Two well-known island nonprofits are joining forces to expand their reach and broaden their impact in the community — the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce and the Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support (LENS) program.
Rod Turnage, IOP Chamber president and director of the LENS program, Ted Kinghorn, announced on May 14 that the two organizations have agreed to a strategic partnership through which each organization will strive to promote improved quality of life, increased public safety and their support for the local hospitality industry.
The groups issued a statement that they would be collaborating to help strengthen the organizations’ positive impact on the island and service to residents and guests. Turnage and Kinghorn hope this alliance will offer an example for other organizations and individuals to work together and embrace kindness.
“LENS IOP has positively impacted our community since its inception,” said Turnage of the impetus behind the partnership. “This coupled with the LENS Leadership Team makes this an obvious, great fit for the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce. We are fulfilling our community commitment to partner with a proven local nonprofit organization.” Kinghorn noted that the chamber and LENS were both created about the same time three years ago. “I think it’s important that we find a way to collaborate.”
As part of the agreement, a LENS representative and the IOP Chamber president will serve as ex officio members of each other’s boards.
Kinghorn added that the partnership only makes sense since there is a symbiotic relationship among businesses, LENS and the hospitality industry on the island. This inter-organizational effort allows them to collaborate on programs that support the hospitality industry.
Kinghorn said the hospitality industry has been very generous toward the first responders that LENS assists through its initiatives, programs and scholarships, as well as to the foundation itself, particularly at its LENS Banquet fundraising events. At their May 15 banquet, local restaurants contributed creative dishes as part of their “Taste of the Island” competition. LENS has in turn been supportive of the IOP’s hospitality industry and this partnership will only serve to bolster their advocacy.
As part of the partnership, organizational expanded communications will include, but not be limited to sharing calendar updates, website links, joint programs, joint sponsorships and an expanded social media strategy.
“This is all about keeping people informed,” Kinghorn said.
By Colin McCandless
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