Business, Banter and Brews
June 17
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June 17 will be a great day for business in Aiken, South Carolina. Business, Banter and Brews, the Aiken Chamber’s business to business buy local expo will return to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds from 4-7 p.m.
Aiken Chamber members are excited and ready to get back to in-person events. Business, Banter and Brews will provide small businesses the opportunity to share information and sell their products and services with hundreds of other Chamber members at this B2B event. It is also a great opportunity to catch up with old business friends they may not have seen in person in a while and meet new customers too.
“Small businesses are the real heroes when it comes to supporting local economies, creating innovative solutions and keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive,” said Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. “Business, Banter and Brews will allow over 50 of our small businesses the opportunity to share their business with potential customers and create connections with other members.”
It will be a great day for business in Aiken, South Carolina, at Business, Banter and Brews.
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Business Banter and Brews Exhibitors
(as of 5/27)
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- 803 Realty Aiken
- AgSouth Farm Credit ACA
- Ahh Sunshine
- Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center
- Aiken County Habitat for Humanity
- Aiken Staffing Associates / Job Shop
- Aiken Standard
- Aiken Technical College
- Augusta Regional Airport
- Blue Moon Estate Sales – Augusta CanHope
- Colon-Rectal Surgery Associates PC
- Dominion Energy SC’s Energy Wise for Your Business Program
- EGS
- The Etherredge Center for the Fine & Performing Arts
- Eudora Farms
- Farm Bureau Insurance
- First Community Bank
- Freitas Wealth Management Group
- G.L. Williams & Daughter Trucking
- Great Southern Homes
- Hearing Associates of S.C.
- Heath Insurance & Financial Group
- Herlong & Doran Financial Group
- Interactive Display Systems
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- Jowers Technology Solutions
- KAMO Janitorial Supplies & Equipment
- Kicks 99/Sunny 102.7
- Legacy Residential Solutions
- Mattress by Appointment Aiken
- Murphy Auto Group-Bob Richards CDJR
- Odom Chiropractic of Aiken
- Paralyzed Veterans of America Southeastern Chapter
- RE/MAX Tattersall Group
- RM Safety Consulting
- SCORE Greater Aiken
- SME CPAs
- Security Federal Bank
- TAB Augusta-Aiken
- Tri-Development Center of Aiken County
- United Real Estate, Aiken
- United Way of Aiken County
- Uniti Fiber
- University Health Care System –Occupational Health
- Washington National Insurance Co.
- Westminster Memory Care – Aiken
- Woodside Country Club
- Your CBD Store
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Contact Jim Tunison for Exhibitor Information: (803) 645- 0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net |
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“One of the most beneficial aspects of joining the Aiken Chamber was the ribbon cutting and the continued exposure I received from it. I had several inquiries about electrolysis (permanent hair removal) and many became clients.
Nicole Cook
Evello Electrolysis”
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“In a year where many of the customary benefits of the Chamber of Commerce were impossible to deliver, our Chamber was able to ‘think outside the box’. One example was the Good News We Are Open video posts for local small businesses. Opportunities to connect personally were impossible due to social distancing so this post on the Chamber’s social media not only reached community members we don’t have access to, but it was shareable which went WAY beyond our normal reach. Much appreciated in a challenging time.”
Brenda Quick
Bloom Salon Spa Boutique
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“Starting and building a business, regardless of type or size, can be a daunting challenge. Creating a team that shares the same vision is essential. One of the most overlooked and available members of that team is your local Chamber of Commerce. Our own Aiken Chamber of Commerce is, with out a doubt, focused on helping businesses to succeed during volatile and prosperous times. It's reassuring to know that they consistently "Think outside the Box" in developing ways to support local businesses. Their recent campaign, A Taste of Aiken, is an example of that commitment. Kudos to the staff and leadership for being a constant asset to our business. An asset that most businesses can't do without.”
