PODCAST · news
Small Business "Backbone" Podcast
by Frank Knapp
Welcome to the official podcast of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, a non-partisan organization advocating for small businesses since 2000. The most universal comment of politicians on the campaign trail is that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This podcast explores, in meaningful conversations, primarily with South Carolina legislators, the issues and policies shaping the small business landscape in the Palmetto State. The Small Business “Backbone” Podcast provides a friendly platform for state legislators to share their views and expertise on issues impacting small businesses. This podcast will also feature some conversations with other organizations and small businesses. Listeners will hear candid discussions with legislators about their support for state policies to benefit our small businesses. These conversations offer valuable perspectives
Episodes
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Are illegal immigrants voting? Not according to the conservative Heritage Foundation's own data.
The underlying reason given for the SAVE America Act is that illegal aliens are voting in huge numbers and influencing elections. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, has analyzed the Heritage Foundation's own "voter fraud" national database. The Heritage...
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Is NextEra/Dominion merger good for low-income residents? Appleseed says no.
Adam Protheroe is the Energy Justice Attorney at the S.C. Appleseed Legal Justice Center, a nonprofit that has intervened in the SC Public Service Commission review of the NextEra/Dominion merger proposal. Protheroe talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about Appleseed actively raising objections…
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Tired of high electric bills? Expert talks about plug-in solar.
Cora Stryker, co-founder of the non-profit Bright Saver, talked with podcast host Frank Knapp about how rooftop solar is not possible for 70% of Americans. That means that they can’t lower their electric bills by tapping into solar. Bright Saver has a solution—plug-in (balcony) solar—which can...
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Energy expert expresses concerns about Santee Cooper's proposed rate hikes
Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned utility, is proposing rate increases for all its customers. Those increases for residential customers would be 4.7% in 2027 and 4.8% in 2018. Taylor Allred, State Energy & Climate Program Director at the S.C. Coastal Conservation League, talks with...
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Small business warned about AI tools liability
Wesley Henderson, Charleston-based business attorney, talks with podcast the host, Frank Knapp, about the need for small businesses to realize that they can be held legally responsible for the AI tools that they use. Henderson points out that Chatbots are not perfect and businesses will be held...
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Many SC small towns are on a "Roster of Shame" for corruption, mismanagement and infighting
Tony Bartelme, senior projects reporter for the Charleston Post and Courier talked with podcast host Frank Knapp about his latest series of investigative reports called Townfall. He created a Roster of Shame list of 120 South Carolina towns and municipalities that have experienced various…
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GOP Gubernatorial candidate, Rom Reddy, warns of the danger of corporate money in elections
Rom Reddy said that he has lived the true American dream. He immigrated from India as a teenager, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, working in the corporate world, becoming a business owner and ran for Governor of South Carolina this year. While he was…
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Gubernatorial candidate Nancy Mace ready to take on data centers
SC Congresswoman Nancy Mace spoke with Small Business “Backbone” Podcast host Frank Knapp about what she intends to do about data centers if she is elected Governor. She says that she has heard from a lot of people across South Carolina that they are against data centers and that they don’t think...
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New report sheds negative light on South Carolina transparency on data center incentives
Anthony Elmo, Public Education Defender for Good Jobs First, a national organization founded in 1998 that fights for transparency around public money used for economic development purposes. His organization pushes back on corporate welfare, he told podcast host Frank Knapp. Elmo’s organization...
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Senator Leber on needed AI regulations: The longer we ignore it, the harder the fight is going to be.
Charleston Senator Matt Leber has worked in the SC House and now in the Senate to push legislation to regulate Artificial Intelligence. He talked with podcast host, Frank Knapp, about how he has sponsored bills that address guardrails on chatbots, computer programs that pose as humans to engage…
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Senator Kennedy pushes for small business property tax relief
Senator Carlisle Kennedy of Lexington County believes that helping small business owners should be a priority for the state legislature. While big businesses, with their out-of-state ownership and shareholders, often get the tax breaks and other state incentives, Senator Kennedy tells podcast…
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Deepfake expert has warning for all politicians
Professor Siwei Lyu, University of Buffalo, started his research on detecting computer manipulated images and audio 26 years ago. Then in 2017 Artificial Intelligence (AI) came on the scene and he was both excited and concerned. The ability to produce realistic deepfake manipulated images, videos...
