South Carolina manufacturers group, chamber of commerce merge into new entity
The South Carolina Manufacturing Alliance and South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will be one entity, merging to create one group to advocate for business interests in the state.
Group leaders announced Tuesday the formation of the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce during a news conference at the State House. The merger will be effective Jan. 1.
The new organization will be led by Sara Hazzard, who was president and CEO of the manufacturing alliance. She will have the same title in the new organization. Hazzard said the larger organization will be more effective at advocating for a more competitive tax environment, lawsuit reform, improved infrastructure, a balanced regulatory framework, and a skilled workforce.
“This is an exciting and transformational opportunity,” Hazzard said in prepared remarks.
The new combined organization has about 900 members. The chamber of commerce had more than 700 members and the manufacturing alliance had more than 200 members, but there is some overlap.
Hazzard said the timing was right to merge the two entities and both had previously worked together on a variety of issues.
“By bringing together two highly respected organizations into a single, influential voice for the business community, we will better serve our members, strengthen our ability to impact the decisions that affect our competitiveness, and drive lasting economic growth,” said SC Chamber of Commerce Chairman Thomas Rhodes.
