Awards

J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Awards

The J. Mitchell Graham/Barrett Lawrimore Regional Cooperation Memorial Awards recognize innovative projects completed by South Carolina’s counties during the past two fiscal years. Winners represent the best qualities of local governance—attention to details, service to citizens, efficient use of tax dollars, and improvement in the quality of life. They demonstrate how creative problem-solving and collaboration can achieve impressive results, and offer new ideas for other counties to consider. Each project is judged on the written entry submitted via the online application form by the application due date and an in-person presentation before a panel of judges on the competition day.

The J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award, established in 1972, recognizes counties that address community challenges, implement operational improvements or enhance their citizens’ quality of life in a unique way. The award was named for past SCAC President and Charleston County Councilman J. Mitchell Graham, who served the Association from 1969 to 1970.

The Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation Award, established in 1998, highlights the growing need for regional partnerships, strategies, and solutions. Competition for this award is open to two or more political subdivisions (counties or county partnerships formed with city, town, district, or regional government organizations) that worked together on a project. The award was renamed in 2005 for Charleston County Councilman Barrett S. Lawrimore, who served as SCAC president in 2004.

Call for Entries: 2026 SCAC Awards Competition

Is your county leading the way in creative problem-solving, improving public sevices, or launching groundbreaking initiatives? Appy now for the 2026 J. Mitchell Graham Memorial or the Barrett Lawrimore Memorial Regional Cooperation competion to showcase your county's innovations.

Written Application Due: August 10, 2026

Competition Date/Oral Presentations: September 10, 2026, SCETV Studios in Columbia.

See the Award Toolkit and Application for more information, including important dates, competition rules, and how to apply.

2025 Awards Program Information

All projects from the 2025 Awards Competition were celebrated at the annual Awards Luncheon following the Fall Advocacy Meeting on Oct. 14.

Congratulations to Barrett Lawrimore Regional Cooperation winners Pickens and Greenville counties and J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award winner Spartanburg County.

Learn about these projects and meet honorable mention winners in this news article.

Explore more from the 2025 Awards program:

Questions?

Contact Susan Turkopuls at STurkopuls@scac.sc or by calling 1-803-252-7255, ext. 115.