Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber

Small Business Toolkit: AI Made Practical (Part 2)
2026-07-01 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and organizations of all sizes can benefit from understanding how to use it effectively.

Join the Chamber’s Marketing Coordinator Laura Kirkland for an engaging virtual webinar designed to introduce business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals to the growing world of AI. This session will explore how AI can help streamline everyday business operations, improve productivity, enhance customer engagement, and support informed decision-making.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of today’s most useful AI tools and learn practical ways to incorporate them into their organizations, regardless of industry or technical experience. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to discover new ways to leverage it in your business, this webinar will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Who Should Attend?

Small business owners

Entrepreneurs and startups

Nonprofit leaders

Managers and team leaders

Marketing and administrative professionals

Anyone interested in learning how AI can support business success

No prior AI experience is required.

RSVP NOW!

Cocktails & Connections
2026-07-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Hello Gorgeous, 20 Wall St, South Carolina, 29812, United States
Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community at Hello Gorgeous! Designed for women in business, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy complimentary cocktails, light appetizers, and meaningful conversations while building valuable relationships and expanding your network. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for networking and future connections!

RSVP NOW!

Small Business Toolkit: AI Made Practical (Part 3)
2026-07-08 11:00 - 12:30
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the way businesses operate, and organizations of all sizes can benefit from understanding how to use it effectively.

Join the Chamber’s Marketing Coordinator Laura Kirkland for an engaging virtual webinar designed to introduce business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals to the growing world of AI. This session will explore how AI can help streamline everyday business operations, improve productivity, enhance customer engagement, and support informed decision-making.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of today’s most useful AI tools and learn practical ways to incorporate them into their organizations, regardless of industry or technical experience. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to discover new ways to leverage it in your business, this webinar will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

Who Should Attend?

Small business owners

Entrepreneurs and startups

Nonprofit leaders

Managers and team leaders

Marketing and administrative professionals

Anyone interested in learning how AI can support business success

No prior AI experience is required.

RSVP HERE!

Lunch & Learn
2026-07-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Palmetto Innovation Center, 218 Main Street, Barnwell, SC, 29812, United States

Public Service Cookout in Allendale, Bamberg, & Barnwell Counties!
2026-07-24 12:00 - 14:00
Hosted at the same time on July 24th at:Allendale Armory, 368 Courthouse Sq, Allendale, SCBamberg Fire Station, 2320 Main Hwy, Bamberg, SCBarnwell Fire Station, 100 Burr Street, Barnwell, SC

The Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber is proud to host our annual Public Service Appreciation Cookout! This special evening is dedicated exclusively to honoring the men and women who faithfully serve our communities every day.

We would like to invite all law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and public officials with their families for a BBQ meal at your local city fire department. Public service members and their families will be served by volunteers, local leaders, and community partners as a heartfelt thank you for their sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to protecting and strengthening our communities.

Allendale Propel Pitch Competition
2026-07-25 12:00 - 14:30 | USC Salkehatchie, Allendale, 465 James Brandt Blvd, Allendale, SC 29810, Allendale, South Carolina, 29812, United States
Witness the Future of Local Business and See Who Takes Home the $5,000!

After 12 weeks of intensive grit, strategy, and growth, our Small Business Lab Propel finalists are ready for the ultimate stage. They’ve crunched the numbers, refined their missions, and now they have just three minutes to win it all.

Join the Chamber, the Palmetto Innovation Center, and our dedicated sponsors for an evening of high-stakes entrepreneurship. This isn’t just a presentation; it’s a showcase of the talent, passion, and innovation driving our community’s economy.

Join us: RSVP RIGHT NOW!

Lunch & Learn
2026-08-05 12:00 - 13:30 | Palmetto Innovation Center, 218 Main Street, Barnwell, SC, 29812, United States
Join the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber for a Lunch & Learn featuring Camary Miley, owner of Raster and Root. This session will cover the importance of having a business website, how to improve your current website, and how a strong online presence can benefit your business.

Attendees will leave with practical tips and a better understanding of how their website can help build credibility, improve visibility, and connect with customers. Lunch will be provided.

Women's Leadership Luncheon
2026-08-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Palmetto Innovation Center, 218 Main Street, Barnwell, SC, 29812, United States
Join us for an inspiring Women’s Leadership Luncheon featuring a powerful conversation on Leading Boldly led by Kywana Ritter. Come be involved in a time of connection, learning, and be empowered alongside other dynamic women leaders in our region. Be sure to register and join us!

Register Now!

Cocktails & Connections
2026-08-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Emma’s House, 204 Wagner Street, Allendale, South Carolina, 29812, United States
Join us for an evening of networking, conversation, and community at Emm’a House! Designed for women in business, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy complimentary cocktails, light appetizers, and meaningful conversations while building valuable relationships and expanding your network. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for networking and future connections!

State of the Region
2026-08-27 17:30 - 20:00 | USC Salkehatchie, Allendale, 465 James Brandt Blvd, Allendale, SC 29810, Allendale, South Carolina, 29812, United States
The 2026 State of the Region Address & Business Expo presented by SRNS is a community-wide event designed to bring together Chamber members, business leaders, community stakeholders, and residents to celebrate regional accomplishments, highlight current initiatives, and share the future vision shaping Allendale , Bamberg & Barnwell Counties.

The evening will begin with a business expo and networking reception featuring local businesses and organizations, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect, learn about regional resources, and showcase the work being done throughout our communities. Following the expo, the event will feature a keynote address from the newly elected Mayor Gentle of Allendale, SC, highlighting the community’s progress, opportunities, and vision for the future.

The program will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Chamber President & CEO, Bob Snead, featuring a diverse group of large and small business owners and regional leaders who will share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on economic growth, workforce development, and the future of business in our region.

The 2026 State of the Region is proudly presented by SRNS with additional support from SRMC , SRP Federal Credit Union, and USC Salkehatchie.

Get Your Ticket Now!

Growth Spark Summit
2026-09-24 12:00 - 2026-09-25 20:00 | Denmark Technical College, 1126 Solomon Blatt Blvd, Denmark, South Carolina, 29042
Click Here To Get Your Tickets!!

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, 2026Denmark Technical College | Denmark, South Carolina

Day One: Thursday, September 24, 2026Registration 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 Chamber & Foundation Staff

Denmark Technical College President, Dr. Eric Brown

City of Denmark, Mayor Harold Johnson

The Current Spark: Regional Achievements & Highlights

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Enjoy a light lunch while hearing about the accomplishments, investments, and collaborative efforts currently driving economic growth and opportunity throughout the region. Presented by Southern Carolina Alliance.

Networking Break

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM

Opening Keynote Session: Featuring Melody Warnick

Empowering Communities & Igniting a Spark for Economic Development in Rural Regions

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

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

Small Business Loan Readiness

Networking Break

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Morning Keynote Session

Shaping What’s Next

9:45 AM – 10:45 AMFeaturing 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 hello@southernpalmetto.org, we are here to help! Click Here for more info about accessibility at the Chamber.

Click Here To Get Your Tickets!!

Hotel Accommodations

Tru by Hilton Orangeburg Hotel

Click Here to Book Your Hotel Stay!

Block rate: Rooms available for $143 – $158 per night plus applicable taxes.

Dates: The group block rate is available for the nights of Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday September 24.

Deadline: The group block rate is available until Monday, August 24th or until sold out, whichever comes first.

Hotel Address : 739 Citadel Rd, Orangeburg, SC 29118

BBQ Blues & Boos
2026-10-23 16:00 - 2026-10-26 10:00
Come join us for our annual fundraising event
