National Association of Counties

Achievement Awards 2010:

Civic Education and Public Information

“Business Rules & Online Tools”

Workshop

Hosted by:

Richland County, SC and

the SC Business One Stop

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 2

Table of Contents

Abstract of the Program .................................................................................................................. 3

The Problem/Need for the Program ................................................................................................ 3

Description of the Program ............................................................................................................. 4

Use of Technology .......................................................................................................................... 5

The Cost of the Program ................................................................................................................. 6

The Results/Success of the Program ............................................................................................... 7

Worthiness of an Award ................................................................................................................. 8

Attachments .................................................................................................................................... 9

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 3

Abstract of the Program

The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was conceived by questions, a lot of questions:

businesses – new, existing, or potential businesses – asking lots of questions of governments

about what they need to know to do business, even other State and local agencies asking

questions of each other about what they require of businesses. Answers, let alone clear and

simple answers, are hard to find, particularly in one place.

This unique day-long workshop for businesses was a collaborative effort by federal, State, and

County governments to provide those answers. It presented a wealth of information about

governmental regulations, and where to go online for more information, to hundreds of attendees

from across and even outside South Carolina. Each participating agency also had a booth for

sharing additional information as well as allowing businesses to meet one-on-one with staff from

the agency for discussing specific questions or issues.

The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop also brought together a variety of business-

support organizations. These organizations, such as the Columbia Business Development

Center, State Chamber of Commerce, and others, also had booths at the workshop to share

information and promote the resources they represent for the attending businesses. Their

participation also ensured that they too gained valuable regulatory information, which thereby

empowered them to provide more accurate information to their constituent businesses and

clients.

The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop’s enduring legacy is the vertical (different levels

of government) and horizontal (various State and County agencies and business-support

organizations) collaboration that made it possible for businesses to access the workshop’s

regulatory presentations in one place, anytime, from anywhere, via the Internet.

The Problem/Need for the Program

The Richland County Business Service Center (BSC) recognized the great need of businesses

and other organizations to understand what is required to do business within South Carolina and

its local jurisdictions. This need was identified by

- the volume of questions from new businesses about what regulations, both local and State,

apply;

- the number of businesses found to be not in compliance with the County’s requirements

(25% non-compliance in some areas initially);

- the number of people starting their own businesses for the first time (averaging 166 new

businesses a month);

- the number of business organizations, such as women and minority business associations and

others, which would benefit by being better equipped to support their constituent businesses

by having a better understanding of governmental regulations themselves; and

- the number of State agencies who would benefit by being better informed about other

governmental regulations that may apply to the businesses they interact with.

Compounding the great need for governmental regulatory information is the historical lack of

access to that information. While it is businesses’ responsibility to know and understand the

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 4

governmental regulations that apply to it, i.e., “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” that is only

half the story. It is also a governmental responsibility, and is mutually beneficial to both

government and business, to communicate regulatory information as clearly and conveniently as

possible.

Richland County takes this responsibility to heart, and reaches out to the business community as

much as possible. While passive methods of communication were implemented in recent years,

via website, an e-mail address, and brochures and posters, this only sets the foundation for

developing more active communication. This includes providing newly developed Richland

County Business Handbooks to Rotary Clubs, CPA’s and accountants, Chambers of Commerce,

County and State agencies, and business support organizations; giving presentations to business

classes and business support organizations; and sponsoring informational booths at business-

related events.

The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop represents the culmination, so far, of the

County’s proactive commitment to reaching out to the business community. This was

accomplished extremely effectively by coordinating this event with State and federal agencies

that regulate businesses as well as with organizations that interact with the business community.

The benefactors were intended from the outset to be not only the target audience, i.e., new and

existing businesses, but also the very participants in the workshop: State and County agencies.

Business-support organizations with booths at the workshop also gained valuable information

which empowered them to provide more accurate information to their constituent businesses and

clients.

Description of the Program

The context: The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop represents the County’s recognition

(1) of the business community as a distinct constituency with special needs, (2) of what the

special needs of the business’ community actually are, and (3) it represents the County’s

commitment to meeting those needs.

