It was another busy week in South Carolina, with the General Assembly back in Columbia Tuesday and primary season finally coming to a close.
Congratulations to Senator Darline Graham on winning Tuesday’s runoff election – and to all the candidates who secured victories this summer. With primary season now behind us, we’re just 67 days away from the general election.
On Wednesday, we were on the road for a visit with the team at Volvo Cars. It was great to see their operations firsthand and spend time with a company that plays such an important role in our state.
There’s plenty more ahead as we move into September. We’re looking forward to a busy fall and seeing many of you along the way.
In This Issue
Four on Friday
1. Legislative Update – General Assembly Approves $350 Million Earmark Deal
On Tuesday, the General Assembly passed a roughly $350 million earmark deal as a supplemental package to the recently passed FY2026-27 budget, two weeks after negotiations appeared to have fallen apart. The agreement includes approximately $131 million in Senate projects and $220 million in House projects.
2. Share Your Manufacturing Month Events
October is Manufacturing Month, and we want to help spotlight what our members have planned. If your company is hosting a plant tour, open house, career fair, student event, or anything else celebrating manufacturing, let us know. Share the details with James Richter at james.richter@myscmc.org.
3. PULL! SCMC Sporting Clays Classic Returns Nov. 20
Join us November 20 at the NWTF Palmetto Shooting Complex in Edgefield for the SCMC Sporting Clays Classic. This year’s event will feature both morning and afternoon shooting sessions, with all participants coming together for a midday luncheon featuring Shealy’s BBQ. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, it’s a great opportunity to network with business leaders from across the state. Learn more and register.
4. Member Monday: Smithey Ironware
In this week’s edition of Member Monday, we highlighted Smithey Ironware, a Charleston-based manufacturer that grew from a Folly Road garage into a nationally recognized maker of premium cast iron cookware. Today, the company employs about 90 people while staying focused on craftsmanship, quality, and its Charleston roots. Read their story here.
Upcoming Events
Washington Night | Aug. 19, 2026
SC Workforce and Manufacturing Summit | Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2026
SCMC Annual Meeting | Nov. 10-12, 2026
Legislative Update – General Assembly Approves $350 Million Earmark Deal
On Tuesday, the General Assembly passed a roughly $350 million earmark deal as a supplemental package to the recently passed FY2026-27 budget, two weeks after negotiations appeared to have fallen apart. The agreement includes approximately $131 million in Senate projects and $220 million in House projects.
Part of the earmark deal is a “gentleman’s agreement” to significantly change the earmark process beginning next year, with the goal of providing greater transparency by:
- Sending no funds directly to nonprofits
- Including House projects in the first version of the budget (H.1)
Additionally, legislators intend to adopt a continuing resolution early next year as a contingency plan if a state budget is not passed by the start of the fiscal year on July 1.
It was also noted on the floor of the Senate that there will be roughly $1 billion in non-recurring revenue that could be utilized for future tax reform efforts.
A full list of projects funded in the agreement can be found here.
Member Spotlight
Columbia Chamber Names Jean Cecil Hudak as Next President and CEO
Jean Cecil Hudak has been named the new president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber and will begin serving in the role in late September. Hudak succeeds Carl Blackstone, who has served as the Chamber’s president and CEO since 2014. Read more.
*SCMC is always looking to showcase the latest news from our members. If you have articles, press releases, company updates, or would like to be featured in a Member Spotlight on our website, please contact Brandon Charochak at brandon.charochak@myscmc.org.
