The Chamber is committed to strengthening the bond between our region’s military and business communities. We aim to empower veterans, service members and employers through initiatives and events that bring us together to advance our region. In the coming year, the Chamber is excited to expand our efforts, ensuring that our military and business communities can thrive together.
Recently, the Chamber led two initiatives that brought together business leaders, elected officials and the military community to strengthen our relationships and advance collaborative work.
Forum Highlights Vice Admiral Karl Thomas’ Visit to Charleston
As part of the Navy’s impactful Executive Engagement Visit initiative, senior flag officers travel to key naval partner cities nationwide throughout the year. Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare and Director of Naval Intelligence, recently visited Charleston to underscore the area’s vital role in supporting the Navy’s mission. His visit included meetings with influential regional government officials and industry leaders, highlighting the Navy’s unwavering commitment to fostering education and awareness about America’s Navy.
Furthermore, the Chamber hosted VADM Thomas for the Vice Admiral Forum. The Chamber is grateful to Sudofy.Me for their sponsorship of the event. Their continued dedication strengthens the vital link between our region and the military community. The forum brought together Chamber members and industry leaders to learn from VADM Thomas. This engaging discussion centered on the Charleston community’s significance to the Navy and provided valuable insights into the Navy’s current status and future projects.
First Meeting of the Chamber’s Newly Established Military Advisory Committee
The first Military Advisory Committee meeting marked a significant step in the Chamber’s commitment to military affairs. I would like to thank Mr. John Kopanski of JPMorgan Chase & Co. for his exceptional leadership as Chair of the Military Advisory Committee. JPMorgan Chase’s unwavering commitment to the military community is a testament to our shared responsibility in advocating for the military community at both regional and state levels, ensuring that our support remains unwavering.
The importance of the committee cannot be overstated; it plays a crucial role not only for the Chamber but also for the business community and military personnel alike. The committee’s insights and recommendations on initiatives that affect the regional military landscape—focusing on mission readiness, active-duty members, the veteran population, veteran employment and veteran-owned businesses—carry profound significance for all involved.
A diverse range of stakeholders joined us in this vital work, including Chamber members, Installation Commanders and their senior enlisted leaders, carefully chosen business leaders and senior representatives from federal, state and local organizations.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our military community.
If your or your organization is interested in joining the Military Advisory Committee or becoming more involved in the Chamber’s military work, please contact me at dbrown@charlestonchamber.org.