By providing information regarding federal, State and local requirements to assist businesses

comply with those requirements, the County supports some fundamental priorities of the entire

community:

- ensuring the health and safety of citizens living in, working in, or traveling to or through the

community;

- helping businesses save money by complying with requirements and avoiding penalties

and/or fines; and

- enhancing the government’s ability to cover the costs of providing services within its

jurisdiction. Greater compliance also means spreading the cost of county services across a

broader cross-section of the community, thereby helping reduce the burden to all.

The unique approach taken in developing this workshop evolved from observing the nature of

the businesses’ need for information and then considering how best to meet that need.

Effectively meeting that need for information regarding governmental regulations almost

required governments, agencies, and organizations to work together. Bringing the University of

South Carolina’s Moore School of Business and various business-support organizations was an

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 5

extension of the County’s desire to reach as many businesses – or potential businesses – as

possible.

The workshop: The Business Rules & Online Tools workshop was an all-day workshop, opening

at 8:30 in the morning and lasting until 5:00 in the afternoon. To make the most of the

participants’ time, presentations were held two at a time, in different rooms, of course. Some

presentations were repeated, so participants could attend different presentations. The

presentations themselves, while they provided an overview of various regulations, were also

helpful by including contact information for finding more information about the subject.

Lunch was catered with box lunches, to use the time most effectively by keeping participants on-

site. A keynote speaker gave the presentation during lunch for all participants on sweeping new

legislation that affected businesses across the board: immigration reform legislation.

Booths by the federal, State, and County agencies as well as business-support organizations were

available throughout the day. After each presentation, the speakers would proceed to their

respective booth to be available to answer any additional or specific questions or issues. The

booths also provided agencies to distribute more information and forms than the presentations

allowed. The booths also had conference-style bags available for participants to gather all the

informational materials and forms they were collecting from the various booths.

The conclusion: As a result of the Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop:

- new and established businesses, and people interested in starting their own business, learned

what government agencies require for different business types;

- businesses responsible for the financial records of other businesses learned what government

agencies require for their clients’ businesses;

- businesses had opportunities for one-on-one consultations with regulatory agencies as well as

with organizations dedicated to supporting businesses;

- businesses were informed of how the newest State immigration legislation impact them; and

- businesses, governmental agencies, and business-support organizations have instant access to

the workshop presentations through the Internet.

Use of Technology

The “Business Rules & Online Tools” workshop used technology to help accomplish its mission

of helping educate the business community. Every presentation was submitted electronically in

advance to the workshop coordinators for proofing, standardizing, and avoiding potential

operational problems. Having the presentations in advance also facilitated the smooth and quick

transition between speakers and their presentations, important with a full day’s agenda.

Most importantly, however, technology – via the Internet – permitted the benefits of the

workshop to endure long after it concluded. Immediately after the workshop, all the

presentations were placed on several County and State websites for easy reference by the

business community. The information can now be accessed at any time, from any place, by any

one. These online presentations are an important tool for helping governments fulfill its

obligation of making its requirements clear and accessible to those responsible for complying

with them.

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 6

The Cost of the Program

The budget for the Workshop was divided between the SC Business One Stop (SC BOS) and the

Richland County Business Service Center, as shown below.

Item SC BOS RC BSC Total

Advertising $2,950.00 $2,988.00 $5,938.00

Billboards (Lamar) $1,350.00 $1,350.00 $2,700.00

Radio Spots (WVOC) $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00

Fliers (printing/copying, mailing) $100.00 $138.00 $238.00

Catering $0.00 $603.81 $603.81

Paid Registrants: 224+14 -$2,380.00

Unpaid Staff: 14 $0.00

Cost per box lunch: 9.95 $2,507.40

Taxes: 9% $225.67

Service Charge: 10% $250.74

Miscellaneous $50.00 $729.95 $779.95

ShowClix Pre-Register Cost ($3/ticket) $672.00

Assorted Supplies $17.95

Gift Basket for Speaker $40.00

Drinks for staff, lunch for staff $50.00 $0.00

Room Rental $700.00 $0.00 $700.00

Total Cost: $3,700.00 $4,321.76 $8,021.76

The chart below shows the distribution of total costs. Advertising, while critical to the success of

the workshop, is considered a discretionary cost, as it has some room for creativity, such as

through e-mails, social networking sites, etc., so the word can get out at less cost. Additionally,

wherever possible, planners “piggy-backed” on existing resources, such as using the County’s

business license mailing and using existing e-mail listservs for advertising the workshop.

