York County is growing and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. As employers expand operations, as new industries explore the region, and as families choose York County as home, our community must be ready with a workforce that can meet the moment. That’s why the York County Regional Chamber and the York County Chamber Foundation have launched LIFT: Leadership Institute for Talent, a bold five-year strategy designed to build, strengthen, and sustain the talent pipeline our region needs.

The Chamber formally kicked off the LIFT Campaign on November 18 during a public announcement at our office in downtown Rock Hill. More than 75 community and business leaders attended as Campaign Co-Chairs Jan Martin of Domtar and Marc Howie of York Electric Cooperative shared exciting news: before the campaign even went public, the Chamber had already secured $897,000—60% of the full $1.5 million goal.

This early momentum reflects a shared understanding among York County leaders: workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about building pathways, creating opportunities, and ensuring long-term prosperity for the people who live and work here. More than 25 companies have already committed to supporting the initiatives behind LIFT, each making an investment in the region’s economic future.

At its core, LIFT, led by Celeste Tiller, VP of Talent & Workforce Development at YCRC, is a trailblazing collaboration among employers, educators, and workforce partners. The initiative focuses on three major components—Employment Sector Pathways, Upskilling, and Advocacy—and outlines 17 strategies aimed at strengthening York County’s talent pipeline from the ground up.

According to Martin, who also serves as Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, workforce challenges are affecting nearly every community across the nation. “Dean Faile, Chamber President and CEO, had a vision of building the workforce pipeline from within the community,” she said. “York County Council seeded these initiatives three years ago, and they have exploded with success. Demand exceeds capacity, and the Chamber is racing to scale up.”

In fact, the results are already turning heads. As Howie shared, York Electric was the first to make a significant pledge to LIFT. “While many communities focus solely on attracting talent,” he noted, “the LIFT initiatives are growing talent from within York County. Our Chamber is on the leading edge, and other communities around the nation are studying our approach.”

Those efforts have the potential to be transformative. The Chamber’s employment sector strategy is expected to increase regional employment by 5%, generating an estimated 2,500 new jobs. LIFT initiatives will connect students with local employers, prepare residents for in-demand careers, build leadership skills among employees, and advocate for public policy that supports a strong workforce.

“Over the next five years, we expect more than 50,000 York County residents to be directly impacted by LIFT programs,” said Celeste Tiller. “From Leader in Me and EPIC to Business Expedition, and four levels of leadership development training, each program serves a unique segment of our workforce. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive, long-term strategy to strengthen and sustain York County’s talent pipeline.”

Although the campaign has officially launched, fundraising will continue in the months ahead. “This is a collaborative approach,” Martin emphasized. “We’ll continue inviting businesses and community partners to invest, because this work belongs to all of us.”

York County’s story has always been one of innovation, resilience, and shared progress. With the LIFT Campaign now underway—and with early support already exceeding expectations—our region is positioning itself not just to meet future workforce needs, but to lead the way.

Together, we can build what’s next for York County. And together, we can LIFT our community to new heights.