Devoted to Manufacturing Competitiveness

The unique linkages manufacturing provides to the economy create innovation, productivity and good jobs. More than 210,000 South Carolinians are employed by manufacturing companies in the state, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), which makes the industry one of the most important to the state’s economy. Additionally,the average manufacturing employee earns more than $60,000, which is well above the average South Carolina wage.

As the President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, I am constantly thanking South Carolina manufacturers for being such a critical component of our state’s economic prosperity. And it is the South Carolina Chamber’s mission to help our manufacturing community continue this vital relationship by helping secure pro-growth policies to level the global playing field, developing the 21st century workforce and maintaining a commitment to reducing costs like high taxes, excess regulations, litigation and rising health and energy costs.

In 2009, the Chamber and our allies were instrumental in the passage of legislation to create a Tax Study Commission, which will begin work in the coming months. Manufacturers in South Carolina currently pay the highest property taxes in the country. In 2006, the Chamber was the only business organization publicly opposing the property tax reform legislation (Act 388) that has shifted the majority of the tax burden to businesses. The newly created TRAC will take a comprehensive look at the state’s tax structure to ensure fairness, predictability and stability. In addition, this year we pushed for legislation to restructure the South Carolina State Ports Authority, one of the state’s largest economic engines vital to the health of the manufacturing industry. In fact, the Chamber and the Upstate Chambers Coalition, were the only business organizations that successfully fought for no union representation on the proposed Port Advisory Board.

For years, the Chamber has fought for meaningful workers’ compensation reform that protects employees without unfairly penalizing employers. In 2007, we worked alongside legislators and succeeded in the passage of workers’ compensation reform that is significantly reducing costs for businesses, including manufacturers. In 2005, the Chamber successfully pushed for comprehensive tort reform. Though there is still more work to be done, we are committed to continuing on this path to ensure that economic development incentives encourage manufacturers to locate in the state and incentivize those that remain here.

On the federal front, the Chamber is fully engaged in defeating the dangerous and misnamed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), legislation that could severely impact manufacturers by making it much easier for unions to organize. The Chamber also works with manufacturers across South Carolina to maintain the state’s right-to-work tradition and maintain employment at will. In addition, we are working against the non-competitive federal cap-andtrade legislation and the aspects of the federal healthcare reform debate that could add enormous costs for every business in this state.

As South Carolina’s NAM affiliate, the Chamber worked to bring you a must-read article in this issue that educates manufacturers about how the proposed cap-and-trade legislation could affect global competitiveness. Also, in this edition of South Carolina Business, learn how the proposed Employee Free Choice Act would hurt employees. And, there is a technological evolution happening within South Carolina’s manufacturing community that’s making it easier and more affordable to train workers.

Continuing our commitment of strong partnerships, the Chamber works often with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) an organization that helps manufacturers throughout the state solve business and supply chain process problems. The SCMEP offers business and technology assessments, engineering expertise and lean manufacturing solutions to South Carolina manufacturers.

Just like the technological advances you’ll read about, South Carolina’s manufacturing industry is ever-changing and ever-evolving. Here at the Chamber, we are committed to not only keeping up with the advances, but being ahead of the game.