February 29, 2024

Many groups use a gavel to show when a new leader takes over, but the Aiken Chamber does things a bit differently – we use a big pair of ribbon-cutting scissors instead. David Jameson is retiring after a whopping 50 years of work, with the last 18 spent at the Aiken Chamber. Now, it's Jim Tunison's turn to lead the charge.

The 2024 Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team is ready to connect and serve the Aiken Chamber’s membership. The 52-member team, who represent a cross section of the Aiken Chamber membership, qualified for the prestigious program.

Ambassadors have a promi­nent position of responsibility in the business community. They act as the Aiken Chamber’s pri­mary liaisons for new and ex­isting members and are highly visible at Chamber events.

Working in conjunction with the Chamber’s professional staff, the Ambassador Team works to ensure members are maximizing the many benefits of Chamber membership, such as networking opportunities, educational seminars, and a variety of marketing opportunities.

 “We’re extremely grateful for the time, energy and effort these professionals put into serving the Chamber and its members,” said Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. “The extra connection ambassadors provide to our members enables us to keep our membership engaged and helps us to keep our pulse on the business community.”

Stephanie Lord, VP/Business Solutions Manager at Security Federal Bank, will serve as chair of the 2024 Ambassador Team.

I'm thrilled to take on the role of the 2024 Aiken Chamber Ambassador Chair. Since joining the team in 2022, my goal has been to both learn from and develop alongside other business professionals, and the experience has exceeded my expectations. This incredible team of leaders works collaboratively with each other and with local businesses, fostering connections that enrich the Aiken business community. Here's to another exciting year!

For the 15th year in a row, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC remains the dedicated corporate sponsor. Edgar Cardenas, who oversees the Aiken passenger plant for Bridgestone, expressed, "Our continued support for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador Program stems from the significant role these ambassadors play in both welcoming and informing new and existing members of the Chamber. Their exceptional service is a vital asset to the Aiken business community."

In today’s fast-paced professional world, burnout is an all-too-common adversary for women, but there’s good news on the horizon. The upcoming Women in Business luncheon is the perfect chance to turn the tide.

Armed with insights and strategies from Dr. Bridgette Cho, an assistant psychology professor at the University of South Carolina Aiken, attendees will discover how to recognize burnout’s early signs and embrace self-care practices.

Get ready to gain invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenges of modern work-life balance with confidence and grace at the March 21 event being held at Newberry Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reservations should be made at www.aikenchamber.net. The cost to attend is $40 or a table of 8 with corporate signage for $300.

Meet Dr. Cho

Bridget Cho received her doctorate in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas and completed an APA accredited internship specializing in child maltreatment at the University of California Davis Children’s Hospital. Dr. Cho is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, Aiken where she supervises graduate students in the masters-level Applied Clinical Psychology Program and teaches about developmental and abnormal psychology, multicultural and diversity issues, and cognitive assessment. Her research and clinical interests include child psychopathology, parenting, and adversity, as well as development of culturally responsive parenting interventions. Dr. Cho teaches undergraduate courses in Developmental Psychology, Childhood Psychopathology, and Multicultural Psychology and graduate courses in Psychopathology and Cognitive Assessment. 

Guess what time it is? It's nomination season, and we're on the lookout for the stars of our community to shine at the Annual Gala on April 19!

🌟 Man and Woman of the Year 🌟 Who's been crushing it in Aiken? Nominate the standout individuals making waves and spreading good vibes. Let's celebrate the heroes among us!

💼 Small and Large Business of the Year 💼 Whether they're acing the small business game or dominating the corporate scene, give a nod to the businesses that are the heartbeat of Aiken. It's time to applaud their hard work and success!

⏰ Deadline Alert: March 15 ⏰ Don't be fashionably late! March 15 is the day, so get those nominations in and let's make this Gala the talk of the town.

🤝 Membership Magic 🤝 To keep the party exclusive, nominators must be Aiken Chamber members, and nominated businesses need to be Chamber members too. It's the ultimate members-only soirée!

🎉 Nominate NOW on our Glitzy Website 🎉 Hop onto the Chamber's website for nomination forms and check out the VIP list of past winners. Let the excitement begin!

Let's make this Gala the most memorable yet – because in Aiken, we know how to party with purpose!

803 Mobile Detailing and Wash, LLC – Car Wash

We come to you and detail your vehicle, wherever you are! Enjoy a professional detail services without any of the hassle.

