As you review our agenda for the Charleston Leadership Exchange, you’ll see it is intentionally designed around learning directly from the people doing the work.
We are engaging with leaders who are actively shaping Charleston’s economic trajectory, navigating growth challenges, and building collaborative regional solutions. Together, they offer perspectives that mirror many of the opportunities facing the Fox Cities today. Let’s dive deeper into what we will be learning:
Understanding Charleston’s Economic Story
We begin with Chris Campbell, Vice President of Strategy & External Affairs at Explore Charleston, who will provide an introduction to Charleston and its economy.
Chris brings a regional storytelling lens, helping us understand how Charleston aligns economic development, visitor economy strategy, and community identity. For Fox Cities leaders, this session sets the foundation by answering key questions:
- How does a region define and market its competitive advantage?
- How do tourism and economic development reinforce each other?
- What governance and partnerships make regional alignment possible?
Regional Vision: Collaboration Beyond Boundaries
Next, we explore regional vision planning with Rita Berry, President & CEO of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber, alongside Chris Kahler, Chamber Board Chair and General Manager at Summerville Commissioners of Public Works.
These leaders bring perspectives from both business leadership and infrastructure governance, demonstrating how chambers, utilities, and public-sector partners collaborate to support long-term growth.
Reinventing Place: From Superfund Site to Economic Asset
One of the most anticipated sessions features Ned Miller, Head of Development at Navy Yard Charleston, discussing Superfund site utilization.
This is a powerful example of transformational redevelopment: turning environmental and industrial challenges into economic opportunity.
The Navy Yard story explores how communities can reclaim underutilized or contaminated spaces and reposition them as engines for innovation, housing, and business growth. Key takeaways include:
- Public-private partnership models
- Long-term redevelopment strategy
- Risk management and vision leadership
- Balancing history, sustainability, and economic progress
Economic Development in Action: A Regional Panel
The afternoon economic development panel, moderated by Charleston Chamber CEO Kevin Sheilly, brings together leaders representing multiple counties and regional organizations:
- John Williams, Berkeley County
- John Truluck, Dorchester County
- Jason Brown, Charleston Regional Development Alliance
Rather than a single viewpoint, this discussion showcases how economic development operates as a coordinated regional system. Participants will hear firsthand about:
- Business attraction and retention strategies
- Workforce and talent alignment
- Regional competition vs. collaboration
- How chambers integrate into economic development ecosystems
Creating Vibrant Downtowns: The King Street Model
On our final morning, we shift focus to downtown vitality through a discussion with King Street Business Improvement District leadership, including Amy Barrett and Chris Price.
King Street is widely recognized as a nationally successful downtown corridor, blending retail, hospitality, culture, and local identity. This conversation explores:
- How business improvement districts drive investment
- Funding and governance models
- Supporting small businesses while managing growth
- Creating experiences that attract residents, visitors, and talent
Bringing it all together
We’ll conclude our visit with a wrap up session to share lessons learned and plan next steps. Remember, our goal is not to replicate Charleston, but to learn, adapt, and return with ideas that can shape a shared regional action plan for the Fox Cities.