Senator Lindsey Graham Visits Columbia Chamber with Message of National Security Warning

As a part of a two-day statewide base tour, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham visited the Columbia Chamber today (May 30, 2012) for a press conference warning of the severe negative impact the looming budget sequestration will have on our national security.

Graham was joined by Congressman Joe Wilson of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, and meet with local media before holding a roundtable discussion with local military and community leaders. Graham spoke on how the budget will affect the men and women serving our nation in uniform, and South Carolina’s defense infrastructure.

After the luncheon, Graham traveled to Fort Jackson for meetings with the Army base’s leadership. Leading military officials including Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have warned that sequestration will decimate our Armed Forces. He noted that if the military sustained $1 trillion in cuts over the next decade, “we would have the smallest ground forces since 1940, the smallest number of ships since 1915, and the smallest Air Force in history.”

Graham’s statewide tour includes stops in Greenville, Beaufort, Charleston, Sumter and Eastover as he continues to raise awareness of the devastating effects these cuts will have on our national security and economy. The stop here in Columbia was hosted by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Check out more photos from the event here.

Columbia Chamber Sponsors S.C.-Israel Benefit

Curious about doing business in Israel or maybe you’re ready to find an Israeli partner.

Join the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration and MITA, the Midlands International Trade Association for “The South Carolina-Israel Experience: How the Midlands Can Benefit” from noon-2 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at the Columbia Marriott Hotel. Cost is $25 per person.

Featured speakers will include Jonathan Zucker, president of the Inter/Tech Group in Charleston and chairman of the collaboration; Tom Vogt, associate vice president for research at USC; Diane Weiner, director of business development for the Israeli company Healarium; and Tom Glaser, president of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsors for this event include the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, USC/Innovista, the Central South Carolina Economic Development Alliance and Parker Poe Law Firm.

The South Carolina-Israel Collaboration, formed in 2011, has already succeeded in raising our state’s profile in Israel and generating business and research relationships that are beneficial to both sides. A 26-person South Carolina delegation to Israel last November included a significant group from the Midlands, and another such economic development trip is being planned for 2012.

Please RSVP by Friday, June 4 to research@findnewmarkets.com or by phone, (803)-777-1177.

March 15 | Columbia Airport Review Meeting

ISSUES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA | March 7

ISSUES COMMITTEE MEETING

Palmetto Room

Tuesday, March 7, 2012 @ 8AM

AGENDA

Welcome & Introductions
Tom Runge, Ellis Lawhorne
Chamber Vice Chair, Public Policy

Vote on SC Angel Tax Credit, H3779
Grant Jackson, Columbia Chamber
will be available to respond to questions

River Alliance Update
John McArthur, Chairman
Mike Dawson, Executive Director
The River Alliance

Smith Land Company Ruling (H.4654)
Randy Lowell, Environmental Attorney
Willoughby & Hoefer

BRAC  Update (Base Realignment and Closure)
Ike McLeese, Pres & CEO
Columbia Chamber

Open Discussion | Future Topics for Discussion
Tom Runge

Adjournment
Tom Runge

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, April 3

 

 

Task force meeting to protect SC military bases from spending cuts

via TheState.com
By JEFF WILKINSON – jwilkinson@thestate.com

The South Carolina Military Base Task Force is set to meet today to discuss ways to protect the state’s installations from deep cuts proposed by the Obama administration and the Defense Department, particularly to the Army and Marines.

It will be the first time the task force has met since Haley took office more than a year ago.

Critics claimed that Haley, who didn’t make appointments to the board until about three weeks ago, was tardy in building a plan to preserve the $13 billion that is pumped into South Carolina’s economy each year by its four major bases in Columbia, Charleston, Sumter and Beaufort.

But the appointments — which include heavy hitters such as Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and SC Adjutant Gen. Bob Livingston, as well as mayors, chamber of commerce heads and county council chairs from the four military communities — now pave the way for a state-wide strategy, said Maj. Gen. William “Dutch” Holland, a former commander of the Ninth Air Force, the planning and logistical arm of Air Force air power in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

“I think we’re OK,” said Holland, now executive director of the Shaw-Sumter Partnership for Progress and a member of the task force. “This is good impetus to get us all together, lock the door … and decide where we want to go on a united basis.”

SC Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom is chairman of the committee.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey said Haley will work with the state’s federal delegation and the task force to protect SC military bases from cuts.