John S Hyder
South on Whiskey/JC's Seafood
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Making sure that every day is a great day for business is a top priority of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. One action step the Chamber has taken toward this daily goal is to leverage the organization’s very active social media accounts to drive customers into member businesses.
In the last 18 months, over 500,000 people have been reached through the Aiken Chamber’s Facebook page.
“Social media is a great perk for our members,” said Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. “The engagement and interaction of over 7,000 subscribers means more people will see these businesses, ultimately driving more customers to them and feeding into the local economy. It’s a great cycle.”
For many businesses, social media has become a lifeline to customers. The Chamber’s Ambassador team has been instrumental in increasing engagements for Chamber posts and making sure that posts and news about members reaches the massive number of people that make social media a part of their everyday lives.
Highlights of three specific campaigns:
Ribbon cutting celebrations have always been a part of the Chamber’s repertoire, but now the celebration continues beyond the day of the event through social media. Since November 2019, 41 businesses have held ribbon cutting celebrations. These were enjoyed by those in attendance and featured in the Chamber’s newsletter. Now, by adding photos and video interviews on the Chamber’s social media accounts, the celebration continues, and the exposure the member business receives is outstanding. In the last 18 months ribbon cutting events shared on social media have reached 210,754 and had over 33,000 engagements. Everyone enjoys celebrating new investment and reinvestment in Aiken.
The Good News Campaign, ran from May 7 to June 19, 2020. Short videos allowed each of the 56 member participants to announce the good news – they were open for business. It was imperative after the COVID-19 shutdown that businesses had a way to get the word out about cleaning precautions they were taking and get customers in their doors or using curbside pickup. These short videos were viewed by 29,571 Facebook users. It truly was good news worth sharing.
A Taste of Aiken is shining a virtual spotlight on Aiken Chamber members in the food and beverage industry. Currently seven videos are running on all the Chamber’s social media platforms and more will follow. The current number of views is 22,462. Aiken loves its unique food and beverage options.
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Stronger together:
Building up the women around you
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Competition can be good and healthy. It can make you better at what you do. But women in particular benefit from collaboration over competition, and study after study show women who support women are more successful in business. Community over competition should be the norm not the exception.
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon will feature a very successful woman, Pamela (P.J.) Browning, president and publisher of The Post and Courier in Charleston. Browning will discuss the power of building up the women around you and how women can continually support and raise each other up in the workplace.
“We can all thrive and succeed when we support one another. Channeling the power of collaboration across our communities, workplaces and ultimately our world, is truly how we’ll make a difference for women,” said Browning.
Join us Tuesday, June 8, at Newberry Hall for a delicious meal, networking and Browning’s presentation. Please visit the calendar of events at www.aikenchamber.net or call Mandy Collins at (803) 645-0049 to make the required reservation. Seats are $35 per person.
Women in Business is sponsored by:
and
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Meet Pamela 'P.J." Browning
Pamela (P.J.) Browning became Senior Vice President with Evening Post Industries and President of Evening Post Industries Newspaper Division in July of 2013. She is also President and Publisher of The Post and Courier in Charleston.
Browning was named Editor and Publisher’s 2019 Publisher of the Year. She currently serves on the News Media Alliance Board; Local Media Association Board; SNPA Board of Trustees; and Trident Technical College Board of Trustees. Browning also served as President of Southern Newspaper Publishers Association; and Vice President of S.C. Press Association.
She is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in marketing.
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Orange barrels are popping up around Aiken County, and long-awaited road construction projects are ramping up.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has a big job. South Carolina has the fourth largest state highway system in the nation and serves the sixth fastest growing state in the nation. The SCDOT is in year 4 of the agency’s 10-year plan to rebuild South Carolina’s roads. The increase in projects is also being driven by a change in the revenue stream for projects.
The State has reduced its dependence on federal funds which has allowed projects to be streamlined. The State is also nearing the end of the first year of the four-year phased-in 12₵ gas tax increase where every penny increase generates approximately $34 million in revenue.
