Laurens County Chamber of Commerce
Laurens County (LC), SC is on the move and the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce is proudly promoting and supporting the tremendous impact across the County. With a mission to serve as the unified voice to promote, strengthen and develop the County by connecting organizations, supporting businesses, and building community, the recent develops enhance the Chamber’s success. The Chamber has traditionally and continues to support local, small business and the success of entrepreneurs through educational workshops, grants, marketing campaigns, and promotions, often working in tandem with County officials, Main Street organizations within the County, and their city officials. There are many other focus areas, like Agribusiness, Government Affairs, Workforce Development, Leadership, Non-profit support, Beautification, and acting as the Tourism arm of the County. But this is not all we do!
The LC Chamber is celebrating some huge accomplishments with the County, impacting the Chamber mission work, businesses, residents and visitors. Over the past year, the Chamber hired their fourth full time team member, the Keep Laurens County Beautiful Affiliate (KLCB) Coordinator, an official LC American Revolution 250th Sestercentennial Committee was approved, Capital Project Sales Tax projects are underway, and Laurens County Council allocated $5 million in ARPA funds, to non-profits and for infrastructure projects across the County. Read on for details…
One June 22, 2022, LC Council, the City of Clinton, City of Fountain Inn, and City of Laurens, in partnership with the LC Chamber of Commerce, the LC Development Corporation and the LC Sheriff’s Office celebrated the passing of individual, yet matching, litter control ordinances and resolutions to blanket the County. These partners funded a new position under the Chamber umbrella and on April 22, 2022, Earth Day, Laurens County officially became the 36th Keep SC Beautiful Affiliate, joining more than 700 Keep America Beautiful affiliates. The new KLCB Affiliate Coordinator, Courtney Stonell, is in position with exciting results for the first quarter of 2022. Over 46, 515 lbs. of litter collected, over 2,828 supplies distributed (bags, vest, gloves, grabbers) through the partnership with Palmetto Pride, and Lt. Governor, Pamela Evette, kicked off her annual Grab A Bag event in County. LC now has a focus and goal to engage the public in county-wide litter, recycling, and beautification efforts through impact, education, and enforcement.
Year 2026 marks the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War. LC has over 112 notable Revolutionary War engagements, according to a local Battlefield Preservationist, Durant Ashmore. In September 2021, LC Council appointed the official committee, to represent the County and oversee the celebration planning, working with the SC250 Commission (www.southcarolina250.com). This committee has recognized fourteen historic sites across the County to highlight through a driving tour and a partnered cycling trail, through the LC Trails Association. Some sites will be on the Liberty Trail, stretching across South Carolina (www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/libertytrail) and all sites will be a preserved piece of history once the archaeology studies are complete and the plan is in place. LC looks forward to welcoming visitors and residents to enjoy the history and character of this amazing County.
The LC Capital Project Sales Tax was approved, through vote by LC citizens on November 3, 2020 (58%/42%). This is a 1% sales tax on goods and services (with the exception of unprepared food, pharmaceuticals and fuel), funding $35 million to 16 building and improvement projects all around the County. One project is the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Loop Trail, hosted by the LC Trails Association and LC Parks and Recreation Commission. The groundbreaking for this 1.7-mile walking and biking trail was held on Friday, June 3, 2022. This is just the beginning to a multi-year project and plan for future trail development across LC.
LC County Council recently allocated $5 million to infrastructure and non-profit projects from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The fund requests were reviewed by Council through an application process. $2.5 million was allocated to non-profits (34 community grant applications received) and $2.5 million to infrastructure projects (5 infrastructure applications received). Decisions were based on how each organization was impacted by the pandemic. These funds will be a great boost to the agencies and organizations receiving them, helping them better serve clients across Laurens County.
Like Ten at the Top envisioning an Upstate region where collaboration, coordination, and cooperation across communities and business sectors creates a stronger upstate, this also creates a stronger County. The LC Chamber is proud of the work being done across the County, especially due to the leadership and partnerships from municipalities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals, working together for overall success.