Annual Awards: And the winner is... | |
Charting a vision for the Aiken business community | |
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is beginning an exciting new era as it prepares for its next-generation strategic planning session. With the recent appointment of a new president/CEO, Jim Tunison, the Chamber is poised to build upon the legacy of its former leader, David Jameson, while charting a course for innovative growth and success. This strategic planning session will serve as a testament to the Chamber's commitment to honoring its past achievements while embracing new opportunities for the future.
The planning session will build on the insights from the 2023 board of directors’ strategic options assessment of opportunities and obstacles in the community. By aligning these findings with its overarching mission, the Chamber aims to refine its strategies and initiatives to better serve the changing needs of its members.
“The Chamber's commitment to serving as a catalyst for business growth, a convener for leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community will continue to be the basis for the Chamber’s every action,” said 2024 Chair Charlie Hartz.
The Chamber’s board is a diverse cross-section of the business community. This diversity ensures that the strategic planning process includes a wide range of perspectives and experiences and results in quality outcomes.
Insights and suggestions from the community and Chamber members are also welcome. Please send these via email to President/CEO Jim Tunison at jtunison@aikenchamber.net by May 6.
The upcoming strategic planning session is an opportunity for the Chamber to plan its next steps for growth and development. By learning from past experiences and remaining true to its mission, the Chamber is poised to strengthen its resilience and adaptability. With a dedicated focus on building Aiken's future, the Chamber is committed to ensuring that every day is a great day for businesses in Aiken, South Carolina.
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GET FIRED UP FOR BUSINESS
at the Aiken Chamber Member Appreciation Cookout & Mini-Trade Show
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is celebrating business and its members with a member-appreciation cookout and mini-trade show Friday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aiken Chamber.
Members, this event is a special way for the Aiken Chamber to say thank you for your continued investment in Aiken’s future.
“Our members are the backbone for creating jobs and economic prosperity for the community, and we want to recognize and show our appreciation for their contributions,” said 2024 Chair- Charlie Hartz, Scenthound and The Village Cafe.
Members are invited to drop-in for lunch and enjoy hotdogs with all their favorite tailgate trimmings cooked on the grill by Hartz and other members of the Aiken Chamber Board of Directors. Chicken Salad Chick will also be on hand with delicious fresh sandwiches.
Molly Jones, SRP Federal Credit Union and Aiken Chamber Chair-elect for Membership Services, added, "This event really brings out the sense of friendship we are fortunate to have in the Aiken business community. It's a fantastic chance for us to gather and celebrate success with one another.”
With hundreds of members expected to attend, there will be ample opportunities to meet new people and make valuable connections. Adding to the event's uniqueness will be its mini-trade show component, featuring the goods and services of over 40 fellow members. There will also be a spirited arm-wrestling showdown by Workout Anytime Fitness, coupled with the entertainment of Big Putts Mobile Miniature Golf and an abundance of door prizes.
“By bringing together a diverse group of exhibitors and providing opportunities for members to network and connect with one another, the Chamber is helping to foster a strong and vibrant business community in Aiken,” said Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. “It’s always a great day for business when our members can get together, have fun, and share business-to-business opportunities.”
Please rsvp here.
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Kingdom Hands Specialty Painting, LLC – Painting
We are Kingdom Hands Specialty Painting, LLC and we established our business in 2017. We believe in doing what’s right by our clients and going the extra mile to ensure our customers’ satisfaction. Give us a call for a free consultation. We offer Military and First Line of Defense Workers a 10% discount off the top of your quote.
Windsor, SC 29856
Contact: Randolph Pickett
Phone: (803) 979-8640
www.facebook.com/kingdomhandspainting
Lacoles Heal and Touch Homecare, LLC – Respite Care
In-home care agency providing services to seniors and kids to help with activities of daily living.
900 Trail Ridge Road
Aiken, SC 29803 Contact: Tamika Mitchell Phone: (980) 505-7748
extEra Energy Resources – Energy Company
We are a clean energy leader, investing in our nation’s energy infrastructure and creating energy solutions for our customers.
2486 Edgefield Highway
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Brian Yewell
Phone: (561) 691-7171
www.nexteraenergyresources.com
Signature Restoration Solutions, LLC – Builders and Construction (Commercial and Industrial)
Our experienced team provides water and storm damage repair, mold remediation and reconstruction services for commercial properties, industrial facilities and medical facilities.
181 Old Jackson Highway
Beech Island, SC 29842
Contact: Taylor Peterson
Phone: (803) 827-0010
www.signaturerestorationsolutions.com
Synergy Counseling Services, LLC – Counseling Services
Providing integrated counseling services by creating a positive and synergistic therapeutic alliance that engages the individual and facilitates change to enhance their participation in and enjoyment of life.
