2015 Legislative Guide by Charleston Metro Chamber

2015 LEGISLATIVE GUIDE

CONTENTS Introduction Letter

2015 Legislative Agenda

2014 Business Advocacy Committee

Process

Guiding Principles

Talent

Transportation and Infrastructure

Economic Development

Military Base Retention and Expansion

Regulatory

Elected Official Contacts

Business Advocacy Team

4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 North Charleston, SC 29405 www.charlestonchamber.net p: 843.577.2510

Working as the unified voice of our region’s business community in the halls of government, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting legislation that will improve our business climate and positively impact our region’s rapidly expanding economy. Our Business Advocacy Team is representing you every day at the local, state and federal levels. Our professional team, including our full-time state lobbyist, George Ramsey, have strong relationships with all our elected officials – from the school board to the United States Senate. We are working every day to ensure your operating climate is supportive of your business. Our top issues are the ones you have told us to focus on – talent, infrastructure and the regulatory environment. Within our Legislative Agenda, you will find priorities that focus on these three areas. As a Chamber member, you and your business play a key role in the legislative process. We invite you to take a close look at our 2015 legislative priorities and urge you to get involved. By taking the time to contact your elected representative – whether a simple phone call, email or letter – you can have a direct impact on the legislative process and will help strengthen the Chamber’s advocacy voice. We have developed this guide to keep you informed about the Chamber’s 2015 priorities and to provide you with a resource guide. Included, you will find contact information for all of our local, state and federal elected officials. We encourage you to keep this guide close by and to join us in engaging in the legislative process. Thank you for your investment in the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. Sincerely,

Bryan S. Derreberry President and CEO

Laura G. Varn 2015 Board Chair

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Addressing the Region’s Talent and Infrastructure Needs

The Charleston region (Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties) is home to more than 17,000 businesses supporting more than 316,000 jobs. The region produces a combined gross metropolitan product of $31 billion. With more than 1,600 member organizations representing 100,000 professionals, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the collective voice of the business community. We are the catalyst for advancing the region’s economy and enhancing members’ success through Advocacy, Innovation, Talent and Business Development. While every business has a unique set of issues and assets, the Chamber’s 2015 Legislative agenda focuses on the top issues that impact every business and organization in our region. Through one-on-one conversations, surveys, events, programs and the work of the Chamber’s various committees and task forces, our Business Advocacy Committee thoroughly researched our members needs and recommended to the Chamber’s Board of Directors that our 2015 State Legislative Agenda focus on two areas: • Ensuring the region has a growing pipeline of talent with the skills we need for both now and in the future • That our state’s infrastructure system has the funds it needs to sustain economic growth

2015 BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEE Patrick Bryant, Chairman Go To Team Bryan Derreberry Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Deb Campeau Trident Health Geraldine Dukes Clemson University Restoration Institute Mark Elam The Boeing Company Jim Gray Jim Gray Consultants LLC David Hamburger Charleston Defense Contractors Association Shirley Hinson College of Charleston Meg Howle Trident Technical College Jamiel Kadri Fulcrum Staffing Mike McGinty Wells Fargo Insurance Services

PROCESS

How does the Chamber take a position?

Barbara Melvin SC Ports Authority Denver Merrill Maritime Association of South Carolina Jack Mitchell AT&T Lauren Newman Carolina One Real Estate Gary Plyler MAU Workforce Solutions Arnold Singleton Santee Cooper Kendra Stewart College of Charleston Eddie Twilley Twilley, Fondren & Associates LLC Ed Vaughan SunTrust Melvin Williams SM&E Inc.

Each year, the Chamber identifies the top legislative priorities that it will pursue in the South Carolina General Assembly. Issues are vetted through the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee, and the Committee recommends the legislative priorities to the Chamber’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Issues are identified through interaction from Chamber members, including surveys, committee meetings, programs and events and one-on-one meetings. The Chamber’s lobbyist and Advocacy staff researches all issues and recommends legislative action to the Committee. The Business Advocacy Committee is comprised of representatives of various committees, task forces and sectors of the Chamber’s membership in an effort to ensure all types, sizes and business interests are involved in the public policy process. Once the agenda is set, the Chamber’s lobbyist meets with the region’s legislative delegation to outline the priorities for the year. A weekly update on activities at the State House are regularly distributed to the Chamber’s full membership. In addition to the agenda, the Guiding Principles represent the overall view of the Chamber on various issues. The Guiding Principles are reviewed and adopted annually by the Business Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors and provide the Chamber’s lobbyist with a set of values to follow if an issue(s) comes up that needs immediate response.

Tate Ziegler SC Ports Authority

CHARLESTON METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS ADVOCACY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The following are standing positions taken through the Chamber’s Business Advocacy process. All positions are adopted by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Business Creation, Recruitment, Retention and Expansion

Comprehensive Tax Reform

Education and Workforce Development

Support legislation that will help the region to attract quality business, industry and jobs to the area and to expand existing business and industry.

Advocate for comprehensive state-wide tax reform measures that ensure fairness, stability, predictability, accountability and compliance while equitably balancing income, property and sales tax levies based proportionally on necessary services and the ability to pay.

Environment and Energy

Healthcare

Hospitality

Environmental legislation regulation should not unnecessarily increase the administrative burden, resulting in unnecessary regulations, project delays or become cost prohibitive to business.

