CHAMBER REPORT: Mission-Driven, Community-Focused

Following the year we won Chamber of the When we pair industry requirements with that of Year, 2019 had a lot to live up to. And looking our school district leaders and educators, we can back, it was evident that the Chamber’s focus help inform, train and prepare our students for on important mission work resulted in an the region’s high-demand jobs. We are incredibly impactful year. thankful for the 7,356 volunteer hours that our members donated towards this initiative. With an The Chamber’s mission is to initiate, advocate anticipated 35,000 new jobs being added to our and empower our region to advance a region over the next five years, this important work prosperous business environment. Our mission is paramount. work is fueled by our convening power. We invite hundreds of members and stakeholders At the start of 2019, our government relations team to co-deliver our regional initiatives by working launched a new approach, one that utilized data to together on our talent, government relations identify shared priorities with local municipalities. and leadership platforms. This shared The Investment Opportunity Study looks at key community-focus allows us to realize our data points to identify strengths and opportunities community’s unique promise. in each of the region’s towns, cities and counties and serves as a basis for a conversation with our Each day, the Chamber team is focused on elected officials on how to make their communities bridging our region’s talent gap, advocating for more investment worthy. The result has been a healthy business climate and cultivating our deepened relationships, the establishment of region’s leaders. 2019 saw us raise the bar in shared goals and the understanding that we are each of these areas. working together to advance our region. Our talent advancement efforts are centered on the business community identifying the types of employees they need. This is integral in positioning our regional education and training system to meet the talent demand.

...the impact of the work done in 2019 will be felt for years to come.

1 CHAMBER REPORT As for our leadership platform, the team kicked off the year with a refresh of a long-standing program. Thrive, a professional women’s series, seeks to inspire and be inclusive of women from a variety of backgrounds and stages of their career. We have received a tremendous response, selling out each of the four events and getting rave The Chamber’s reviews from attendees. mission is to And these are just a few highlights from the year. initiate, advocate So, while not much can top the feeling of being and empower our named Chamber of the Year, the impact of the work done in 2019 will be felt for years to come. region to advance a prosperous business environment.

2019 IN REVIEW 2 Membership

Record Setting Membership Growth 1718 members at end of 2019

85 net new members

Member Engagement 84.5% on the Rise retention rate Nearly 30,000 individuals engaged with the Chamber through programs, events, committees and social media in 2019. 2.78% 5.4% increase growth in membership 29,109 revenue 27,609

5% growth in membership from 2018

2018 2019

3 CHAMBER REPORT GOAL: To engage, attract and retain new members.

Leadership Circle: Engagement Off the Charts

Leadership Circle programs provide investors the exclusive opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and go behind the scenes at some of our region’s top businesses and institutions. 316 Leadership Circle 2019 saw 50% higher engagement in Leadership Circle Investors programming over 2018.

The Charleston Metro Chamber has been Sonder's most important local resource for connecting with other business members and community leaders. As importantly, the Chamber has helped us map business trends and understand the Charleston region as it exists today, as well as in the future. Membership with the Chamber is what you make of it. We sought a partnership and the Chamber answered the call. —Adam Chapman, Sonder USA, Inc.

2019 IN REVIEW 4 Government Relations

Investment Opportunity Study Redefines Advocacy Efforts With a goal of deepening collaboration with local governments on shared priorities, the Investment Opportunity Study was released in January 2019. The data-driven, fact-based platform has resulted in increased dialogue and partnership opportunities.

For instance, we are actively partnering with the City of Goose Creek to fulfill three goals outlined in their strategic plan:

Increase Economic Activity Guide Growth Intentionally Increase Regional & Statewide Engagement

View at: www.charlestonchamber.org/ios

Top Infrastructure Priority Receives Funding Each year, the Chamber identifies the top infrastructure advancements that are vital in our metro. One of our top 23 priorities, the Ashley River Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge, received approval this year for federal funding through the BUILD program. A local funding match has been secured from Charleston County, the City of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina.

The bridge will provide safe, connected and equitable crossing for all modes between West Ashley and Downtown Charleston.

View at: www.charlestonchamber.org/infrastructurepriorities

West Ashley Downtown

5 CHAMBER REPORT GOAL: To give our region a collective voice.

The Mark Clark Expressway is Moving Forward The completion of the Mark Clark has been one of the Chamber’s top priorities for ten years. We celebrated the current progress with an event to thank Governor Henry McMaster and Charleston County Council Chairman, Elliott Summey, along with local and state elected officials whose leadership has kept the project alive.

This is progress. We’ve turned the corner and we can see the finish line. We’re about to get there. —Governor Henry McMaster

Community Leaders Advocate in D.C.

