Business Leaders, Officials Gather for “Business Voices of Laurens” County-Wide Forum

Local business owners, community leaders, and government officials came together for the Business Voices of Laurens: A County-Wide Business Forum, hosted by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at the Laurens County Ag Center on Tuesday, February 17. The event provided a structured opportunity for open dialogue on the issues shaping the county’s economic future, with the evening meal sponsored by Self Regional Health Care.

The evening began with food and networking, followed by welcome remarks and an extended question-and-answer panel designed to foster collaboration between public officials and the business community.

To maximize time for meaningful discussion, most questions were submitted in advance during the registration process. This allowed moderators to group common concerns and ensure that the panel addressed the issues most important to the business community. A limited number of additional questions were taken from the audience at the conclusion of the formal discussion.

Moderating the discussion were Dabs Davis, President and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, and Jake Cooper, owner of Big Air Laurens and Chamber board member.

“This forum was created to give businesses a direct voice and to ensure that community leaders clearly understand the challenges and opportunities facing our employers,” said Davis. “Strong communication is essential if we want Laurens County to grow in a way that benefits everyone.”

More than 60 businesses were represented, creating a highly engaged audience eager to share concerns, insights, and ideas for moving Laurens County forward. The meal for attendees was provided by Self Regional Health Care.

Panel of Community Leaders

City, county, and agency representatives participating in the Q&A included:

• Brad Abercrombie — Main Street Laurens
• Michael Addison — Clinton Police Chief
• Matthew Brownlee — Laurens County Council
• Lisa Canada — City of Laurens
• Jon Coleman — Laurens County Development Corporation
• Jake Cooper — Big Air Laurens
• Heath Copeland — Laurens Police Chief
• Jeff Field — Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission
• Andy Howard — Laurens County Parks and Recreation
• Chris Martin — Laurens County Sheriff’s Office
• Jody Penland — Laurens County School District 55
• Debbie Simpson – Simpson Land and Home
• Diane Smith – Designs by D
• Danny Smith — Clinton City Council
• Jerre Threatt — Laurens County Administrator
• Billy Wilson — Laurens County Public Works
• John Young — Laurens CPW

During the discussion, panelists emphasized the importance of cooperation across agencies and sectors to address the county’s evolving needs.

“While we all have different jobs and roles in support of the county or city functions that we have to focus on, we can’t operate in our own silos,” said Jeff Field of the Laurens County Water & Sewer Commission. “Working together and collaborating will help to ensure that the best decisions are made for the long-term success of our county.”

Cooper noted that the forum reflected a strong desire within the business community to be actively involved in shaping the county’s future.

“Our businesses are invested in this community, and they want to be part of the conversation,” Cooper said. “When business owners, local officials, and community organizations sit down together, we can identify solutions that support both growth and quality of life.”

Key Issues Raised by Businesses

Participants submitted a wide range of concerns and priorities reflecting the realities of operating businesses in a growing county.

Growth and development lead the discussion, with business owners expressing both optimism and caution. Many emphasized the need for responsible, growth-friendly policies that support economic expansion while protecting infrastructure and quality of life.

Downtown vitality was another major theme. Business owners cited declining foot traffic since the pandemic, construction impacts around the courthouse in Laurens, parking challenges on the Square, and the need for recruitment of new businesses to maintain a vibrant commercial core.

Workforce availability also emerged as a pressing concern. Jon Coleman with the Laurens County Development Corporation emphasized the importance of training up a skilled workforce to meet the needs of current and prospective companies, particularly younger employees and skilled trades such as auto technicians — and emphasized the importance of strong public schools and workforce development programs to sustain long-term economic health.

Infrastructure needs were repeatedly mentioned, including roads, water and sewer capacity, recreational facilities, and safe pedestrian access such as crosswalks and parking solutions.

Housing development and population growth were seen as essential to expanding the customer base for local businesses.

Shared Vision for the County’s Future

Despite the diverse concerns, participants expressed a common belief that thoughtful growth can strengthen Laurens County by bringing new residents, customers, and opportunities for existing businesses.

Education, economic development, and effective local governance were cited as interconnected drivers of success. It was noted that local government decisions have immediate and long-term impacts on business viability and community prosperity.

First of a Collaborative Series

Davis indicated that this forum is intended to be the first in a series of meetings designed to strengthen communication and collaboration among business owners, community leaders, and public agencies.

The strong attendance and active participation suggested a clear appetite for continued dialogue and coordinated planning as Laurens County navigates growth and development in the years ahead.

By creating a space where business voices can be heard directly by decision-makers, the event marked an important step toward aligning resources, policies, and community priorities to support a thriving local economy.

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