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Advocacy

The Chamber Exists to Be Your Voice

We speak for businesses like yours every day by working closely with local and state government entities to monitor issues that affect business in our community. Lobbying efforts, community action campaigns, special events and regular legislative updates allow the Chamber to serve effectively as the voice of  business in York County. Established to keep in mind the best interests of local businesses and to hear the concerns of the Chamber membership, our Government Relations Task Force is representative of all areas of the county and all types and sizes of business. 

Legislative Agenda

Each year, the Regional Chamber reviews vital legislation and works closely with our representatives at the SC Statehouse and in Congress to determine the best course of action for businesses here in York County. As we develop our own Legislative Agenda, we also keep in close contact with our neighboring chambers to be sure we work together for the best possible outcomes. For over 20 years the chambers of commerce of York County, including our York County Regional Chamber, along with the Greater Clover and Lake Wylie chambers, have come together to speak as one for our community. View our 2023 Legislative Priorities here.

Grassroots Efforts

Each year, the SC Chamber of Commerce hits the road to hear from business leaders across the state about specific concerns in each area. This grassroots effort takes the form of regional luncheons and for many years YCRC has hosted the event for our tri-county area. Generally, business representatives and local/state lawmakers are present for a facilitated but open discussion, with the feedback received helping to shape the State Chamber's annual Competitiveness Agenda. This agenda lays out the priorities of South Carolina's business community for next year’s legislative session and provides our local chambers with an opportunity to partner with this larger organization on issues that matter the most to York County.

Local Initiatives

The Chamber is often asked to participate in local projects that ultimately support business success. For example, to allow local merchants to better compete with those in the Charlotte area, we have successfully led efforts to dissolve our state's historic retail Blue Laws, and the campaign to allow both retailers and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages seven days a week. These initiatives continue to give local consumers the opportunity to support local business, keeping revenue here and bolstering our economy.  YCRC has also supported the Pennies for Progress campaigns, keeping our roads adequate for the transportation of goods and services, but also keeping roads safe for employees and their families.

Accomplishments

In the past five years, we've been busy ensuring that our communities are not only business-friendly, but also safer places to live for your company's employees and their families.  Including those initiatives mentioned above, here are a few more items we're proud to have accomplished on your behalf:

  •  Monitored and addressed key growth management and business taxation issues
  •  Assisted in the passage of various school bond referenda for both Fort Mill and Rock Hill public school districts
  •  Played a major leadership role in coordinating the public awareness campaign and the passage of three “Pennies For Progress” referenda
  •  Led efforts in Rock Hill and York County to gain referendum approval of seven-day restaurant alcohol sales and for York County’s retail beer and wine sales.
  •  Worked with County Council to exempt county retailers from blue law restrictions on Sunday operating hours
  •  Lent support for reducing impaired driving and underage drinking, by supporting a pact by downtown Rock Hill businesses and local service providers
  •  Played a major role in passing the referendum to change the service of County Council members from 2-year to more effective 4-year terms
  •  Assisted in the passage by the state legislature of additional funds for improving state roads
  •  Emphasized the need for increased local and state funding for transportation
  •  Assisted in the introduction of Fort Mill School District Impact Fees on new residential construction
  •  Led efforts to change State law, allowing Sunday alcohol service to continue in York County restaurants and retail stores
  •  Supported the continuation of business tax credits for revitalizing abandoned buildings and investing in small business growth
  •  Encouraged funding for designated I-77 interchanges

 

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