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
2026 Military Outreach Meeting Dates (Quarterly): registration is open to the public
- February 24
- May 19
- August 25
- November 17
Military Affairs Events:
- Quarterly Military Outreach Meetings: The Military Outreach Group is a quarterly gathering that connects the Midlands business community with key military partners, including Fort Jackson, the South Carolina National Guard, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and other military-related support organizations. Each in-person event offers timely updates from regional military leaders and valuable networking opportunities for professionals looking to strengthen relationships and support our military community.
- March 2026 – 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 2026 – Senior Leader’s Tour 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
- Exclusive Presenting Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Top billing logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Company logo included on event billboards
- Company logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
- Opportunity to address the audience at each military event
- Opportunity to display promotional and marketing materials at each quarterly Military Outreach Group Meetings
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the Clear Path to Transition reception
- Registration for six (6) guests to attend the Senior Leader’s Tour Luncheon
- Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
- First right of renewal
Annual Benefits
- Joint Forces Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Company logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Company logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
- Opportunity to display promotional and marketing materials at each quarterly Military Outreach Group Meetings
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the Clear Path to Transition reception
- Registration for three (3) guests to attend the Senior Leader’s Tour Luncheon
- Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
- First right of renewal
Annual Benefits
- Military Champions Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Company logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Company logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
- Registration for one (1) guest to attend the Clear Path to Transition reception
- Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
- First right of renewal
Annual Benefits
- Four-Star Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Company logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Company logo with hyperlink on event-specific registration page and eCommunications
- Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
- First right of renewal
- Clear Path to Transition Supporter Sponsor recognition with Chamber social media promotion
- Company logo placement on digital and print promotional materials
- Registration for two (2) guests to attend the Clear Path to Transition reception
- Comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) report
For more information about sponsorships and events, please contact Susan McPherson at smcpherson@columbiachamber.com.