One Voice Newsletter

By February 13, 2026No Comments

What a week at the 15th Annual SC Automotive Summit – our largest ever! We were joined by Governor Henry McMaster to release the latest Manufacturing Economic Impact Report, and the results once again confirm South Carolina is a manufacturing powerhouse.

Manufacturing drives a $300 billion annual economic impact, supports 3 out of every 10 jobs statewide, and generates one-third of the state’s general fund revenue – a powerful reminder that South Carolina’s prosperity and manufacturing go hand in hand.

We look forward to using the report’s findings to continue advancing policies that strengthen our business community.

Legislative Recap – Week 5

SCMC priorities were front and center at the Statehouse this week, with both the House and Senate talking about taxes, infrastructure, and much more.
Taxes Take Center Stage
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the “State of South Carolina Small Business Tax Cut of 2026”(H.5006) that would exempt the first $10,000 of a small business’s personal property (BPP) from county taxation, ease compliance burdens, and eliminate the tax altogether for small businesses with less than $10,000 in BPP.
Ahead of the vote, SCMC led 24 local Chambers of Commerce in sending a letter of unified support for the bill, which now heads to the Senate.
In the Senate, the topic of comprehensive tax reform took center stage as Senators began debating the Homestead Exemption bill(S.768), which increases the homestead exemption for property taxes on residents 65 and older from $50,000 to $150,000. Debate on the bill will continue next week alongside the House-passed Income Tax Reform bill (H.4216), which is an SCMC priority.
Continued DOT Modernization Discussions
A House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee took additional testimony on its Department of Transportation (DOT) Modernization bill (H.5071), while a Senate Transportation Committee Subcommittee discussed and adopted several amendments to the Senate’s version of the legislation
(S.831). Both subcommittees expect to meet again.
Both bills seek to streamline the delivery of infrastructure projects across South Carolina by shifting certain federal environmental review duties to the DOT, modernizing its procurement process, giving more authority to the DOT and its Secretary, establishing a Coordinating Council for Transportation & Mobility, among other provisions. The bills would also increase transportation funding by allowing tolling and by increasing the EV fee.
Other Notable Actions
  • UI Tax Changes (S.688) – On Thursday, a Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee (LCI) Subcommittee advanced a bill to modify the unemployment insurance (UI) tax system by adjusting the benefit ratio lookback period from 12 to 20 weeks, reducing the solvency target for the Unemployment Trust Fund to return tax dollars back to employers, and modifying penalties for delinquent reporting to alleviate the strain on business. SCMC testified in support of the bill, which now heads to the full Senate LCI Committee.
  • Abandoned Buildings Tax Credit (S.853) – On Tuesday, a Senate Finance Subcommittee advanced a bill that clarifies eligibility rules for abandoned building tax credits in response to a S.C. Department of Revenue (DOR) ruling released earlier this year.
  • Judicial Reform (H. 4755) – On Wednesday, the House passed a bill aimed at reducing legislative influence over the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC), which screens and recommends judicial candidates for election by the General Assembly. The bill now heads to the Senate.
  • Alcohol Delivery and Curbside Pickup (H.3857) – On Tuesday, a House Judiciary Subcommittee advanced a bill that would allow retailers to deliver alcoholic beverages to consumers. Additionally, it allows consumers to place orders for alcoholic beverages and have them delivered to their vehicle upon arriving at stores. The bill now heads to the full House Judiciary Committee.

New Bills Introduced

A notable bill introduced this week was:

  • The Data Center Siting Act (S.902) – This bill by Sen. Luke Rankin (R-Horry) establishes a framework for data center development, including siting conditions, permitting requirements, operational standards, noise standards, and decommissioning requirements. The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Next Week

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to start deliberating its version of the state’s FY2026-27 budget next week, beginning on Tuesday. Other notable meetings already scheduled include:

  • Tuesday – Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on the “Data Center Development Act” (S. 867).
  • Wednesday – Senate Transportation Committee on DOT Modernization (S. 831).

SCMC Announces Brandon Charochak as Communications Director

On Monday, we were happy to announce the newest member of our team, Brandon Charochak, who will serve as communications director. Charochak, a veteran communicator, comes to SCMC from the Office of the Governor, where he served as Governor McMaster’s and the administration’s chief spokesman and Communications Director. In addition to serving as SCMC’s primary media contact, Charochak will oversee internal and external communications efforts.

SCMC Updates & Announcements

Manufacturing Madness Returns
The excitement continues to build for Manufacturing Madness as nominations are now underway!

Now in its fifth year, this popular statewide, bracket-style tournament gives the public a chance to vote for the Coolest Thing Made in SC. The products featured each year represent the people behind them — the workers, teams, and companies whose work supports jobs, strengthens communities, and helps drive our state’s economy.

Any product manufactured in South Carolina is eligible. Nominations will remain open through February 19, with public voting beginning February 23. Submit your nomination at www.scmanufacturingmadness.com!

Black History Month Spotlight: Janet Foster-Whitley
SCMC continues its Black History Month Spotlight series, recognizing leaders whose work helps move South Carolina forward. This week, we featured Janet Foster-Whitley, Senior Director of B2B Sales – Enterprise Dealer & North America Retreading at Michelin North America. Janet plays a key role at one of South Carolina’s most influential manufacturing companies, contributing to work that keeps commerce and transportation moving.

SCMC Safety Awards
Applications are being accepted for SCMC’s Safety Awards. Winners will be honored at the South Carolina Safety and Environmental Summiton March 11, 2026. Apply now.

Business Week 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
The 41st Annual South Carolina Business Week will return to the USC Darla Moore School of Business in July 2026, and we are now seeking sponsors.

South Carolina Business Week is a scholarship-based program that introduces high school students to business fundamentals, leadership, and the American free enterprise system through hands-on learning with business professionals.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering meaningful engagement and recognition while helping develop South Carolina’s future workforce.

Learn more about Business Week 2026 and how to become a sponsor at the link below.
https://myscmc.org/business-week/business-week-sponsors/

For questions, contact Demetria Shuler, Business Week Coordinator at Demetria.shuler@myscmc.org

Upcoming Events

Women’s Leadership Symposium | March 5, 2026
South Carolina Safety and Environmental Summit | March 9-11, 2026
Spotlight on Agriculture and Forestry | March 17, 2026

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