Civic leaders to address Chamber membership |
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The Chamber’s annual State of Our Community Luncheon is celebrating its 15th year. The informative business event will be held September 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken. Attendees will hear from 3 community leaders on 3 very different subjects all tying to Aiken’s economy and growth.
The president of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, Paul Sauerborn, will update attendees on the exciting progress and development being made at the organization’s new facility at 2020 Richland Ave. East. The inaugural race at its new home and the 54th running of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase is scheduled for March 26, 2022.
Aikenites know about the two sanctioned steeplechase racing events held annually, but what is not as well known is the impact the organization has on the Aiken community beyond just two great weekends of fun and horses. Sauerborn will give us a glimpse of the past and a peek into the future of this iconic Aiken event.
Switching horses (pun intended), real estate plays an integral role in the national, state, and local economy. When home prices rise it influences other businesses, affects personal and business cash flow, and increases spin off jobs in other industries.
The Aiken real estate sales market has been hot for the past 5 years and the pandemic hasn’t cooled it down one bit. In fact, sales prices are sizzling. Aiken Chamber immediate past chair and Meybohm Real Estate Downtown Aiken broker-in-charge Julie Whitesell will share her insights into the market trends being seen in Aiken.
Another past chair of the Aiken Chamber, Joe Lewis, financial services officer at Security Federal Bank will brief attendees on the $1M COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Revolving Loan Fund for City of Aiken businesses that was established in just four days at the beginning of the pandemic.
This bold initiative was a partnership of the City of Aiken, Security Federal Bank, Aiken Corp, and the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and served as a life line to 47 area small businesses at the beginning of the pandemic.
After the formal presentations, guests will enjoy a casual lunch with professional networking during a government hob nob with elected officials and leaders from the Legislative Delegation, Aiken County, City of Aiken and Aiken County Public Schools.
Chamber members that wish to attend should contact Jim Tunison at (803) 645-0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net for seats. Tickets are $325 for a group of 8 or $45 for individuals.
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It’s time for Aiken’s Makin’ |
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The sight of colorful paintings and creative crafts, the smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn, and the delight of shoppers when they find just the right gift for someone special – these are just a few of the joys the Aiken Chamber, its numerous volunteers, and attendees look forward to at the 45th annual Aiken’s Makin’ arts and craft show coming to downtown Aiken September 10 and 11.
Quality craftsmanship and excellent design are the hallmarks of Aiken’s Makin’. Held annually since 1976 by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the 45th Aiken’s Makin’ will feature the handiwork of 168 fine artisans and 20 food vendors from across the southeast.
A new wider, more spacious layout will be featured this year to allow shoppers and vendors more room to safely enjoy the show. Guests will enjoy shopping from well-spaced booths in the closed street and under the canopy of trees in the parkways along Park Avenue from Chesterfield to Union streets.
“The City of Aiken has done a fantastic job refreshing Aiken’s iconic parkways. The meandering hardscape paths under the canopy of shade trees is a perfect place to enjoy the day and have a little, or a lot of, retail therapy,” said Aiken’s Makin’ show director Dianne Phillips. “From the practical to the whimsical, there is something for everyone at Aiken’s Makin’.
A full spectrum of media including folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, basket weaving, iron work, candles, textile art, hair accessories, handbags and accessories, handmade cards, leather, mosaic, wood, canvas art, stained glass, as well as food items like sweets, dips, jams and homemade pickles can be found at Aiken’s Makin’. Artists and crafters are on-site at the two-day juried event and enjoy chatting with guests about their art and inspirations.
Aiken’s Makin’ has a well-deserved reputation for an ambiance that is relaxed, friendly and fun. There is no charge to attend the event. Hours are Friday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hand sanitizing stations will be spaced throughout the show and guests should follow the CDC guidelines for mask wearing.
