2024 Greenville Chamber Policy Agenda & Advocacy Guide

2024 Greenville Chamber

Policy Agenda & Advocacy Guide

BUILDING OUR L E G A C Y, DRIVING OUR F U T U R E.

BMW Manufacturing is a proud sponsor of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Program.

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CHAIRMAN WELCOME LETTER

INSIDE THIS YEAR’S GUIDE:

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2024 ELECTION CALENDAR Filing deadlines, primary dates and more.

THANK YOU for reading the Greenville Chamber’s

Policy Guide for 2024 and supporting your Chamber’s advocacy work on behalf of the Upstate business community.

In recent years, we’ve seen how the decisions of local, state, and the federal government can directly impact how we conduct business – in good ways and bad. The Greenville Chamber stands at city hall, our county council chambers, the statehouse, and in Congress representing the interests of businesses of all sizes and fighting for laissez-faire government action.

As the Voice of Business across the Upstate, the Greenville Chamber partners with the Upstate Chamber Coalition and the S.C. Metro Chambers Coalition to create a globally competitive Upstate economy where businesses succeed and people prosper. We fight for a public policy climate that makes it easier for you to focus on your business. We work to support pro-business policy and sometimes more importantly, to defeat anti-business legislation before it impacts your bottom line.

Business leaders need to be engaged with public policy more than ever. Our public discourse is skewing to the fringes and compromise is a four-letter word. Our mission to lead, convene, and mobilize the business community to drive regional economic growth intends to cut through the noise and grow a greater Greenville.

In 2024, your Chamber has many avenues for you to engage – no matter your investment or the amount of time you can give: • Join a committee like our Advocacy Committee (page 9) where you can keep up with the latest issues and help set our direction.

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

• Attend a Politics on Tap event where you can get up close with public officials in a relaxed, small group setting.

• Give to our Political Action Committee (page 13) and help us elect candidates focused on the future. Or help with our effort to turn out more of your employees to vote and make their voices heard at the ballot box in June and November.

• Email advocacy@greenvillechamber.org for more information on any of those initiatives.

In the next few pages, you can read more about our policy agenda for 2024 that we created after seeking the advice of more than 600 Upstate business leaders. You’ll also find important information about how to engage with officials and be your best advocate. Together, with our chamber partners across the state, our Advocacy program leverages our collective power to change public policy for your business.

Thank you for your support of the Greenville Chamber. We look forward to working with you this year!

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POLITICS AT WORK How to educate your employees about political decisions.

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2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES South Carolina State, Federal and Local Level Agenda

19

GUIDE TO LOBBYING ELECTED OFFICIALS Tips on engaging with your elected officials.

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FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES

Jessica Donan

2024 Board Chair, Greenville Chamber

Meet the elected officials who represent the Upstate.

Carlos Phillips

President & CEO, Greenville Chamber

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS JESSICA DONAN 2024 Board Chair MILTON SHOCKLEY + BRAD MEDCALF Co-Chairs, Business Advocacy Committee CARLOS PHILLIPS President & CEO JASON ZACHER Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy Office: 864.239.3718 //// Cell: 864.787.6608 jzacher@greenvillechamber.org //// Twitter: @jasonczacher

COST OF LIVING INDEX

NIKKI CRABTREE HUBER Legislative Director Office: 864.239.3748 //// Cell: 864.414.3930 nhuber@greenvillechamber.org //// Twitter: @Nikki_Crabtree

2022

TAFT MATNEY Contract Lobbyist Office: 864.505.8666

90.7 Greenville

CARLY ALEXANDER + ERIN FIELDS 2023 Advocacy Interns

100

VS

United States C2ER survey 2022

UPSTATE CHAMBER COALITION MEMBER CHAMBERS

Anderson Area Chamber �����������������andersonscchamber.com Cherokee County Chamber ������������������� cherokeechamber.org

POPULATION GROWTH 2020-2040

Clemson Area Chamber ������������������clemsonareachamber.org Fountain Inn Chamber ������������������������fountaininnchamber.org Greenville Chamber ��������������������������������� greenvillechamber.org Greater Greer Chamber ������������������������������� greerchamber.com Greater Easley Chamber ������������������������������ easleychamber.org

43.2%

Greenwood Chamber ��������������������� greenwoodscchamber.org Laurens County Chamber ������������������������������laurenscounty.org OneSpartanburg, Inc. �������������������������onespartanburginc.com Simpsonville Area Chamber ����������simpsonvillechamber.com Greater Travelers Rest Chamber ����������� greatertrchamber.com Upstate LGBT+ Chamber ��������������������������������������� upstatelgbt.org

Website:

www.upstatechamber.org

Facebook:

UpstateChamberCoalition

Twitter:

@UpstateChamberSC

Instagram:

UpstateChamberSC

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

Greenville

VS

13.9%

United States Greenville County / Census Bureau

COMMUNITY DATA

The Greenville Chamber is focused

JOB GROWTH

globally competitive Upstate economy on creating a

2020-2040

19.3% Greenville VS

15.4%

United States Clemson Universit y REMI/

where businesses succeed and people prosper. As PER CAPITA we prepare our rapidly PERSONAL INCOME growing region for this 2022 bold future, we’re using these metrics to guide our Greenville policy decisions.

VS It is critical that we enact United States policies to meet those growth challenges while exceeding EDUCATIONAL national metrics ATTAINMENT in educational 2022 attainment and per capita income.

$56,653

$65,470

U.S. Department of Commerce

49.5% Greenville

GDP GROWTH 2010-2020

55.1%

VS

60%

United States goal Lumina Foundation

Greenville

VS

38.8%

United States U.S. Department of Commerce

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GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY ACT Legislation that has passed both chambers of Congress (or a state legislature) in identical form, been signed into law by the president or the governor, or passed over his/her veto, thus becoming law.

ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

Final end of a regular or special session with no date set for reconvening.

ADVOCACY The act or process of advocating or supporting a cause or proposal.

CO-SPONSOR Representatives or Senators who formally sign on to support a measure. Only the first-named member is the sponsor, all others are cosponsors, even those whose names appear on the measure at the time it was submitted.

use of dilatory or obstructive tactics to delay or block passage of a measure by preventing it from coming to a vote.

APPROPRIATION The

GRASSTOPS Activists or

provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes.

BILL A draft of a proposed

law presented to Congress for consideration. Bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives begin with H.R., bills introduced in the Senate begin with S., and they are numbered in the order they are filed. State bills begin with H. or S.

COMMITTEE/SUBCOMMITTEE A panel (or subpanel) with members from the House or Senate (or both) tasked with conducting hearings, examining and developing legislation, conducting oversight and/ or helping manage chamber business and activities.

REGULATION A regulation is a

with peer organizations to send to policymakers.

SPONSOR A representative

or senator who introduces or submits a bill or other measure.

issue, usually in the context of legislation, that defines an issue, a problem and the solution in the form of legislation or other policy proposal.

STATUTE The provisions in

POSITION STATEMENT

VETO Presidential or

legislation once they become law, before they are implemented by the agencies and become regulations.

Gubernatorial disapproval of a bill or joint resolution presented to him/her for enactment into law. If a president or governor vetoes a bill, it can become law only if the House and Senate separately vote (by two-thirds) to override the veto.

Actionable items that support legislation an organization is trying to advance.

QUORUM Minimum number

of members a chamber (or committee) requires for the transaction of certain types of business.

congressional or state legislative committee (or subcommittee) to gather information from witnesses for use in its activities

senior (though not necessarily the longest-serving) member of the minority party on a committee (or subcommittee).

SIGN-ON LETTER A joint letter

ONE-PAGER A summary of an

HEARING A formal meeting of a

Sources: Library of Congress, U.S. Senate glossaries, S.C. Statehouse glossary.

LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

which a supermajority (typically, three-fifths) of the U.S. Senate may agree to limit further debate and consideration of a question (e.g., a bill, amendment or other matters). letter to a federal or state agency commenting on a proposed or final rule or regulation. It is our formal opportunity to publicly state our views on an agency rule.

general statement issued by an agency, board or commission that has the force and effect of law.

a special interest group whose function is to influence legislation affecting his special interest

members of an organization or geographic area that have a high professional and/or public profile, may be part of the “political family” for a decision maker, and can raise public attention or influence decision makers through established connections

CLOTURE The method by

COMMENT LETTER A formal

JOINT RESOLUTION A form

LOBBYIST A representative of

GRASSROOTS A type of

change to a pending legislative text (e.g., a bill, resolution or other amendment).

AMENDMENT A proposed

RANKING MEMBER The most

of legislative measure used to propose changes in law, or to propose an amendment to the U.S. or State Constitution.

FILIBUSTER In the Senate, the

movement or campaign that attempts to mobilize individuals to take some action to influence an outcome, often of a political nature.

(i.e., the development of legislation, oversight of executive agencies, investigations into matters of public policy, or Senate consideration of presidential nominations).

State Government

Federal Government U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate

State House of Representatives

TRADE + NATIONAL SECURITY

State Senate

BUSINESS & ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

LICENSING

+ IMMIGRATION INFRASTRUCTURE + TRANSIT

TAXES

EDUCATION

+

+

HOUSING

ELECTIONS

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Temporary joint committee created to resolve differences between House-passed and Senate-passed versions of a measure.

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

FIRST RESPONDERS + WASTE DISPOSAL

Local Government County Council

City Council

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

2024 ELECTION CALENDAR JANUARY 2024

MARCH — APRIL 2024

AUGUST 2024

January 4 Deadline to register to vote for the Democratic Presidential Primary

March 18 — April 1 Partisan election candidate filing

TBD Non-Partisan election candidate filing

MAY — JUNE 2024

OCTOBER 2024

May 10 Deadline to register for state primary elections

October 4 Deadline to register to vote for General Election

May 28 — June 7 State Primary Early Voting

October 21 — November 2 Early voting for General Election

January 22 — February 1 Early voting for Democratic Presidential Primary January 25 Deadline to register to vote for the Republican Presidential Primary

FEBRUARY 2024 February 3 Democratic Presidential Primary February 12 — February 23 Early voting for Republican Presidential Primary February 24 Republican Presidential Primary

ELECTION CALENDAR

Who’s up for re-election: PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT ALL US HOUSE MEMBERS ALL STATE SENATORS ALL SC HOUSE MEMBERS

JUNE 2024 June 11 Statewide Primaries June 25 Statewide Primary runoffs (if necessary)

GREENVILLE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICTS

18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28 GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AREAS

17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27

Key Voting Dates: NOVEMBER 2024 November 5 General Election

FEB. 3 Democratic Presidential Primary FEB. 24 Republican Presidential Primary JUNE 11 State Primaries NOV. 5 General Elections

What is the value of an education at Greenville Technical College?

