supporting victims. Council members and police personnel gathered for a commemorative photograph to mark the achievement, underscoring Camden’s commitment to both community service and professional excellence.
In other business, council members returned a proposed mural at Gallery 537 to the Arts Committee for further collaboration with the building owner, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public art aligns with the city’s long-term aesthetic vision.
The council also advanced an ordinance to annex the Springfield Healthcare Facility on Battleship Road, a move city officials said will improve utility service, signage, and public safety coverage for the facility.
In brief action, members approved revisions to the city’s firearms ordinance and granted final approval for a new shoe repair and shine business at 1038 Broad Street.
City Manager Matt DeWitt provided updates on several ongoing projects, noting that the City is upgrading downtown rooftop lighting with commercial-grade systems designed to better withstand severe weather. He also announced that the annual tree lighting ceremony has been moved to Thursday due to forecasted rain. On Friday, the City will plant two trees behind City Hall in recognition of South Carolina Arbor Day, honoring the dedication, sacrifice, and everyday heroism of Camden’s first responders.
Camden, SC — The City of Camden observed its annual Arbor Day Celebration Friday, December 5th, bringing residents, officials, and community partners together for a ceremony dedicated to the City’s first responders. While inclement weather forced the event indoors at Camden Fire Department Station 1, the celebration proceeded with full attendance and a strong message of gratitude.
Mayor Vincent Sheheen opened the program with welcoming remarks, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Camden High School JROTC Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Phil Elliott delivered the invocation, offering reflection on the vital role first responders play in safeguarding the community.
Ann Huyler of the South Carolina Forestry Commission provided historical context on Arbor Day’s origins in South Carolina, underscoring its long-standing emphasis on conservation and community well-being. Mayor Sheheen later issued the city’s official Arbor Day Proclamation, reaffirming Camden’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
City Manager Matt DeWitt spoke to the purpose behind this year’s dedication, noting the often-unseen work of Camden’s police, fire, EMS, and dispatch staff.
“Our first responders show up for this community on its best days and its hardest days,” DeWitt said. “Planting these trees is a small but meaningful way to recognize the work they do that often goes unseen. Their dedication helps Camden stay strong, connected, and moving in the right direction, and we’re grateful for every one of them.”
Although weather conditions altered the location of the ceremony, they did not prevent the City from completing its annual planting. A Southern Red Oak and an American Elm—chosen for their durability, longevity, and symbolic connection to resilience—were planted to honor Camden’s first responders.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Parks & Trees Commission members Bob Williams and Barb Willens, who emphasized the City’s ongoing dedication to preserving and expanding its urban tree canopy. Event partners including First Class Landscaping, the Camden Tree Foundation, the Camden Parks & Trees Commission, and City of Camden staff were recognized for their contributions.
Camden’s Arbor Day observance continues to serve as a reminder of the City’s commitment to honoring public service while investing in a healthy and sustainable community landscape.
Camden, SC – The City of Camden is excited to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, set to begin next week. This initiative will enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness of the City’s utility services, including water, sewer, and electric meters.
What is AMI? Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a modern technology that enables two-way communication between utility meters and the City’s central system. Through secure wireless signals, AMI allows for real-time data collection, providing both the City and residents with up-to-date information on utility usage.
“Implementing the AMI system is a significant step forward for Camden,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “This technology allows us to provide more accurate billing, respond faster to issues, and give residents the tools they need to manage their utility usage effectively. We’re excited about the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Benefits to the Community The implementation of the AMI system will bring several important benefits to Camden residents: • Accurate Billing: Real-time data ensures precise billing, eliminating estimated charges and discrepancies. • Enhanced Leak and Outage Detection: The system can quickly identify unusual consumption patterns, aiding in the rapid detection and resolution of water leaks. AMI will also provide electric outage and power quality information to alert City employees to potential issues. • Improved Customer Service: Residents will have access to detailed usage information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their utility consumption. • Operational Efficiency: The City can monitor and manage utilities more effectively, leading to better resource allocation and service delivery.
According to Jack Thornsberry, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Camden, “the AMI system will allow the City of Camden to greatly enhance customer service, accuracy, and transparency of meter reading data for our customers. The City and customers will be able to drill down and analyze electric and water consumption at their homes and businesses.”
What Residents Can Expect Beginning next week, City crews will start installing AMI meters throughout Camden. The installation process is designed to be seamless, with no need for entry into homes or businesses. All water meters are located in exterior pits or vaults, while electric meters are mounted on the exterior of homes and businesses. • The first wave of the project will focus on water meter installations, which are expected to take place over the next several months. • Electric meter installations will follow in early 2026. • Residents should experience minimal disruption during this process.
Looking Ahead Once complete, the AMI system will position Camden as a leader in modern utility management, while giving residents more tools to manage their household and business utility usage.