Actual Costs for Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop

73%

8%

10%

9%

Advertising

Catering

Misc.

Room Rental

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 7

Geographic Diversity of Workshop Registrants

Iowa

1%

Georgia

1%

Upper

Savannah

2%

Pee Dee

5%

Lowcountry

13%

Upstate

24%

Midlands

51%

North Carolina

3%

The Results/Success of the Program

By involving as many stakeholders as possible, and obtaining their buy-in and support, the

Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was a tremendous success in many ways. The

workshop’s objectives, and how they were met so successfully, are described below:

Attendance: A primary objective of the workshop was

to reach out to as many businesses as possible. This

objective was achieved with the attendance of two

hundred (200) people, coming from as far away as

Charlotte, NC; Savannah, GA, and even Iowa.

Approximately half of attendees came from outside

the Midlands region, where the workshop was held.

The geographic diversity of the attendees was

indicative of the workshop’s appeal to the entire

state’s business community.

Participants: Another fundamental objective was to obtain the participation of all three levels of

government in the workshop. Richland County represented the local level, with six departments

involved. The State had thirteen departments participate. The federal government had two

agencies participate. There were also four business-support organizations participating. (See

Attachments at end for a list of all participating agencies.)

Presentations: Another primary objective was to offer a variety of meaningful, informative

presentations by government agencies regarding their business regulations. In all, twenty-one

(21) presentations were given: six by Richland County, nine by the State, one by the federal

government, and five by business support organizations. To maximize the time available,

attendees could attend one of two presentations offered each half hour, plus the keynote address.

Booths: Another objective was to include the participation of organizations which support the

establishment and development of businesses to enhance the benefit to businesses attending the

workshop. Agencies giving presentations also had booths to provide additional or specific

information about their requirements. There were also booths by business-support organizations

attending this event to share their information with businesses. (See Attachments for the names

of participating organizations with booths.) In all, there were twenty-two (22) booths available

to provide information and resources to businesses.

Evaluations: Another objective of the workshop was to make it as beneficial to the business

community as possible. This was attained with 84% of the evaluation respondents considering

this first of its kind workshop as either Very Good or Excellent.

After the Workshop: Another important objective of the workshop was to give businesses a way

to refer back to the information presented, to make the benefits of the workshop enduring. To

this end, trade-show style bags were distributed to attendees to collect brochures and information

from the presentations and booths.

Additionally, and most importantly, all the presentations were made available on several County

and State websites for future reference by the business community. The information provided in

these presentations also served as a resource for developing Richland County’s first Business

Handbook.

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 8

Worthiness of an Award

The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was the first of its kind: a collaborative workshop

among federal, State, and local governments for the sole purpose of assisting businesses, and

incidentally themselves as well, better understand governmental regulations, providing that

information clearly and succinctly in one place at one time, with knowledgeable staff also

available to answer specific questions. Even greater than this, though, was the collaboration

among the core group of ten people from six State and County agencies who spent thirteen

months planning for it.

Another important distinction of this workshop is its enduring value. Any business is now able

to view the workshop presentations on the Internet (www.rcgov.us/bsc and click “Information

Guides” on the right). Posting all the presentations online at the agencies’ websites helps

educate businesses and citizens no matter what time it is, or wherever they might be.

To further enhance the benefit to businesses, the workshop also included many organizations

whose primary mission is to support businesses. These included (1) the University of South

Carolina’s Small Business Development Center and (2) its renowned Moore School of Business.

Also participating was the (3) South Carolina Women’s Business Development Center, (4) the

Columbia Business Development Center, (5) the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and (6)

Midland’s Technical College’s Business FastTrac Program.

Additionally, due to half of attendees coming from outside the Midlands area (where Richland

County is located), the Business Service Center expanded its presentation on its business

requirements to include all possible local requirements (taxes, user fees, etc.) across the state,

rather than discussing only Richland County’s requirements. This broadened the information

provided and served to make the businesses aware of local requirements that may apply in

whatever jurisdiction they are located or conducting business.

Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 9

Attachments

Participating Agencies and Booths:

County government:

1. Richland County Business Service Center (1 booth)

2. Richland County Auditor’s Office (1 booth)

3. Richland County Building Inspections Department (1 booth)

4. Richland County Emergency Services Department

5. Richland County Planning & Services Department

6. Richland County Public Library (1 booth)

State government:

1. SC Business One Stop (1 booth)

2. SC Department of Commerce

3. SC Department of Health and Environment Control (3 booths)

4. SC Department of Consumer Affairs (1 booth)

5. SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

6. SC Department of Revenue (1 booth)

7. SC Employment Security Commission

8. SC Energy Office (1 booth)

9. SC Secretary of State’s Office (1 booth)

10. SC State Library (1 booth)

11. Governor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance (1 booth)

12. USC Moore School of Business (1 booth)

13. USC Small Business Development Center (1 booth)

Federal government:

1. US Internal Revenue Service (1 booth)

2. US Small Business Administration (1 booth)

Business-Support Organizations:

1. Columbia Business Development Center (1 booth)

2. Midlands Technical College: Business FastTrac Program (1 booth)

3. South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (1 booth)

4. South Carolina Women’s Business Development Center (1 booth)

2

“Business Rules & Online Tools” Business Workshop

Friday, February 6, 2009

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

State Museum, Gervais Street

Agenda

Booths open at 8 am, all sessions are 25 minutes, with exception of Lunch and 4:00 session

A = Session will be in Auditorium

R = Session will be Repeated again during the day

Start Track 1 (Auditorium) Track 2 (Congaree Room)

8:30 Non-Electric or How do I do all this without a

computer? R

How Green Saves Business $$ R

9:00 Richland OnlineA

9:30 SCBOSA

10:00 Business Taxes –BPPT, Sales & Withholding Permitting for Hazardous Materials

10:30 SCBOS Walkthrough Starting an Internet Business? (Zoning) R

11:00 Financing Your Business R

Legal Business Structures for Small Business

R

11:30 Overview of Food & Drink Regulations Starting an Internet Business? (Zoning)R

Noon Lunch Break: Keynote: Illegal Immigration Act on Small and Local Business

1:00 Panel Discussion on Illegal Immigration AND/OR Booth TimeA

1:30 Employment Regulations – Part 1 Starting a Storefront Business? (Zoning) R

2:00 Employment Regulations – Part 2

Charging Interest to Your Customer – It

Could Cost You!

2:30 Legal Business Structures for Small Business

R

Charging Interest to Your Customer – It

Could Cost You!

3:00 Financing Your Business

R

Non-Electric or How do I do all this without a

computer? R

3:30 How Green Saves Business $$ R

Starting a Storefront Business? (Zoning) R

4:00 Pulling It All Together – The Business PlanA

Booths close at 5 pm

3

Convenient, Instant, Around the Clock, Around the World Access

www.rcgov.us/bsc

County Codes

Forms

Hospitality Tax

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Calendar Of Important Dates

Current Licensed Businesses

Find Your Business Locations

Find your NAICS code

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary

Information Guides

Resources And Links

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Online Renewal Form

Deduction Calculator

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Home

Are you ready to start a business? The US Small Business Administration wants to help you make sure. Being ready will help your business succeed in these tough economic times. Click the link to find out if you are ready. Small Business Tax Guide The South Carolina Department of Revenue offers a very informative “Small Business Tax Guide.” Click the link above to go that valuable resource for important information. Guide to Doing Business in South Carolina A legal guide to doing business in South Carolina has been prepared by the law firm of Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. This guide has many sections covering a broad range of issues that apply to doing business in South Carolina. Click the link above to go that valuable resource for important information. SC: State and Local Business Information and Regulations: 1. Business Personal Property Taxes

2. Business Planning - USC 3. Consumer Credit Regulations 4. Financing Your Business 5. Food and Beverage Regulations 6. Green Business Practices & Award Programs 7. Hazardous Materials and Waste 8. Home Based Business Regulations 9. Intro to SC Business One Stop 10. Legal Business Structures 11. Online Resources At the Library 12. SC Illegal Immigration Reform Act Info 13. SC Local Fees and Taxes and Richland Online 14. Zoning and Development Regulations