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SC Professor talks about his experience in Minnesota
The whole world has been watching immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Probably not too many South Carolinians have been there during this time. But Professor Will McCorkle just returned from Minnesota. McCorkle is an Associate Professor at the College of Charleston with a research focus on…
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National non-profit consumer organization pushes for states to regulate AI
Ben Winters, Director of AI and Data Privacy at the Consumer Federation of America, leads his 57-year old organization’s efforts to have states regulate artificial intelligence to protect the public. Winters argues that there is no better time for states to regulate AI to address problems ranging...
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National coalition supports regulating AI to protect the public
Realizing that his young adult children and their generation had been very poorly served by a failed policy experiment to let social media go completely unchecked with no regulation for 20 years, Rob Eleveld, who has an extensive background as the CEO of tech software and data companies…
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Sierra Club managing attorney gives update on state efforts to regulate data centers
Dori Jaffe has a difficult job--as the national Sierra Clubs' managing attorney she oversees the organization's work in numerous states advocating the creation of regulations needed to protect consumers from paying higher electric rates due to the growth of data centers. She discusses with…
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Rep. Brandon Guffey on protecting children from digital threats
Representative Brandon Guffey of York County talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about the loss of his son due to sextortion and what he has and is doing to stop other children from this crime and other threats from Artificial Intelligence industry. He describes how children are being extorted…
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Georgetown, SC, Mayor-Elect makes case for his Forward Party and city’s economic future
Jay Doyle tells podcast host Frank Knapp why he recently ran for the Mayor of the City of Georgetown as the Forward Party candidate and how he successfully defeated the GOP incumbent. Doyle, a retired small business owner, says that did not have a lifelong goal to be a politician but somebody...
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Crisis with access to capital for small businesses explained by former U.S Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary, Antonio White--Backbone" Podcast
Community Development Financial Institutions provide capital and technical assistance to rural and underserved small businesses, farmers, and affordable housing projects using federal and large private financial institution funds. There are over 1,400 of these mission-driven community lenders in...
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Protecting the "Rule of Law" is goal of national small business organization
The rule of law is the bedrock of a strong economy is a top concern of a relatively new national small business coalition, Integrity Matters. Audrey Roofeh, who founded the organization this past April, told podcast host Frank Knapp that when she heard many complaints from some of her consulting...
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SC GOP state Senator defends “freedom of speech”. Criticizes government silencing efforts
In a recent opinion editorial in the Charleston Post and Courier, South Carolina state Senator Sean Bennett (R-Dorchester County) wrote: "ABC’s suspension of the late-night host after his crude remarks on the murder of Charlie Kirk was greeted by some with applause. Even President Donald Trump...
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National Guard network expresses concerns on misuse of state armed forces
Christopher Purdy, founder and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about the National Guard being inappropriately used by the Trump Administration. Knapp, CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, is also the managing director of the Secure…
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More than 12 million small business owners and employees are facing a dramatic rise in health insurance premiums, unless Congress acts
Affordable health insurance is facing a crisis if Congress refuses to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in the Affordable Care Act. Matt McGough of KFF talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about how these tax credits make health insurance more affordable and why over 12 million Americans…
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Lt. Governor Evette talks about her background, McMaster’s surprise ask, issues, and her take on her gubernatorial opponents
Pamela Evette, candidate for Governor, tells podcast host Frank Knapp about her surprise when Governor Henry McMaster called her to his office and asked her to be his running mate as Lt. Governor—something they had not previously discussed. The Lt. Governor position has enabled her to promote...
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Karen Riordan leading association of nonprofits
Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Together SC (formerly the SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations) talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about how she got from the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island, to running a SC association. She describes the extensive services her 28-year...
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Rep. Hamilton Grant—drum major to state legislator—leadership counts
First elected in 2024, Representative Hamilton Grant of Richland County went into his first year as a legislature with no expectations. He cites his leadership experience, including being a drum major at South Carolina State University, as his preparation for serving as a legislator. His business...
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First-term Senator Ed Sutton talks liquor liability, energy and childcare access
Senator Ed Sutton, an active reserve Air Force pilot, experienced his first session in the legislature that turned out to be more contentious than usual. He tells podcast host Frank Knapp that his Charleston district probably has more bars and restaurants than any other and he wanted to help them...
