A feature
about people
whose work
touches our lives
SUE
SLEDZ
Executive Director for
Murrells Inlet 2020
Bio:
Native of Cleveland, Ohio
Has lived in Murrells Inlet
for 14 years
Former project manager in information technology industry
Murrells Inlet 2020 is a non-profit organization formed in 1997 with goals to improve infrastructure and beautification, provide environmental education and preserve the creek and the traditions surrounding it.
For more, visit www. murrellsinletsc.com.
What do you like about directing Murrells Inlet 2020?
I like the community.
It is a very close and caring community and we have unbelievable community support.
That is evidenced by those who support our fundraisers and volunteer for our organization.
I care about Murrells Inlet and I believe there’s still a lot of good things the organization can do for our village.
As far as the job, I thoroughly enjoy being busy, challenged and learning new things.
It is also a great match for my project management skills in terms of figuring out and keeping an eye on cost, schedule and scope of something like the Jetty View Walk project which we are working on now.
What are some things the organization can do for the village?
Given that Murrells Inlet is unincorporated and split between two counties, Murrells Inlet 2020 is an advocate and cheerleader for the village.
That allows us to seek the support that is needed from county, state and federal sources.
There are two major components to our mission: Economic development and environmental protection of the marsh.
These two components are often viewed as conflicting or opposing sides.
But the fact is that the marsh makes Murrells Inlet special and economic development is driven by tourism, so if the marsh goes, so does tourism and the economics that go along with it.
What projects has the organization completed over the years?
Major projects we are responsible for, in partnership with Georgetown County, are the Marshwalk and Veterans’ Pier, the acquisition of the property for Morse Landing Park, and the Bike Bridge on the south entrance of Highway 17 Business.
What are your major fundraisers?
We just held our Run/Walk for the Inlet and Ride for the Inlet events.
This year, we had more than 120 bikes in the ride.
Coming up is the Marshwalk Masters on April 7.
We have a golf outing on June 23 at Blackmoor Golf Club.
Spring Tide clean-up is also coming up on April 22, but that is not a fundraiser.
We just try to break even with that event.
– as told toClayton Stairs