The Chamber led a tri-county delegation of elected, civic and business leaders to Washington, D.C. to advocate for policies and investments that promote the retention and expansion of military operations and federal facilities in our region. Highlights included meetings with:

Senator Lindsey Graham

Congressman Joe Cunningham

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein

Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Capability, Rear Admiral Michael Ryan

2019 IN REVIEW 6 Talent

Talent by the Numbers

Supporting the Youth Engaging more students than ever Apprenticeship Program in workplace learning opportunities at Trident Tech 309 Total Students Hired as youth apprentices since 2014 34% 40% Female Minority Students Students 110 Apprentices 49 37 currently in program Students Students and participated Career-Ready Youth over hiring in in Hack-a-thons took on the Build A Shed 100 17 competition Host Different Students served through Chamber-led, Companies Pathways 1,000+ quality career experiences

Mapping Your Path to a Career

The Charleston region will add 35,000 jobs over the next five years. Students need a clear pathway that matches their skills and knowledge to take advantage of these job opportunities. That’s where Mapping Your Path comes in. It is a planning tool, launched by the Chamber in 2019, that will help students and those early in their career understand the best pathways to build a lucrative career. The pathways selected represent high-growth occupational clusters in our region, including: • Healthcare • Culinary/Hospitality • Business • Construction • Information Technology • Manufacturing

View the tool at: www.charlestonchamber.org/pathways

7 CHAMBER REPORT GOAL: To grow our region’s talent pipeline.

Talent Cabinet Talent Informs Efforts Strategies Launched in late 2018, the Talent Cabinet Activating Career Mindsets guides the Chamber’s workforce pipeline Exposing students to high-demand jobs by strategies. Comprised of 40 leaders increasing opportunities for them to experience from our targeted industries, K-12, the workplace. higher education, civic and philanthropic communities, this group meets bi-monthly Advancing Education to provide direction on our talent platform Expand avenues for all to succeed in college and programming initiatives. and career after high school by increasing awareness of options that allow for faster Member Volunteers graduation and no to low debt. Our members support the Chamber’s talent strategy through membership dues and Aligning Employers and Accelerate investments, but also through our Education System Engaging the business community and the donation of time. education leaders in discussions to create Volunteer Hours programs that align with employer talent demand 7,356 from member organizations and encourage students into those pathways.

Bank of America Grant Funds Job Shadow Day

100 regional students participated in a Job Shadow Day in November, experiencing real-world work environments in our metro’s top industries. Many of the participating students were from Title 1 schools (schools with higher percentages of students in poverty) and it was their first job shadow experience.

65% of the participating juniors and seniors reported increased interest in the career field they shadowed.

2019 IN REVIEW 8 Leadership

Cultivating Leaders members participated in 569 Chamber Leadership programs in 2019 % increase in participation 62 over 2018

Salt Lake City Inspires Collaboration Metro Leadership Visit 2019 brought 55 business and community leaders to Salt Lake City. With the goal of continuing to make the Charleston region the best it can be, attendees explored how Salt Lake approached solutions to a variety of issues similar to ours, including: Salt Lake’s approach to public transit and how they have built a successful multi-modal system

The housing market and how they are experiencing and working to address similar housing affordability issues

How Envision Utah has brought together business leaders, residents, elected officials, developers and conservationists to build a strategic vision Common Theme: The region’s thriving tech industry with an exclusive The Power of tour of Adobe and Silicon Slopes Collaboration It was clear that Utahns At TD Bank, we are committed to driving change that have found a way to find will enrich the lives of our customers, communities and common ground and work colleagues. We are proud to expand our partnership with the together, affording them Charleston Metro Chamber as the presenting sponsor of the great success in their Metro Leadership Visit, and we look forward to exploring new transit system, strategic ways to continue to enhance our vibrant Charleston region. planning and tech hub. —Scott Sharp, TD Bank

9 CHAMBER REPORT GOAL: To cultivate leadership within the region.

Charleston Young Professionals Gets a Refresh CYP is comprised of more than 1,640 young MISSION: professionals in the Charleston region Engage young leaders through professional and looking to grow professionally and gain new personal development, empowering them to grow as connections. To better reflect the organization’s individuals and strengthen the Charleston region. purpose and community, CYP released an VISION: updated tagline, mission and vision statement Be the primary resource in the Charleston region where in the summer of 2019. young leaders can grow professionally and personally TAGLINE: through networking, ongoing learning, mentorship and Where Emerging Leaders Connect opportunities to form lasting connections. Learn more at: www.charlestonchamber.org/cyp

Invaluable Inspiration Sold Out and Connections 4 Events Year One of Thrive Powerful Event Female Speakers Attendees a Success 4 390 In early 2019, the Chamber began Mary Beth Westmoreland evaluating our former Executive Women’s Chief Technology Officer, Blackbaud Roundtable with the steering committee. The result was a complete rebrand with a LB Adams goal of creating a more inclusive platform Founder & CEO, Practical Dramatics for professional women. And it has been a resounding success! Kenya Dunn Founder & CEO, Power-Filled Woman MISSION: Provide a platform for connection, Deborah Lee James information and inspiration between Author & Retired Secretary of the Air Force female business leaders and rising female professionals. Women within Chamber member companies will gain knowledge It is intentional, engaging and one about topics that impact their professional of the most diverse and inclusive networking events in the Tri-County lives and will help to encourage and motivate geared towards women from all each other to continue making positive backgrounds and industries. impacts in our region and the world. —Mamie Bush, Hilton Garden Inn Learn more at: Charleston Waterfront www.charlestonchamber.org/thrive 2019 IN REVIEW 10 Today’s decisions will influence the next decade.

