About the GICThe GIC endeavors, through its membership and activities, to enhance the quality of life in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton region...The Council was organized and chartered as the Greater Island Committee in 1989 as a non-profit, non-partisan South Carolina corporation by a small group of community leaders. The objective was to provide a means by which interested and prominent citizens could stay abreast of ongoing and emerging issues affecting the quality of life within the community and, when appropriate, to develop and advocate courses of action in the best interest of the community. The founders believed this could be best accomplished by organizing a group of civic-minded leaders with diversified backgrounds.ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MISSIONS: * Promotion of the Mayor's Taskforce for the Vision of Hilton Head.* Promotion of the plan to beautify the corridor of Hwy 278 leading to Hilton Head Island.* Adoption of resolution urging adoption of ordinances and laws to outlaw "texting while driving".* Promotion of Hilton Head Island Town Council action to seek recognition as a "Bicycle Friendly Community".Greater Island Council of Hilton Head and BlufftonGIC_7b1610f0-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa26The Greater Island Council of Hilton Head and Bluffton (GIC) is an independent association of active and involved citizens of Hilton Head Island and greater Bluffton who share a common interest in preserving and improving the quality of life in the area. The GIC is not a political organization; rather the GIC through its members act behind the scenes to attempt to achieve beneficial goals and objectives to improve the broader community of the Lowcountry in southern Beaufort County.Hilton HeadBlufftonBeaufort CountyGIC MembersThe GIC grew slowly from its initial group of founders to its current limit of 120 active members. The GIC continues to identify and invite qualified new members – community leaders with a deep interest and concern for the welfare and improvement of the area -- who are willing to devote time and energy to seek solutions to current challenges. The GIC attempts to maintain a membership that reflects the community in terms of profession, home location, sex, race, education, and professional skills and experience. Members are expected to participate actively in at least one “action committee” (described below) and to pay annual dues.GIC CommitteesThe Greater Island Council is subdivided into committees that each serve their own purpose. Each different committee has its own topic that it works on and improves upon in the area.GIC EDUCATION, WORKFORCE AND OUTREACH COMMITTEETo provide a forum, discuss issues, identify priorities and urge constructive outcomes with regard to education and workforce–related matters; and to foster broader community understanding and engagement in these matters.GIC PARKS, AND RECREATION COMMITTEETo preserve the quality of, and educate the public about, our spectacular natural environment; and to be an advocate for adequate parks and recreational opportunities for the people of our region.GIC GOVERNMENT POLICY COMMITTEETo identify sound government and tax policies that can best serve the long-term interests of our region; and to work with government officials and others to encourage adoption and implementation of these sound policies.GIC REGIONAL COMMITTEETo monitor quality of life issues on the mainland of southern Beaufort County and Jasper County, and to identify and pursue sound policies to manage and responsibly control growth in these areas, while respecting the fundamental rights of private property owners.GIC SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEECommittee functions as a resource, a catalyst, and advocate for environmental and economic sustainability. The committee serves as a bridge between ideas and their practical implementation by advising other committees of GIC and local government on practices and policies that maintain, our most valued asset our Island’s natural beauty, and improves the vitality of our town thus ensuring a healthy and sustainable community that enhances the quality of life for its citizens.GIC TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEETo encourage policies and actions that will assure an adequate and safe transportation infrastructure for our communities and our region; and to encourage constructive attention to the aesthetic impact of our major arteries.GIC TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEEGIC MILITARY COMMITTEEGIC MEDICAL COMMITTEEGIC COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEEGIC COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEEGIC COMMUNITY SKILLS COMMITTEEGIC VISION STEERING COMMUNITYThe GIC works seamlessly to improve the future of Beaufort County._7b16123a-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa26To preserve and improve the quality of life in the area._7b1612da-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa26NonpartisanshipThe GIC does not endorse candidates for public office and avoids actions that could give the appearance of endorsement.BalanceThe Executive Committee is responsible for assuring that any presentation of a controversial issue is done in a balanced way.Public InterestsFrom time to time the membership may by resolution adopt statements for public dissemination in regard to issues of public interest and concern.PrivacyGenerally meetings of the GIC, are private, and by invitation only.ExclusivityThe exclusion of the media is a general policy designed to encourage speakers and various presentations to be free to speak their minds, without fear of adverse publicity.CandorCommunity EnhancementStimulate private and public interest in community enhancement projects and programs_7b161370-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa26We stimulate private and public interest in community enhancement projects and programs, and encourage investment of time, effort, and funds in Council-endorsed projects and programs. We consult with appropriate public and private agencies or organizations, enlisting their support and timely action to help achieve approved goals and objectives.The GIC is a forum for its members to receive information about current issues that affect the quality of living in our area, to study and discuss these issues, and when appropriate to promote a course of action by developing a consensus among community leaders and the public at large in order to resolve these issues.InvestmentEncourage investment of time, effort, and funds in Council-endorsed projects and programs._7b161438-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa261ConsultationConsult with appropriate public and private agencies or organizations, enlisting their support and timely action to help achieve approved goals and objectives._7b1614ce-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa262Public AgenciesPrivate OrganizationInformationProvide our members with information about current issues that affect the quality of living in our area._7b161564-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa263Study & DiscussionStudy and discuss issues affecting the quality of living in our area._7b16160e-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa264Consensus & PromotionWhen appropriate, promote a course of action by developing a consensus among community leaders and the public at large in order to resolve these issues._7b1616ae-5af5-11e9-a93a-5b687973fa2652019-04-09https://greaterislandcouncil.com/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net