About Us

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce was founded by Ambassador Mark Erwin, John Wilkerson, Mary Frances Coon, Jack Allen, Roberta Spampinato, Al Powell and other business owners to give identity to the fast-growing community. They aimed to have representation on county boards and commissions and provide a voice for the area. The first general membership meeting featured South Carolina Representative Herb Kirsh as a speaker. Senator Strom Thurmond spoke at the first Lake Wylie Chamber Annual Meeting and stayed with The Erwin's during his visit.

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce's efforts to create an identity for the area and establish a local post office were successful. A postal substation was located in Home Federal Bank at Lake Wylie Plaza, which helped businesses avoid confusion with deliveries going to Clover. The Chamber also got permission from Bell South and the US Postal Service to call the 831 telephone exchange area "Lake Wylie". They placed a sign identifying the area as Lake Wylie in front of what is now Quick Trip and got representatives appointed on various county boards.

The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce played an important role as a "legislative liaison" on the York County Economic Development board. Their efforts to promote and market the chamber, Lake Wylie, and its members have been ongoing since its inception. They have worked for economic prosperity for their members and community, resulting in significant growth over the years. The last census showed a 189% population growth and among the highest per household income in the Carolinas. Highway 49's traffic has also increased significantly from 2,000 vehicles per day to over 40,000 vehicles per day over the past four decades.

During the early 1990s, the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce took several initiatives to improve the area. They initiated an Adopt-a-Highway program on Highway 49 and introduced recycling programs in York County. The Chamber successfully lobbied for the widening and raising of the bridge on Highway 49 with support from Senators Thurmond and Peeler. Water and sewer services were extended around Lake Wylie to improve water quality and enable further growth in the area. Don Long worked with county officials to apply for matching funds for beautification projects along Highway 49, such as tree plantings, sidewalks, and signs. The Chamber also assisted in obtaining cable service, internet, gas lines, and advised Daniel Stowe in creating the Botanical Garden. Additionally, they supported Catawba Riverkeeper in organizing small groups to patrol and clean up lake areas.

The efforts of the organization were geared towards environmental sustainability and promotion of the area's businesses. Initiatives such as Annual Riversweep, Adopt a Stream and drain marking program, recycling adoption, and "Going Green" were launched to create awareness on the importance of preserving waterways and promoting eco-friendly practices. The organization also implemented environmentally friendly measures in their new building constructed in 2007. These efforts resulted in an increase in visitors interested in exploring the area for business opportunities, relocation, and investment. In 2006, with help from Senator Harvey Peeler and the state, Lake Wylie Business Centre office condominiums were purchased to provide a visitor center, small business center, and furnished rental offices at 264 Latitude Lane. Various events/activities such as Splash Dash running event; Holiday Boat Parade; YMCA Camp Thunderbird Fourth of July Fireworks Display; SC Biz Lake Wylie Today Magazine (won 1st place twice); Newcomers guide; Business After Hours Series networking; Annual Golf Classic; Spring Luncheon/Fashion Show were presented to promote the area & its businesses.