A third-party evaluation concluded that GTC graduates earn more than 40% higher annual incomes than those with just high school diplomas. Over a working lifetime, this means about $540,000 in more personal income per grad. And higher earnings lead to increases in the tax base.

www.gvltec.edu

Source: GTC Economic Impact Study. www.gvltec.edu/roi/

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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Committed to excellence in client service and our profession

With a deep understanding of the state’s legislative landscape, Nelson Mullins’ dedicated team of attorneys and policy advisors work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ interests at every level of government. We have a proven track record of navigating the complexities of South Carolina’s political system and helping businesses and organizations achieve their policy goals. Whether it is lobbying for legislative changes, providing strategic counsel, or fostering essential relationships within the government, our firm is committed to delivering unparalleled service in government relations to drive positive outcomes for our clients.

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Offices located in 17 states and Washington, D.C.

100+ Practice areas

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Attorneys & Counselors at Law David Wilkins, Partner

Strong commitment to leadership & service

1,000+ Attorneys and legal professionals

Greenville ONE | 2 W. Washington Street Suite 400 | Greenville, SC 29601 864.373.2300 | nelsonmullins.com

4 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

FOUR WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Advocacy Committees:

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JOIN OUR ADVOCACY COMMITTEES The Greenville Chamber has three advocacy committees to engage your interest. These committees give our investors the opportunity to hear from the experts in key policy areas, connect with local elected officials and regulators, connect with other Chamber investors, and stay abreast of new legislation and regulations.

STAY INFORMED BY JOINING OUR GRASSROOTS LIST You’re busy running your business, so we know that you don’t have time to pour over jargon-heavy legislation or stream hours-long committee meetings. By joining our Grassroots list, you’ll receive regular updates from the Chamber’s Advocacy staff on important legislation and political events that affect your business. These weekly updates are jargon free and meant to provide a quick snapshot to keep you informed.

If you’d like to be added to our Grassroots list, email us at advocacy@greenvillechamber.org.

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ADVOCATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS As legislation moves through the process, we often call on our investors to use their voice to help clear legislative hurdles. You can advocate for pro-business legislation or squash anti-business legislation by responding to the Chamber’s Calls to Action. If there is an issue that you’re passionate about, take a few minutes to write your representative an email or give them a call. Personal contact is always the best option over automated emails.

Direct advocacy is one of the best ways to get involved in shaping policy.

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ATTEND ONE OF OUR MANY ADVOCACY EVENTS The Greenville Chamber and our partners at the Upstate Chamber Coalition hold many advocacy events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in running for office, want to learn about how to advocate for your issues, want to learn more about policy, or like to meet members of our local, state, and federal delegations, we hold events that offer all of these opportunities and more.

Take a look at our upcoming 2024 events at greenvillechamber.org, or email advocacy@greenvillechamber.org for more information.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEE The cornerstone policy committee at the Greenville Chamber. Open to all investors, the Business Advocacy Committee convenes business leaders and policy makers to develop the policies needed to ensure economic growth.

Co-Chair: MILTON SHOCKLEY | Re/Max Realty BRAD MEDCALF | Pinnacle Financial Partners

GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Greenville is expected to add more

than 220,000 residents and 100,000 jobs by 2040. This rapid growth will

stress the Upstate’s infrastructure. The Growth & Infrastructure Committee will develop policy solutions needed to meet

the needs of a growing business community

while protecting our quality of life.

Co-Chair: BOB KNIGHT | Public Strategy JENNIFER MUSTAR | HDR Inc

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE This committee advocates for

environmental and sustainable energy policies that are responsive

to Greenville’s rapid growth and manufacturing economy. This committee develops policy solutions based on sound science and risk management, while protecting the operations of upstate businesses.

Chair: ETHAN WARE | Williams Mullen

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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COMMUNITY GROWTH STATISTICS

GROWTH BY THE NUMBERS

DATA SOURCED THROUGH COMMUNITY INSIGHTS, AND OTHER SOURCES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, GO TO DASHBOARDS.MYSIDEWALK.COM/GREENVILLESC OR CONTACT HHYATT@GREENVILLECHAMBER.ORG.

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TOTAL POPULATION GROWTH

$58,711

AVERAGE ANNUAL EARNINGS

TOP 20 AREAS FOR IN-MIGRATION TO GREENVILLE COUNTY 2020-2021

2020 = 50,000 HOUSING UNITS

MEDIAN SALES PRICE INCREASE

PROJECTED GROWTH BY 2040

= 50,000 RESIDENTS

2010

0.6%

2020

PRIVATE SECTOR

NET NEW GREENVILLE COUNTY RESIDENTS EVERY DAY

TOTAL HOUSING

2010

18.8% AVERAGE RENTAL PRICE INCREASE

(2 BR APARTMENT)

10,452

Charlotte, NC Metro

1074

Charleston, SC Metro

873

Columbia, SC Metro

859

New York City, NY Metro

808

Western North Carolina

778

Central Florida

730

Atlanta, GA Metro

696

Southern California

638

Miami-Dade, FL Metro

603

Chicago, IL Metro

459

Augusta, GA Metro

288

Washington DC Metro

273

Myrtle Beach, SC Metro

266

Seattle, WA Metro

220

Detroit, MI Metro

219

Raleigh-Durham, NC Metro

208

Phoenix, AZ Metro

201

Jacksonville, FL Metro

195

Hilton Head, SC Metro

182

Florence, SC Metro

178

38.5 MEDIAN AGE

6.2% Matures 19.4% Gen X 22.2% Baby Boomers 23.2% Gen Z 29% Millennials

63.7%

of in-migration to Greenville County is from outside of South Carolina

new business formations in 2022 (top 3.3% of all US Counties)

150,151 PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN GREENVILLE COUNTY

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71,333

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GREENVILLE COUNTY BUT WORK OUTSIDE GREENVILLE COUNTY

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132,667

PEOPLE WHO LIVE OUTSIDE OF GREENVILLE COUNTY BUT WORK IN GREENVILLE COUNTY

49.5 PERCENT OF 25+ YEAR OLDS WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR HIGHER

14,645 NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS WITH EMPLOYEES IN 2021

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POLITICS AT WORK

POLITICS AT WORK 2024 could be a pivotal election year in our area with our Congressional seats, all of our State Senate, State House of Representatives, seven Greenville County Council, and six Greenville School Board seats on the ballot.

