Friday, December 19, 2025
Three Things to Know: December 19th
This week's information compiled by your SC Chamber team includes:
SC Chamber Joins S.C. Department of Education and Dominion Energy in Recognizing 2025 Principal of Excellence, New Executive Order Creates a National Policy Framework for AI, 2026 SC Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker
1. SC Chamber Joins S.C. Department of Education and Dominion Energy in Recognizing 2025 Principal of Excellence
This week, the SC Chamber was proud to join the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and Dominion Energy in announcing North Middle/High School’s (NMHS) Debra Norman as the recipient of the 2025 Principal of Excellence Award. This prestigious award recognizes principals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in driving student success, transforming school environments, and fostering academic excellence.
Principal Norman has devoted more than 40 years to serving the students and families of Orangeburg County and returned from retirement in 2022 to lead NMHS with a steady, student-centered approach rooted in high expectations and strong relationships. Since her return, the school has achieved significant academic progress, earning an “Excellent” overall high school report card rating for two consecutive years after being rated “Unsatisfactory” in 2022. NMHS students outperformed the state average on English and Algebra End of Course assessments during the 2024–25 school year, and the middle school improved its overall rating from “Average” to “Good”. Principal Norman credits the school’s success to the intentional work of the staff, students, and stakeholders, allowing them the opportunity to grow as a school community.
Cynthia Bennett, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the SC Chamber, highlighted the connection between leadership in education and the state’s future workforce, saying, “Strong schools are essential to a strong workforce, and effective principals play such a big role in preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Ms. Norman’s unwavering belief in students and commitment to their success will transform their lives and strengthen the school community. We are proud to partner in recognizing leaders like Principal Norman who strengthen both education and South Carolina’s future.”
First awarded in 2024, the Principal of Excellence Award is designed to recognize principals who demonstrate visionary leadership, foster supportive learning environments, and drive continuous academic improvement. This year’s Principal of Excellence Award comes with $25,000, underscoring the critical role principals play in shaping student outcomes and school success. The SC Chamber partners with SCDE and Dominion Energy South Carolina to present the award each year.
2. New Executive Order Creates a National Policy Framework for AI
Last week, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at protecting domestic innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) from inconsistent and conflicting state regulatory frameworks. The recent order delivers on the AI Action Plan released by the Administration in July.
The Order directs the Attorney General to establish an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws that hinder innovation. It also directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate state AI laws that conflict with national policy priorities and allows the federal government to withhold Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding from non-compliant states. It also instructs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to limit state mandates that force AI companies to embed deceptive or non-transparent requirements. Finally, it calls for the development of a national AI legislative framework that would preempt state AI laws that stifle innovation.
The Administration’s goal is to prevent a patchwork of state-by-state regulations, enabling the United States to compete globally in the age of AI while strengthening national security and economic prosperity. A unified approach is expected to reduce compliance costs and development burdens for businesses.
The Order was met with praise from both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) who both underscored that a patchwork of conflicting state laws would stifle innovation and threaten the U.S.’s competitiveness in the global AI race.
3. 2026 South Carolina Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker
The 2026 South Carolina Automotive B2B Supplier Matchmaker will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bringing together South Carolina–based suppliers and leading automotive manufacturers for a full day of targeted, one-on-one meetings. Confirmed buyers to date include BMW, BorgWarner, JTEKT, Mergon, Oshkosh Defense, Scout Motors, ZF Transmissions, Wilbert Plastics Services, and Volvo Cars, with additional buyers expected to be added.
The event features a structured “speed-dating” format, with 10-minute, pre-scheduled meetings that allow suppliers to directly present their products and capabilities to buyers. Appointment schedules will be emailed in advance. Participation is open to suppliers with a physical presence in South Carolina, with attendance limited to two individuals per company, both of whom must register and attend meetings together.
Priority scheduling will be given to suppliers in commodity areas aligned with current buyer needs, including rubber, steel, plastic, aluminum, and magnesium automotive components; mobile robot manufacturers and distributors; and cardboard and plastic packaging. Registration is open to all eligible suppliers, with additional commodity categories to be announced.