Work to reduce healthcare costs for business, as rising costs directly impacts operating budgets.

The continued vitality of the visitor industry is critical to support the thousands of hospitality-based businesses operating in the region.

Advocate the changes necessary in early childhood, K-12 and higher education to prepare all students for the careers of the future and to provide a skilled workforce to support the region’s employers.

for a detailed version with full background, visit

www.charlestonchamber.net/legislative-agenda

#CHASADVOCACY

Military and Federal Facilities Retention and Expansion The Military Policy Council works closely with the entire South Carolina congressional delegation on retaining the 22,000 jobs associated with the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military facilities and to expand the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $8.8 billion military/federal presence by seeking additional missions and expansion opportunities.

Port Development Support the continued growth and expansion of South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ports.

Regulatory

Immigration Reform

Advocate for a business climate that is conducive to business expansion. The regulatory environment of the state must be balanced and not burdensome for business. Ensure federal regulations are not overly burdensome to business from agencies such as NLRB, EPA and OSHA.

Support comprehensive immigration at the federal level to ensure a uniform approach.

Regional Land Use Planning/Workforce Housing Continue to promote our Sustainable Growth Ethic which involves building on prosperity through the principles of Choice, Balance and Stewardship. Our vision is to grow in a manner that improves quality of life for all citizens in the region, including those yet to be born or move here.

Transportation & Infrastructure Modern, up-to-date infrastructure must be maintained for the region to effectively compete in the global marketplace. Without the ability to move goods and services to customers, businesses cannot compete and succeed.

TALENT

The ability to produce, attract and retain talent is critical to the region’s long-term economic success and global competitiveness. Educated residents with specialized skills and knowledge fuel the performance of existing firms and serve to attract new employers to our region.

LOCAL

In 2014, the Chamber commissioned a comprehensive Talent Demand Analysis to examine how the region is working to fill the pipeline of needed workers both now and in the future. The study shows that many of the region’s technical and high-wage jobs are being filled by highly-educated workers moving in from out-of-state. The study also identified key gaps in the region’s education system (high school through higher education) that need to be filled in order for local students to be prepared for careers in the highest demand occupations.

• Implement a regional Career Awareness Campaign to showcase high demand occupations to build the needed talent pipeline to support future growth The Talent Demand Study highlighted the fact that the region’s rapidly growing economy is creating a need for more technical job skills that many in the community are not aware of – from teachers, counselors, parents and students. A Career Awareness Campaign should be launched to help educate the public about the types of jobs/skills that are in highest demand and how to access the needed training to obtain these skills. ngage businesses with local college career offices to work to retain local college graduates in the E region. As part of the Career Awareness Campaign, the Chamber will engage with local colleges and universities to help place local students in internships and match skills of graduates with local business needs.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

• Support the Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative The newly formed Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC) is a collective impact model designed to align educational efforts in the community. The Chamber is a partner, active participant and supporter of this new effort.

• Support the development and expansion of Career Academies in all area public high schools by expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum at all levels in K-12 In 2013, the region launched seven pilot Career Academies within five area high schools. Following a highly successful pilot year, the region now has 23 Career Academies in 11 high schools. More than 5,000 high school students are enrolled in the Academies in four discipline areas – STEM, Health Science, Culinary/Hospitality and Business/IT. The most successful Career Academies models across the country have highly engaged business partners. To-date, more than 100 businesses have become partners with the Academies in the three county region. Plans are underway to add 19 additional Academies by the fall of the 2015/2016 academic year.

SHORTAGES ARE EXPECTED IN KEY FIELDS General Assemblers

188

General Machinists

Welders

Computer Programmers

162

Computer Security

111

Computer Network Admin 13

Mechanical Engineers

Electrical Engineers

Material Engineers & Techs

Civil Engineers

Industrial Eng. Techs

Aerospace Engineers

Electrical Eng. Techs

Engineering: All Occupations

Biological Technicians

125

Medical Secretaries

Medical Lab Technicians

Emergency Med. Techs

Medical: Select Technician Level Occupations

Dental Assistants

24 19

Health Counselors

Accounting Support

103

Elementary Teachers

Middle/Sec. Teachers

Supply Chain

Library Specialists

Advertising/Sales Mgrs

Accountants/Tax Examiners Public Relations Specialists

# of Annual Job Openings above and beyond college graduate output.

Industrial Engineers

Nuclear Med./Rad. Techs

Software & IT: All Occupations

Computer Scientists Web Developers

Production: All Occupations

31 12

Other: Select Occupations in Accounting, Education, Supply Chain, Librarians, Advertising and Public Relations 7

STATE

TALENT

• Secure needed $41 million in state funding to build the Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College The SC General Assembly approved $10 million in funding for the $79 million training campus. Charleston County Council has approved $18.75 million and the City of North Charleston approved $1 million. Trident Technical College will be seeking additional funding from the General Assembly in 2015. he 215,000-square-foot training hub would provide training in aircraft assembly, aircraft maintenance T and avionics. It also would expand the two-year college’s aeronautical curriculum. Trident Tech currently offers four airplane-related degrees or certificate tracks – aircraft maintenance technology, aircraft assembly technology, avionics maintenance technology and basic industrial work skills. All of the programs are operating at capacity with waiting lists for students to enter the programs. With the recent announcement that Boeing will bring all of the assembly work for the 787-10 to North Charleston and the growing aeronautics cluster in South Carolina, the training campus is urgently needed to provide the needed skilled workforce. he college’s new facility is planned to be housed on part of 25 acres adjacent to its main campus on T Rivers Avenue. • Pass needed legislation to grant University of Charleston R1 status H.4632, known as the Charleston University Act, did not pass the General Assembly during the 2014 session. The bill would have provided the College of Charleston the authority to develop graduate degree programs under the existing University of Charleston.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

FEDERAL

he College of Charleston has filed a revised mission statement which has been approved by the SC T Commission on Higher Education. The final step to achieve R1 status will be the Charleston University Act legislation. Only a minor change to the existing legislation authorizing Charleston University is needed in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.

