We are now halfway through 2021, a year that radiates progress and prosperity in comparison to the previous and can be defined as one of reemergence.  

The strong foundation of our region, and the commitment of our community, has allowed us to reemerge from the recession. We have seen so many of our members innovate, lend a helping hand and work harder than ever to ensure our families and employees stay safe, their businesses survive and the Charleston metro remains one of the best in the country.

While we will never forget the impacts of last year, our need for resiliency is greater than ever. We are now faced with many familiar challenges, like talent demand and housing attainability, that have been amplified by the effects of the pandemic. The Chamber is working diligently to find solutions for these critical issues.

Take housing, we all know the market, it is nothing less than extreme. Housing and rent prices are out of control and there is no inventory to speak of. Affordability and attainability are nonexistent. This cannot sustain and the Chamber is working to ensure that every resident can afford a home within a reasonable distance from their job. Recently, we brought together a group of leaders to examine the issue and envision a future for our region that has attainable housing – more to come soon.  

We will continue to be a convener, bringing together voices to drive solutions to make our community the best it can be. We will continue to work alongside you to jointly build an equitable region where everyone has the opportunity to live, learn and earn.

Want to be a part of it? As a member, you already are. We hope you will deepen your involvement and join future conversations; we need your help and your insight. Please review our June Chamber Report to see the work we have been undertaking and visit our website, charlestonchamber.org/events, to see the programs we have coming up.

We can promise you this, we will keep tackling the tough issues, fighting for a healthy business climate and pushing for an equitable future – all with you by our side. Without you, our members, this work isn’t possible. Thank you for your support, your time and your belief in our mission to initiate, advocate and empower our region to advance a prosperous business environment.

Sincerely,

Marc Marchant

Charleston Metro Chamber Board Chairman

CEO, LS3P Associates Ltd.

Bryan Derreberry 

Charleston Metro Chamber

President & CEO