Columbia hosts the second largest military presence in South Carolina, centered around Fort Jackson, the US Army’s largest training base. Additionally, our region supports military operations at the South Carolina National Guard Base, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, and the US Army Reserve. The Columbia Chamber actively fosters strong ties between the business community and the military, advocating for benefits and opportunities through collaboration with local, state, and federal leaders.
The Chamber’s Military Affairs initiative, working through the Military Outreach Group, is committed to achieving the following goals on behalf of the military community:
- onboarding of senior leadership (both military and civilian)
- serving as a liaison with legislative members and elected officials on military affairs
- serving as a liaison with the South Carolina Military Base Task Force
- connecting local Department of Defense Contractors and businesses to enhance relationships
- connecting military organizations such as USO, AUSA, and ESGR with local community representatives to reinforce partnerships and enhance support for our men and women in uniform
Military Outreach Meetings Venue: SC State Fairgrounds | 1200 Rosewood Drive
2025 Military Outreach Meeting Dates (Quarterly): registration is open to the public
- February
- May
- August
- November
Military Outreach Events:
- November 13, 2024 – Welcome Breakfast: The Welcome Breakfast celebrates the arrival of the 54th Commanding General of the United States Army Training Center & Fort Jackson. Community leaders and stakeholders will have an opportunity to engage directly with Fort Jackson leadership and support initiatives benefiting both the military and the community.
- March 2025 – Clear Path to Transition: Clear Path to Transition aims to connect senior-level military retirees with regional business leaders to help explore pathways for service members to transition into civilian careers. Program results will be mutually beneficial as companies retain talent and build their management teams and military retirees find a career that utilizes their skills and allows them to remain in the area.
- July 2025 – Senior Leader’s Luncheon: The Columbia Chamber hosts the annual Senior Leader's Luncheon, welcoming Fort Jackson's new leaders and introducing them to the best of Columbia. Local leaders and tourism/hospitality representatives join together to showcase our vibrant community, fostering connections and strengthening ties between the military and our region.
Annual Benefits
- Top billing in Military Event advertising
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Opportunity to address the audience at each event
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for eight (8) guests to attend the event
- List of attendees at the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast (available upon request)
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Opportunity to display promotional materials during each meeting, including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
- List of attendees at each Military Outreach meeting (available upon request)
Clear Path to Transition: March 2025
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting Sponsor for the Clear Path to Transition event and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the event
Senior Leaders Luncheon: July 2025
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting sponsor for the Senior Leaders Luncheon and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for six (6) guests to attend the event
Annual Benefits
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Exclusive recognition as the Joint Forces sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for eight (8) guests to attend the event
- List of attendees at the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast (available upon request)
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Exclusive recognition as the Joint Forces sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Opportunity to display promotional materials during each meeting, including setting up a display table and/or a pop-up banner
- List of attendees at each Military Outreach meeting (available upon request)
- Exclusive recognition as the Joint Forces sponsor for the Senior Leaders Luncheon and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for three (3) guests to attend the event
Senior Leaders Luncheon: July 2025
Annual Benefits
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Recognition as the Military Champions sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for eight (8) guests to attend the event
- List of attendees at the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast (available upon request)
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Recognition as the Military Champions sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- List of attendees at each Military Outreach meeting (available upon request)
Clear Path to Transition: March 2025
- Recognition as the Military Champions sponsor for Clear Path to Transition and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the event
Senior Leaders Luncheon: July 2025
- Exclusive recognition as the Presenting sponsor for the Senior Leaders Luncheon and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for six (6) guests to attend the event
Annual Benefits
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Recognition as the Military Champions sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for eight (8) guests to attend the event
- List of attendees at the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast (available upon request)
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Recognition as the Military Champions sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- List of attendees at each Military Outreach meeting (available upon request)
Annual Benefits
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Recognition as a Four-Star sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for four (4) guests to attend the event
- List of attendees at the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast (available upon request)
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Recognition as a Four-Star sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- List of attendees at each Military Outreach meeting (available upon request)
Annual Benefits
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast: November 13, 2024
- Recognition as a Friends of our Forces sponsor for the Commanding General’s Welcome Breakfast and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the event
2025 Military Outreach Group: Quarterly Meetings
- Recognition as a Friends of our Forces sponsor for the Military Outreach Group meetings and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Recognition as a Military Matchup Supporter sponsor for the Clear Path to Transition and announcement of sponsorship on social media
- Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
- Recognition in event specific eCommunications
- Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
- Sponsorship fulfillment report
- First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year
For more information regarding sponsorships and events, please email Hilary Bell or call (803) 733-1115.