• Lobby Congress for comprehensive immigration reform S ince 2007, the Chamber has supported comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level as the basis to ensure consistent, balanced regulation of immigration issues from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. or the Chamber, this issue is about talent and workforce. Even with the success of the Career F Academies and expansion of higher education degrees in our region, we will not be able to expand our workforce pipeline to meet the long-term needs of business. Students who come to the U.S. to learn high-tech fields should have a clear path to stay here and put their skills to work, filling needed skills gaps. The current VISA system is outdated and doesn’t allow that to happen. Additionally, there are many jobs that simply go unfilled in the hospitality industry, construction and agriculture. We need immigration reform to help fill these gaps as well.

The Chamber strongly believes in a comprehensive transportation system that addresses roads, bridges, rail, air, sea and alternative modes of transportation including a strong public transportation system and comprehensive biking and walking infrastructure.

LOCAL

• Advance the Chamber’s 18 infrastructure priorities for our region The Chamber formed the Infrastructure Visioning Task Force in the fall of 2011 to develop an infrastructure priorities platform for the Chamber’s Business Advocacy efforts. The purpose of the Task Force was to prioritize the short and long-term infrastructure needs of the Charleston region.

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Employers in the region know how critical transportation infrastructure is, not only for enabling their workforce to commute to and from work each day, but also for the critical role played by transportation and infrastructure in getting goods and services to market. The Charleston region has critical transportation needs today and unless we address them the issues will only worsen over time.

I n 2013, the Task Force reorganized to update the 2011 infrastructure priorities, give a progress report on the projects that are underway, identify future needs, as well as assess the return on investment to taxpayers from the current transportation sales tax programs in each of the region’s three counties. he Task Force has developed a set of 18 infrastructure priorities for the region and continues to work T on finding solutions at the federal, state and local levels to fund the current and long-term infrastructure in the region. •S upport expansion projects for the Port of Charleston including the completion of the cruise terminal and Post 45 Harbor Deepening C harleston’s ports contribute more than $44 billion in annual economic impact to our state and the proposed deepening will help to ensure that our ports are positioned to compete globally for many years to come. The deepening will allow us to accommodate the Post Panamax ships 24/7 and 365 days per year. The deepening is critical to maintain our global competitiveness. he cruise industry has been part of our working waterfront for decades, bringing jobs and business T to our area. Today, the cruise industry’s annual economic impact exceeds $37 million. The cruise industry is one segment of the overall Port of Charleston’s business portfolio.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

• Support the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Government’s I-26 ALT plan recommendations The region’s transportation planning agency has a comprehensive study underway to examine transportation alternatives to alleviate congestion on I-26. The study will include public input as well as transportation analysis and will look at alternatives including CARTA, bus rapid transit, commuter rail and light rail options.

STATE

hile the State’s user fee is the lowest in the Southeast and the third lowest in the nation, the South W Carolina state highway system is the fourth largest in the nation with 41,429 miles. This is 63% or two-thirds of the public miles in the state and over three times higher than the national average of 19%.

FEDERAL

TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

• Raise the motor user fuel fee by at least $.25 per gallon and to index the fee for inflation Highway funding in South Carolina comes primarily from the 16.75 cents per gallon motor fuel user fee, which was last increased in 1987 and has never been adjusted for inflation. Across the Southeast, 51% of state source highway funding is derived from sources other than fuel user fees. In South Carolina, close to 90% of SCDOT’s state revenues come from the user fee on motor fuel.

• Support continued funding for Post 45 Charleston Harbor Deepening project The Army Corps of Engineers completed the Post 45 study this year and recommended Charleston Harbor be deepened to 52 feet. Funding for the deepening project will come from federal and state sources. The SC Legislature has set aside the needed funding to match federal dollars for the deepening project. The Obama Administration included funding for the deepening study. The Chamber will continue to lobby for federal dollars each year until the deepening project is complete. • Support passage of a new federal highway authorization bill Congress set up the Highway Trust Fund in 1956 to create a sense of “trust” between America’s drivers and the federal government. Fees collected from highway users, such as fuel and truck taxes, are deposited into the fund and the federal government is supposed to use that money for projects that benefit those users paying the bill. After decades of demonstrated success, the trust fund has become under-funded and insolvent.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

ongress has not passed a federal highway reauthorization bill in more than two years but has instead C extended the existing program.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Support reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States C ongress did not reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank in 2014 but instead continued the current program until May 2015.

