January 25, 2024

Celebrating 50 years of Leadership

A Tribute to David Jameson's Impact

As David Jameson embarks on a well-deserved retirement following an extraordinary 50-year career, of which 18 were at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, we seize this moment to recognize and celebrate the profound impact he has had on our organization and the communities he has influenced over the years.

David's visionary leadership has transformed organizations, sparked civic engagement, and left an indelible mark on the individuals and communities fortunate enough to work alongside him. As we bid farewell to a leader who turned chambers into vibrant hubs of action and collaboration, we share heartfelt reflections from those who have witnessed and benefited from David's extraordinary journey.

Their words capture the essence of a leader who not only shaped institutions but also inspired a legacy of partnerships, community involvement, and positive transformation. Join us in celebrating the remarkable career of David Jameson through the voices of those who have been touched by his unwavering dedication and creative spirit.

Chamber members are invited to grab a cup of joe and join the Aiken Chamber for "Caffeinated Conversations" each Tuesday in February, starting at 9 a.m. 

Each week members will hear from industry experts and leaders who will speak about topics relevant to Aiken’s business community. Presenters will deliver short opening remarks and will then engage in a Q&A session. Individuals who want to be well-informed should make plans to attend. 

There is no cost for members to attend, but registration is required.  REGISTER HERE

Sponsored by:

Aiken Driving School – Education

The premier driving school in the area, providing quality driver education and instruction, ensuring our students become safe and competent drivers.

831 Neilson Street

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Tony Littles

Phone: (803) 514-4444

www.facebook.com/aikendrivingschool

Barry Capital – Financial Advisor/Investments/Planning

We assist clients in securing healthcare for their employees at 60% less than the cost of traditional group health plans. We also advise small businesses in providing true retirement plans for their associates. Legislation was passed that allows a small business to provide health plans for $25 or less per employee and use newly available tax credits to provide a 401K at little or no cost for the first 3 years.

144 Crane Court, Suite A

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Peter LaHatte

Phone: (404) 697-1082

Chicken Salad Chick – Restaurant

A full-service deli that specializes in made-from-scratch chicken salad!

6010 Braided Mane Pass, SW

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: John David Jacobs

www.chickensaladchick.com

Cricket Wireless – Telephone Services

We are a Cricket service provider that offers many savings programs and great deals on phones.

3520 Richland Avenue

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Rachel Flores

Phone: (803) 306-5492

www.cricketwireless.com

Ruthie Graham, Meybohm Real Estate – Real Estate Sales and Consulting

After growing up in Aiken and being away for 27 years, it’s so exciting to see the what Aiken has become. It’s a joy to be back and to fall in love with Aiken in a new way. Being a real estate agent after my children grew up is something I’ve planned for many years. To be one in Aiken is almost easy…I don’t have to sell people on Aiken. Aiken is fully capable of selling itself on anyone!

142 Laurens Street, NW

Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: (864) 992-6326

www.facebook.com/ruthie.graham.16

Koala Insulation of the Midlands – Home Improvement

Koala offers spray foam, blow-in insulation and solar attic fans. We make your home energy efficient, which is great for your comfort and the environment. Better insulation means money saved and less surprises when it comes to your energy bill.

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Joe Thomas

Phone: (803) 728-6082

www.facebook.com/koalainsulationmidlands

Zook Homes – Builders and Construction (Residential)

Established in 2015 with the aim of offering the Aiken community a reliable contractor, one that residents can trust and anticipate the same elevated level of service that Noah holds himself to.

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Noah Zook

Phone: (803) 443-9157

www.zookhomes.com

Celebrating Business

On December 20^th Ann Bodie Leadership held a ribbon cutting at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Going from being an RN to a personal/executive coach, Ann empowers and nurtures people to effectively communicate to improve relationships both personally and professionally thus fostering a ripple effect of greater excellence. Pictured from left to right: Delany Tavenner of G. L. Williams & Daughter Trucking Inc., Woody Malone, Jessica Pineda of Aiken Staffing/Job Shop, Ann Bodie, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, Aiken Chamber Director of Membership Services Jim Tunison, and Chip Retson of SCORE. To learn more about Ann Bodie Leadership, visit the website: www.annbodieleadership.com.

The Village Courtyard Apartments, 230 Village Green Blvd, cut the ribbon January 3 on its apartment homes located in the Village at Woodside. Experience luxury with top-notch features like quartz countertops and modern conveniences such as keyless entry. Enjoy a prime location with a range of amenities, proximity to medical facilities, parks, pavilions, and community events. Cutting the ribbon is Woodside Development President Kent Baldwin. He is joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, the Woodside Development professional team and Aiken Chamber ambassadors. For more information, visit www.villageatwoodsideapartments.com or call (803) 902-7671.

On Tuesday January 16^th the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Stretch Zone Aiken located at 1404 Whiskey Road in the Fresh Market Shopping Center. Stretch Zone offers practitioner-assisted stretching. From golfers to equestrians and everyone in between, take your stretching to the next level and experience the benefits - improved posture, circulation, and muscle strength. Cutting the ribbon are owners Nora Dahlman and Jeff Cleary. They are joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, the Stretch Zone Aiken professional team and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. To learn more, visit www.stretchzone.com/locations/aiken-sc or call (803) 262-5177 

Aiken’s Makin’, the Aiken Chamber’s two-day premier arts and crafts show, is now accepting applications for its

48th annual event scheduled to take place on September 6th and 7th, 2024. This highly anticipated event has become a staple in the artistic community, showcasing a diverse array of talents and fostering a vibrant

atmosphere of creativity.

Key Dates:

• Application Postmarked by February

29, 2024

• Acceptances Mailed on March 30,

2024

• Event Dates September 6 & 7, 2024

Aiken’s Makin’ takes pride in maintaining the quality and innovation of the arts and crafts presented at the event. To achieve this, the show operates as a juried event, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for attendees.

The selection committee meticulously reviews each application and accompanying photos to curate a unique lineup of artisans, crafters and food vendors.

It’s important to note that being selected for one year does not guarantee a place in the following year’s event. In 2023, 44% of the vendors were newcomers, adding an

ever-changing element to Aiken’s Makin’.

Aiken’s Makin’ welcomes a spectrum of media, including but not limited to folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, basket weaving, ironwork,

candles, textile art, hair accessories, handbags, handmade cards, leather goods, mosaic pieces, woodcraft, canvas art, and stained glass. Vendors who produce food products such as sweets, dips, jams and homemade pickles are also welcome to apply.

Food vendors featuring fair type food as well as those offering nontraditional foods are encouraged to apply. Attendees love the variety of delicacies available at the event.

Spread the word and encourage talented individuals in your network to apply to be a part of this annual Aiken tradition.

SCORE Greater Aiken is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs

and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed in the CSRA. The organization is

looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of

volunteer roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to subject matter experts

and more.

If you want to make a lasting impact in our small business community, SCORE Greater

Aiken is the place to do that.

As a SCORE Greater Aiken volunteer, you will:

• Support local entrepreneurs

• Network and build new relationships

• Help grow your local small business community

• Expand your skillset and professional reputation

Contact John Greg at john.greg@scorevolunteer.org to learn more.

SCORE Greater Aiken is a partner with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and has

provided no-cost mentoring to small-business owners in the area since 2004. Modest

annual funding is received from the Small Business Administration.