Local projects, as well as statewide projects, will be the focus of the presentation at First Friday Means Business June 4. Ted Creech, director of governmental affairs SCDOT, and Adam Humphries, SCDOT program manager will brief attendees on the details of SC 118 – Hitchcock Parkway Corridor Improvement Project, the I-20 bridge replacement over the Savannah River, the U.S. 1 bridge replacement over the South Edisto River and others.
First Friday Means Business attendees will also receive valuable information from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber and from the June First Friday Means Business sponsor DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.
The monthly breakfast will occur Friday, June 4, at Newberry Hall from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Members should make their required reservation on the calendar of events at www.aikenchamber.net.
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Aiken County Historical Museum held a ribbon cutting May 13 to celebrate the newly revamped history exhibit celebrating Aiken County’s 150th anniversary. Make sure to stop by and see our friends at 433 Newberry St. SW and check out the recent renovations. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday. From left to right are Aiken County Historical Commission Chairman Phillip Strawbridge, Executive Director Lauren Virgo, SC Humanities’ Board Chair Dr. Tom Mack, Aiken Chamber of Commerce President/CEO J. David Jameson, Aiken County Chairman Gary Bunker, and Aiken Chamber Ambassador Alethea Spann. |
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Southern Ridge Excavation held a ribbon cutting ceremony May 6 at the Chamber of Commerce to announce the launch of their services in Aiken which include small land clearing, pond excavation and cleaning, driveway installation, drainage, digging, paddocks, sloping, retaining walls and much more. Make sure to follow their Facebook page, and contact them at: (803) 522-5752. From left to right are Mark Hodges, Woody Malone, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO J. David Jameson, Southern Ridge Excavation owner Alex Koegel, Brooke Zehr, Martha Ruthven, Sarah Schultz, Dee Dee Kurilla and Bill Ferguson. |
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Friends of the Aiken County Public Library – Library
We help our library be more than books by advocating, supporting and funding its programs.
Aiken, SC 29804
Contact: Bill Reynolds
Phone: (803) 979-3390
Heartland Payroll/HR – Payroll/HR Services
We take care of payroll and make the hiring process with all legal requirements easy!
Batesburg, SC 29006
Contact: Theresa Radcliffe
Phone: (803) 319-4369
Mike Hostilo Law Firm – Attorney
Every day, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for victims of personal injury and fatal accidents, supported by a strong company culture to be responsive, attentive, and compassionate for the needs of the client as they navigate a path to restoration.
228 Richland Avenue, W Suite 3
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Martha Montgomery
Phone: (706) 817-2047
Legacy Residential Solutions – Real Estate (Home Inspection)
We strive to provide the highest quality home inspections in the CSRA to buyers, sellers, and investors.
516 West Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
Contact: John Womack
Phone: (706) 830-4903
Novus Capstone, LLC – Research and Development
A unique company operating at the crossroads of federal research and development institutions, intelligence and national security programs, and private sector entrepreneurialism.
Jackson, SC 29831
Contact: Keith Harlow
Phone: (571) 606-3763
Smoothie Groove – Restaurant
Aiken’s new unique spin on all natural smoothies, juices and food, “It’s What Music Tastes Like”
448 Fabian Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Edith Hicks-Ogletree
Phone: (803) 226-9024
Storage Units Aiken – Self Storage Facility
Premier self-storage facility of Aiken. We offer drive-up, covered parking and temperature-controlled storage units.
519 Silver Bluff Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Jasmine Murdaugh
Phone: (803) 679-1350
TAB Augusta- Aiken – Business Consulting
Peer advisory boards made up of 8 – 10 non-competing business owners that serve as a trusted space to receive unbiased feedback on topics like finances, marketing, sales, personnel, or products/service launches.
814 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Contact: Darin Myers
Phone: (706) 755-0606
Truth Roofing – Roofing
We handle all residential and commercial roofing from complete replacement to repairs. We specialize in insurance claims and do free inspections. We are here locally off Whiskey Road.
946 Millbrook Avenue
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact Chris Brennan
Phone: (803) 201-2316
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