Do your employees fully understand how the promises made by a candidate may impact the success of their workplace?

It is important that your employees understand how political decisions will influence your bottom line.

Here are a few things you can do this year to educate your employees about the issues that impact your company:

• You CAN encourage them to vote.

• You CAN’T take negative actions if they do not vote.

• You CAN communicate with your employees and their families about legislation, regulations, or ballot referendums.

• You SHOULD NOT direct the political activities of your employees.

• You MAY encourage your employees and their families to support or oppose legislation or regulations.

• You MAY NOT tell employees how to vote. (That is a fine line that can be vetted by an attorney.)

• You MAY communicate your message to your employees using postal mail, advertising, direct mail, phone banks, or internal mail.

• You MAY NOT put political messages into your employees’ paychecks.

• You CAN tell employees and their families about the impact a law, bill, regulation, or referendum may have on your business.

• You MAY NOT reward or punish your employees for their political actions.

While businesses can take action in policy and elections, some political activities are regulated or prohibited by federal and state law so please consult your legal counsel with specific questions.

We make sure your message is heard by the right people in the right way.

WWW.TAFTMATNEY.COM

1 12 20221109-Ver01A-TMPR-Chamber-Policy-Guide.indd 2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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BIGPAC Business and Industry in Greenville Political Action Committee

SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE BIGPAC is a non-partisan political action committee promoting the local and state candidates who support the business community.

BIGPAC gives you a single, powerful voice.

TM

STATE AGENDA

STATE LEVEL AGENDA Increase Educational Attainment and Talent Attraction

$60

Seek solutions to expand accessibility and affordability of childcare to ensure working parents may fully participate in the workforce.

SC’s Electric Vehicle Fee. Georgia’s is just over $200.

Source: MyEV.com

Increase our electric vehicle fees to bring them in line with neighboring states.

Rethink teacher recruitment and retention by reforming teacher pay and making it easier for mid-career professionals to switch to teaching.

32,758 Greenville County population less than 5 years old

As we promote our state’s natural areas, we must increase state investment in our parks and recreation areas to ensure they can meet visitor demands and be preserved for future generations.

Reduce the impacts of the benefits cliff to encourage individuals to seek upward mobility without fear of an abrupt cutoff of services.

1

Childcare Challenge r u O

$1.4 billion Estimated reduction in state GDP due to the infant and toddler child care crisis in South Carolina Source: Council for a Strong America

Boost Economic Development & Infrastructure

the number of Fortune 500 HQs in our state. Our neighbors in GA and NC have 19 and 13 respectively

Source: Fortune Magazine

Improve access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in our state.

Support legislation that determines pathways to ensure our state has adequate energy generation and infrastructure to meet current and future demands.

Reform our recruiting incentives to better attract investments in knowledgebased and corporate headquarters jobs.

37%

Percentage of women who are not in the workforce who highlight care for their child as their primary barrier to entering the workforce Source: SC Department of Employment & Workforce

0.0163%

of 116,896 total SC Employer establishments utilizing the current childcare tax credits in SC.

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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STATE AGENDA

Ongoing Policy Priorities $23.9 Billion

• Increase accessibility of workforce housing

Estimated underfunded cost of the state’s pension system. The state only has 64% of its future liabilities covered

• Ensure the state has adequate infrastructure to support our population growth

• Increase transit funding

Improve Our Business Climate Address the state pension crisis to better serve new employees, preserve the system for current retirees, and protect taxpayers from the deepening fiscal hole that if left unchecked will cause a $20+ billion deficit that will directly impact the business community.

• Ensure business-friendly licensing and permitting practices • Expand policies to increase educational attainment • Promote penalty enhancements for hate crimes • Remove barriers to joining or rejoining the workforce

Re-institute joint and several legal protections so businesses are only liable for their portion of fault, ensuring that business owners are not left with an excessive burden related to fault.

Tort Costs as a Percentage of GDP by state (2020)

Address other legal reforms to improve insurance affordability and accessibility for small businesses.

<5 The number of insurance carriers underwriting liquor liability insurance in SC. Prior to 2017, that number was over 30.

Source: South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

Reduce the burden of business personal property tax on small businesses.

Ensure that the General Assembly does not intentionally pass laws in conflict with the Federal Government that force businesses to decide whether to follow state or federal law; and ensure businesses are able to make their own operating decisions without an undue burden from government.

2.55% of GDP

Percentage of State GDP 1.5

1.8

2.1

2.4

SOURCE: US Chamber of Commerce Institute for legal reform.

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LOCAL AGENDA

GREENVILLE COUNTY PRIORITIES Expand Economic Opportunity

$18.1 Million

additional operating funds needed by 2028 to complete the Greenlink TDP

Drive business growth and economic prosperity by addressing race-based disparities in education, income, and health.

Significantly increase local operations funding to expand Greenlink service under the terms of its longterm development plan.

Remove barriers and provide new local incentives to develop workforce and affordable housing projects.

+40%

+20%

+4.2%

+12.5%

Oconee

Greenville

Pickens

Spartanburg

Anderson

Upstate Population Projections

Cherokee

estimated road construction needs in Greenville County over the next 10 years.

Establish a sustainable and substantial local funding source for our overburdened roads and other key infrastructure.

