The News

First Monday is a Republican Business Forum allowing members of the club to become acquainted with and participate in discussions with elected officials, business leaders, candidates and party leaders.

Mr. Joel Anderson – Director of the SC Prison System

October 5, 2026

First Monday was pleased to host Mr. Joel Anderson, Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections, leading a department of more than 4,000 employees who care for more than 17,000 inmates.

He gave a great presentation on how the system works and how they strive daily to help incarcerated people find opportunities after they serve their time. He explained how inmates can enroll in education/vocational training and/or participate in rehabilitation programs. Institutional work assignments range from ground maintenance and food preparation to prison industry production and services. Education/training programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various vocational training. Examples of some rehabilitation programs are as follows: alcohol and drug addiction treatment and sex offender counseling.

We applaud Mr. Anderson and his team, who work daily not only to help those incarcerated but also to keep the public safe.

Learn more here: https://www.doc.sc.gov/

SC State Rep. Brandon Guffey

September 15, 2026

First Monday was pleased to host SC State Rep. Brandon Guffey. Rep. Guffey is the driving force behind legislation protecting young people and families from the devastating threat of online sextortion.

Sextortion is a rapidly growing issue affecting young people across the country. It can begin with something as simple as a photo and quickly turn into threats, fear, and devastating consequences. It can happen to any family.

Rep. Guffey shared his personal experience and his mission to protect America’s young people. After the tragic loss of his son to sextortion, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness and working to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/Lessthan3sc

You can pre-order his book here: https://bookshop.org/…/tomorrow-needs…/51ea25aef78bbe29

And learn more about his mission here: https://futurecaucus.org/rep-brandon-guffey-my-lifes…/

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Cindy Crick

August 6, 2026

First Monday was pleased to host Cindy Crick, who is the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor for Greenville and Pickens, SC.

Solicitor Crick shared insights into her role and discussed the ongoing efforts she and her staff are making to reduce the backlog of older cases and bring them to trial. She also addressed the devastating impact of drugs and gang activity in our community, emphasizing the pain and suffering these crimes inflict on families and neighborhoods. Her remarks highlighted the importance of holding offenders accountable while working to bring justice and a greater sense of safety to those affected.

Solicitor Crick was a state prosecutor for 8 years in the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Spartanburg, SC. While there, she spearheaded the Violence Against Women Task Force and gained valuable experience in prosecuting cases involving criminal domestic violence, sexual assault/HIV exposure, and domestic homicide. Cindy has extensive first-chair trial experience, a background in the scientific and technical issues of complex cases.

Cindy Crick was appointed in June 2025 to serve as the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor. She previously ran her own law practice, worked at Nelson Mullins, and served as Chief of Staff for Representative Trey Gowdy in the United States House of Representatives.