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Angel Rodriguez

Phone: (803) 645-1435

www.803detail.com

Catalyst Digital Solutions – Business Support Services/Consulting

We streamline customer interactions, organizes data, and enhance communication for small businesses using a CRM platform. It fosters customer relationships, boosts sales efficiency, and improves overall business management. 

Johnston, SC 29832

Contact: Michael Rosenthal

Phone: (803) 809-3460

www.catadigitalsolutions.com

Insurance Masters – Health Insurance

We will guide you through the entire process of getting the coverage you need with transparency and honesty. We look forward to welcoming you to the Insurance Masters family.

332 Edgefield Road

North Augusta, GA 29841

Contact: Alex Roker

Phone: (803) 508-9029

www.insurancemasters.biz

Modern Business Workplace Solutions, LLC – Furniture

We build more than great spaces, we build relationships. We work with you from the ground up to achieve the most innovative and constructive solutions for your workspace.

1018 Telfair Street

Augusta, GA 30901

Contact: Brandy Jones

Phone: (706) 724-8700

www.augustaoffice.com   

The Sampson Wealth Advisory Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC

Financial Advisor/Investments/Planning      

Our goal is to leverage over 50+ years of experience in advising our clients and their families with tailored financial solutions, while ensuring best-in-class service.

401 Park Avenue, SW

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Peter E. Sampson

Phone: (803) 649-6303

www.sampsonwealthadvisorygroup.com

Smart Edge, LLC – Landscaping

Let us take care of all of your lawn maintenance needs. Mowing, Trimming, Edging, Leaf Blowing, Yard Cleanup, Mulching, Tree Trimming and Removal, Pressure Washing

Wagener, SC 29164

Contact: Raymond Hammers

Phone: (803) 361-4058

www.smartedgelawncare.com

Celebrating Business

Anchor Post-Acute held a ribbon cutting on January 25th to mark the unveiling of its new outpatient therapy clinic and the grand opening of their state-of-the-art premiere gymnasium. Located at 550 E. Gate Dr., this expansion enables Anchor Post-Acute Care to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy delivered by skilled professionals and an exceptional support team. The ribbon was cut by Anchor Post-Acute Administrator, Ra Lawrence, and Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. For more information, visit their website at anchor-pa.org or call (803) 643-3694.

On February 9th, Christ Central Ministries in Graniteville inaugurated its new KidzCorner Mentoring Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ribbon was cut by Kevin Robinson, Director of KidzCorner, along with Jim Tunison, Director of Membership Services for the Aiken Chamber. This innovative Christian mentoring program for kids ages 5-17, including music, art, agriculture, Bible, science, math, reading, and martial arts classes, aims to create well-rounded individuals who positively impact their community. To volunteer, apply at www.christcentralaiken.com/volunteer. For more info, call (803) 599-8538 or email KidzCornerGraniteville@gmail.com.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions President and CEO Dennis Carr, Aiken Chamber of Commerce President and CEO J. David Jameson, and Aiken County Chairman Gary Bunker commemorate the opening of the Centennial Building with a ribbon cutting on February 20th. The newly renovated office space will accommodate up to 400 employees in support of expanding national security missions at the Savannah River Site. www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com/

803 Mobile Detailing and Wash, LLC held a ribbon cutting at the Aiken Chamber on February 21st. The ribbon was cut by owner Angel Rodriguez along with Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. Offering mobile detailing services directly to customers' locations, 803 Mobile Detailing and Wash eliminates the need for customers to travel to a fixed detail shop. For more information, visit www.803detail.com or call (803) 645-1435.

Catalyst Digital Solutions held a ribbon cutting on February 22nd at the Aiken Chamber. The ribbon was cut by Michael Rosenthal, the founder/CEO of Catalyst, along with J. David Jameson, President/CEO of the Aiken Chamber. Offering an all-in-one sales and marketing tool designed to streamline processes, Catalyst consolidates functions like automating messages and tasks, managing payments, responding to customers, and booking appointments into a single platform. Learn more at www.catadigitalsolutions.com or call (803) 809-3460.

Oaks Senior Living Community at Aiken celebrated the opening of its new facility with a ribbon cutting on February 22nd. The ribbon was cut by resident Barbara Moore along with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. Located at 3400 Whiskey Road, Oaks at Aiken offers assisted living and memory care for seniors. As a faith-based, family-operated, and person-directed senior living community, Oaks provides personalized, compassionate care. To learn more, visit www.oaksseniorliving.com/communities/aiken-sc or call (803) 592-9768.

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.