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On July 29, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez‑DeRemer made a strategic stop at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, joining U.S. Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C. 7th Congressional District) for a joint press conference before convening with local and state leaders.
In March of this year, Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the 30th secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. Prior to that, she represented Oregon in the U.S. House, making history as the first Republican woman and one of the first Latinas elected to Congress from the state. Her 20-year career in public service also includes positions representing Happy Valley, one of Oregon’s fastest-growing communities. She also brings 16 years of experience as a small-business owner.
During her visit to Myrtle Beach, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized her interest in learning about the Grand Strand’s workforce needs.
“I want to understand exactly what you need from the Department of Labor, to understand what the chamber of commerce needs, what do your businesses need,” she said, noting that by receiving this input, she can work to create initiatives around them, including re-skilling and up-skilling the workforce.
Rep. Fry added, “We’re meeting with industry leaders in the Grand Strand and the Pee Dee, talking about the things that matter to them and how we can make smarter decisions, smarter business decisions, not only for the next four years, but really the next generation.”
The congressman also reiterated his support for an interstate connector in Horry County, which would not only support job creation, but would act as a critical evacuation route.
Following their public remarks, Chavez-DeRemer and Fry met with local and state leaders in the chamber boardroom to discuss the Grand Strand’s specific labor priorities. The chamber’s advocacy team noted key points about the Myrtle Beach area, including:
- Fastest growing area in the nation with a 30% population growth in the past 8 years;
- Below-average unemployment rate of 4.1% recorded in May 2025
- Projected 10% increase in jobs by 2032;
- Fastest-growing U.S. metro area for seniors; and
- Top industries of tourism, education, aerospace, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and marine.
“We appreciated the opportunity to host Secretary Chavez‑DeRemer and Congressman Fry in Myrtle Beach and to put a spotlight on our community, showcasing the strengths of our tourism-driven economy, our world-class educational systems, and vibrant offerings that provide an enhanced quality of life,” said Jimmy Gray, president of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “We also engaged in constructive conversations around workforce diversification, attainable housing, childcare and visa reform that supports our employees and business growth.”
Both the secretary and congressman commented on newly passed federal legislation like the “One Big Beautiful Bill” designed to offer tax relief for workers and employers along with boosting domestic jobs and infrastructure. They also emphasized expanding hands-on training, ensuring workplace safety and promoting living wages.