b'ANCHOR OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR 250 YEARS: UNFATHOMABLEneeds, anticipate and meet the needs of a growing populace and deepen, strengthen and support one of Americas top economies. In 2023, Travel + Leisure ranked Charleston as best U.S. city for the 11 thconsecutive year. A lot of people visit and stay. How do you preserve all the things that make Charleston so special and give it its unique ability in a way that allows space for everyone who wants to be here? This, the ripple effect of growth on our regions infrastructure, has transcended every topic.At this notable milestone, we celebrate the immense passion, talent and diverse experiences of our volunteers:Board of 70 engaged private, public, civic and nonprofit leadersExecutive committee of 26 business membersCommittees and task forces defining policy, programs and Attempting to capture, in 52 pages, 250 years of influenceinitiativesand fortitude to drive solutions and advance the region is like trying to hold an ocean in a thimble. So let me set the stageBerkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, we are proud to for what you will read on these pages.serve you and will continue to actively pursue bold advance-ment initiatives for our region. We are focused now on aiming We present a highly curated synopsis of our regional history.the region at 2050!That is not to say that weve sanitized the unsavory bits of our past. Where weve been has informed who we are as aCommitted with you,culture and how we define progress. It is a caution that weve focused our story on the community, business and economic milestones that the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has been privileged to help achieve.The Chamber board is grateful for the time so many individuals have given to help commemorate our 250 years of service.JOE GRECHThis is a region of commerce. We have therefore given youChairman, Charleston Metro Chamberan account of how the Chamber has marshalled the businessCFO, South Carolina Federal Credit Unioncommunity to address its own development and employmentPresident, SCF Solutions, LLC3'