About the Chamber

The members of the Board of Directors, each serving staggered terms, are elected by the membership of the organization. The Board is the policy-making or legislative arm of the Chamber. We make policy statements according to our members wishes. The Board is comprised of local business leaders who volunteer their time and energies to make sure that the many and varied programs of the Chamber are carried out. In order to carry out the major programs of the Chamber, a volunteer system of committees, chaired by the Directors division, is organized including economic development, long range planning, education, industrial development, community development, public relations, finance and administration, public policy and government relations, and tourism. Each year, the Board of Directors of the Chamber works on the organization's Program of Work, which highlights priority action-areas for the coming year.

In any community, it is from the profitable operation of business that all other benefits are derived. Only by succeeding in this fundamental goal can we provide the jobs and produce the wealth to finance all of the governmental, civic, cultural, and charitable needs that our community is faced with everyday. The Chamber does many diverse things to accomplish that primary goal. We have five area councils: Hanahan, Sangaree, Moncks Corner, Daniel Island, and Goose Creek. These councils meet three to four times a year to address issues of their area, however all members are invited to all of the area council meetings. Other large events held each year are the Annual Meeting, the Economic Forecast, the Legislative Delegation Luncheon, Salute to the Small Business, Teacher of the Year Breakfast and the Breakfast of Champions. Our Chamber participates in 14 to 19 trade shows per year. We advertise in national newspapers and magazines promoting visitors to our area. We offer additional marketing opportunities to our members. We hold periodic seminars and workshops to aid our members and their employees in the operation of their businesses. We work on environmental issues and keep members abreast of legislation that could have an impact on our businesses in Berkeley County.

When asked what makes business boom locally and Berkeley County economic development director Al Kennedy says "the workforce." "In our area, we have some of the most productive people. … Local people out produce plants all over the world."

Reliable water, sewer and electrical services at industrial development sites compliment that workforce. Industry is considered an integral part of the community's economic development plan.

Berkeley County's transportation system — including waterways, interstate highways, port facilities and a nearby international airport — also encourage manufacturing businesses to locate here, he said. "Our transportation system is very good," he said.

The area's container port is Number 2 on the East Coast, and waterways through Berkeley County enable seagoing barges to serve local industries. Kennedy noted that the history of a varied and reliable transportation system dates to the 1700's, when plantations sent crops from local docks to Charleston. "The Cooper River has always been the superhighway" for products that need to be sent by cargo or container ship, he said.

Kennedy said county government has favorable relations with industry because "we like manufacturing." He noted that manufacturing jobs teach local residents new skills and pay higher that average wages. Manufacturing companies also have a high number of employees compared to other businesses.

Ted Creech, regional director for BellSouth, said, "Berkeley County, from its political leaders to small businesses are focused on a pro-business atmosphere."

Jason Baucom, general manager of Baucom's Nursery's local site, said, "it's easy to do business here. … Berkeley County has been very good to us." Companies that locate in Berkeley County know they can offer their employees a high quality of life, Kennedy said. Benefits include a good local education system and local opportunities for higher education; a high level of culture and history; sports entertainment; and outdoor recreation, ranging from hiking to paddle trails.

Kennedy said the county works at having a balanced industrial mix. "We court industries that are environmentally friendly. … We've turned away those that don't fit. We want to protect what we have."

The Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst ...a common vehicle through which the enlightened mutual interests of all segments of the business community work together for the common good of the total community. The major benefit of membership in the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is that the Chamber acts as the unified voice of over 500 area businesses, including industry and professional firms. Join our organization and be assured your businesses voice will be heard.