FEDERAL

•R eauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for five years and encourage passage of trade agreements to help expand export trade S ince 1974, Congress has enacted TPA legislation that defines U.S. negotiating objectives and priorities for trade agreements and establishes consultation and notification requirements for the President to follow throughout the negotiation process. At the end of the negotiation and consultation process, Congress gives the agreement an up or down vote, without amendment. TPA reaffirms Congress’s overall constitutional role in the development and oversight of U.S. trade policy.

In our region, we support reauthorization of Ex-Im for two main reasons: 1. This issue is of critical importance to Boeing South Carolina and their ability to successfully compete with global aircraft manufacturers. Eight of every 10 of the 787s being assembled in South Carolina are eligible for Ex-Im financing. If Ex-Im is shut down, Boeing will lose their competitive edge – a fact that could impact the more than 7,000 jobs here. 2. The Chamber’s World Trade Center Charleston (WTCC) is directly tied to Ex-Im. As an Ex-Im partner, WTCC can provide additional resources in trade finance expertise to businesses interested in exporting their products and services.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 11

LOCAL STATE

• Lobby for legislation to ensure South Carolina remains a military friendly state Working with the South Carolina Military Base Task Force (SCMBTF), the Chamber will work to ensure legislation passes to support the region’s military facilities and the men and women in our Armed Forces and their families. For the 2015 session, the SCMBTF will push for legislation to support in-state tuition for military veterans, uniform rules for parental rights for deployed military and the exemption of military retiree pay from State Income Tax.

FEDERAL

MILITARY BASE RETENTION AND EXPANSION

• Retain and expand Charleston’s military and federal facilities The Military Policy Council works to prepare the community for possible Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), currently anticipated for 2017. The Policy Council also works with the Charleston Defense Contractors Association and the Congressional delegation to protect and expand the missions of SPAWAR Atlantic and all the installations association with Joint Base Charleston.

• Lobby the Department of Defense to re-evaluate its decision on the location of Africa Command to Joint Base Charleston Relocating AFRICOM Headquarters to the United States - in particular to Charleston - would not only be a significant cost savings at a time when DoD is struggling with its own budget, it would also provide increased effectiveness. The Charleston community can offer a headquarters location with airlift, sealift and prepositioning assets unrivaled for their proximity to Africa as well the indispensable, integrated role Naval Space and Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) Atlantic will play in meeting AFRICOM’s mission.

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

he headquarters is currently located in Kelly Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. Relocating to Charleston T would result in an estimated $140 million annually in operational cost savings. The Chamber has lobbied DoD since the creation of AFRICOM in 2008 to consider Charleston for the permanent headquarters site. The Chamber’s Military Policy Council will continue to focus on moving the 2,500 person headquarters from Germany to Joint Base Charleston.

FEDERAL

• Reform local government processes to expedite approvals for businesses to streamline the development process, which reduces the time and costs to the developer and the consumers The Chamber’s Developers Council Steering Committee meets monthly to work on regulatory issues impacting business at the local level. The Steering Committee recently completed an analysis of the approval process and costs of approval for development at the local municipal level. The Steering Committee is now working with each local government on implementing best practices to improve the regulatory process and reduce the cost to business.

LOCAL

REGULATORY

• Advocate against an over-burdensome regulatory environment for business from such agencies and organizations as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Labor Relations Board The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee and working committees such as the Environmental Committee and others will continue to monitor proposed regulatory changes at the federal level that can have a negative impact on business. We work closely with our congressional delegation to provide examples of how proposed regulation can have unintended impact to business.

• Actively advocate the mission of our Partnership for Responsible Growth coalition and its call for local governments to honor their zoning and development regulations in considering and siting new residential, commercial, office and industrial development projects The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has joined 100+ businesses to form the Partnership for Responsible Growth (PRG). This coalition believes in working together to develop innovative solutions that will guide growth as a positive contributor to the quality of life for our region. We believe in planning for responsible growth based around three principles – Choice, Balance and Stewardship. It is our vision to grow in a manner that improves the quality of life for all citizens, including those yet to be born or move here. CHOICE – p romotes giving individuals access to a freer market to enhance their ability and variety of options from which to choose BALANCE – s upports a balance between nature and community in the approach to growth of our region STEWARDSHIP – b elieves stewardship involves approaching growth with a full assumption of responsibility for our historic, natural and economic resources

2015 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

• Adopt a regional action strategy to address the region’s housing affordability issue S ince 2001, there have been numerous studies conducted in the region, each showing the region’s housing costs are well above the southeast average while at the same time, salaries are below average. The result is a unbalance between costs and affordability. The Chamber is advocating for a regional action strategy to be adopted by local government to address this critical issue.

UNITED STATES CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Lieutenant Governor

US Senate

Secretary of State

The Honorable Lindsey Graham 290 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5972 Lowcountry Regional Office: 530 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 202 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-849-3887 The Honorable Tim Scott 167 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-6121 Lowcountry Regional Office: 2500 City Hall Lane, 3rd Floor North Charleston, SC 29406 843-727-4525

US House of Representatives The Honorable Mark Sanford 322 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3176 District 1: Charleston Office: 530 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Suite 201 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-352-7572 The Honorable James Clyburn 242 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-3315 District 6: District Office: 1225 Lady Street, Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29201 803-799-1100

South Carolina Constitutional Officers Governor The Honorable Nikki Haley Post Office Box 12267 Columbia, SC 29211 803-734-2100

