Spotlight On: Brooke Clinton, President & CEO, Chester County Chamber of Commerce

June 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Brooke Clinton, president and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, discussed how Chester County is leveraging tourism, workforce development, and strategic partnerships to strengthen economic growth while preserving its rural identity and quality of life. She highlighted the county’s unique location between major metropolitan areas, the importance of community-driven leadership, and the need to balance growth with affordability. “We want to grow, but not to the point that we hurt our identity,” Clinton said.

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What have been the most significant developments impacting Chester County and the Chamber over the past year?

One of the Chamber’s most significant developments has been taking over tourism operations for Chester County. The tourism department was still relatively new when the county asked the Chamber to manage the program, creating an opportunity to shape and expand its direction from the ground up.

This transition has allowed the Chamber to rethink tourism not simply as visitor attraction, but as an economic development tool that can improve quality of life, support small businesses, and elevate awareness of Chester County’s natural assets. Through participation in the South Carolina Front Porch Program, the Chamber also became an official visitor center, further strengthening its role in promoting the county.

For many residents, tourism had not previously been viewed as a major opportunity. However, the county’s natural resources — including state parks, rivers, and forestland — are increasingly being recognized as unique assets, particularly for visitors coming from larger urban centers such as Charlotte and Columbia.

What are Chester County’s greatest competitive advantages within the regional economy?

Location remains one of Chester County’s strongest advantages. Positioned between Charlotte and Columbia and within close proximity to Greenville and Charleston, the county benefits from direct access to Interstate 77, rail service, and major transportation infrastructure, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the Port of Charleston.

Chester County has also retained much of its rural character and natural beauty. The county is bordered by both the Catawba and Broad rivers and continues to maintain significant undeveloped land and green space.

This balance between accessibility and quality of life creates a distinctive identity. While growth and development are important priorities, local leaders remain focused on ensuring that expansion does not compromise the county’s character or livability.

What initiatives are having the greatest impact on workforce development and economic growth?

The Chamber has increasingly focused on workforce development and strengthening connections between local industries and the education system. Additional staffing made possible through tourism-related funding has enabled the organization to dedicate more time to building these partnerships.

A major priority has been collaboration with the county’s new school superintendent and York Technical College to create clearer pathways for students into the workforce. These efforts include discussions around dual enrollment opportunities, technical certifications, entrepreneurship programs, and scholarship initiatives that help students prepare for careers while remaining in the community.

The Chamber is also working with local employers and corporate partners to support entrepreneurship and innovation among younger residents. One example includes discussions with a communications provider to sponsor a youth entrepreneur pitch competition tied to technology and business development.

The overall goal is to create long-term opportunities for residents while helping students recognize that they can build successful careers and meaningful lives within Chester County itself.

How important is leadership and collaboration in a smaller community like Chester County?

Leadership and relationships play an outsized role in smaller communities, where collaboration can often move more quickly and directly than in larger metropolitan areas.

The Chamber emphasized that having aligned leadership across government, education, and industry has accelerated progress on key initiatives. In many cases, stakeholders are able to come together, identify a need, and mobilize resources rapidly because of strong local relationships and shared priorities.

This “handshake community” culture has become one of the county’s defining strengths. According to Chamber leadership, the willingness of local leaders to work collaboratively around education, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives has helped position Chester County as a community to watch.

What economic and business trends are affecting Chester County today?

Like many communities, Chester County has felt the impact of broader global economic uncertainty. Manufacturing companies have faced challenges related to tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability, particularly for businesses dependent on international raw materials.

Some local employers have reduced hours or adjusted operations in response to these pressures, while others have benefited from policy adjustments or market shifts. These dynamics have highlighted how global events can directly affect smaller rural economies and local employment conditions.

Population growth and residential development are also creating new opportunities for restaurants, retail, and small businesses. While business leaders remain somewhat cautious about the broader economy, there is still optimism about the county’s long-term growth potential.

How is the Chamber strengthening community engagement and quality of life?

Community engagement remains central to the Chamber’s mission. Leadership places a strong emphasis on relationship-building and encouraging collaboration between residents, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and local government.

The county has worked to foster an environment where newcomers feel welcomed and connected. Local leaders also continue to promote “buy local” campaigns and community-based initiatives designed to support small businesses and strengthen civic engagement.

One recent example was the inaugural Mayor’s Ball for Education, which attracted approximately 500 attendees and raised roughly $20,000 for scholarships in a single evening. Events like this reflect a broader commitment to collective progress and investment in future generations.

The county also benefits from a strong nonprofit and faith-based network that plays an active role in supporting residents and addressing community needs.

How is Chester County balancing growth with affordability and housing challenges?

Affordability has become an increasingly important issue as South Carolina continues to experience rapid population growth. While lower housing costs compared to Charlotte or Columbia remain attractive to newcomers, rising home prices are creating challenges for many local residents.

County leadership is actively evaluating ways to encourage more attainable housing options that align with local incomes. This includes reviewing zoning and development codes, encouraging smaller housing formats, and exploring ways to support middle-market housing options such as apartments and condominiums.

There is also a strong focus on ensuring that essential workers — including teachers, police officers, and social workers — can continue to afford living in the communities they serve.

Additionally, leaders are working to preserve green space and maintain the county’s rural identity, recognizing that thoughtful growth and quality of life must remain interconnected priorities.

What is your outlook for Chester County over the next several years?

The Chamber remains optimistic about Chester County’s future, citing strong leadership, growing collaboration, and increasing momentum across tourism, education, workforce development, and economic growth initiatives.

Although challenges remain — particularly around affordability, economic uncertainty, and workforce transitions — there is a growing sense that the county is building a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Leadership believes Chester County’s combination of location, natural beauty, affordability, and community engagement positions it well for sustainable growth. Moving forward, the focus will remain on creating opportunities that improve quality of life while preserving the values and identity that make the county unique.

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