NEW ChamberCHAT -Your Local Update Starts Here

February, 2026

President's Message

On February 5th we celebrated the Chamber’s 70th anniversary in a big way at our Annual Gala held at the Gateway Conference Center. It was a huge success with 370 members and their guests enjoying an evening of celebration! We honored two special gentleman who played key roles in establishing the Lancaster County Chamber -- CD “Bubber” Gregory and Charlie Bundy and recognized our annual award winners!

Special thanks to our members, generous sponsors, the Special Events Committee, and all volunteers who made this event possible!

If you are not familiar with the Lancaster County Chamber and the value we bring to members, please check out our website: www.lancasterchambersc.org or give us a call at the Chamber: 803-283-4105.

CHAMBER NEWS

2025 Annual Award Winners

Melissa Thornton

Citizenship and Service Award

Leadership Lancaster

At the beginning of February, the class celebrated Business & Industry Day! The morning kicked off with an insightful presentation from Amy Carnes, Business Retention and Expansion Manager for Lancaster County Economic Development, followed by a tour of Nutramax Laboratories’ headquarters. The group then visited the Lancaster County School District Career Center for a behind-the-scenes tour and a fabulous lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts class. To wrap up the day, the class learned all about INSP/Crossridge and their entertainment network, ending with drinks at Crossridge Café sponsored by INSP/Crossridge.

Ambassador Program

At our 2026 Annual Gala, the 2025 Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Rubylyn Helms! We are thankful for all of the time, communication and support she dedicated to chamber members in 2025. Thank you to all of our 2025 Ambassadors for an amazing year, and all of the support shown for the community and Lancaster County Chamber Members!

This year’s program will kick off this month as we welcome back several 2025 Ambassadors and introduce a few new members to the program!

Interested in becoming a Ambassador?

Learn more and request an application here:

Ambassador Program

You can view all upcoming Chamber events 24/7 on our online events calendar!

lancasterchambersc.org/events/calendar

MEMBER NEWS

To view all Lancaster County Chamber members, visit our online directory!

Chamber Member Directory

COMMUNITY CALENDAR!

This interactive calendar allows all Chamber members to upload their events, making it easier for the entire community to stay informed.

Be sure to start uploading your events today so your business stays in the spotlight!

View Community Calendar

The hunt for the #CoolestThingMadeinSC is officially on! Now in its fifth year, Manufacturing Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in SC contest showcases the products made right here in South Carolina. Nominations are open now through February 19th. Go to www.scmanufacturingmadness.com to submit your favorite SC-made product!

2026 SCHEDULE

· February 9 – 19: Nominations open

· February 23 – 26: Popular voting

· March 2 – 5: Top 16 bracket voting

· March 9 – 12: Top 8 bracket voting

· March 16 – 19: Top 4 bracket voting

· March 24: Winner announced at the State House

Last year, High Noon Sun Sips won the contest. With so many amazing products made across the Palmetto State, who will take the title this year?

Nominate a Product!

Please join us for a night of celebration

Join us for an intimate evening in support of mental health at NAMI’s exclusive Spring into Wellness Gala. With limited tickets available, this special night will feature complimentary beer and food, a curated silent and live auction, and inspiring moments that highlight NAMI’s mission and impact in our community.

Come connect, celebrate, and help us grow access to mental health education, support, and hope.

We hope to see you there!

Date & Time:

March 6, 2026 from 6PM to 9:30PM EST

Location:

Gateway Conference Center - Ballroom C 3200 Commerce Dr # C Richburg, SC 29729

D1 Training in Indian Land is offering a great deal for members of the Lancaster Chamber.

20% of our regular price for all Lancaster Chamber members on your first package of any type: Personal Training, Small Gorup Training or Group Training.

SET GOALS. ACHIEVE RESULTS.

At D1 Training we deliver purpose-driven programming designed to help you reach your goals while training like an athlete no matter your age or skill level. Our approach is rooted in sports-science, led by expert coaches, and built around accountability, intensity, and measurable progress. Whether you're a student-athlete trying to make a team or an adult rebuilding strength and confidence, we train with intention.

Please reach out to Chris Knox, General Manager at D1 Training (803)599-2798 or via email: d1indianland.gm@d1training.com

We offer a highly competitive summer internship program that gives college students and/or recent college graduates the meaningful & unique opportunity to make important professional contributions to the communities the Arras Foundation serves.

By working in the field of philanthropy, together with local nonprofit organizations and community members, interns will gain experience in community engagement, communications, research, professional networking, and more. LEARN MORE HERE!

York Technical College Celebrates Opening of State-of-the-Art Massage Therapy Clinic

ROCK HILL, S.C. – (Feb. 4, 2026) – On Thursday, January 22, 2026, York Technical College unveiled its new Massage Therapy Clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Baxter Hood Center. This marks a significant milestone for the College’s Massage Therapy Program and its commitment to hands-on, workforce-ready education.

“This clinic reflects our mission in action and prepares students for meaningful careers while meeting the needs of our community,” stated Dr. Juan Roldan, Assistant Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development. “By investing in modern, industry-aligned spaces like this one, we ensure our students graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience today’s employers expect.”

Designed to mirror professional clinical settings, the space allows students to apply classroom learnings in anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and client care through supervised clinical hours. Students participating in the program learn advanced therapeutic techniques to treat soft-tissue injuries and chronic pain, and to promote overall wellness.

All students in the first cohort had their tuition fully covered by the SC WINS scholarship through the state of South Carolina and had job offers prior to graduation.

The second cohort of students is scheduled to start on March 2, 2026, with the Massage Therapy Clinic expected to reopen in the second half of the year as students begin their clinicals. For more information about the Massage Therapy Program at York Technical College, visit our website!