Growth Spark Summit
September 24 @ 12:00 pm – September 25 @ 8:00 pm
The Growth Spark Summit is a dynamic regional gathering designed to ignite ideas, partnerships, and solutions that support long-term prosperity in rural South Carolina. Bringing together community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and business professionals, the summit will focus on key issues impacting our region including business development, education, healthcare, and housing. Through engaging discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, the Growth Spark Summit aims to inspire collaboration, strengthen regional partnerships, and spark innovative strategies that move our communities forward.
Presented with Support from:
Growth Spark Summit Agenda
September 24–25, 2026
Denmark Technical College | Denmark, South Carolina
Day One: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Registration Opens & Networking
11:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Join regional leaders as we officially kick off the Growth Spark Summit and celebrate the collaborative efforts shaping the future of rural South Carolina.
Featured Speakers:
- Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Denmark Technical College President
- Mayor Harold Johnson, City of Denmark
Igniting the Growth Spark: Regional Achievements & Progress Highlights
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Presented by Southern Carolina Alliance
Enjoy a light lunch while hearing about the accomplishments, investments, and collaborative efforts driving economic growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Networking Break
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Opening Keynote Session
Empowering Communities and Igniting a Spark for Economic Development in Rural Regions
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Featuring Melody Warnick
Drawing from her books If You Could Live Anywhere and This Is Where You Belong, Melody Warnick explores how stronger connections between people and place can become a catalyst for rural economic growth. Through powerful stories and practical strategies, she will share ways communities can attract residents, retain talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen civic engagement—creating places where people choose to live, work, and invest.
Networking Break
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Rural Creative Economies: Arts, Culture & Small Business Incentives
Explore how arts, culture, and creative entrepreneurship can become powerful tools for downtown revitalization, tourism growth, and small business development.
Building Workforce Pipelines Through Education
Discover innovative partnerships between education, workforce development, and industry that prepare rural communities for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Rural E-Commerce, Digital Market Expansion & Virtual Businesses
Learn how rural entrepreneurs and businesses can leverage technology, digital platforms, and online markets to expand beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
Networking Break
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Future of Civic & Community Leadership in Rural Communities
Discuss the importance of developing engaged leaders who can create vision, build partnerships, and guide rural communities into the future.
Collaborative Approaches to Developing Holistic Rural Health Systems
Explore how communities can work together to improve healthcare access, strengthen partnerships, and create healthier places to live and work.
Rural Quality of Life as a Competitive Advantage
Discover how rural communities can leverage their unique assets, amenities, and sense of place to attract residents, businesses, and investment.
Innovative Housing Development in Rural Communities
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Moderator: Ahmad Mikell, Founder & Owner of S.A. Mikell & Company
A conversation focused on creative solutions, partnerships, and strategies to address housing challenges and expand opportunities for rural growth.
Evening Networking Reception
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join fellow attendees, entrepreneurs, and regional leaders for an evening of networking, collaboration, and relationship building.
Day Two: Friday, September 25, 2026
Table Topic Breakfast Conversations
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Engage in facilitated discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Discussion Topics Include:
- Bringing Old Buildings Back to Life
- Using AI to Grow Your Business
- How Arts, Culture & Tourism Strengthen Rural Communities
- Helping Small Manufacturers Succeed
- Why Housing Matters for Rural Growth
- Healthy Communities & Strong Economies: The Link Between Healthcare and Economic Development
- Keeping Young Talent and Attracting the Next Generation
- Growing Stronger Communities Through Partnerships
Networking Break
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Morning Keynote Session
Shaping What’s Next
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Featuring Deb Brown | Save Your Town
Deb Brown will introduce the Idea Friendly Method—an approach designed to bring more voices into shaping the future of rural communities. Participants will explore how communities can create momentum around tourism, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship, and local opportunities.
Networking Break
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Idea Friendly Workshop
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Facilitated by Deb Brown | Save Your Town
Turn inspiration into action during this hands-on workshop. Participants will collaborate with community members and leaders to identify opportunities and develop ideas around some of rural America’s most pressing challenges, including housing, childcare, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and talent retention.
Networking Break
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Session & Lunch
Why Rural Communities Must Think Bigger Together
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
A powerful closing conversation focused on the importance of regional collaboration, shared vision, and bold thinking to create stronger, more resilient rural communities.
Accessibility
If you need free translation services or accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to [email protected], we are here to help! Click Here for more info about accessibility at the Chamber.