“It’s time to speak with one voice as we move to protect all of our military bases and defense programs,” he said in a release.

A spokeswoman for Commerce said both Hitt and deputy commerce secretary George Patrick — a retired major general and former executive coordinator of the task force — will attend today’s meeting.

“Secretary Hitt is keenly aware of the impact that the military presence has on South Carolina’s overall economy,” spokeswoman Amy Love said in a release.

In January, Obama and the Defense Department mandated $487 billion in cuts to the U.S. military over the next 10 years — cuts that are expected to impact South Carolina’s major military installations. And they and the Pentagon have asked for two more rounds of base closings and realignments, called BRAC, in 2013 and 2015.

A mutual effort between the state and the military communities paid off in the last round of BRAC, in 2005, when Fort Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base gained missions, most notably the national Drill Sergeant School at Fort Jackson and Third Army at Shaw.

Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said that in addition to fending off losses and positioning the installations to gain missions, the task force also needs to develop strategies for caring for service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and finding employment for those forced to leave the service.

Among the priorities are:

•  Finding jobs with the state for those forced to leave the service because of draw downs

•  Ensuring that returning SC National Guard members and Reservists retain their jobs or find new ones after deployment

•  Establishing a state-wide network for attaining those goals

“In the past we’ve targeted issues that were mental or physical in nature,” said McLeese, a task force member. “Now the thing that has moved to the No. 1 priority is helping them find jobs.”

News: Statement on Establishment of State Ports Authority Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund by House Ways and Means Committee

“We are most appreciative of the members of House Ways and Means Committee for recognizing the importance of our state’s harbors by establishing the State Ports Authority Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund. Modernizing our harbors is essential to meet the demands of global trade and to fulfill the Ports Authority’s mission of fostering economic activity and job creation in our state.

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project offers the best value for a true post-Panamax harbor in the entire Southeast region, and we commend the Ways and Means Committee for their strong support for a deepened shipping channel in Charleston.”

Bill Stern, Chairman

Jim Newsome, President and CEO

South Carolina Ports Authority

Chamber’s Issue Committee Recap

The Chamber’s Issues Committee met on Tuesday, February 07, 2012 with 42 Chamber members in attendance.

The topics discussed were as follows:

The “Bill Wylie Entrepreneurship Act”  or SC Angel Tax Credit:  The Committee discussed this issue and will further discuss at the March meeting to determine the Committee’s level of support.  Currently the bill is in Senate Finance, H.3779; it was passed by the House last year.

The False Claims Act, Public Fraud Legislation:  The Committee voted to not support the bill as currently drafted.  The Chamber Executive Committee voted to “oppose” the bill to confirm that  this issue does not support our business friendly agenda.  S1003 and S1018 are both in a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee. They have not been introduced in the House.

The SC Abandoned Buildings Revitalization Act:  The Committee voted unanimously to support this bill when it is introduced.  The Chamber Executive Committee withheld approval pending a determination of the positions of the SC Chamber and building and commercial real estate associations. Ike McLeese informed Rep Smith of the Committee’s decision.

Ike McLeese reviewed the Base Realignment and Closure Report and highlighted local efforts to prepare for this round of review.

The next Chamber Issues Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8am, Palmetto Room at the Chamber.  Contact Susan Vaughan McPherson, 733-1148 for additional information.

BUSINESS SERVICES REVIEW TASK FORCE TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUM OCT. 17

The Business Services Review Task Force, a partnership between the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the City of Columbia and Richland County to establish a more business friendly environment in the Midlands, will hold a community forum on Monday, Oct. 17.

The Chamber, City and County created the Task Force, which held its first meeting last month, as a result of concerns raised by local businesses related to delays and difficulties within the various departments responsible for approvals and permits required for current or planned projects. The forum will give businesses that have participated in the government approvals process an opportunity to offer feedback.

The community feedback will be used by the Task Force as it works to review the government approval processes, identify strengths and weaknesses with the processes, recommend methods to improve the processes, and establish measurable standards to increase speed, accuracy, consistency and customer service.

Watch a video with David Brands, Chairman of the Business Services Review Task Force.

The forum will take place at 4 p.m. at the South Carolina Bar, 950 Taylor St., in downtown Columbia. The forum is open to the public.

