Chester County Chamber of Commerce Takes the Lead on Tourism and Welcomes New Director
The Chester County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new chapter in its mission to promote growth and opportunity across the region. The Chester County government has officially entrusted the chamber with managing its tourism program, marking an exciting step forward in enhancing the county's profile as a prime destination for visitors and a thriving hub for local businesses.
“Tourism has always been a key part of our mission at the chamber, and we’re honored that the county has placed its trust in us to lead this effort,” said Chamber President Brooke Clinton. “We already promote Chester County every day, so this partnership with the county is a natural fit. We’re deeply invested in highlighting what makes our community unique and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive as tourism continues to grow.”
As part of this expanded role, the chamber is excited to welcome Keianna Benson as its new Tourism Director. A summa cum laude graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Keianna brings a wealth of experience in communications, public relations, and strategic marketing. Her background includes serving as a Multimedia Journalist for WBTW News 13, a Public Relations Specialist at ChiroLife Wellness, and most recently as the Student Communications Coordinator at York Technical College. Her diverse skill set, including her ability to craft compelling stories, build relationships, and engage communities, makes her the perfect fit to lead Chester County’s tourism efforts.
“What stood out most during our search was Keianna’s ability to connect with audiences and her passion for telling stories that capture the essence of a place,” said Clinton. “She’s creative, driven, and already bursting with ideas to spotlight the people, places, and experiences that make Chester County one of a kind.”
In her new role, Keianna will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract visitors and increase tourism-related revenue, with a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses. "Chester County has so much to offer—from its beautiful parks and outdoor adventures to its rich history and vibrant local culture," said Benson. "My goal is to highlight these gems and position Chester County as a must-visit destination for travelers near and far."
Chamber Board Chair Steve LaBarge of ARKEMA added, “We’re proud that the county has confidence in the chamber’s leadership and vision. This contract allows us to build on what we already do well—connect people, promote local assets, and support economic growth. This isn’t a new direction for the chamber—it’s a deeper investment in something we’ve already been doing. We’re excited to formalize that role and move forward with a strong plan for tourism development.”
Local businesses stand to benefit greatly from the increased visibility and marketing opportunities that this initiative will provide.
“Tourism is increasingly an important part of the economy for Chester County and for Great Falls. With tourism being the number one industry in the state, people are already coming to the area for history, outdoor recreation, and other forms of tourism. We just
need to make sure they come here. With a new director of tourism as part of the chamber, there will be a renewed focus on getting people to Great Falls and to the county to experience the whitewater, trails, state parks and adventure tourism we already have in place,” said Glinda Coleman, Executive Director of the Great Falls Home Town Association.
The chamber is committed to working alongside local stakeholders and the county to ensure tourism growth is sustainable, benefiting both the community and its visitors. For more information about upcoming tourism initiatives, or to connect with Keianna, email her at tourism@chesterchamber.com.
Be sure to follow the tourism pages on Facebook and Instagram @InChesterCountySC and visit www.InChesterCountySC.com for the latest news and updates on all things tourism in Chester County.