SC Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Alliance to become new joint entity

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will merge with the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, state leaders announced Tuesday morning at the Statehouse – with both boards and members voting to combine into one organization.

“For more than eight decades, the SC Chamber, and the SC Manufacturers Alliance, have each served as the voice of business in our state — advocating, connecting, and leading,” says Thomas Rhodes, Chair of the SC Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the new operation will be called South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce — and will be lead by SCMA’s current President Sara Hazzard.

“A larger and more effective organization for achieving critical policy goals, allowing our team to continue important advocacy work on behalf of the state’s manufacturers and businesses. Fighting for a competitive tax environment, available and affordable energy, meaningful lawsuit reform, modern infrastructure, a balanced regulatory framework and a skilled and ready workforce,” says Hazzard.

Leaders, including House Speaker Murrell Smith, believe the merger will allow the business community across the state to speak with one unified voice and accomplish shared goals.

“It is the very essence of communicating, collaborating, and cooperating. They’ll still be focused on different things but they’ll be sitting all at the same table as they discuss them and make plans,” says Governor Henry McMaster.

Rhodes promises small businesses will still be prioritized after the merger, saying, “The Chamber and now SCMC has always been what we call ‘a big tent’ organization that represents ‘mom and pops’ like mine. I’m the Chairman of the Chamber but I have a small business, to large manufacturers like Sonoco who’s based in Hartsville and part of the Fortune 500,” Rhodes says.

The new SCMC is expected to be one of the largest advocacy groups in South Carolina’s history.