CHAMBER  

Top 11 Accomplishments in 2011…

• Led public awareness efforts that resulted in the passage of the third “Pennies For Progress” referendum in August;

• Coordinated a successful petition drive for a 2012 countywide referendum that will increase retail sales and allow local citizens to purchase beer or wine in county stores seven days a week;

• Conducted the most successful holiday buy-local campaign, “Buy Into It – York County”, with an emphasis on encouraging county residents to support local businesses;

• Strengthened the efforts of the Chamber’s Small Business Council in meeting the needs of small businesses and recognizing high-achieving small business people;

•  Achieved success in the government relations arena by assisting in the passage of a state metal theft bill and in diligent efforts related to redistricting, school vouchers, education funding, and state tax reform (especially for policy that shifts the tax burden to businesses and negatively affects the public educational entities in the county;

• Increased the understanding of, and coordination among, local economic development partners (including the other three county chambers) through a series of meetings designed to increase employment in York County;

• Provided members ample and direct access to elected officials at every level of government as well as to local officials through forums for city council candidates;

• Assisted the three area councils in addressing local concerns, including: a new directional sign to the Tega Cay office, resolution of issues related to the downtown railroad crossing in Rock Hill, and extensive efforts through redistricting to create a unified state legislative district for the Fort Mill area;

• Offered at no charge to members over 60 events—with networking, food, and beverages —to help promote business growth and increase personal contacts, while also providing hundreds of membership referrals to members;

• Improved communication with the membership through more direct contact and more effective electronic marketing; and

• Continued to nurture existing partnerships and organizational relationships.