South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, SC Chamber of Commerce announce merger

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Two organizations linked to South Carolina’s economy announced a merger on Tuesday.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance will come together to form the South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce during a press conference alongside Gov. Henry McMaster and other leaders at the State House.

The merger will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

“Combining SCMA and the SC Chamber offers a unique opportunity to speak with one strong voice for manufacturing and commerce in South Carolina — strengthening advocacy and programming that benefit all of us in the Palmetto State,” said Grant Burns, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of AFL, who will serve as chair of the new combined organization.

Officials said Burns and SC Chamber Chair Thomas Rhodes led teams from both organizations in the merger discussions.

“This new, formal partnership represents an extraordinary moment to shape the future of South Carolina,” said Rhodes, who is also a business owner, entrepreneur, and Partner at Rhodes Companies. “By bringing together two highly respected organizations into a single, influential voice for the business community, we will better serve our members, strengthen our ability to impact the decisions that affect our competitiveness, and drive lasting economic growth.”

It was also announced that SCMA President and CEO Sara Hazzard will serve in the same role with the new entity.

“This is a transformational opportunity,” said Hazzard. “For more than a decade, Team South Carolina – from the governor’s office to the legislature, from our great businesses to community leaders – has consistently broken economic development records. Now is the time to keep building on this momentum."

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