Jim shares his unique path from baseball to chamber leadership, the Chamber’s mission to support over 900 local businesses, and why collaboration is critical to smart, strategic growth. The conversation explores topics ranging from entrepreneurship and innovation to AI, workforce development, small business support, and the impact of major investments from organizations like Meta, SRNL, and the Savannah River Site.

You’ll also hear about exciting initiatives like Venture Lab Aiken, Mugs & Mentors, the Meta Business Suite, and Jim’s vision for what Aiken could become over the next 10 years.

If you’re passionate about economic development, leadership, innovation, and community impact — this episode offers an inspiring look at where Aiken is headed next.

Stuart shares his journey into public service and breaks down the role of a city manager, offering insight into how day-to-day decisions, infrastructure investments, and long-term planning all work together to shape a community.

The conversation explores what’s driving Aiken’s momentum—from its unique quality of life and strategic location to emerging industries like cyber and nuclear innovation. Stuart also discusses the transformative impact of the new downtown mixed-use building, partnerships with Savannah River National Lab and USC Aiken, and the importance of thoughtful, strategic growth.

Listeners will also gain perspective on:

• How small decisions create long-term impact
• The realities behind managing growth in a highly engaged community
• The role of public-private partnerships in economic development
• Why listening is one of the most important leadership tools

Whether you're a business leader, community stakeholder, or resident invested in Aiken’s future, this episode offers a valuable look at the decisions and partnerships shaping what comes next.

In this episode of The Aiken Corporation Podcast, Executive Director Megan Pruitt sits down with South Carolina State Representative Charlie Hartz for a conversation about leadership, policy, and the alignment between local vision and state-level action.

As both a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and a Board Member of The Aiken Corporation, Representative Hartz brings a unique perspective on how legislation, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and economic policy shape growth opportunities for communities like ours.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How state policy influences local economic development

• The importance of business recruitment and retention strategy

• Public-private partnerships and regional competitiveness

• What effective advocacy looks like at the State House

• Where Aiken is positioned for future momentum

This episode offers insight into how collaboration between local leaders and state officials can drive long-term prosperity for Aiken.