The Honorable Henry McMaster Post Office Box 142 Columbia, SC 29202 803-734-2080

The Honorable Mark Hammond Post Office Box 11350 Columbia, SC 29211 803-734-2170

Attorney General The Honorable Alan Wilson Post Office Box 11549 Columbia, SC 29211 803-734-3970

Comptroller General The Honorable Richard Eckstrom 305 Wade Hampton Office Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2064

Commissioner of Agriculture The Honorable Hugh Weathers Post Office Box 11280 Columbia, SC 29211 803-734-2190

Superintendent of Education The Honorable Molly Spearman 1429 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-8492

SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SC Senate

Senator Larry Grooms 203 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6040 stranscomm@scsenate.gov District 37 (Berkeley, Charleston) District Address: 148 Etiwan Park Street Charleston, SC 29492 Chairman of Senate Transportation Committee Other Key Committee Assignment: Finance Senator Sean Bennett 601 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6116 seanbennett@scsenate.gov District 38 (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 1422 Peninsula Pointe Summerville, SC 29485 Phone: 843-821-3009 Key Committee Assignments: Judiciary, Labor, Commerce and Industry (LCI) and Transportation Senator John Matthews 613 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6056 johnmatthews@scsenate.gov District 39 (Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Dorchester, Orangeburg) District Address: Post Office Box 142 Columbia, SC 29202 803-829-2383 johnmatthews@scsenate.gov Assistant Democratic Leader Key Committee Assignments: Finance and Education

Senator Ray Cleary 610 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6040 raycleary@scsenate.gov

Senator Paul Thurmond 513 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6172 paulthurmond@scsenate.gov

District 34 (Charleston, Georgetown, Horry) District Address: 3577 Marion Lane Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843-357-2234

District 41 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 601 White Chapel Circle Charleston, SC 29412 843-937-8000

Key Committee Assignments: Finance, Education and Transportation

Key Committee Assignments: Judiciary and Education

Senator Marlon Kimpson 613 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6056 marlonkimpson@scsenate.gov District 42 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 28 Bridgeside Boulevard Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-216-9180 Key Committee Assignments: Judiciary Senator Chip Campsen 305 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6340 chipcampsen@scsenate.gov

Key Senators outside of the Region President Pro Tempore Hugh Leatherman 111 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6640 District 31 (Darlington, Florence) District Address: 1817 Pineland Avenue Florence, SC 29501 843-662-0388 Chairman of Senate Finance Chairman of Senate Interstate Cooperation Other Key Committee Assignments: LCI, Transportation

Senator John Courson 412 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6250 District 20 (Lexington, Richland) District Address: 2934 Wheat Street Columbia, SC 29205 803-256-7853 Chairman of Senate Education Committee Other Key Committee Assignment: Finance Senator Nikki Setzler 510 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6140 nikkisetzler@scsenate.gov

District 43 (Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton) District Address: 360 Concord Street, Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29401 843-722-0123

As Chairman of Senate Finance, Senator Leatherman serves on the Budget and Control Board, Joint Bond Review and Transportation Infrastructure Bank Board

District 26 (Aiken, Calhoun, Lexington, Saluda) District Address: 249 Congaree Park Drive West Columbia, SC 29169 803-796-1285

Chairman of Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee

Senator Harvey Peeler 213 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6430 harveypeeler@scsenate.gov

Senate Minority Leader

Other Key Committee Assignments: Judiciary and Transportation Senator Paul Campbell 604 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6016 paulcampbell@scsenate.gov

District 14 (Cherokee, Spartanburg, Union, York) District Address: Post Office Box 742 Gaffney, SC 29342 864-489-9994

District 44 (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 150 Loganberry Circle Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-569-0089

Senate Majority Leader

Key Committee Assignments: Finance and Transportation Senator Clementa Pinckney 512 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6148 clementapinckney@scsenate.gov District 45 (Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper) District Address: Post Office Box 507 Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-726-6019 Key Committee Assignments: Finance and Education

Chairman of Senate Medical Affairs Committee Other Key Committee Assignments: Finance, Education and Transportation Senator Larry Martin 101 Gressette Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6610 larrymartin@scsenate.gov District 2 (Pickens) District Address: Post Office Box 247 Pickens, SC 29671 864-306-2126 Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee Other Key Committee Assignment: Education

Key Committee Assignments: Finance, Education and LC

SC House of Representatives Representative Samuel Rivers 323D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6890 samuelrivers@scstatehouse.gov District 15 (Berkeley, Charleston) District Address: Post Office Box 760 Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-553-6448 Representative Joe Daning 310B Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2951 joedaning@scstatehouse.gov District 92 (Berkeley) District Address: 118 Queensbury Circle Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-553-9288 Committee Assignments: Education and Public Works; Rules

Representative Jenny Horne 308D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6871 jennyhorne@scstatehouse.gov District 94 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 102 Perry Lane Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-1721

Representative Edward Southard 530D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6930 District 100 (Berkeley) District Address: 1511 Dennis Boulevard Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-899-6162

Representative Chip Limehouse 326C Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2977 chiplimehouse@schouse.gov District 110 (Charleston) District Address: 22 Menotti Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-6242

Committee Assignments: Ethics; Judiciary

Committee Assignment: Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs

Representative Patsy Knight 306B Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2960 patsyknight@schouse.gov

Representative Joe Jefferson 304D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2936 joesphjefferson@schouse.gov

