SC Chamber launches statewide tour for Blueprint 2035 project in Aiken

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (SC Chamber) officially kicked off its Blueprint 2035 Regional Tour last week in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), marking the first of several statewide stops aimed at gathering regional input to inform and develop a comprehensive roadmap for South Carolina’s economic future.

Hosted in partnership with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the launch event drew a packed audience of more than 140 business leaders, community stakeholders, and elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, State Senator Tom Young, State Representative Bill Taylor, and State Representative Charlie Hartz.

Blueprint 2035 is the SC Chamber’s ten-year plan to guide South Carolina’s economic growth, built around four strategic pillars: workforce readiness, business climate, infrastructure, and innovation. The regional tour will serve as a listening session and collaborative workshop series to ensure that local voices help shape the plan’s development and execution.

Jim Tunison, President and CEO of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, said the event underscored the power of partnership:

“It’s exciting to see our region at the forefront of shaping South Carolina’s future. Blueprint 2035 provides a thoughtful roadmap to position our state—and our communities—for sustainable growth and opportunity. We were proud to host this kickoff and welcome partners from across the region.”

Will Frierson, EVP and Chief Government Affairs Officer at the SC Chamber, emphasized the importance of collaboration between business and government at every level:

“The strong turnout in Aiken—and the engagement we saw from local leaders and elected officials—reinforces what we believe: the best solutions for South Carolina’s future come from the ground up. Blueprint 2035 is not just a plan, it’s a partnership with businesses and policy leaders from every corner of the state.”

Additional tour stops are planned across the Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee, and Lowcountry regions in the months ahead. Community members and business leaders are encouraged to attend and provide input that will help shape the final Blueprint.

To learn more about Blueprint 2035 and view upcoming tour locations, visit:

About SC Chamber 

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the State’s leading voice for business with a vision to make South Carolina’s economy the most vibrant in the United States, creating opportunity and prosperity for all. A statewide organization that fights for pro-job and business policies at the state and federal level, it strives to promote free enterprise; define and advocate for the business agenda; convene, connect, and educate businesses; and partner with key allies. Our member insights shape the policies we write and the agenda we promote at the State House. Learn more at http://www.scchamber.net.