COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) -- Two of the state's largest business advocacy groups are preparing for a merger early next year, leaders announced in Columbia this week.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance will combine to become one entity on January 1, 2026, according to the groups. It will be called South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC).

Sara Hazzard, the current president and CEO of SCMA, who was tapped to lead SCMC, called the merger a "transformational opportunity" to help boost South Carolina's standing as a leader in business development.

"When the business community speaks with one voice, when we combine our resources, and when we commit to working together like never before, we will out-compete our neighboring states, and anyo

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