Representative Wendell Gilliard 328A Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6793 wendellgilliard@schouse.gov

District 97(Dorchester) District Address: Post Office Box 663 St. George, SC 29477

District 102 (Berkeley, Dorchester) District Address: 1375 Colonel Maham Drive Pineville, SC 29468 843-991-0519

District 111 (Charleston) District Address: Post Office Box 31641 Charleston, SC 29417 843-402-9710

Committee Assignment: Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

Representative Chris Murphy 310A Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6925 chrismurphy@schouse.gov

Representative Stephen Goldfinch 306A Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6927 stephengoldfinch@schouse.gov

Representative Mike Sottile 306D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6880 mikesottile@schouse.gov

District 98 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 4238 Persimmon Wood Drive North Charleston, SC 29420 843-832-1120

District 108 (Charleston, Georgetown) District Address: Post Office Box 823 Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843-385-4302

District 112 (Charleston) District Address: 132 Sparrow Drive Isle of Palms, SC 29451 843-886-8759

Committee Assignment: Judiciary

Committee Assignment: Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Committee Assignment: Labor, Commerce and Industry

Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs; Operations and Management

Representative James Merrill 308C Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3072 jimmerrill@scstatehouse.gov District 99 (Berkeley, Charleston) District Address: 2401 Daniel Island Drive Charleston, SC 29492 843-740-5855 Committee Assignment: Ways and Means

Representative David Mack 328D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3192 davidmack@schouse.gov District 109 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 4340 Evanston Boulevard North Charleston, SC 29418 843-760-0198 Committee Assignment: Labor, Commerce and Industry

Committee Assignment: Ways and Means

Representative Seth Whipper 328C Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3191 sethwhipper@schouse.gov District 113 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 4592 Durant Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 843-744-1976 Committee Assignment: Judiciary

Representative Mary Tinkler 333D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6948 marytinkler@schouse.gov

Representative Leon Stavrinakis 420C Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3039 leonstav@schouse.gov

District 114 (Charleston, Dorchester) District Address: 1286 Winchester Drive Charleston, SC 29407 843-693-7125

District 119 (Charleston) District Address: Post Office Box 30099 Charleston, SC 29417 843-724-1060

Committee Assignment: Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs

Committee Assignments: Ethics; Ways and Means

Representative Peter McCoy 420D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6872 petermccoy@schouse.gov

Key House Members Outside of the Region

District 115 (Charleston) District Address: 135 King Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-628-2855 Committee Assignment: Judiciary Representative Robert Brown 330D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3170 robertbrown@schouse.gov District 116 (Charleston, Colleton) District Address: 5925 Highway 162 Hollywood, SC 29449 843-889-6440 Committee Assignments: Education and Public Works; Invitations and Memorial Resolutions Representative Bill Crosby 310D Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-212-6879 billcrosby@schouse.gov District 117 (Berkeley, Charleston) District Address: 2680 Hanford Mills Lane North Charleston, SC 29406 843-553-2821 Committee Assignment: Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs

Speaker of the House Jay Lucas 505 Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-2701 District 65 (Chesterfield, Darlington, Kershaw, Lancaster) District Address: 1744 Garland Drive Hartsville, SC 29550 843-332-5050 Representative Brian White 525 Blatt Building Columbia, SC 29201 803-734-3144 District 6 (Anderson) District Address: Post Office Box 970 Anderson, SC 29622 864-260-4025 Key Committee Assignment: Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee. As Chairman of Ways and Means, Representative White also serves on the Budget and Control Board and Joint Bond Review.

BERKELEY COUNTY Berkeley County Council Supervisor Bill Peagler Chairman of County Council Post Office Box 6122 Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-719-4094 bill@billforberkeley.com

Councilman Phillip Farley District 1: District Address: 1305 Eaglet Lane Hanahan, SC 29410 843-553-1447 phillipfarley@berkeleycountysc.gov Councilman Joshua Whitley District 2: District Address: 126 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 150 Daniel Island, SC 29492 843-696-9094 Councilman Kenneth Gunn District 3: District Address: 212 Palmetto Village Circle Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-499-2244 kengunnbc@gmail.com Councilman Tommy Newell District 4: District Address: 9209 Wisteria Street Ladson, SC 29456 843-442-2109 jtnewell54@gmail.com Councilman Dennis Fish District 5: District Address: 662 Hamlet Circle Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-764-0069 dennis.fish@comcast.net Councilman Jack Schurlknight District 6: District Address: Post Office Box 1582 Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-830-1804 jacks@becsc.com Councilman Caldwell Pinckney District 7: District Address: 2509 Highway 311 Cross, SC 29436 843-753-7377 spudjr@homesc.com

Councilman Steve Davis District 8: District Address: 431 East Main Street Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-825-4558 scdavis@homesc.com

Berkeley County School Board Chairman, Kent Murray District 1: District Address: 1055 Dominion Drive Hanahan, SC 29410 843-554-6471 murrayke@bcsdschools.net Mac McQuillin District 2: District Address: 2447 Louisville Street Daniel Island, SC 29492 843-619-7947 mcquillinm@bcsdschools.net Phillip Obie District 3: District Address: 414 Thurgood Road Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-572-0977 obiep@bcsdschools.net Vice Chair, Shannon Lee District 4: District Address: 467 Indigo Road Goose Creek, SC 29445 843-303-1243 leeshannon@bcsdschools.net Secretary, Kathy Schwalbe District 5: District Address: 1106 Bridlewood Place Ladson, SC 29456 843-797-5815 schwalbeka@bcsdschools.net Sally Wofford District 6: District Address: 207 Summer Breeze Way Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-899-2568 woffords@bcsdschools.net