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Enjoying a day with friends is a hallmark of Aiken’s Makin’. Stephanie Franklin, left, Debbie Bryant and Debbie Osmundsen try out the handcrafted folding chairs at Aiken’s Makin’ as they shop the day away at the event several years ago. |
“The City of Aiken has done a fantastic job refreshing Aiken’s iconic parkways...From the practical to the whimsical, there is something for everyone at Aiken’s Makin'. "
Dianne Phillips, Aiken's Makin' show director
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Let your voice be heard
at First Friday Means Business
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The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is a statewide organization that promotes pro-job and pro-business policies at the state and federal level.
Each year, the organization partners with regional and local chambers of commerce on the Chamber Alliance Grassroots Tour. Aiken Chamber members are invited to participate in the annual event being held at the September 3 First Friday Means Business breakfast.
“This meeting is a very effective way of making sure the priorities of the state organization align with those of our local business owners,” said Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. “Your input is valuable and helps create a state-wide environment where business is allowed to grow and thrive.”
Each person attending will be asked to participate in several polls that will help set the South Carolina Chamber’s 2022 Competitiveness Agenda and set the organization’s priorities for the 2022 legislative session.
In addition to the SC Chamber of Commerce presentation, attendees will receive valuable updates from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber and the September First Friday Means Business sponsor SRP Federal Credit Union.
The monthly breakfast will occur Friday, September 3, at Newberry Hall from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
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Have a blast with the Aiken Chamber |
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The Aiken Chamber will be firing off its sixth Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot at Palmetto Shooting Complex, a premier shooting destination operated by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The event will be held September 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All skill levels are welcome to join this fun and exciting day of networking and team building.
Often referred to as golfing with a gun, the Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot will start the day with a “flurry shoot”. A ‘flurry’ begins at the call of “pull” and five clay targets are all traveling towards and over the shooting stations, like a covey of birds would rise. A target is then released from one of five traps until 50 birds have been launched in about a minute.
After the flurry shoot, teams will depart via golf carts to the fully automated clays course among the pine trees to shoot at clay pigeons and network.
A BBQ lunch will be ready and waiting for every shooter at the awards ceremony along with trophies and awards for the top teams.
Ryan Reynolds of H. G. Reynolds Company, Inc. has participated in the event each year and had this to say, “The Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot provides an incredible venue and networking opportunity for those outdoor sports enthusiasts who might otherwise not share the same enthusiasm for traditional golfing. Palmetto Shooting Complex is a first-class facility all the way.”
The cost for a team of five is $625. The package includes use of a golf cart, ammo, 100 targets, and lunch followed by the awards ceremony with cash prizes.
To make reservations or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact Jim Tunison at 803.645.0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net.
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Blastin’ for Business is sponsored by:
Title Sponsor
- H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc.
Breakfast Sponsor
Buckshot Sponsors
- Alfred Benesch & Company
- Bechtel
- Cranston Engineering Group
- Dunkin'
- Duraclean Systems Inc.
- Hixon’s Roofing & Construction, LLC
- Jacobs
- J.E. Stewart Builders, Inc.
- Pipeworks of Aiken, Inc.
- United Rentals - Aiken
- United Rentals - Augusta
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The shotgun team from Pipeworks of Aiken, Inc. won the fifth annual Blastin’ for Business competition in 2020. The sixth annual event is scheduled for September 17 at Palmetto Shooting Complex. Individuals or teams interested in participating should contact Jim Tunison at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce (803) 645-0144. |
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Chamber calls for board nominations |
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Nominations are now being accepted from the Aiken Chamber membership for the 2022 board of directors of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Six board seats each with a three-year term are open. Candidates who are members in good standing and who agree to fulfill the duties of a director will be considered.
Please submit your nomination in writing to the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 892, Aiken, SC 29802. A letter of recommendation stating why you feel the candidate is qualified should be included in the nomination. Self-nominations are allowed.
Qualifications of an ideal candidate are:
- Forward thinker
- Committed to the business community
- Actively involved in the Chamber
The deadline for nominations is September 6. The nominating committee will present its slate of candidates to the board of directors at the September 16 board meeting.
