Five Pillars. One Voice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James Richter
Mobile: 803.528.1288
Email: james.richter@myscmc.org
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) today announced its first ever legislative agenda, including five pillars organization leaders will work with the business community, statewide elected officials and the General Assembly to achieve.
The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of SCMC, formally combining entities, last fall. The merger was effective January 1, 2026.
The new organization is one of the largest and most powerful advocacy organizations in the history of South Carolina. Merging SCMA and the SC Chamber allows the business community across the state to speak with one unified voice, bolster its presence in Columbia, expand its reach across South Carolina and align its goals.
The SCMC legislative agenda includes:
Unleash Economic Opportunity by Passing Pro-Growth Policies
We can unleash a new era of economic opportunity in our state – building on the achievements of the last 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 also plan for future 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 companies have access to affordable, available and reliable energy solutions.
Invest in Today’s Talent, Tomorrow’s Leaders
Investing in our world class workforce means lifting up today’s talent and tomorrow’s leaders. In doing so, we will remove barriers to workforce participation, address workforce shortages, 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.
QUOTES ABOUT THE SCMC LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
“We could not be more excited to begin our first legislative session as a combined organization,” said South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce President and CEO Sara Hazzard. “As one of the largest and most powerful advocacy organizations in the state, we are going to harness the unprecedented resources to speak with one unified voice, louder than ever, and fight for good, pro-business policy, working alongside the governor and lawmakers. It’s a win-win: for families and businesses, small and large, across South Carolina.”
“It’s particularly satisfying to see the hard work of good people pay off,” said SCMC Chairman Grant Burns. “And when I look at this legislative agenda, and how quickly it came together thanks to the shared vision of so many of our members, I see a lot of hard work that will ultimately mean great things for the people of South Carolina.”
“The future prosperity of every South Carolina family depends on the cooperation of members of the business community and Team South Carolina,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This is precisely the kind of cooperation I already see when I look at the work of the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce. When Team South Carolina stays focused, there is no limit to what we can achieve, working together.”
“Many of these priorities are priorities that House Republicans share with the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce,” said House Speaker Murrell Smith. “We look forward to working closely with Sara and her team, and we look forward to celebrating big wins with them.”
“We are ready to get to work with Sara Hazzard, the members of South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, and their entire team,” said Senate President Thomas Alexander. “They have put forward an ambitious agenda that delivers real wins for South Carolina businesses and families and reflects the responsibility we all share to keep our state strong and competitive and a place we are proud to call home.”
###
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce is the unified voice for businesses across the Palmetto State. This new organization is one of the largest and most powerful advocacy organizations in the history of South Carolina. The merger of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce brings the business community together to speak with one unified voice, bolster its presence in Columbia, expand its reach across South Carolina and align its goals.