Pass a Unified Development Ordinance to modernize land use and zoning throughout Greenville County and put teeth into the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Enact zoning ordinances in unzoned areas of Greenville County to protect both landowners and developers.

Boost Economic Development

+28%

+7.1%

Meet our Growth Opportunities

$1.77 billion

Ensure completion of the Greenville Downtown Conference Center and create a long-term plan for the existing Greenville Convention Center.

43.7% the percentage of land in Greenville county that is not zoned (excluding state parks and other protected areas)

Change our City and County’s perceptions of traditional industrial recruitment and create a unified strategy across manufacturing, knowledgebased businesses, and major capital expenditures that will enhance quality of life.

2020 TO 2040

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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FEDERAL AGENDA

FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES Meet our Immigration and Workforce Needs Make permanent the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program so thousands of South Carolinians may have confidence in their immigration status.

5,520

Expand legal immigration avenues to help companies meet their workforce needs.

the number of DACA recipients in South Carolina

Reforms on visas for skilled workers – including expanding visa caps and reforming the system to make these visas more accessible for smaller businesses.

132,082 Securing Our Energy Future The United States needs a comprehensive energy policy that incorporates an “all-of-the-above” approach, including renewables and other non-carbon emitting sources such as nuclear energy.

Ensure the ongoing status of the SC NEXUS Tech Hub designation and secure phase two funding for ongoing energy resiliency efforts.

TO

UCC DC SEPTEMBER 2024

Upstate jobs supported by international trade Source: SC Ports Authority

Expand International Trade Fight for international trade policies that will benefit the Upstate economy – including lowering tariffs on allied countries and promoting trade deals that will benefit Upstate exporters.

Shape Policy & Build Connections in the Nation’s Capitol

Early-Bird Registration Now Open www.greenvillechamber.org

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

FIRST READING

BILL PREFILED

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW You can forget what you learned on Schoolhouse Rock!

How a bill really becomes a law can be a complicated and difficult process to navigate.

The Chamber has dedicated experts who log thousands of hours a year fighting for Upstate businesses at the Statehouse, at County Square, City Hall, and in the halls of Congress. We partner with other business groups across the state to advance a pro-business agenda that hopefully makes it easier to do business in our great state.

NO REPORT

COMMITTEE REFERENCE

BEFORE SESSION IN THE HOUSE

WITHOUT REFERENCE

COMMITTED OR RECOMMITTED

COMMITTEE REPORT

SECOND READING

AMENDED

AMENDED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

TABLED, CONTINUED, REJECTED

THIRD READING

SENATE

3 READINGS

RETURNED TO HOUSE

AMENDED

RATIFIED

FREE CONFERENCE REPORT RECEIVED, ADOPTED

GOVERNOR

This flowchart gives you a quick idea of the process we help you navigate. We can do the heavy lifting on the issues critical to your business.

If you have input on an issue, or simply have questions about the process or the headlines, you can always reach out to us at advocacy @greenvillechamber.org.

CONCUR

NON-CONCUR

RECEDE

MESSAGE TO SENATE

CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED

INSIST

NO REPORT

VETO

FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE APPOINTED

FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

FREE CONFERENCE POWERS REQUESTED (2/3 VOTE)

VETO SUSTAINED

SIGNED OR WITHOUT SIGNATURE

VETO OVERRIDDEN

BECOMES AN ACT

Flowchart illustrates how a bill, originating in the House of Representatives, becomes a law.

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

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GUIDE TO LOBBYING

GUIDE TO LOBBYING ELECTED OFFICIALS WAYS To Engage

HOW To Engage

Tips on engaging with your elected officials to advocate for issues you are passionate about.

No matter how you choose to communicate with your elected official, you want to be effective with your limited time.

MAKE A CALL CALLING IS THE BEST option

if a vote is coming up soon.

ALWAYS SAY WHO YOU ARE, where you’re from

(“I live in your district!”), and what role you play in the community (“I own Smith’s Auto Shop,”).

MAKE YOUR REQUEST

and be respectful of the official’s time.

WRITE A NOTE

SCHEDULE A MEETING

DO YOUR RESEARCH

MAKE A REQUEST

MEETING FACE-TO-FACE

DO YOUR HOMEWORK on

Include a bill or ordinance number if you can.

with elected officials or staff is the most effective way to advocate.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT –

don’t just show up!

BRING PEOPLE with you.

Coalitions do better than individuals.

ATTEND OUR LEGISLATIVE EVENTS for a less-formal

meeting.

YOU CAN ADVOCATE by

sending a formal letter or a less-formal email.

KEEP IT RELATIVELY SHORT

(one page), outline your story, make your request.

BE SURE TO USE THE CORRECT SALUTATION

(Senator Turner, Congressman Timmons, Councilor Seman).

“The Honorable” works for most officials.

ENGAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHILE NOT AS PERSONAL

or effective as other methods of engagement, social media can be used to advocate.

TWITTER IS THE MOST USED platform among

Congressional and Statehouse officials.

ALWAYS IDENTIFY YOURSELF as a

constituent.

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

the legislator you’re meeting with and be familiar with his or her position and voting record on your issue.

PLAN YOUR RESPONSES

about favorable or unfavorable reactions.

IF POSSIBLE, HAVE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

and data for your position (but you don’t need to be an expert – you are the constituent).

BE READY TO ANSWER

any arguments from the opposing side.

LISTEN CAREFULLY ASK THE OFFICIAL FOR HIS OR HER POSITION and

listen to them carefully.

BE PATIENT and don’t

interrupt.

MAKE A SPECIFIC REQUEST.

COMMUNICATE WHY you are

asking the official to take a position and how that issue affects you as a constituent.

