Tim James, interim president of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the Cayce-West Columbia Lions Club, Tuesday.

James told the Lions assembled at the Ocean View restaurant in Cayce, that the chamber has more than 360 members. He also said the chamber’s purpose is to support all business and promote the local economy.

“We are all about networking,” said James. He said the businesses in the chamber help each other. “We want to grow the chamber so we can grow the local economy.” But, he said, networking has been affected by the recent COVID-19 crisis.

James said the real estate market in the Cayce, West Columbia, and Springdale area is robust, because it is a highly desirable place to live. He said a lot of new people are moving in, making it a top market for home buyers.

“We know what we have,” said James, “and it’s important to make sure we let others know.”

James, who has a background in law enforcement in Cayce, Lexington County and at SLED, took over for former chamber CEO Richard Skipper in late May.