Bamberg County Council Unanimously Backs Regional Chamber Alliance

Bamberg County took a formal step toward deeper regional cooperation when the County Council unanimously approved a resolution on January 5, 2026 encouraging the formation of an alliance between the Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Palmetto Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Evert Comer, Jr. introduced the motion as part of a broader push to strengthen economic opportunities across neighboring rural communities.

The resolution highlights partnership-driven growth as a priority for the county. Comer framed the vote in optimistic terms: “Bamberg County is on the move!” He added that greater collaboration would create “greater regional reach, stronger programming, and more opportunities for our residents and business community.” Council Chairwoman Sharon Hammond expressed gratitude for the chamber’s support of local initiatives, saying, “I want to thank the Southern Palmetto Chamber of Commerce for all that they do to support Bamberg County,” and pledged that the county looks forward to expanding the partnership in the new year.

Council discussion referenced concrete local wins from existing cooperation. The Southern Palmetto Chamber’s Propel Business Lab was presented as a model program: a 12-week curriculum that culminated this year in a $10,000 pitch competition held on the Voorhees University campus. Bamberg resident Blanche Meeks, owner of Meeks Grand Treats, won the pitch competition, a result council members cited as evidence that regional programs can generate direct benefit for local entrepreneurs. The Propel program was facilitated by City of Barnwell Councilwoman Alicia Davis and Bamberg County Public Information Officer and Keep Bamberg County Beautiful Executive Director Alisha Moore.

Southern Palmetto Chamber leadership welcomed the council’s endorsement. President and CEO Bob Snead thanked the council for its sponsorship and noted the chamber’s intent to ensure Bamberg County has voice at the regional leadership level by adding at least one board seat to represent the county. “We are grateful to Bamberg County Council for believing in this program and in regional collaboration,” Snead said. “Every dollar raised goes right back into Bamberg County, supporting entrepreneurs, workforce development, and community growth. Applications for next year’s Propel Business Lab will open mid-year 2026, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

Enterick Lee, City of Blackville Councilman and Vice President of Operations for the Southern Palmetto Chamber, outlined an ambitious slate of activities for the coming year and emphasized that the alliance would augment, not replace, local chamber functions. “When you’re a small chamber, you have to stay busy,” Lee said. “Nothing will be taken away from the Bamberg Chamber - only added to it, expanding its reach throughout the region.” The Southern Palmetto Chamber plans 28 events and three core programs next year, including business development, coding education, and leadership training.

For Bamberg County residents, the resolution signals an intent to leverage regional networks to support small businesses, workforce development, and community events that can increase economic resilience. With unanimous council backing, officials say the county is positioned to move forward on cooperative planning and to seek greater representation in regional decision making. For more information, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.