Charleston Reporter

The Charleston Metro Chamber recently hosted its annual Legislative Reception, sponsored by Roper St. Francis Healthcare, at the South Carolina Aquarium. The event attracted over 350 participants, including Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, State Senators, State Representatives, Councilmembers, and local Mayors.

This gathering is a key opportunity for the business community to engage with elected officials. Bailey Vincett, Director of Government Relations for the Chamber, noted the significance of direct communication: “We’re so happy to have our members here to meet with our elected officials and talk about the issues that are important to them. It means so much more when they hear it from our members, then we go to Columbia and emphasize that message they heard here tonight.”

The reception aims to enhance dialogue and strengthen relationships between businesses and government leaders. Johnny Cribb, County Supervisor in Berkeley County, remarked on the cohesion within the Lowcountry: “There’s a lot of cohesion in the Lowcountry and it’s in part because of nights like tonight.”

Elizabeth Burwell, 2025 Chamber Board Chair and Senior Vice President at Southern First Bank, stressed the importance of these interactions: “The Legislative Reception is critical to building and growing relationships between the communities in our area and the legislative delegation so we can work together to advance our business community and make the Tri-County area a better place.”

The event underscored collaboration's role in regional success and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve conditions in Charleston.