A thriving community requires require strong leaders who are willing to meet the challenges and opportunities of shaping its future. The Chamber embraces the responsibility for leading our community into our future.

Following eight years of accelerated success through previous campaigns, we have launched Accelerate 2030. It will fund our commitment to drive solutions for our region through Talent, Government Relations and Leadership. Thank you to all the organizations who have already invested in Accelerate 2030.

Learn more at: www.charlestonchamber.org/accelerate-2030

The Chamber is the organization responsible for tackling our region’s toughest challenges and Accelerate 2030 provides the vital resources necessary to ensure that we sustain prosperity for the next generation. —Melonie Hammond-Trace, Tideline CPA Group LLC

11 CHAMBER REPORT Three Platforms to Accelerate Prosperity:

Talent: Government Relations: Leadership: Advancing the region’s Advocating for regional Empowering, engaging emerging workforce to mobility, livability and a and developing leaders bridge the talent gap stronger business climate to drive solutions Goals: Goals: Goals: Increase the percentage Complete priority With our partners, of students graduating infrastructure projects be a catalyst for a college and career-ready to move people and community where diverse from 46% to 60% goods quickly, safely and perspectives are valued, Increase the percentage efficiently encouraged and essential of degreed adults in the Align housing and land for the future region from 43% to 60% use policies to improve Activate the next Track and analyze the quality of life for all generation of leaders who skills and interests of residents more accurately represent 10,000 high school Reform the legal, our community and are students to identify where regulatory and tax prepared to integrate their gaps exist with forecasted systems to strengthen our voices into civic, political employer demand competitive advantage and economic positions Enhance our region's leadership capabilities by training and cultivating 1,000 emerging leaders annually

Local talent development is essential for our community to achieve continued prosperity. The Chamber is enhancing pathways that connect students to jobs in our region. —Anita Zucker, The InterTech Group, Inc.

