Award

At the annual meeting of the Prince Creek Master Community Association on June 27, 2013 the first Spirit of Community Award was presented to the Greater Burgess Community Association.  A photograph of the award is attached.  Below is a summary of Russ Campbell's remarks.

Prince Creek Master Community Association

On behalf of the Prince Creek community it is a pleasure to welcome special guests today. They are representatives of the Greater Burgess Community Association.

In 1998 when the Prince Creek area was still timber lands, the Rev. Anna Miller gaveled the first Burgess Association meeting to order. Since that beginning seven volunteer leaders have served as President.

Most folks say Prince Creek's good friend and neighbor, Mr. Wilber Marlow is the steady hand behind the scene advising each Burgess President. ..It is a fact Mr. Wilber campaigned tirelessly and quietly for the Burgess Area that he loves and wants to see reach its full potential.

In 1990 the population of Burgess was 2,000. Today it is approximately 25,000 and encompasses 28 square miles. . .if Burgess was incorporated, it would be the second largest city in Horry County.

At last count the Greater Burgess Community Association represented 37 different communities.

When Al Jordan was elected President in 2007 the Prince Creek Master Community Association became a member and, several Prince Creek residents have served in active roles in the resurgence of Burgess as a wide area community voice.

The Burgess programs have been numerous—not surprisingly many related to roads and highways. Of particular importance has been its leadership in the Burgess Area Community Plan and recently updating the Burgess Area Overlay Zone which applies to Highway 707 and Holmestown Road.

In recognition of this continuing program of community leadership, the Prince Creek Master Community Association board of directors has established a Spirit of Community Award.The Award will recognize area organizations with vision that represent the characteristics of community working to enhance what is good, preserving the best and restoring things of value.

Four Primary Elements define Community. . .

Membership

Influence

Needs

Share Emotional Connections

Time will not allow me to describe each of these four elements but I do feel called to quickly mention the five characteristics of the first—

Membership--They are:

Boundaries—a defined area.

Security—an emotionally safe zone.

Identification—a sense of belonging.

Personal Investment—money, of course, but also your time.

And a Common Symbol—the area name, landmark, logo, style or theme.

The Greater Burgess Community Association has stamped this area, including Prince Creek, with these characteristics.

At this time, I would appreciate if Al Jordan, 7th President of the Greater Burgess Community Association would step forward to receive the first Prince Creek Master Community Association Spirit of Community Award.