Look around. South Carolina has been on a roll, announcing jobs, building a workforce of the future and, in short, winning.
So it should be no surprise that in the fall when we announced the historic merger of two of South Carolina’s biggest pro-business, pro-jobs advocacy organizations — the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce — we promised to fight for policy that is good for families with one voice, unified and louder than ever. Why? Our members — from manufacturers to small businesses — deserve nothing less.
And we took the charge in front of us seriously: to formulate a legislative agenda that represents the priorities of our members, helps them thrive and grow, and puts them in position to take care of their employees and lift up families and communities statewide.
Now, as S.C. Manufacturers and Commerce proudly kicks off its first legislative session, prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities afforded as one of the most powerful advocacy groups South Carolina has known, we are ready to work with our members, lawmakers and House and Senate leadership and the governor to strengthen the economic development foundation of South Carolina. How?
We have laid out five pillars on which we are ready to get to work.
• Unleash economic opportunity through pro-growth policies: We can unleash a new era of economic opportunity in our state — building on the achievements of the past decade — by pursuing pro-growth policies, such as reducing the income tax, raising the manufacturing property tax exemption cap, reducing the personal property tax burden on small businesses and entrepreneurs and eliminating cumbersome regulations.
• Strengthen South Carolina’s infrastructure: Even as South Carolina continues to bolster its infrastructure, we must plan for growth. To that end, we will work to improve critical systems — from roads and bridges to ports and rail — to support manufacturing and business, expand broadband access and ensure that affordable and reliable energy solutions are available across South Carolina.
• Invest in people: Investing in our world-class workforce means lifting up today’s talent and tomorrow’s leaders. In doing so, we will work to remove barriers to workforce participation — from child care to transportation — and address workforce shortages, enhance workforce training opportunities and identify the next generation of talent by bridging the gap between education stakeholders and the business community.
• Boost South Carolina’s competitiveness through legal reform: The economic development environment is best set for growth when the legal system is fair, just and predictable. Last year, we took a step forward with legal reform. Now is the time to take additional steps — working with lawmakers and the governor — to ensure the legal system is fairer and more predictable for businesses and families.
• Empower businesses to do business: We must protect South Carolina’s employment-at-will doctrine and right-to-work status and make sure private-sector employers can run their businesses without interference from government overreach.
Just like last year’s session, when we took on tort reform against well-organized and well-heeled opponents who did not share our vision for prosperity for S.C. families, we understand that there may be disagreements again this year on issues we care about. But make no mistake: We will be ready to work with anyone who wants to work with our team, our members and our supporters to make South Carolina a place where businesses are equipped to grow, infrastructure is a top priority, workforce development is a shared commitment and fairness and predictability are core tenants of our legal system.
Our organization — now bigger and stronger than ever — has worked hard to put our members in the position to fight for policy wins that benefit the business community and families alike. And we are united in doing what it takes to secure legislative victories that build on the momentum that has defined economic progress and growth over the past decade.
We have a transformational opportunity in front of us. Together — businesses large and small, workers, families and communities — we can keep South Carolina winning, today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Sara Hazzard is the president and CEO of S.C. Manufacturers and Commerce.