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Rep. Heather Bauer sees the need for a stronger Democratic Caucus on important issues
Representative Heather Bauer shares her story about how a high school guidance counselor/ volleyball coach turned her life around by opening the door for her going to college. Now in her third year in the SC House where she is in the minority party, she believes that bipartisanship is important…
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Freshman House member, Robert Reese, talks about what led to his run, DEI, and energy
First year Representative Robert Reese gives his professional and volunteerism background and how he came to run for office. He says that his first year was “revelatory”. Rep. Reese tells the story of how a dormant family farm, on which his great grandmother grew and picked cotton, led him to ask...
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Sen. Rex Rice calls this year one of the best legislative sessions and explains
Senator Rex Rice of Pickens County believes that this past legislative session was one of the best. He gives credit to the leadership of Senators Thomas Alexander, Harvey Peeler and Shane Massey. Senator Rice discusses ear marks in the budget that were not allowed this year. He cites the quality…
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Rep. Seth Rose on social media literacy, the transformation of Columbia's Five Points, and padel tennis (????)
Rep. Seth Rose of Richland County shares his enthusiasm for any sport that translates from tennis. The former First Team All-America Singles Tennis Player at the University of South Carolina has found a new love, padel tennis, which he describes as fast growing in popularity. On the legislative...
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First term Senator, Allen Blackmon, talks about the experience and major bills
As a new Senator, Allen Blackmon talks about lessons learned in his first year. He discusses with the host, Frank Knapp, his assessment of the major energy bill passed without some important consumer protections. Specifically he raises concern that data centers were not held responsible for…
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Rep. Jerry Govan points to SC's strong economy to question why an anti-DEI bill
First elected to the SC House in 1992, Rep. Jerry Govan of Orangeburg remarks about the present generation of elected leaders whose experiences are vastly different from those who came before. He offers that legislation to ban diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the public and private…
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Senator Darrell Jackson reminisces on his 32 years of service and changes
Having served in the SC Senate for 32 years, Darrell Jackson shares stories of his early days, the Senate giants that he served with, and the Senate’s tradition of a deliberative, respectful process. His own family experience with home healthcare workers funded with Medicaid underscores the...
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Ayesha Driggers talks about the many services of the City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities
The Director of the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities, Ayesha Driggers, talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about how her office helps grow the city’s small businesses. The city has a revolving loan fund that partners with financial lenders to help reduce the interest rate on…
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General contractor, Cliff Wilson, discusses how immigration and tarrif policies are impacting his business
Cliff Wilson, President and CEO of The Centric Group based in Columbia, SC, talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about the general contractor business. He tells how he arrived at the name of his business and how his success left an original plan behind. He shares how the turmoil over the Trump...
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Rep. Gil Gatch shares fascinating story of his background and talks about family law, the budget and tort reform
Representative Gil Gatch talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about his winding road to becoming a lawyer in his late 30's and how those experiences helped shape his perspective on family law and legislation. He tells why is proud of the budget the House passed and his distaste for the antics of...
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SC Senate President Thomas Alexander shares the history of his position and his fentanyl bill
SC Senate President Thomas Alexander expresses his appreciation for the Senators he presides over and talks about his 38 years serving in the legislature. He shares the role of the presiding officer of the Senate and the reason that position changed from being the Lt. Governor. Senator Alexander...
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Representative Todd Rutherford, House Minority Leader, discusses legalized gambling, second chance for previously incarcerated and ticket scalping
Rep Todd Rutherford, the S.C. House Minority Leader, talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about the economic benefits to the state for legalizing casino gambling, pari-mutuel betting and other gambling games. He believes that his “ban the box” bill, that would ban job applications from asking...
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Representative Micah Caskey describes functions of Rules Committee, the budget process and pay for local law enforcement
Rep. Micah Caskey, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, shares with podcast host Frank Knapp the importance of his committee and the process of setting legislation for special order. Amendments during the budgetary process on the House floor need to follow the rules. He describes the overall...