2019 IN REVIEW 12 Leadership Circle

Platinum

Gold Burr Forman McNair Lowe’s Home Improvement - C.R. Hipp Construction Inc. Coastal Carolina Market Benefitfocus Matt O’Neill Real Estate Blackbaud Charleston County Aviation Authority Morris Financial Concepts Inc. The Boeing Company Charleston Gaillard Center O.L. Thompson Construction Co. Charleston Branch Pilots Association Charleston RiverDogs Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart Charleston Southern University Chernoff Newman Choate Construction Company Parker’s Kitchen , The Military College of S.C. Parkland USA CreateSpace Comcast Business Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Dominion Energy CresCom Bank PhishLabs East Cooper Medical Center Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Pinnacle Financial Partners First National Bank of PA East West Partners Positively People Medical University of South Carolina Edifice General Contractors Publix Super Markets - Regional Office Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC Elliott Davis LLC The PURE Group of Insurance Companies Nucor Steel Embassy Suites Hotel - Raines Hospitality PNC Bank Charleston Area Convention Center Renaissance Charleston Hotel - Robert Bosch LLC Fennell Holdings Inc. Historic District Santee Cooper Ferrara Buist Companies Republic Services Sonepar North America First Citizens Bank and Trust Company Inc. Ross Printing South State Bank First Horizon Bank Sandler Training by Peak Performance Management, Inc. SunTrust and BB&T now Truist First Reliance Bank - Charleston Synovus Science Applications International Corp. Francis Marion Hotel (SAIC) Trident Health Gotcha Group WestRock SCRA Hamby Catering Seamon Whiteside + Associates Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA SEGRA Silver Hendrick Automotive Group of SOUTH.io Charleston/North Charleston SteelFab of South Carolina AECOM Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union TD Bank The Alley HLA Inc. Thomas & Hutton Ameris Bank Hotel Bennett Thompson Turner Construction Armada Hoffler Properties Hudson Nissan Trident Technical College AstenJohnson Inc. Immedion Turner, Padget, Graham & Laney P.A. AT&T Island Realty Venture Aerobearings ATI - Advanced Technology International JPMorgan Chase & Co WCIV ABC News 4 Auro Hotels K&L Gates LLP WCSC-TV Channel 5 Baker Roofing Company Kiawah Island Golf Resort WebsterRogers LLP Bank of America Merrill Lynch Kiawah Partners Inc. Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Banks Construction Company Lanxess WOW! Business The Beach Company Lee & Associates - Charleston, Belmond Charleston Place Commercial Real Estate Young Clement Rivers LLP The Brandon Agency Live Oak Contracting Bronze 2021 PGA Championship Fly & Form Structures PPM (EMCOR) Adams Outdoor Advertising Gallagher Production Design Associates (PDA) AHT Cooling Systems USA, Inc. Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Professional Security Consultants Anderson Insurance Associates LLC The GEL Group Inc. Protego USA, Inc. AssuredPartners Geneva Supply Pulte Group - 3017 Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co. Gerald’s Tires & Brakes Inc. Push Digital Atlantic Packaging Corp. Gibbes Museum of Art Rawle Murdy Associates, Inc. Atlantic South Development Inc. Gnotec Group RealtyLink Avison Young Green Rock Regions Bank - Charleston B & B Oil Harbour Club RES, LLC Baldwin & Associates LLC Harris Teeter Riley Institute at Furman University Belimed Inc. Hill Construction Corporation Riser, McLaurin & Gibbons LLP Belk Department Stores Hilton Garden Inn - S&ME Berkeley Electric Cooperative Inc. Charleston Waterfront/Downtown Sabal Homes Blanchard Machinery Co. Holder Properties The Satori Group, Ltd. Boeing Employees Credit Union Home Telecom SC Biz News BoomTown HOP Properties LLC Scientific Research Corporation BP Amoco Chemical Company Hotel Indigo SCS Engineers C.H. Robinson Worldwide HUB International Southeast Limited Select Health of South Carolina Inc. Worsham Educational Consulting, LLC IFA Rotorion - North American LLC ServisFirst Bank California Dreaming iHeartMedia Singular Private Wealth, P.C. Cantey Tech Consulting Insperity SMHa Carolina One Real Estate - Corporate iQor Snyder Event Rentals Office Isringhausen Sonder USA, Inc. Carolina Waste Services LLC JE Dunn Construction South Atlantic Bank CBI Workplace Solutions Jeffcoat & Jeffcoat Insurance South Carolina Aquarium CBRE Job Impulse Hockey Charleston Crab House Johnson & Johnson Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Charleston Defense Contractors Kiawah River Southern Concrete & Construction Inc. Association (CDCA) Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. Southern Eagle Distributing LLC Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina KION North America Corporation Southern First Bank Charleston Harbor Tours Kuhn & Kuhn, LLC Southwest Airlines Charleston Magazine Landmark Construction Company Inc. Speedwell Foundation Charlestowne Hotels Inc. Limehouse & Sons Inc. Spherion The Cigar Factory Liollio Architecture The Spinx Company Headquarters CINTAS Corporation Low Country Case & Millwork Inc. Stantec Consulting City of Goose Creek LRC Properties Stasmayer Incorporated City of Hanahan LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD. SunCap Property Group Colliers International Luxury Simplified Teamphoria Conrex Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Terracon Convergint Technologies Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC Tideline CPA Group LLC CR Bard Maybank Properties LLC Total Comfort Solutions Crown Castle Mead & Hunt Town Of Summerville Crowne Plaza Charleston Airport - Convention Center Trident Construction Co. Inc. The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel Cummins Turbo Technologies Trident Logistics, LLC Monteith Construction Cumulus Media Inc. TRU Simulation + Training Motion Filmworks Cypress Engineering, LLC Turner Construction Company Nelson Mullins Law Firm Daniel Island Real Estate 1 UBS Financial Services, Inc. Nexsen Pruet LLC Davis & Floyd Inc. United Community Bank NFP Destination South Meetings and Events US Foods Inc.’s CHEF’STORE NHC HealthCare, Charleston Digit Sells Charleston USI Insurance Services (Carolina One Real Estate) Northwestern Mutual Valbridge Property Advisors Duvall Events Ooh! Events Vannoy Construction East Bay Company Ltd. Palmetto Digestive Health Specialists Verizon Wireless Evans General Contractors Palmetto Ford Lincoln Volvo Car Stadium Explore Charleston Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health Volvo Cars USA EY (Ernst & Young LLP) Palmetto Railways WABCO Vehicle Control Systems Feyen Zylstra Panera Bread WCBD-TV, Channel 2 Fins Car Wash - AAA Carolinas Parker Poe We Are Sharing Hope SC Firefly Distillery Passion Masonry + Foundations WestEdge - Gateway Ventures First Capital Bancshares Inc PeopleSurge The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company (First Capital Bank) Perfect Landscapes Inc. Wild Dunes Resort Flooring Services LLC 4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 N. Charleston, SC 29405 843.577.2510 [email protected] www.charlestonchamber.org