WHAT: Business Services Review Task Force Community Forum

WHEN: Monday, October 17, 4 p.m.

WHERE: S.C. Bar Conference Center | 1501 Park St., Columbia

First Day of School Initiative

The Columbia Chamber, in support of the City of Columbia and Mayor Benjamin, is proud to promote the First Day of School Initiative to all Midlands Businesses.

The program is designed to help students start the school year off right and encourage parent involvement in the classroom. We ask all employers to read the letter below from the Mayor and sign a commitment form to allow your employees participate in this important parent involvement initiative.

For more information and to receive a commitment form, contact Sam Johnson (803.545.3038) at the City of Columbia.

Dear Columbia Chamber members,

The first day of school is now only weeks away and, whether they are just beginning kindergarten or kicking off their senior years, students across our region are working to prepare for a new school year.

I hope you will join me in doing everything we can to make that first day a success and demonstrate to our students that education is a top priority in the Midlands Region by taking part in our First Day of School Initiative.

Last year the City of Columbia kicked off First Day by providing all City of Columbia employees with school age children, two hours to take their children to school or otherwise volunteer.  The point is to encourage them to work hard, have fun, and start a new year of learning on the right foot.

This effort was such a resounding success that this year we are expanding the program and we want you to be part of the First Day Honor Roll team.

Attached you will find my letter to employees for your information, a chart noting the start dates for districts and schools throughout Richland and Lexington Counties as well as a copy of our Honor Roll Commitment Form which explains how you and your employees can participate in this exciting initiative.

If you are interested in participating, we ask that you complete the Honor Roll Commitment Form and return it to my office no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, August 10^th.

The first day of school is a time of promise and opportunity. Together, we can get our children off to a great start, eager to learn and feeling our support and our love.

Sincerely,

Stephen K. Benjamin

Mayor | Columbia, SC

SOUTH CAROLINA-ISRAEL COLLABORATION VISITS THE GREATER COLUMBIA REGION

The South Carolina-Israel Collaboration— a major initiative of the state’s research universities, industries, and economic development agencies as well as the Israeli government—will be announced during a series of events during the week of July 27^th in the Upstate, Midlands, and Low Country.

Coordinated by the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Region (AICC), the Collaboration is supported through a grant by Charleston-based The InterTech Group.   According to the organizers, it is being built around six identified clusters of strength in South Carolina and Israel where there is the strong potential of synergy and relevance to businesses and researchers in the state:  Biomedical, Advanced Materials, Sustainable Systems, Transportation, Defense / Security, and Insurance / Health IT.

Through this series of education events, the Collaboration’s partners will share their plans to strengthen South Carolina’s economy through business and research partnerships with Israel; examples of how Israel has become the “Start-up Nation” with the world’s top entrepreneurial innovation economy; case studies of an Israeli company establishing an operation in the state or a South Carolina company finding success in the Israeli market; collaborative research between South Carolina and Israeli universities;  and a week-long economic and trade mission to Israel in November for a delegation of South Carolina’s industry and scientific leaders.  These events will be held at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce on July 27 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am; at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce on July 27 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm; and at the SCRA in Charleston on July 28 from 10:00 am to noon.

“South Carolina does not have much recognition in Israel, but that is going to change very soon.  I have never seen such an outstanding group of universities, economic development entities, and private sector working so well together, and I’m confident that industries and researchers in the state will embrace this dynamic Collaboration that shows so much potential,” said AICC President Tom Glaser.  The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce (www.aiccse.org) is a bi-national business association with the mission of increasing economic development by fostering understanding, cooperation, and business relationships between Israel and the Southeast.  Since its founding in 1992, the Chamber has been involved in completed transactions valued at almost $1 billion, creating jobs and benefiting the economies of both Israel and the Southeast.

In addition to AICC, partners in this effort include Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina; the Chambers of Commerce in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston; the Jewish Federations in the state; the US–Israel Science and Technology Foundation; New Carolina; SCRA; the Charleston Regional Development Alliance; the American Israel Educational Institute;  the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast; and the Israel Economic Mission.

“From our company’s experiences, Israel is an amazing country in which to do business and find innovation.  Israel is already an important trade partner for our state, and we’ve been impressed by the business and research potential that can elevate the economies of both South Carolina and Israel,” said Jonathan Zucker, President of The InterTech Group who is chairman of the South Carolina-Israel Collaboration