Sustain SC Hosts 5th Annual Sustainability Symposium Today in Columbia 

Sustain SC is convening business leaders, policymakers and conservation experts today for its 5th Annual Sustainability Symposium, a full-day program exploring practical solutions to various sustainability challenges and changes at the intersection of commerce and conservation. The Symposium runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Central Energy in Columbia and features panels, a keynote address and fireside chat, and networking designed to advance South Carolina’s sustainable growth.

This year’s keynote speaker, Robert Bonnie, Founder of Sage Agronomics and former USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, will offer a national perspective on the challenges facing agriculture and forestry and the opportunities to strengthen their long-term resilience. His remarks will be followed by a fireside chat with Dr. Matt Holt, Dean of Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, moderated by Dr. Sole Peresin, Director of Clemson University’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute. Together, they will explore why keeping South Carolina’s farms and forests working is both an economic and a conservation strategy.

“The sustainability issues facing South Carolina businesses don’t belong to any single industry, and no one can solve them alone.

That’s why our Symposium brings together leaders from every sector to tackle the trends reshaping our state and turn shared sustainability challenges into shared opportunities,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC.

Two featured panels anchor the program:

“Conservation as an Economic Development Tool,” moderated by Helen Rogers (Open Space Institute), takes a closer look at Florence County, where a collaborative conservation effort is showing how protecting natural and cultural assets can also support long-term community and economic goals. Panelists Kevin Yokim (Florence County Administrator), Harry Lesesne (Darla Moore Foundation) and Dan Rummel (ArborOne Farm Credit) will discuss the partnerships driving the work and lessons for communities across the state.

“Managing the Load: Balancing the Data Center Industry Expansion and Our Natural Resources in South Carolina,” moderated by Katherine Ross (Parker Poe), features Ming Kibel (Meta), Representative Heath Sessions (S.C. House District 46), John Truluck (Dorchester County Economic Development), Jonathan Yarborough (Dominion Energy) and John Brooker (Conservation Voters of South Carolina). The panel will examine data center land use and site selection approaches that support economic growth while considering communities and the sustainable management of South Carolina’s natural resources.

The program also includes the presentation of the Ethel Bowman Bunch Sustainability Award, which honors an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding leadership in sustainability in South Carolina.

Pre-Symposium activities held yesterday included a Congaree Field Experience at Congaree National Park for Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) alumni and sponsors, a VIP Reception featuring the launch of the South Carolina Sustainability Profile, and an SLI Networking Reception at The Armory at Savage Craft Brewery. These experiences connect business leaders, partners and SLI fellows around real-world sustainability practices.

Sustain SC thanks today’s speakers, sponsors, partners and attendees. Together, we’re strengthening South Carolina’s competitiveness while stewarding the natural assets that make our state unique. For post-event updates, resources and ways to get involved, visit www.sustainsouthcarolina.org.