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Representative Brandon Newton discusses the House budget, taxes and election laws
Rep. Brandon Newton of Lancaster tells podcast host Frank Knapp that the SC House members turn over pretty frequently which makes term limits unnecessary. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and describes the budget, reserve funds and regarding Medicaid he wants to see what Congress...
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Rep. Blake Sanders relates interesting stories of his life adventures
Rep. Blake Sanders of Anderson County shares personal stories with podcast host, Frank Knapp. These engaging stories cover how he became a landscape architect, the origin of his handlebar mustache, re-invigorating the economy of West Pelzer, and how a life-threatening health issue led to a…
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Rep. Roger Kirby shares information of the problems facing rural South Carolina
Representative Roger Kirby of Lake City talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about rural South Carolina's serious problems with access to healthcare, education, and transportation. The closing of the Georgetown paper mill in December has caused a real problem for the timber industry in his…
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Nick Callas, a Columbia attorney, explains Social Security disabiliy and challenges to the system
Nick Callas of the Law office of Nicholas G. Callas in Columbia talks about his early experiences with criminal law and what he learned about the psychology of those accused of committing crime. While he provides legal services in workers compensation and personal injury, Nick's passion is for...
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Senator Ronnie Cromer talks South Carolina's high boat tax
Senator Ronnie Cromer of Newberry, whose district includes many miles of lake shoreline, discusses South Carolina's very high boat tax and what the benefits would be for reducing the tax level to be competitive with other states. He also reflects on a significant difference serving in the Senate…
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Representative Spencer Wetmore of Charleston discusses her infrastructure bill to help cities manage growth, DEI and human trafficking
Charleston Representative Spencer Wetmore joined “Backbone” podcast host Frank Knapp and talks about her infrastructure bill to give a tool to local governments to better manage growth prior to issuing construction permits. Giving local government the ability to build needed infrastructure, as…
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Senator Tameka Isaac Devine discusses need for firearm liability insurance and other issues
Richland County Senator Tameka Isaac Devine talks with podcast host Frank Knapp about her transition from City Council to the state Senate and legislation she has introduced. A supporter of the right to own firearms, she believes that firearm owners should be required to have liability insurance...
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Representative Craig Gagnon talks about chiropractic, healthcare education and Medicaid expansion
Representative Craig Gagnon of Abbeville shares his experience of being a chiropractor and the overall cost of healthcare training today and how it contributes to the rapidly rising healthcare and insurance costs. He discusses his previous concern of expanding Medicaid to provide health insurance...
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Angela Barrett talks about her two podcasts: "Talking South Carolina" and "4 All Things Lexington"
Angela Barrett talks with “Backbone” host Frank Knapp about her two podcasts, “Talking South Carolina” and “4 all things Lexington”. Angela talks about her pre-podcast experiences: Statehouse Paige, graduating from Columbia College, state employee and a court reporter. Now in real-estate, Angela...
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Representative Jay Jordan talks about the issues of energy, teacher pay, school choice and more
Representative Jay Jordan of Florence talks with "Backbone" Podcast host Frank Knapp about issues coming up in the legislature. Making sure the state has sufficient energy for business and industry is a priority as well as teacher pay and school choice, two issues that he says are not in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the official podcast of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, a non-partisan organization advocating for small businesses since 2000. The most universal comment of politicians on the campaign trail is that small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
This podcast explores, in meaningful conversations, primarily with South Carolina legislators, the issues and policies shaping the small business landscape in the Palmetto State. The Small Business “Backbone” Podcast provides a friendly platform for state legislators to share their views and expertise on issues impacting small businesses. This podcast will also feature some conversations with other organizations and small businesses.
Listeners will hear candid discussions with legislators about their support for state policies to benefit our small businesses. These conversations offer valuable perspectives
HOSTED BY
Frank Knapp
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Small Business "Backbone" Podcast have?
Small Business "Backbone" Podcast currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Small Business "Backbone" Podcast about?
Welcome to the official podcast of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, a non-partisan organization advocating for small businesses since 2000. The most universal comment of politicians on the campaign trail is that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. This podcast...
How often does Small Business "Backbone" Podcast release new episodes?
Small Business "Backbone" Podcast has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Small Business "Backbone" Podcast?
You can listen to Small Business "Backbone" Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Small Business "Backbone" Podcast?
Small Business "Backbone" Podcast is created and hosted by Frank Knapp.
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