State Delegation Shares Legislative Priorities at Chamber Power Hour

Rebecca Collett • February 20, 2026

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce was honored to welcome members of our State Delegation for a Power Hour on Friday morning at Town Council Chambers.

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce was honored to welcome members of our State Delegation for a Power Hour on Friday morning at Town Council Chambers. The discussion provided a comprehensive look at the legislative priorities shaping South Carolina’s 2026 session and the issues most directly impacting Dorchester County residents and businesses.


We extend our sincere appreciation to Sean Bennett, Robby Robbins, Gary Brewer, Greg Ford, Harriet Holman, and Gilda Cobb-Hunter for their transparency, accessibility, and thoughtful engagement with our membership.


Senate Priorities: Reform, Accountability & Fiscal Policy

Senator Bennett outlined several significant initiatives currently underway in the Senate:


DUI Law Overhaul
Comprehensive reforms are being advanced to strengthen DUI enforcement. Proposed changes include:

  • Increased fines and mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for repeat offenders

  • Preventing charge downgrades

  • Ensuring solicitors are available to prosecute DUI cases effectively

These reforms aim to enhance public safety and close loopholes within the current system. Read more here.


Charter School Accountability
The Senate is addressing improvements to charter school oversight, with a focus on:

  • Strengthening accountability measures

  • Reducing conflicts of interest


Health Care Reform
Lawmakers are reviewing insurance coverage policies related to pharmacies, with particular attention to accessibility and cost structures affecting consumers.


Online Sports Betting
The Senate is evaluating the regulatory and fiscal implications of legalizing online sports betting in South Carolina.
READ MORE HERE


Tort Reform
While legislation passed last year, additional measures are being considered to further stabilize the legal environment for businesses and insurers.


Tax Reform
Residential property tax adjustments and income tax reforms remain active areas of focus as lawmakers seek balanced, long-term solutions.


House Priorities: Infrastructure, Conservation & Community Impact


Department of Transportation Reform


A consistent theme among Representatives was the urgent need for DOT modernization.


Representative Robby Robbins emphasized reforming the Department of Transportation to ensure it operates efficiently and reflects modern standards.


Representative Gary Brewer reinforced this priority, specifically citing procurement reforms and lengthy construction timelines that significantly increase project costs for taxpayers. Infrastructure reform directly impacts economic growth and quality of life.


Energy & Land Conservation

Representative Brewer also highlighted:

  • Expanding and evaluating energy options to manage rising costs

  • Protecting land amid rapid development

With approximately 9,000 homes planned in his district alone, he underscored the importance of conserving open space before growth permanently alters the region’s landscape and diminishes our "charm".


Hemp Legislation & Education


Representative Greg Ford shared a deeply personal perspective on hemp policy while in Columbia, recounting how hemp-based treatments dramatically improved his son’s severe seizure condition. His advocacy is one perspective in the broader legislative debate surrounding hemp regulation. READ MORE HERE.


He also emphasized education as a critical regional priority.


Senior Tax Relief & Healthcare Workforce Protections

Representative Harriet Holman outlined two major focus areas:


  • Reducing tax burdens for senior homeowners

  • Improving workplace safety for nurses and ensuring recourse when injuries occur

Both priorities aim to support vulnerable populations and essential healthcare professionals.


Economic Development & Education Investment



Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter highlighted the importance of expanding infrastructure—particularly water access—to drive economic development in the northern portion of Dorchester County.


She also addressed:

  • Funding for education and higher education initiatives, pointing to her work with SC “FIRST”


  • The broader implications of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” on state-level planning. Her concert is the long term costs to the state that may not be fully realized.


A Productive Dialogue for Our Business Community


Friday’s Power Hour underscored the value of direct access to policymakers. 


The Chamber remains committed to providing forums where our members can stay informed, ask questions, and engage directly with the leaders shaping South Carolina’s future.


We thank our State Delegation for their leadership and for taking the time to engage with our business community in a meaningful and substantive way.