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Post Up Careers held a ribbon cutting at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce to celebrate launching the business in the Aiken market. Post Up Careers specializes in personalized resume writing, LinkedIn profile optimization and interview prep to help clients, at all stages of their career journey, take their career to the next level. Pictured in the center are Aiken Chamber of Commerce president/CEO, J. David Jameson and Post Up Careers founder, Franklin Buchanan. They are joined by friends, family, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador team. Schedule a consultation or learn more about Post Up Careers and the personalized services Franklin offers at postupcareers.com.
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Evello held a ribbon cutting August 18 to celebrate the grand opening of its new office space located in the Village at Woodside, 440 Society Hill Dr. SW, Suite 203. Pictured from left to right are Aiken Chamber ambassador Jim Mazini, Evello apprentice Jessica Fluharty, Evello owners Nicole and Mike Cook, Aiken Chamber of Commerce president/CEO J. David Jameson, Al Martin with Woodside Aiken Realty, and Aiken Chamber ambassador Carmen Perez. Book your free consultation today online or by phone and let Evello help you look forward to living carefree being hair free. Call (803) 306-6865 or visit evelloaiken.com
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Aiken Vascular Specialists – Physician (Vascular & Vascular Surgery)
Quality vascular care available locally, explained simply, performed meticulously. You are treated like a family member. This is our commitment to you.
690 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Dr. Ganesha Perera
Phone: (803) 602-4343
Augusta Podcasts/Alison South Marketing Group, LLC – Marketing/Podcasts
Comprehensive resource for podcast recording, production, editing, and consultation. We handle all the back-end work to allow our clients to focus on their content and growth.
212 7th Street, Suite 101
Augusta, GA 30901
Contact: Chris Nabholz
Phone: (706) 294-1023
Capital Waste Services, LLC – Waste Disposal
We are a local commercial waste hauler desiring to serve Aiken businesses with their waste disposal needs.
132 Hedge Road
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Sean Fulton
Phone: (803) 814-0040
Carolina Dragway – Dragway
GET READY FOR THRILLS - #thehouseofhook
302 Dragstrip Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Jimmy Owen
Phone: (803) 471-2285
Citizens Park Office and Conference Center – Meetings & Conferences
Move your business or event to the next level. From business meetings to exquisite events, Citizens Park Office & Conference Center is your venue!
640 Old Airport Road, Suite 102
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Mary Allen
Phone: (803) 226-0504
Columbia County Performing Arts Center – Community Theatre, Arts Organization
A cultural arts center featuring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, family-friendly entertainment, and locally-based arts organizations.
1000 Market Street
Evans, GA 30809
Contact: Matt Jameson
Phone: (706) 447-6767
Dawn’s Taxi and Transportation Services, LLC – Transportation (Personal)
We are a taxi company that cares about the people and community.
Trenton, SC 29847
Contact: Dawn Smith
Phone: (803) 640-2453
We provide top quality uniforms, protective equipment and diverse commercial products essential to sustaining effective operations, Eagle Corps Services meets expectations!
640 Old Airport Road, Suite 208
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Mary Allen
Phone: (803) 467-6542
Pelvic Prime, LLC – Physical Therapy
Comprehensive physical therapy specializing in pelvic floor, dry needling, running analysis, and orthopedic care.
920 Houndslake Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Shandrea Hubbs
Phone: (803) 716-9723
Three Sixty Promo – Promotional Products
Your logo is our business! Your one stop shop for all custom branded promotional products. Let’s personalize every angle of your appearance to the public.
132 Chesterfield Street, S
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Jeremy Stevens
Phone: (706) 590-3370
Woodchuckers Axe Throwing – Sports & Recreation
We are a 19-lane axe throwing facility. Guests are trained on axe throwing technique by one of our Axe-perts, and then enjoy one to two hours of fun.
208 The Alley, Suite A
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Alisa Hamrick
Phone: (803) 500-2937
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Always learning with SCORE |
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SCORE is proud to have the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. They help thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses every year. SCORE volunteers give back to their communities and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
SCORE hosts free, live webinars every week on small business tips and strategies. Learn more at www.score.org.
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