GIVE THE OFFICIAL REAL, CONCRETE EXAMPLES

tailored to your community.

ASK DIRECTLY: “Can we

count on your support?”

BE SURE TO FOLLOW-UP THANK THEM for their service

and for taking the time to engage with you.

IF A LEGISLATOR ASKED FOR MORE INFORMATION, get that

information to them ASAP. IF YOU MET WITH THEM IN PERSON, send a hand-

written thank you note after the meeting.

STAY PASSIONATE

but respectful.

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

19

STATE LEADERSHIP

UPSTATE LEADERSHIP

District Staff:

VAN CATO | State Director ANGIE OMER | Upstate Regional Director

TIM SCOTT (R)

JEFF DUNCAN (R-3)

WILLIAM TIMMONS (R-4) Fourth Congressional District

Fifth Congressional District

Washington Office:

Washington Office:

Washington Office:

Anderson Office:

Greenville Office:

Rock Hill Office:

District Staff:

District Staff:

District Staff:

202.224.6121 Upstate Office:

202.225.5301

864.233.5366 District Staff:

DANIELLE GIBBS | Regional Director

Third Congressional District

U.S. HOUSE

Washington Office:

864.250.1417

U.S. HOUSE

Washington Office: Upstate Office:

U.S. HOUSE

LINDSEY GRAHAM (R) 202.224.5972

U.S. SENATE

U.S. SENATE

U.S. Senate & House

RALPH NORMAN (R-5)

202.225.6030

864.224.7401

202.225.5501

864.241.0175

MARIO STARACE | District Office Manager

803.327.1114

SETH BLANTON | District Director

DAVID O’NEAL | District Director

STATE LEADERSHIP

PAMELA EVETTE (R)

RICHARD ECKSTROM (R) Comptroller General 803.734.2121 www.cg.sc.gov

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

AGRICULTURE

ALAN WILSON (R) Attorney General 803.734.8500 www.scag.gov

Lieutenant Governor 803.734.2100 www.ltgov.sc.gov

TREASURER

SEC OF STATE

COMPTROLLER

Governor 803.734.2100 www.governor.sc.gov

MARK HAMMOND (R) Secretary of State 803.734.2170 www.sos.sc.gov

CURTIS LOFTIS (R) State Treasurer 803.734.2101 www.treasurer.sc.gov

HUGH WEATHERS (R) Commissioner of Agriculture 803.734.2210 www.agriculture.sc.gov

EDUCATION

LT. GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR

HENRY MCMASTER (R)

20

ATTY GENERAL

South Carolina State Offices

ELLEN WEAVER (R) Superintendent of Education 803.734.8500 www.ed.sc.gov GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

UPSTATE LEADERSHIP

UPSTATE LEADERSHIP

(R) Oconee thomasalexander @scsenate.gov

KARL ALLEN

RICHARD CASH

(D) Greenville karlallen@scsenate.gov

(R) Anderson richardcash@scsenate.gov

11

DISTRICT 10

5 6

2 3

13

(R) Greenwood billygarrett@scsenate.gov

10

MIKE GAMBRELL (R) Anderson mikegambrell @scsenate.gov

The South Carolina Senate consists of 46 members who are elected from single member districts of approximately 87,200 citizens.

JOSH KIMBRELL

(R) Spartanburg joshkimbrell@scsenate.gov

Senators serve four year terms.

DISTRICT 13

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 4

14

9

4

BILLY GARRETT

(R) Greenville tomcorbin@scsenate.gov

12

7 8

1

TOM CORBIN

DISTRICT 11

THOMAS ALEXANDER

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 7

DISTRICT 3

South Carolina Senate

South Carolina General Assembly: www.scstatehouse.gov Senate Switchboard: 803.212.6200

HARVEY PEELER (R) Cherokee harveypeeler @scsenate.gov

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

SHANE MARTIN

REX RICE

(R) Pickens rexrice@scsenate.gov

SCOTT TALLEY

(R) Spartanburg scotttalley@scsenate.gov

DISTRICT 8

ROSS TURNER

(R) Greenville rossturner@scsenate.gov

DISTRICT 9

(R) Spartanburg shanemartin@scsenate.gov

Columbia, SC 29202

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 14

(R) Greenville dwightloftis@scsenate.gov

DISTRICT 12

DWIGHT LOFTIS

Correspondence & Mail: The Honorable (Senator’s Name) South Carolina Senate P.O. Box 142

DANNY VERDIN

(R) Laurens dannyverdin@scsenate.gov

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

21

SC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPSTATE LEADERSHIP

MIKE BURNS

(R) Anderson thomasbeach@schouse.gov

(R) Greenville mikeburns@schouse.gov

BILL CHUMLEY

(R) Spartanburg billchumley@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 35

DISTRICT 17

THOMAS BEACH

JERRY CARTER

(R) Pickens jerrycarter@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 8

(R) Greenville brucebannister @schouse.gov

DISTRICT 21

BRUCE BANNISTER

DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 24

DISTRICT 10

South Carolina House Of Representatives

4 NEAL COLLINS

CHANDRA DILLARD

JASON ELLIOTT

DISTRICT 4

(R) Greenville patrickhaddon@schouse.gov

22

DAVEY HIOTT

(R) Pickens davidhiott@schouse.gov

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

(R) Anderson aprilcromer@schouse.gov

3

8

CRAIG GAGNON

(R) Abbeville craiggagon@schouse.gov

South Carolina General Assembly: www.scstatehouse.gov House Switchboard: 803.734.3000

ROB HARRIS

(R) Spartanburg robharris@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 32

