Voices of Industry Roundtable

Dillon Pullen

President, Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce


   On Friday, January 17, 2025, Fairfield County Economic Development, in partnership with the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, hosted our first "Voices of Industry" Existing Industry Roundtable of 2025. This event allows our industry partners to gather and discuss a variety of topics to boost their success in Fairfield County.

  Our gathering focused on international trade, small business development, and workforce growth. Speakers included representatives from the S.C. Department of Commerce and S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

  John Daniels, Existing Industry Program Manager at the S.C. Department of Commerce, provided an overview of services the DOC offers to assist existing businesses to begin and expand their oversees trade partnership. Exporting goods to service the global market unlocks a huge market base with $37.3 billion worth of goods being exported from S.C. in 2023. 

  Sonja Barkley, Small Business Manager at the S.C. Department of Commerce, spoke with passion about starting and expanding small businesses in S.C.. The DOC classifies a small business and any business which employees 500 employees or less. Sonja answered questions from attendees regarding business awareness with encouraging them to enroll their business with WeShopSC. This new online platform allows small businesses access to a premier online marketplace experience which boosts awareness and allow consumers to purchase directly from their business. 

 Katie Hill, Senior Business Service Consultant with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, introduced the service of DEW to assist small and large companies recruit qualified talent to meet increasing workforce needs. 

  We extend our appreciation to BOMAG for offering to host the event in their beautiful training room. We also thank Peace on Earth Cafe and Consignment for catering a delicious breakfast.