2016 Workforce Development Symposium brings together business leaders, educators, and legislators…. We partnered with the SC Department of Employment and Workforce and the South Carolina Workforce Development Board for a two day, jam-packed discussion on how to close the skills gap and build a workforce of the future in South Carolina. This event featured keynote speeches from SC Dept. of Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt and author Anne Loehr, legislative and business panels, industry exhibits and more. We also presented the first ever 2016 Workforce Innovator Award for small, medium and large business. See below for some twitter highlights from #WDS2016 and click here to view our photo gallery from the event!
SC Chamber weighs in on GOP Presidential race…. With one day to go until the “First in the South” SC primary, Chamber President Ted Pitts spoke to the New York Times about whether or not the outcome of the polls will accurately reflect South Carolinians as a whole, “stating it would be inappropriate to judge the state ‘based on a Republican primary winner who didn’t get a majority of the vote.’” Read the full article here.
House panel officially adjourns debate on bills that would raise minimum wage, repeal right to work law after opposition from State Chamber… After the SC Chamber spoke out on the potential negative impacts of H. 4555 and H.3031, the House LCI Business and Commerce Subcommittee officially adjourned debate on the bills leaving them with “virtually no chance of passing.” Read more here.
Business license task force continues its work… Since late 2015, the SC Chamber has been working with the Municipal Association of SC, Representative Rick Quinn and other interested parties to draft legislation that will make doing business with cities and towns easier by standardizing the process for business licensing renewals. Click here to read about the task force’s progress this week.
The results are in... Last week's infrastructure poll revealed that an unprecedented 100% of those surveyed support a gas tax increase to #FixSCRoads. Do you agree? Vote in this week's poll to have your voice be heard and click here to tell your legislator why our roads MUST be funded!
Infrastructure Poll Would you support a gas tax increase to fix our roads?
“[They are] one of the largest threats to jobs in South Carolina, and our businesses want a president who understands that.” – S.C. Chamber President Ted Pitts on GOP Presidential candidates’ stance on unions. The Post and Courier: Trump talks Boeing, China and unions on South Carolina campaign trail
“Three companies with deep roots in the Midlands are recipients of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Innovator Award… The winners for small, medium, and large employer categories represent members who have used their own resources and ingenuity to implement private sector workforce development solutions to address the skills gap and help create a workforce of the future, the chamber said.” The Columbia Regional Business Report: S.C. Chamber names winners of Workforce Innovator Awards
ROADS: Spinning wheels just make roads worse. What was expected to be a productive week for the Senate's ongoing infrastructure debate ended in stagnation when Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) began a traffic jam of his own by filibustering for the second year in a row. We support greater DOT accountability, but this is not the way to achieve that. President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence) remains undeterred however, announcing that both Senate Finance and Judiciary committees canceled their meetings Tuesday to clear the way for the debate to resume next week. We could be stuck on this road for a while, but tune into ChamberBuzz each week and we'll keep you posted... #FixSCRoads.
Bills on our radar:
S.868– Eminent Domain for Pipeline Companies Summary: This bill as amended prohibits condemnation authority by a specific energy industry sector.
Chamber Position: 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 UPDATE: S.868 was amended on the Senate floor with a five-year sunset clause and carried over.
H.4857–Coal combustion residuals Summary: This bill would require that any disposal in South Carolina of utilities’ coal ash be limited to Class 3 landfills.
Chamber Position: Monitoring
STATUS: Given second reading in the Senate by a unanimous vote
H. 3166 - Unemployment Benefits Summary: This bill requires a clear drug test result for in order to qualify for unemployment benefits.
Chamber Position: Support
STATUS: Referred to Senate L.C.I Committee on Tuesday
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#MemberNews
United Way doubling free eye care, dental clinic services...
Spirit Park to serve as headquarters for Midlands Gives online fundraiser...
Boeing gift in memory of Clementa Pinckney to help restore historic building...
Carowinds to get refurbished, vintage rides for 2017...
State of South Carolina hires CBRE to sell surplus properties...
Clemson president, mayor tout year of record growth...
#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 ChamberBuzz? Send info to membernews@scchamber.net!