1824 Jefferson Davis Highway
Graniteville, SC 29829
Contact: Raymond Moody
Phone: (800) 552-4357
www.scs-helps.com
Veterans Pressure Washing – Pressure Washing & Exterior Cleaning
We are a full-service exterior cleaning company! We professionally clean your roof, house, windows, gutters, driveways, fences, and decks. If it’s outside of your home or business, we clean it.
489 Columbia Industrial Boulevard
Evans, GA 30809
Contact: Dean Smith
Phone: (803) 761-9558
www.veteranspw.com
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OSLA Agency, formerly Alison South Marketing Group, unveiled their exciting rebranding with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 27 at 668 Broad Street in Augusta. Joined by representatives from the Augusta Metro Chamber, the Columbia County Chamber, the North Augusta Chamber, and the Aiken Chamber, Cynthia South, Director of Communications, ceremoniously cut the ribbon, marking the dawn of a new chapter for the full-service advertising agency. With a location in Augusta and Aiken, OSLA remains the trusted name for marketing solutions, offering expertise, integrity, and adaptability to help businesses flourish in today's competitive market. Explore OSLA Agency further at oslaagency.com and let them help your business "cut through the static." | |
The Grand Opening celebration for Sanctuary, a stunning new Meybohm Realty neighborhood located off Powderhouse Road on Aiken's South Side, was celebrated on March 28. Meybohm President, John Cates, cut the ribbon. He was joined by REALTOR® Josh Cline and Britt Jackson, who are the site agents for the property, as well as Chamber Chair Charlie Hartz, members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, colleagues, and friends. With 125 beautiful homes starting from the $300,000's, this development promises to be a vibrant community. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this amenity rich neighborhood. An agent is on location daily from 1-5 p.m. or contact Josh Cline at (803) 429-6701 or Britt Jackson at (803) 386-4944. View homes in the Sanctuary here. | |
On April 3, Trey Vereen, DMD celebrated the opening of its newly constructed state-of-the-art dental office located at 15 Tea Olive Court. Joining Dr. Vereen in cutting the ribbon are his wife, Caitlin, and children; professional staff; Aiken Chamber President/CEO, Jim Tunison; and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Trey Vereen, DMD is dedicated to helping you enhance both the health and appearance of your teeth, ultimately giving you new reasons to smile! To learn more about this premier cosmetic and family dentistry practice, visit DrVereenDental.com or call (803) 642-5747. | |
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Parker’s Kitchen held its official ribbon cutting at 140 Jefferson Davis Highway on April 10th. Founder and CEO Greg Parker is joined by Aiken City Council members Gail Diggs and Kay Brohl, Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison, the friendly staff and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team in cutting the ribbon. Aiken is excited to be the home of the first Parker’s Kitchen in the CSRA. Fun fact: On the first Wednesday of every month, Parker’s donates a portion of its gas sales to the Aiken Public School District. Stop by, fuel up your gas tank and your stomach and welcome them to Aiken.
Learn more about Parker's Kitchen at parkerskitchen.com
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On April 16, USC Aiken's College of Sciences & Engineering soared to new heights with the debut of its maker space and engineering machine shop. The workshop is vital to training engineering students at the university. It’s expected to support capstone and research projects in engineering and science, and collaborations with SRNL’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and other regional partners. The ribbon was ceremoniously cut by the Dean of Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Scott McKay. He is joined by USC Aiken Chancellor, Dr. Dan Heimmermann; Aiken County Council Chair, Gary Bunker; Aiken Chamber President/CEO, Jim Tunison; Western SC Economic Development President/CEO, Will Williams; faculty; students; and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Learn more at usca.edu. | |
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Your invited: National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
The U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE will host the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit April 30 – May 1.
This event will feature a range of educational webinars, exhibition booths, complimentary business resources, various networking opportunities, and professional guidance from SCORE mentors.
This virtual summit, which spans two days, is open and free for everyone, though registration is necessary to unlock its full benefits:
- Practical, actionable insights ready for immediate application to your business.
- Professional advice to guide you through your business journey.
- A selection of downloadable resources for your business to use when needed.
- Opportunities for networking with fellow business owners nationwide.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/NatlSmallBusinessWeek or visit www.score.org.
Example workshops include: Grant Writing, Securing a Loan, Strategies for Collaboration and Productivity, Navigating Cash Flow, The No Cost SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. program and more….
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Food, music, theatre, equine activities and even drag racing are just the beginning when it comes to things to do in Aiken.
Sponsored by A.B. Beverage Company, the Aiken Chamber Weekend Rundown is a once-a-week email highlighting the many happenings in Aiken.
Join the email list here, stay in the know, and get connected to your community. | | | | |