(R) Union douggilliam@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 19

DOUG GILLIAM

(R) Greenwood danielgibson@schouse.gov

PATRICK HADDON

1

APRIL CROMER

2

DISTRICT 36

DISTRICT 12

DANIEL GIBSON

(R) Greenville bobbycox@schouse.gov

MAX HYDE

(R) Spartanburg maxhyde@schouse.gov

Correspondence & Mail: The Honorable (Representative’s Name) South Carolina House of Representatives P.O. Box 11867 Columbia, SC 29211

DISTRICT 14

(R) Greenville jasonelliott@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 42

(D) Greenville chandradillard@schouse.gov

BOBBY COX

DISTRICT 11

DISTRICT 22

(R) Pickens nealcollins@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 23

(R) Anderson donchampman@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 25

DON CHAPMAN

WENDELL JONES

STEWART JONES

(D) Greenville wendelljones@schouse.gov

(R) Laurens stewartjones@schouse.gov GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

SC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPSTATE LEADERSHIP

38

(R) Spartanburg josiahmagnuson@schouse.gov

30

37 32 17 18 36 20 31 19 34 23 2221 5 24 35 33 10 25 27 6 16 9 28

(R) Spartanburg travismoore@schouse.gov

ADAM MORGAN

(R) Greenville adammorgan@schouse.gov

42

DISTRICT 27

ASHLEY TRANTHAM

DAVID VAUGHAN

(R) Greenville davidvaughan@schouse.gov

(R) Spartanburg rogernutt@schouse.gov

JAY WEST

(R) Anderson jaywest@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 31

(R) Greenville alanmorgan@schouse.gov

BILL SANDIFER

ANNE THAYER

(R) Oconee billsindifer@schouse.gov

BILL WHITMIRE

ROSALYN HENDERSON -MYERS (D) Spartanburg rosalynhendersonmyers @schouse.gov DISTRICT 9

DISTRICT 2

ROGER NUTT

ALAN MORGAN

(R) Anderson annethayer@schouse.gov DISTRICT 16

DISTRICT 28

As outlined by our State’s Constitution, the General Assembly’s annual session begins on the second Tuesday in January and runs through the second Thursday in May.

DISTRICT 1

12

(R) Cherokee dennismoss@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 34

13

DENNIS MOSS

DISTRICT 7

The South Carolina House of Representatives consists of 124 part-time citizen legislators elected every two years to represent our state’s 124 separate singlemember districts.

11

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

TRAVIS MOORE

(R) Greenwood johnmccravy@schouse.gov

29

14

(R) Greenville ashleytrantham@schouse.gov

JOHN MCCRAVY

DISTRICT 29

7

JOSIAH MAGNUSON

DISTRICT 20

(R) Spartanburg stevenlong@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 33

STEVEN LONG

(R) Cherokee brianlawson@schouse.gov

DISTRICT 18

BRIAN LAWSON

DISTRICT 13

DISTRICT 38

DISTRICT 37

DISTRICT 30

South Carolina House Of Representatives

(R) Oconee billwhitmire@schouse.gov

MARK WILLIS

(R) Greenville markwillis@schouse.gov

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

23

LOCAL LEADERSHIP

LOCAL LEADERSHIP

Greenville County Council Twelve members, each elected in single member district contests for four year staggered terms.

Dan Tripp (R) // Chairman

DISTRICT 22

www.GreenvilleCounty.org 864.467.7115 301 University Ridge, Suite 2400 Greenville, SC 29601

DISTRICT 21

DISTRICT 19

DISTRICT 20

dtripp@greenvillecounty.org 864.962.1093

20

19 23

18

22 21 24 28 27 25

DISTRICT 18

DISTRICT 28

17

26

ALAN MITCHELL (D) amitchell @greenvillecounty.org 864.271.6798

LIZ SEMAN (R) lseman @greenvillecounty.org 864.501.4126

ENNIS FANT (D) efant @greenvillecounty.org 864.467.2787

RICK BRADLEY (R) rbradley @greenvillecounty.org 864.243.0014

BUTCH KIRVEN (R) bkirven @greenvillecounty.org 864.228.9300

DISTRICT 17

DISTRICT 27

MICHAEL BARNS (R) mbarnes @greenvillecounty.org 864.877.9457

DISTRICT 26

STAN TZOUVELEKAS (R) stantz @greenvillecounty.org 864.630.5252

DISTRICT 25

CHRIS HARRISON (R) charrison @greenvillecounty.org 864.354.9881

DISTRICT 24

STEVE SHAW (R) sshaw @greenvillecounty.org 864.834.4404

DISTRICT 23

BENTON BLOUNT (R) bblount@ greenvillecounty.org

JOEY RUSSO (R) jrusso@greenvillecounty.org 864.380.6534

LEADERSHIP IN LOCAL

Municipalities

24

Fountain Inn

Greer

Mauldin

Simpsonville

Travelers Rest

MAYOR G.P. McLeer, Jr.

