Catawba Regional Council of Governments

06/03/2026

SC RIA Grant Awards

Catawba Regional Council of Governments is pleased to share that the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) awarded Spring grant funding to two York County communities for important infrastructure improvements.

The Town of Fort Mill received $1,320,000 for the Academy Street Water and Sewer Improvements, and the Town of Sharon received $358,875 for the Shannon Street Waterline Improvements.

These investments will strengthen essential water and sewer infrastructure and help support reliable service for residents and businesses.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist local governments with projects that promote community sustainability, public health, and long-term growth across the Catawba Region.

Congratulations to the Town of Fort Mill and the Town of Sharon on these important awards.

05/13/2026

***This event is sold out!

Something new is here! 📢
We are excited to collaborate with leaders and officials of Lancaster County Government and See Lancaster SC to launch a new Advocacy After Hours Series. These free community events will give local business leaders the opportunity to casually connect and engage with local officials while building meaningful relationships that help strengthen and guide the voice of Lancaster County’s business community.

Please join us for the first event on June 4th at the Lancaster County Airport ✈️ for an evening of connection, conversation, and community as we bring together Lancaster County’s local business leaders and government officials. This special networking event is designed to encourage collaboration, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful conversations about the future of our community.

The evening will include a brief presentation introducing local elected officials and community leaders, followed by time to mix, mingle, and build valuable connections. By bringing together the public and private sectors, we can continue working together to make Lancaster County the best place to live, work, and do business.

Light refreshments and soft drinks will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register for free at https://business.lancasterchambersc.org/events/details/business-voices-connecting-business-local-leadership-5460

05/13/2026

Congratulations Chris!! Christine Schwartz, Community Development Planner for Catawba Regional Council of Governments, was one of the many recognized for graduating with the Spring 2026 Inside Rock Hill!

Tonight, the Spring 2026 Inside Rock Hill Graduates were recognized in front of City Council for completing the program.

Help us congratulate them! 👏👏

05/11/2026

We’re back from Florence, SC after attending the South Carolina Community Development Association’s Annual Meeting. Our grants team had a great experience connecting, learning, and exploring the region, including tours of downtown Florence, the Town of Dillon, and Harbor Freight. It was a valuable trip filled with ideas, inspiration, and opportunities to bring back to our work. Angela Kirkpatrick presided at the meeting as President of SC CDA!!

05/06/2026

Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long has been inducted into the Southern Economic Development Hall of Fame! ✨✨✨

With decades of experience, and a strong commitment to building partnerships and creating opportunity, Robert continues to play a vital role in shaping Chester County's future. This recognition honors leaders who have made a lasting impact on economic growth across the South, and we could not be prouder to see Robert recognized alongside them.

From Chester County Administrator, Brian Hester, "On behalf of Chester County, we are proud to congratulate Robert in this well-deserved recognition. His leadership, experience, and commitment to economic growth continue to make a meaningful impact on our community!"

05/06/2026

May is Small Business Appreciation Month!

To kick off Small Business Appreciation Month, DEW collaborated with WACH FOX 57 on a roundtable interview, including DEW's Research Economist Erica Von Nessen, SC Small Business Development Centers Representative Sarah Lewis, and four small businesses in the Midlands: Brittany Koester of Azalea Coffee Bar, Carol Isherwood of Gardener's Outpost, Sumner Bender of The Nickelodeon, and Damian Farmer of Pestora Pest Control! Watch and learn more about the discussion at https://wach.com/news/local/the-backbone-of-sc-how-midlands-small-businesses-are-driving-states-economy.

The roundtable dives into the world of small businesses, the exciting benefits of being an owner, how each employer got started, the resources available, and the impressive impact small businesses have on the labor force and the culture of the Midlands!

05/06/2026

04/24/2026

04/24/2026

https://scra.org/scra-launches-investments-in-innovation-hubs-to-drive-tech-ecosystem-growth-across-south-carolina/

The South Carolina Research Authority today announced the launch of a statewide network of Innovation Hubs designed to accelerate investment and strengthen South Carolina’s emerging technology ecosystems in key regions across the state.

04/21/2026