York County Day, chance to lobby lawmakers returns to Columbia

York County residents, business leaders and other stakeholders have the opportunity to meet directly with their state elected representatives in Columbia Feb. 23.

The 29th annual York County Day is scheduled for 1-8 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Members of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater York Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Congress and the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce will all be there to learn about the legislative process and address state leaders, said Rob Youngblood with the York County Chamber of Congress.

More than 150 local businesses and community leaders will gather to discuss state issues important to York County businesses and the community with state officials.

Youngblood said the day, which is themed “Impact the State House,” aims to educate business owners about how legislation may affect their businesses and give them a chance to influence the process.

“For anything to get done, it’s a two-way street where both parties have to communicate,” he said.

Speakers will include S.C. Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, acting Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall, S.C. Rep. Gary Simrill, chairman of S.C. House Transportation Infrastructure Management Committee, David Swenson, York County economic development director and members of the York County legislative delegation.

Each year, York County Day helps business owners and chamber members identify the main issues affecting the county, said Jeff Perez, vice president of university relations at Winthrop University. This year, he said the focus will be on economic development and transportation.

“It’s a chance for legislatures to get a sense of what’s important to all the businesses in the county,” he said. “We’re proud they take the time to speak to our members.”

Winthrop works closely with the chamber members to ensure education aligns with the economic opportunities available, Perez said.

“We’re always watchful for the futures of our graduates,” he said. “It’s important for us to be partners in the economic growth for this region.”

Perez said various businesses, educational facilities and other state leaders working toward the same goal helps spur better results from the legislature.

“It inspires them to work on our behalf,” he said.

Past York County days started important local conversations such as creating two additional lanes on I-77 and creating Pennies for Progress, a local sales tax to address the need for more road funding, Youngblood said.

“It’s been very successful for York County,” he said.

The day also allows community leaders to promote York County’s economic importance, Perez said. He said there are more than 1,400 members in the four Chambers of Commerce.

“It’s a chance for legislatures to see firsthand the array of businesses we have in York County,” he said. “We are looking forward to a very successful York County Day.”

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 3:39 PM with the headline "York County Day, chance to lobby lawmakers returns to Columbia."