MAYOR Rick Danner

MAYOR Terry Merritt

MAYOR Paul Shewmaker

MAYOR Brandy Amidon

WARD 1 Jason B. Sanders

DISTRICT 1 Jay Arrowood

SEAT 1 Taft Matney

WARD 1 Chad O’Rear

WARD 2 Jay Thomason

DISTRICT 2 Karuiam Booker

SEAT 2 Carol King

WARD 2 Aaron Rupe

WARD 3 Joey Garrett

DISTRICT 3 Mark Hopper

SEAT 3 Jason Kraeling

WARD 3 Shannon Williams

WARD 4 Phil Clemmer

DISTRICT 4 Lee Dumas

SEAT 4 Michael Reynolds

WARD 4 Sherry Roche

WARD 5 John Don

DISTRICT 5 Wryley Bettis

SEAT 5 Frank Allgood

WARD 5 Tim Pinkerton

COUNCIL Grant Bumgarner Kelly Byers Shaniece Criss Catherine Stanford James Lisa Lane Sherry Marran Wayne McCall Brantley Vest

WARD 6 Mack Blackstone

DISTRICT 6 Judy Albert

SEAT 6 Mark Steenback

WARD 6 Lou Hutchings

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

LOCAL LEADERSHIP

MAYOR

LOCAL LEADERSHIP

Greenville City Council Knox White (R) // Mayor kwhite@greenvillesc.gov

864.467.4590

The Greenville City Council consists of a mayor, elected at-large, and six council members, two of whom are elected at-large and four who are elected from their respective districts.

• All members serve a four year term.

• Elections are conducted every two years.

• Together they constitute the legislative body of the City.

AT-LARGE

AT-LARGE

KENNETH GIBSON (D) kgibson @greenvillesc.gov 864.326.0450

DISTRICT 4

LILLIAN BROCK FLEMMING (D) lflemming @greenvillesc.gov 864.241.8677

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 2

JOHN DEWORKEN (R) jdeworken @greenvillesc.gov 864.905.5529

SUPERINTENDENT

DISTRICT 1

www.greenvillesc.gov // Office of the City Clerk // cpitman@greenvillesc.gov // 864.467.4431

WIL BRASINGTON (R) wbrasington @greenvillesc.gov 864.421.3047

DOROTHY DOWE (D) ddowe @greenvillesc.gov 864.884.4444

RUSSELL STALL (D) rstall @greenvillesc.gov 864.430.0636

LOCAL LEADERSHIP IN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Greenville County Schools

W. Burke Royster, Ph.D.

Superintendent wroyster@greenville.k12.sc.us 864.355.8860

The Board of Trustees of Greenville County Schools is an elected body, their mission is to ensure excellence in the governance of a quality educational program by analyzing needs, establishing policies, allocating resources, and monitoring progress.

GLENDA MORRISONFAIR gsmf7782@gmail.com 816.529.3579

ANNE PRESSLEY pressleyanne71 @gmail.com 864.770.3251

MICHELLE GOODWINCALWILE mgoodwincalwiled25 @gmail.com 864.275.6511

AMANDA BRETT amanda4 greenvilleschools @gmail.com 864.567.5997

AREA 22

AREA 21 ANGIE MOSLEY amosleygcs @gmail.com 864.630.0500

LYNDA LEVENTISWELLS llwells22@gmail.com 864.268.0579 AREA 28

AREA 20 CHARLES J. (CHUCK) SAYLORS chucksaylors@gmail.com 864.354.3577

AREA 27

DEBI C. BUSH dbush19@aol.com 864.271.9972

AREA 26

AREA 19

AREA 18 ANN MARIE MIDDLETON ammiddleton.gcsb @gmail.com 864.704.8926

AREA 25

AREA 23

CAROLYN J. STYLES cvjstyles1@gmail.com 864.834.2249

AREA 24

AREA 17

www.greenville.k12.sc.us // 864.355.3100 // 301 E Camperdown Way, Greenville

SARAH DULIN dulin4gcsboard @gmail.com 843.814.1181

JEFF COCHRAN jeffcochran4education@ gmail.com 864.906.6283

2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

25

POLITICAL INFLUENCE

A SMALL PRICE FOR POLITICAL INFLUENCE

For Chamber Investors, a complicated process becomes simple.

Our political landscape is often overwhelming: a jumbled maze of political jargon, complicated processes, and confusing customs. When you invest in the Greenville Chamber, you gain instant access to a dedicated team of advocates who wake up every day fighting for the greater good of our Upstate business community.

Sign up for our weekly advocacy email blasts – email advocacy@greenvillechamber. org to be added

Throughout the year, our lobbyists have more than 150 direct meetings with elected officials from across the state and log more than 1,000 hours on the ground at City Hall, County Square, the Statehouse, and in Washington. Our team brings to the table decades of advocacy experience and, perhaps most importantly, decades of cultivating relationships – from City Hall to the halls of Congress.

Join a committee – learn more on page 9 Make your voice heard – participate in a call to action on issues impacting your business

Your investment in the Greenville Chamber means you are also a member of two larger, stronger coalitions – the Upstate Chamber Coalition and the S.C. Metro Chambers Coalition. The Upstate Chamber Coalition is comprised of 13 member chambers throughout the Upstate, who fight with one business voice, making sure your business’s best interests are protected. Formed in 2020, the Metro Chambers Coalition is comprised of the Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Charlotte, and Myrtle Beach Chambers, representing the five largest metro areas in the state. These coalitions move the needle on important, state-wide priorities that impact all our communities and investors. The combined relationships and strength of these two groups continue to amplify your business’s voice in Columbia.

Attend an advocacy event and our fall Legislative Listening Tour Sessions Take the legislative survey and shape our Agenda Then, let us do the heavy lifting for you. Through every twist and turn, we’re there

We make a complicated process simple so that you can get back to what you do best: growing your business. You will be heard on the issues that matter most to your business through our annual legislative survey as well as a host of advocacy committees. Then, our team keeps you updated on progress made throughout the year.

WE’RE ALL BUSINESS 12 issues delivered directly to your mailbox

Informing, inspiring and connecting the Upstate business community.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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2024 GREENVILLE CHAMBER

OM | OCTOBER 2023 |

VOL. 14 | ISSUE 10

GREENVILLECHAMBER.org

Bringing You Power and More…

Making Upstate Connections for Over 80 Years

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