Republican Presidential Candidate John Kasich to Address SC Chamber... Did you hear that Governor John Kasich (R-OH) will be our third candidate to join our SC Chamber Presidential series? Gov. Kasich will be joining us on Friday, February 12, 2015 at 11:30 for a lunch discussion at our office in Columbia. He will address Chamber members just a few days before the South Carolina #firstinthesouth Primary. Got a question for Gov. Kasich? Please submit it here and register below! It could be your last chance to ask a presidential candidate a question before the #FirstInTheSouth Primary. Register here.
NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Comes to South Carolina...The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) State of Manufacturing Tour rolled through the Palmetto State Monday. SC Chamber President Ted Pitts joined NAM President Jay Timmons, SC Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and Siemens USA CEO Eric Spiegel for a panel discussion on the future of manufacturing in our state. At the panel, Ted emphasized the importance of educating and preparing the #scworkforce for manufacturing jobs of the future. View photos here.
“Representing 30 percent of jobs in South Carolina, the success of our manufacturers is critical to our state. But their success hinges on being able to fill their jobs with highly skilled people. Over the next decade, more than 3 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed, and 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap. A top priority at the State Chamber, as laid out in our 2016 Competitiveness Agenda, is addressing the skills gap in South Carolina.” Read Ted’s full statement here.
Chamber Coverage:
"...by and large it [the Competitiveness Agenda] presents a road map that would help state businesses by improving infrastructure, preparing the workforce to meet employers’ needs and streamlining regulations that can get in the way of efficient business." –Greenville News Editorial February 2, 2016: Chamber can help push DOT reform
"As the state continues to produce record export numbers and attract international business to our borders, the last thing we want is more paperwork to get in the way of trade. This online process will save businesses time." –SC Chamber President & CEO Ted Pitts on our new online Certificate of Origin service- The Times and Democrat: Chamber helps streamline process for exporters
"Jay Timmons, the president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, teamed up with South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt... to talk about how the state can fight for and own the future of manufacturing... South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Pitts also joined the speakers' panel." Live 5 News, Manufacturing leaders say future of industry is "bright" but job training needed
"Businesses interested in exporting goods and services through the Port of Charleston have a new online tool to get the documentation they need to do business internationally. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce has formed a partnership with e-certify that lets businesses obtain stamped copies of certificates of origin for their shipments, often on the same day they are submitted." Post and Courier, E-docs for exports, by David Wren
S.868– Eminent Domain for Pipeline Companies
This bill provides procedures for the exercise of eminent domain by pipeline companies in the state.
The SC Chamber testified in opposition to an amendment approved by subcommittee which sets a precedent for singling out a specific industry sector and has the potential to limit future energy infrastructure development in South Carolina.
STATUS: On agenda for consideration by full Senate Judiciary Committee for Tuesday, February 9th.
S. 493 – Professional Employment Organization Service Agreements
This bill provides for allowing clients of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to obtain job tax credits offered to small business that create job opportunities in the state.This provision would not only help PEOs in their efforts with small businesses but also aid those small businesses who wish to expand and create South Carolina jobs.
STATUS: The bill received a favorable report as amended and is currently on the Senate Calendar awaiting second reading. Chamber Position: Monitoring
H. 4435 - Advanced Manufacturing Instruction Act Sponsors: Rep. Gilliard Summary: This bill would require every school district, beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year, to provide elective instruction in advanced manufacturing for middle and high school students. Chamber Position: Monitoring
H.3430 – Addressing Unsafe Used Tires
This legislation prohibits the sale of unsafe used tires, and defines “unsafe,” whereas currently, no regulations exist in South Carolina to help ensure that used tires are indeed safe. This is a safety issue for vehicle drivers, occupants and others on the road. In keeping with our commitment to sustaining a competitive environment for businesses to grow and prosper, while ensuring the safety of our citizens. Chamber Position: Support passage with no further amendments
H. 4457 – Magistrate Jurisdiction
Sponsors: Rep. Huggins Summary: Increases the civil jurisdiction of magistrates from $7,500 to $15,000. STATUS: Currently on the House Contested Calendar Chamber Position: Monitoring
Tri-County Tech RN, LPNtest scores exceed state and national pass rates...
Johnson & Johnson, ViaCyte testing possible diabetes cure
#MemberEvents
Riverbanks Zoo Free Fridays: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Residents of Richland and Lexington counties will receive free admission to the Zoo and Garden every Friday during the months of January and February.
Does your company have news or an event that you’d like featured in next week’s Chamber Buzz? Send info to membernews@scchamber.net!
