Spartanburg Political Leadership Institute
Are you considering running for public office? The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural Political Leadership Institute. This program provides local citizens an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of the local political process. Designed to assist in a candidate’s decision making process, participants will hear from experts on what is necessary to organize and execute a political campaign.
2017 Spartanburg Political Leadership Institute
Dates: Monday, May 15, 2017 & Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce (105 N. Pine Street)
Cost: $25 per person
Scheduled Topics: “The Real Scoop On Public Service”; Defining a Viable Candidate; the Nuts and Bolts on running a campaign; Election Process & Offices; Raising Money; and Media & Public Relations
To register, visit spartanburgchamber.com.
For more information, contact John Kimbrell at jkimbrell@spartanburgchamber.com
2017 Spartanburg Political Leadership Institute
Agenda
Monday, May 15, 2017- Session 1:
5:00 pm: Welcome & Introductions
Allen Smith, President & CEO
Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
5:15 pm: Election Process & Offices –
Henry Laye, Department Head - confirmed
Spartanburg County Office of Registrations & Elections
Overview of what you need to know before walking in to file the paperwork. Gain a basic understanding of filing dates, deadlines, offices that you can seek, and information you need to have with you when you file.
6:00 pm: Defining a Viable Candidate – confirmed
Dr. Allison Pingley, Associate Professor of Political Science Pre-Law Advisor USC Upstate
Some candidates face an uphill battle from day one, while others are favorites with little effort. Here is what you need to know before you consider filing.
7:00 pm: Media & Public Relations
Karen Floyd, President/CEO
Luke Connell, Chief Communications Officer
The Palladian Group
What kind of messaging and media knowledge do you need to think about before starting your campaign?
Topics include paid vs. earned media, direct mail strategies, and leveraging social media.
7:45 pm: Closing Remarks & Adjournment
Wednesday, May 17, 2017- Session 2:
5:00 pm: Welcome & Introductions
John Kimbrell, Executive Vice President
Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
5:15 pm: Nuts and Bolts: How to run an effective campaign
Karen Floyd, President/CEO
The Palladian Group
Overview on running for local office; How to raise money; Strategies that work/don’t work; Use of social media and getting the word out.
6:15 pm: Ethics… “Why it is important”
Doug Smith
What are ethics for elected officials and why are they important? Here the “do’s and don’ts” of public office
7:00 pm: The Real Scoop on Public Service –
- Doug Smith
- Senator Scott Talley
- TBD
Moderated by: Jason Zacher, Executive Director, Upstate Chamber Coalition
Unfiltered opinions of what public service is and the surprises (good and bad) encountered along the way.
8:00 pm: Closing Remarks & Next Steps –
John Kimbrell, Executive Vice President Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Review of the Spartanburg Political Leadership Institute and an overview of the 2017 Upstate Political Leadership Institute.