Be in the know with Caffeinated Conversations |
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Randy Pellisero
Catawba Regional Council of Governments
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February 1:
S.C. Business Load Fund Available
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The South Carolina Business Loan Fund (SCBLF) was started to help local business communities across the state overcome the challenges of resuming operations during/after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this workshop, learn how your company can gain access to much needed, low interest capital through the SCBLF.
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Gary Finnan
Urban + Rural Roost
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February 8
Creative Thinking Meets Aiken
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The award-winning inspirational author, designer, entrepreneur, and creative expression mentor, Gary Finnan, brings a new flare to Aiken. Attendees will enjoy visiting with Gary and learning more about the strategic thought process behind his new business, Urban + Rural Roost. Described as a “modern American village” with an objective to blur the lines between work and play by creating a community of diverse entrepreneurs, remote workers, podcast hosts, startup founders, nonprofits, photographers, and media creators.
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Keith Wood
Chair, Aiken Municipal Development Commission
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February 15
What is the AMDC?
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Aiken Municipal Development Commission works to create new opportunities for equality and prosperity throughout the City of Aiken by leveraging public sector efforts to attract and incentivize private sector investment in our community, all while stubbornly protecting the charm, character and history that make Aiken such a desirable place to live, work and play. Attendees will learn about current projects.
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Perjetta K. (P.K.) Hightower
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
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February 22
Maximizing Your Employees
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Your employees are your company’s greatest asset, and it’s smart to maximize their knowledge and great ideas to cut costs and improve productivity no matter what the size of your company. The SRNS “IDEAS” employee suggestion program was created in 1952 and reportedly is the longest continuous-running suggestion program in the U.S.! This program has generated $250 million in cost-saving ideas at SRS for taxpayers and earned international recognition. Join us to learn from P.K. Hightower, manager of SRNS continuous improvement and of one of the members of the “2021 Best Places to Work in South Carolina” team, as she shares tips on how to motivate, recognize and reward your team.
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The 2022 Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team is ready to connect and serve the Aiken Chamber’s membership. The 42-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 Jim Tunison, the Chamber’s director of membership services, 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 J. David Jameson. “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.”
Sarah Schultz, recruitment specialist with Shepeard Community Blood Center, will serve as chair of the 2022 Ambassador Team. Schultz
“I am so excited to be on and lead the 2022 Ambassador team! I learned very quickly that the Aiken Chamber Ambassadors are salt of the earth people. They are the kind of people you just want to surround yourself with. They understand the power of showing up and supporting businesses in Aiken. It’s incredible really. If you want a positive, uplifting experience where you will find much needed connections, get involved with the Aiken Chamber. There are so many good things happening here!”
This year’s corporate sponsor for the 13th consecutive year is Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC. Lino Beltrami, plant manager of Bridgestone’s Aiken passenger plant, said, “As a member of the business community, Bridgestone has chosen to sponsor the Ambassador Program for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce again this year because of the impact these individuals have on welcoming and educating the new and existing Chamber members. Ambassadors pro-vide great service to the businesses in Aiken.”
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S. C. Chamber Competitiveness Agenda |
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Call for Award Nominations |
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The Aiken Chamber is seeking nominations for its prestigious annual awards which recognize the Man and Woman of the Year, as well as the Small and Large Business of the Year. These awards will be presented during the Chamber’s Annual Gala, March 24. Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 18.
Nominators must be current Aiken Chamber members and nominated businesses must be members of the Aiken Chamber.
Contact Jim Tunison at the Aiken Chamber for further information (803) 645-0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net.
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Frist Friday Means Business is next Friday, February 4. Attendees will hear from Eugene White, president of the Aiken County Branch NAACP, who will discuss the current development and future vision for the Aiken Business Alliance.
The Aiken Business Alliance is an initiative formed out of the City’s Strategic Economic Development Blueprint. This program will seek to close the opportunity gap for minority owned businesses and make Aiken a more prosperous economy for our local businesses.
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Ready to meet your next big client? Join us at Business After Hours Feb. 24 from 5-7 p.m. for Power Networking.
The Aiken Chamber Means Business.
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Holdfast Security Group held a ribbon cutting December 22 to celebrate the launch of its operation in Aiken. Cutting the ribbon is founder Rob Chadwick. He is joined by Chamber ambassador Sarah Schultz, Chamber ambassador Martha Ruthven, his son Rivers Chadwick, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, Chamber ambassador Kirk McGowan, and Chamber ambassador Bill Ferguson. Holdfast Security Group is a security consulting and training company made up of retired FBI Agents. Their team will conduct all-employee awareness briefings and facilitate executive tabletop exercises to help businesses and individuals develop confidence in their own security plan. To learn more, visit: https://www.holdfastsecuritygroup.com/
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Freightliner of Augusta held a ribbon cutting ceremony January 7 to celebrate the expansion into the Aiken market and to showcase the company’s new roll-off trucks. From the left is Chamber ambassador Martha Ruthven, Freightliner of Augusta general manager Brandyn Miville, Freightliner driver Tyrone Garnett, Freightliner outside sales representative Blair Cogburn, Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, Freightliner representative Carey Fender, and Chamber ambassadors Kirk McGowan and Sarah Schultz. Swing by and say hello to the team at 2930 Riverwest Dr. in Augusta or call (706) 722-1272 to speak to a representative today or click here.
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Happy Prompts Monthly Subscription Box held a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 10 at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Cutting the ribbon is Happy Prompts founder Karen Poteat, along with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Happy Prompts is a new monthly subscription box packed full of goodies that help you commemorate all the fun "National Day Of" holidays throughout the year. Now you have a new reason to celebrate, every chance you get! To learn more or to sign up for a subscription, visit www.happyprompts.com.
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419Hayne Luxury Suites – Accommodations
We invite you to enjoy our luxurious accommodations featuring unique art, cozy furnishings and top of the line décor handpicked by one of Aiken’s local interior designers. We cater to all – equine enthusiasts, corporate travelers, and tourists!
419 Hayne Avenue, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Caroline Garcia
Phone: (803) 761-2980
Atomic Heating and Air – Heating & Air Conditioning
Atomic is a local, family-owned business located in Aiken, SC and has served the CSRA for 12 years by combining customer satisfaction with high-efficiency HVACR equipment in your home.
150 Meadow Trace Court
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Chris Davidson
Phone: (803) 270-2049
Direct Auto and Life Insurance – Insurance
Auto and Life Insurance
3555 Richland Avenue, W, Suite 182
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Sibil Smith-Nowell
Phone: (803) 643-2759
Bridge Internet – Internet Service
We specialize in providing high speed internet to rural parts of the Aiken Community.
1326 Cape Coral Parkway E, Suite 1
Cape Coral, SC 33904
Contact: Brett Osean
Phone: (803) 309-5592
Modern Exterminating – Pest Control
We are third generation family-owned pest control company. Our services include general pest control, termite control, moisture control and repairs. We also offer CL100’s for real estate closings.
1526 A University Parkway
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Luke Anderson
Phone: (803) 205-2744
Physical Performance Solutions – Consulting Services
One-size-fits one – workstation analysis, movement retraining, fitness training, physical therapy, injury prevention, habit reform and fitness reform.
Aiken, SC 29805
Contact: Lori Peacock
Phone: (803) 275-7676
Southern Bank – Bank
Community bank offering mortgage, business, and consumer loans.
855 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Contact: Francis Townsend
Phone: (706) 437-9977
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Travel with the Aiken Chamber |
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Always Learning with SCORE |
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