Frequently Asked Questions About the Competitiveness Agenda

What is the Competitiveness Agenda?

The Competitiveness Agenda is the South Carolina Chamber’s annual list of legislative priorities. Through all legislative and regulatory matters, the Chamber seeks greater government efficiency and accountability.

Taxes

A key component for maintaining a business-friendly climate in South Carolina is the recognition that all citizens–individual and corporate–should pay for necessary services needed to live in South Carolina. To unfairly burden one segment, such as the business community, with a non-competitive tax structure stifles the creation of wealth for all citizens in the state by inhibiting future growth and prosperity.

Workers’ Compensation

Ongoing efforts by special interest groups to weaken our workers’ compensation system have failed as a result of the work of the South Carolina Chamber. In 2007, landmark workers’ compensation reform was achieved, but there is still work to be done.

Healthcare

Escalating healthcare costs are one of the greatest challenges facing businesses and industries. The Chamber is working to make heath care more affordable and to ensure that government mandates do not dictate the coverage employers provide.

Workforce Development 

South Carolina businesses are the prime consumer of our education systems’ product: graduating students. The business community must share in the responsibility of seeing that students receive an education that gives them the skills and competencies to be successful in the workplace.

Environment

Government must seek and maintain a common ground between economic success and environmental conservation.

How is the Agenda developed?

The Competitiveness Agenda is developed from member feedback, starting with nine regional face-to-face grassroots meetings held across the state each summer followed by an online legislative issues survey. From there, the Chamber meets with other business organizations to craft the Competitiveness Agenda. Once drafted, the Chamber’s Board of Directors votes on the next year’s Competitiveness Agenda.

How does the Competitiveness Agenda help Chamber members?

The Competitiveness Agenda promotes a strong business climate that supports increased business productivity and global competitiveness in South Carolina. Legislative priorities achieved by the Competitiveness Agenda provide numerous benefits to businesses and citizens in the state. In 2008, initiatives achieved will save South Carolina businesses more than $500 million.

What is the impact of the Competitiveness Agenda? Why should members care?

The achievement of the Competitiveness Agenda moves South Carolina forward in increasing per capita income and global competitiveness. Each week during the legislative session, Chamber members receive the Competitiveness Update, a compilation of the week’s legislative happenings that includes the popular Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down. In addition, Legislative Alerts are sent on specific issues, keeping all members informed on the work of the General Assembly.

How can I make a difference as a Chamber member?

Working together to improve the business climate in the state, Chamber Grassroots Network members help identify the concerns and needs of the business community and communicate them to elected officials and other decisions makers. When the business community’s Grassroots Network speaks, the state’s legislative leaders listen. Send an email to sign up for the Grassroots Network, and visit the Grassroots Network Web site.