October 1, 2026
Serve Your Community! Citizen Boards, Commissions, and Committees
September 30, 2026
Industry and Workforce Appreciation Luncheon Highlights Aviation’s Role in the Lowcountry
By Lisa-Jane Elliott • September 29, 2026
CHARLESTON, S.C. – ForgePoint Partners, a new executive-led advisory firm, today announced its launch with a mission to help manufacturing, industrial, logistics, and other operationally complex businesses strengthen leadership, build healthy cultures, improve performance, and create lasting organizational value. Founded by Chris Elliott, Lisa-Jane Elliott, and Vincent Lombardy, the firm brings together decades of executive leadership experience across manufacturing, operations, supply chain, organizational transformation, leadership development, and business growth. ForgePoint Partners was founded on a simple belief: exceptional results are achieved when leadership is aligned, culture is healthy, processes are effective, and people are equipped to succeed. The firm works alongside business owners and leadership teams to identify the barriers holding their organizations back and implement practical solutions that strengthen capability, improve performance, and build long-term value. Unlike traditional consulting firms, ForgePoint Partners was created by operators who have spent their careers leading organizations, developing people, improving operations, navigating adversity, and delivering results. The firm's advisory approach centers on four critical pillars: Leadership. Culture. Process. Performance. "Organizations rarely struggle because they lack talented people," said Chris Elliott, Co-Founder of ForgePoint Partners. "More often, they struggle because leadership, culture, and execution become disconnected. We help leaders align their organizations, strengthen accountability, and create sustainable business performance." For Vincent Lombardy, culture is often the differentiator between businesses that continually struggle and those that consistently succeed. "Culture is not a soft issue. It drives how people communicate, solve problems, make decisions, and perform," said Lombardy. "When leadership teams are aligned and cultures are healthy, organizations move faster, execute better, and achieve stronger results." Lisa-Jane Elliott believes sustainable success is built through people and leadership development. "Strong cultures don't happen by accident," said Elliott. "They are built through intentional leadership, clear expectations, meaningful development, and genuine engagement. Our passion is helping organizations create environments where people, teams, and businesses can thrive." ForgePoint Partners supports organizations in a range of areas, including: Leadership team alignment and executive effectiveness Culture assessment, development, and transformation Leadership development and employee engagement Operational excellence and process improvement Quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability enhancement Organizational transformation and change management Succession planning and leadership capability building Supply chain and supplier performance improvement Fractional executive leadership and strategic advisory support The firm primarily serves manufacturing, industrial, logistics, distribution, and other operationally intensive organizations seeking to improve performance while creating stronger, healthier cultures and more effective leadership teams. The founders believe that sustainable results are achieved when organizations address both the people side and the operational side of the business simultaneously. "ForgePoint Partners was founded on a simple belief: businesses achieve exceptional results when leadership is aligned, culture is healthy, processes are effective, and people are empowered to perform," said the founders in a joint statement. "Our mission is to help organizations strengthen these foundations, solve meaningful challenges, and build stronger businesses for the future." About ForgePoint Partners ForgePoint Partners is an executive-led advisory firm that helps manufacturing, industrial, logistics, and operationally complex organizations strengthen leadership, build healthy cultures, improve processes, elevate performance, and create long-term enterprise value. Founded by experienced operators and business leaders, ForgePoint Partners works alongside organizations to develop practical solutions that deliver measurable and sustainable results.
By Jackie Simon Cotone • September 21, 2026
Dogtopia of Summerville Celebrates Fall While Raising Funds for a Third Service Dog for a Veteran Monthlong lineup includes Veteran tributes, community fundraising, fall festivities and a Halloween costume contest
By Caroline Titze • September 21, 2026
Chamber Welcomes Jaydee Wood as Director of Marketing & Communications
By Angela Humphries • September 13, 2026
Sew Fabulous Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 list celebrates businesses driving growth and innovation in their communities and around the world September 9, 2026 SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—, its award-winning digital platform for small businesses, have named Sew Fabulous LLC to the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. Sew Fabulous was selected from more than 12,000 applicants by an esteemed panel of judges in recognition of its impressive growth, innovative strategies and commitment to its customers. The 2026 honorees represent 36 states and Washington, D.C., and include groundbreaking startups, innovative manufacturers, community builders and next-generation consumer brands. “To be named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses is an extraordinary honor,” said Angela Humphries, founder and owner of Sew Fabulous. “Sew Fabulous began with a sewing machine and a desire to serve people well. Today, we are creating meaningful local employment, developing the next generation of skilled professionals and helping individuals and organizations throughout our community look and feel their best. This recognition belongs to our dedicated team, our loyal customers and the Summerville community that has supported us throughout our journey.” Each CO—100 honoree receives a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, national brand exposure, exclusive access to expert business insights and networking opportunities, and membership in a national community of business leaders. Humphries will travel to Washington, D.C., October 19–21 to participate in events at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s historic headquarters. The experience will include the Small Business Forum, networking opportunities and an awards dinner recognizing outstanding achievement across 10 categories of excellence. Ten businesses will receive a $2,000 award for achievement in their respective categories. One company will be named the CO—100 Top Business of 2026 and receive a $25,000 prize. “Small businesses embody the spirit of opportunity that drives America’s economy forward. This year’s CO—100 honorees are solving problems, creating jobs, and strengthening their communities in remarkable ways,” said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Their success stories remind us that when entrepreneurs have the freedom to innovate and grow, the impact extends far beyond their own businesses.” About Sew Fabulous Founded in 2015, Sew Fabulous is a Summerville-based alterations and embroidery company serving individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the Lowcountry. Its services include everyday alterations, bridal and formalwear alterations, professional embroidery, uniform services and custom branded apparel. Sew Fabulous has earned more than 1,200 five-star Google reviews and numerous local awards for its craftsmanship, customer service and commitment to the community. To learn more about Sew Fabulous, visit SewFabulousSummerville.com. Media Contact Angela Humphries Founder and Owner, Sew Fabulous LLC [email protected] 843 277 7101 SewFabulousSummerville.com
By Caroline Titze • September 3, 2026
Edward L. Kabine Receives SCMEP Lifetime Service Award
By Caroline Titze • September 3, 2026
Semi-Formal Benefit Banquet at Seacoast Summerville to Raise $100,000 for Residential Addiction Recovery
By Member Submission • August 31, 2026
This is Your Chance to Audition for Local, National, and International Scouting Opportunities! 
By Member Submission • August 31, 2026
Through its Community Support Awards Program, the shop takes the net proceeds generated from everyday donated goods and awards them as direct cash grants to other local nonprofits across Summerville.