Wilhelmina Moore District 7: District Address: 3283 Highway 45 Pineville, SC 29468 843-351-4262 moorew@bcsdschools.net Frank Wright District 8: District Address: 5400 Halfway Creek Road Huger, SC 29450 843-336-3145 wrightfr@bcsdschools.net Jim Hayes District 9: District Address: 229 East Main Street Moncks Corner, SC 29461 843-261-4105 hayesj@bcsdschools.net

CHARLESTON COUNTY Charleston County Council Elliott Summey, Chairman District 3: District Address: 4045 Bridgeview Drive, Suite B245 North Charleston, SC 29405 843-200-4244 esummey@charlestoncounty.org Councilman Herb Sass District 1: District Address: 413 Hobcaw Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-766-7500 hsass@charlestoncounty.org Councilman Dickie Schweers District 2: District Address: 931 Shellmore Lane McClellanville, SC 29458 843-513-9229 dickieschweers@tds.net

Councilman Henry Darby District 4: District Address: 4743 Ezekiel Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 843-901-6793 henrydarby@msn.com Councilman Teddie Pryor District 5: District Address: 2700 Crestline Drive North Charleston, SC 29405 843-958-4030 tpryor@charlestoncounty.org Councilman Vic Rawl District 6: District Address: 2835 Preakness Stakes Charleston, SC 29414 843-766-7334 vrawl@charlestoncounty.org Councilwoman Colleen Condon District 7: District Address: 3 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 301 Charleston, SC 29407 843-225-7288 colleen@colleencondon.com Councilwoman Anna Johnson District 8: District Address: Post Office Box 13975 James Island, SC 29422 843-795-3970 ajohnson@charlestoncounty.org Councilman Joe Qualey District 9: District Address: 23 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-693-3434 jqualey@charlestoncounty.org

Charleston County School Board Chair, Cindy Bohn Coats 4458 South Rhett Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 843-819-8205 cindybohncoats@gmail.com

Vice Chair, Chris Staubes 126 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29492 843-577-2026 chris@chrisstaubes.com Reverend Chris Collins 75 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-813-0616 chriscollins4schoolboard@gmail.com Kate Darby 245 Indigo Bay Circle Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-566-6123 katedarby@att.net Tom Ducker 2357 Sorentrue Avenue North Charleston, SC 29405 843-532-9369 duckert@bellsouth.net Todd Garrett 338 President Street Charleston, SC 29403 843-408-8846 todd@votetoddgarrett.com Reverend Eric Mack 5446 Rosebank Road Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487 843-209-9189 pastorericlmack@yahoo.com Michael Miller 1660 Pierpont Avenue Charleston, SC 29414 843-991-1969 mmiller_barber@yahoo.com Tripp Wiles 184 East Bay Street, Suite 103 Charleston, SC 29401 843-718-0232 tripp@trippwiles.com

CITY OF CHARLESTON Mayor Joseph Riley Post Office Box 652 Charleston, SC 29402 843-577-6970 rileyj@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman Gary White District 1: District Address: Post Office Box 599 Charleston, SC 29402 843-364-1879 whiteg@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman Michael Seekings District 8: District Address: 29 Montague Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-364-8583 seekingsm@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman Rodney Williams District 2: District Address: 1694 Wayah Drive Charleston, SC 29414 843-670-2652 williamsr@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman Aubry Alexander District 9: District Address: 1400 Park Shore Drive Charleston, SC 29407 843-723-7150 alexandera@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman James Lewis District 3: District Address: 292 Sumter Street Charleston, SC 29403 843-219-8018 lewisj@charleston-sc.gov Councilman Robert Mitchell District 4: District Address: 728 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 843-853-2057 mitchellro@charleston-sc.gov Councilman Marvin Wagner District 5: District Address: 1575 Savannah Highway, Suite 3 Charleston, SC 29407 843-724-3727 wagnerm@charleston-sc.gov Councilman William Dudley Gregorie District 6: District Address: 201 Grove Street Charleston, SC 29403 843-720-1232 gregoriewd@charleston-sc.gov Councilman Perry Keith Waring District 7: District Address: Post Office Box 81087 Charleston, SC 29416 843-763-5388 waringk@charleston-sc.gov

Councilman Dean Riegel District 10: District Address: 2113 Virginia Oak Court Charleston, SC 29414 843-207-7130 riegeld@charleston-sc.gov Councilman Bill Moody District 11: District Address: 300 Betsy Road Charleston, SC 29407 843-364-5292 moodyw@charleston-sc.gov Councilwoman Kathleen Wilson District 12: District Address: 692 Travers Court Charleston, SC 29412 843-795-7507 aquaharp@bellsouth.net

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT Mayor Linda Page 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 lpage@tompsc.com Mayor Pro Tem, Thomasena Stokes-Marshall 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 tstokes-marshall@tompsc.com

Councilman Elton Carrier 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 ecarrier@tompsc.com Councilman Paul Gawrych 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 pgawrych@tompsc.com Councilman Ken Glasson 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 kglasson@tompsc.com Councilman Chris Nickels 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 cnickels@tompsc.com Councilman Chris Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 coneal@tompsc.com Councilman Gary Santos 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 gsantos@tompsc.com Councilman Mark Smith 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-884-8517 marksmith@tompsc.com

CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON Mayor Keith Summey Post Office Box 190016 North Charleston, SC 29419 843-740-2501 mayor@northcharleston.org

Councilman Ed Astle District 1: District Address: 7709 Quest Drive North Charleston, SC 29418 843-760-1856 nchsndist1@edastle.us

Councilman Bob King District 8: District Address: 1408 Hartford Circle North Charleston, SC 29405 843-744-1041 bob1408@comcast.net

Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome District 2: District Address: Post Office Box 61413 North Charleston, SC 29419 843-414-7891 ncdist2@comcast.net

Councilman Dwight Stigler District 9: District Address: 5032 East Liberty Meadows Drive North Charleston, SC 29485 843-851-1755 dwight.stigler@me.com

Councilman Bobby Jameson District 3: District Address: 8965 Deerwood Drive North Charleston, SC 29406 843-343-6116 ncdist3@comcast.net

Councilman Michael Brown District 10: District Address: 2202 Becker Street North Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-3531 bmichaelchr@aol.com

Councilman Ron Brinson District 4: District Address: 8655 McChune Court North Charleston, SC 29420 843-425-1718 rbrin@aol.com

DORCHESTER COUNTY Dorchester County Council

Councilman Todd Olds District 5: District Address: 4381 Stoney Poynt Court North Charleston, SC 29405 843-200-1813 oldstodd@gmail.com

David Chinnis, Chairman District 2: District Address: 203 Hollytree Circle Ladson, SC 29456 843-801-2326 dchinnis@dorchestercounty.net

Councilwoman Dorothy Williams District 6: District Address: 2502 Jonah Street North Charleston, SC 29406 843-735-1539 dwilliams@northcharleston.org

Councilman Willie Davis District 1: District Address: 201 Johnston Street St. George, SC 29477 843-563-0196 wdavis@dorchestercounty.net

Councilman Sam Hart District 7: District Address: 4789 Hassell Street North Charleston, SC 29405 843-554-1249 ellenclark@northcharleston.org

Vice Chairman George Bailey District 3: District Address: Post Office Box 633 St. George, SC 29477 843-563-2314 gbailey@dorchestercounty.net

Councilman Larry Hargett District 4: District Address: 615 Fairington Drive Summerville, SC 29485 843-514-7135 lhargett@dorchestercounty.net Councilwoman Carroll Duncan District 5: District Address: 500 North Main Street, Suite 2 Summerville, SC 29483 843-494-1881 cduncan@dorchestercounty.net Chairman, Bill Hearn District 6: District Address: 1712 Congressional Boulevard Summerville, SC 29483 843-851-8383 bill.wrhearn@gmail.com Councilman Jay Byars District 7: District Address: 500 North Main Street, Suite 2 Summerville, SC 29483 843-324-6732 byarsj@dorchestercounty.net

Dorchester School District Two Chairwoman, Gail Hughes 274 Embassy Drive Summerville, SC 29485 843-261-3806 gailhughes60@yahoo.com Sam Clark 303 Pinehurst Avenue Summerville, SC 29483 843-789-9851 donnasamclark@gmail.com Barbara Crosby 218 Moon Dance Lane Summerville, SC 29483 843-873-3308 bctoteach@aol.com

Justin Farnsworth 304 Night Heron Court Summerville, SC 29485 843-296-4064 jfarnsworth@sc.rr.com

CHARLESTON METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Brian Mitchum 212 Barberry Street Summerville, SC 29483 843-345-7274 bam4usc@gmail.com

Mary Graham Chief Advancement Officer 843-805-3043 mgraham@charlestonchamber.org

Tanya Robinson 5280 Alpine Drive Summerville, SC 29483 843-871-3189 krobinson20@sc.rr.com

George Ramsey Business Lobbyist 843-805-3116 gramsey@charlestonchamber.org

Lisa Tupper 126 Tupper Lane Summerville, SC 29483 843-875-3666 ltupper@comcast.ne

Business Advocacy Team

Christina Fraser Business Advocacy Manager 843-805-3075 cfraser@charlestonchamber.org

Dorchester School District Four Chairman, Ken Jenkins 1810 Community Drive Reevesville, SC 29471 843-563-3228 kjenkins@dorchester4.k12.sc.us Angie Crum 324 Coburn Town Road Ridgeville, SC 29472 843-875-1826 acrum@dorchester4.k12.sc.us Tony Folk 154 Clubhouse Circle St. George, SC 29477 843-563-2507 tfolk@dorchester4.k12.sc.us James Hodges 1254 Quaker Road St. George, SC 29477 843-563-9057 jhodges@dorchester4.k12.sc.us Phyllis Hughes 500 Ridge Street St. George, SC 29477 843-563-2298 phughes@dorchester4.k12.sc.us

It only takes as few as seven phone calls on an issue to an elected official for the issue to become a priority. This directory of federal, state and local officials is provided so that you can take action on those issues most important to you and your business. A simple phone call or email to an office does have an impact. For representatives who do not have an email address listed, please visit their website to contact them. 21

4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 N. Charleston, SC 29405 843.577.2510 mail@charlestonchamber.org