South Carolina Chamber and Manufacturers Alliance Unite to Strengthen Statewide Business Voice

South Carolina’s business community is coming together in a major way. The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) have announced plans to merge into one powerful organization — South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) — officially launching January 1, 2026.

The announcement, made at the State House in Columbia, marks a historic step for the Palmetto State’s economic future. The new group will represent more than 900 member companies and provide a unified voice for businesses of all sizes — from local manufacturers and small businesses to large employers and global brands.

“This merger will strengthen our state’s business community and help ensure that South Carolina remains the best place in the country to do business,” said state leaders during the announcement.

A Stronger Voice for South Carolina Business

By combining forces, the new organization will focus on key issues that affect employers and employees across the state — including workforce development, tax competitiveness, infrastructure, energy, and education. The goal is to simplify advocacy and better coordinate efforts to keep South Carolina’s economy growing.

Sara Hazzard, who currently serves as President and CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, will lead the new organization. Grant Burns, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of AFL in Duncan, will serve as Chair.

Hazzard said the merger will “allow South Carolina’s business community to speak with one unified voice” and build on the state’s strong economic momentum.

Impact Close to Home

For Laurens County and the surrounding Upstate region — home to a thriving manufacturing base and small-business network — the merger promises stronger statewide representation and new opportunities for collaboration.

Jonathan Coleman, CEO of the Laurens County Development Corporation, said the unified effort will benefit communities like Laurens County that rely on both manufacturing and small-business growth. “Having one coordinated organization that represents all facets of business and industry gives South Carolina a competitive edge,” Coleman said. “It ensures our local employers’ needs are heard at the state level and helps attract new investment and jobs to counties like ours.”

More details about the new organization’s structure and membership opportunities are expected to be shared in the coming months leading up to its 2026 launch.

Local Connection: Manufacturing Momentum in Laurens County

Laurens County continues to play a key role in South Carolina’s manufacturing economy, with hundreds of residents employed in industries ranging from automotive to advanced materials. Major employers such as ZF Transmissions Gray Court, CCL Label, and Milliken continue to anchor the region’s economy, while a wave of new investment is bringing additional opportunity and growth.

Recent manufacturing investments in Laurens County include:

These continued investments show that Laurens County is well-positioned for future growth, offering a strong workforce, central location, and business-friendly environment that attract both global and regional manufacturers.