Leaders join Aiken Chamber board |
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The board of directors of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce recently elected its 2025 class. They will begin three-year terms in January 2023.
Jason Rabun, nominating committee chair and incoming board chair, said, “These board members represent a cross section of our business community. They are experienced leaders and reflect a true commitment to the chamber’s goals.”
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Mary Allen, is the senior vice president and CEO of Citizens Park Office and Conference Center (CPOCC), a provider of strategic business and community services. The progressive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business is widely recognized as a business incubator and as a service provider that demonstrates performance excellence. In addition to CPOCC, Allen is the CEO of Eagle Corps Services which has provided personal protective equipment for day-to-day needs since 2006.
Allen is currently a member of the Chamber’s Ambassador Team and is also serving on the executive boards of the United Neighborhood Federal Credit Union and the ROLL Foundation. Previously, she has served on the board of directors at Children’s Place, Helping Hands, the University of South Carolina - Aiken Partnership Board, the CSRA Outreach endowment board and United Way of Aiken County.
Allen’s passion is for serving her community, especially its children. She is most proud of her adoption of North Aiken Elementary School where she provides students with backpacks and school supplies, cookies once a month for the entire school, and birthday cupcakes for students and staff.
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Dr. Catina Broadwater has family roots firmly planted in South Carolina. She was educated in the Aiken County Public Schools, Aiken Technical College, Southern Wesleyan University and Argosy University. Born and raised in the Aiken area and, other than a few years spent further north, has remained in South Carolina to continue growing a family legacy that has already provided rich dividends.
Dr. Broadwater is the broker-in-charge of Broadwater-Toole Realty, LLC., a boutique real estate agency in Aiken. In her role, she is responsible for oversight of all corporate initiatives that drive financial and company growth. Broadwater-Toole Realty, LLC. currently has 11 agents with a growth projection of 15 agents prior to second quarter of 2023.
Dr. Broadwater has served on multiple boards and committees including the Aiken Citizen Review Board and the Aiken Municipal Development Commission. In 2021, she served as the board vice president for the Aiken Association of Realtors and on its finance committee.
In addition to Broadwater-Toole Realty, LLC, she is the brokerage manager at UPS Supply Chain Solutions where she is the chair of its Women’s Leadership Development (WLD) Committee and the UPS Aiken Health and Safety Committee.
Dr. Broadwater was named the Aiken Association of REALTORS® 2021 REALTOR® of the Year, has been a member of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, and was recognized as an Aiken young professional to watch. She and her husband, Anthony, are the parents of two girls and two grandsons.
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Dustin Ennis grew up in Aiken and enjoyed playing baseball and football in his youth years. Shortly after high school, he moved to Charleston where he resided for almost 12 years. In that time, he worked for a locally owned restaurant supply store, designing restaurants and selling restaurant equipment throughout the Southeast. While in Charleston, he also met his wife, Asia, who he has been married to for 13 years. They have 2 daughters, Hazel, age 7, and Brynn, age 5.
In 2016, Ennis and his family moved back to Aiken with a strong desire to raise their children and serve in the community where he grew up.
In 2019, after 12 years in the restaurant industry, Ennis changed careers and become a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. He was voted financial planner of the year in 2020 and 2022 in the Aiken Standard’s Aiken's Choice awards. He was also voted an Aiken Standard Young Professional to Follow in 2022.
Ennis currently serves as the vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Aiken, and he previously served for two years on the board of Horse Creek Academy.
The Ennis family proudly attends Newspring church of Aiken. Faith, family and service are the priorities of Ennis’ life, and he is excited for the opportunity to serve on the board at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
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Monica Key is the HR manager at Bridgestone Americas Light Truck Plant in Graniteville where she works with 1,600 teammates.
Key has been with Bridgestone Americas since 1999 and was the HR service leader in Graniteville before being promoted to HR manager of Bridgestone Americas Firestone Industrial Products Plant in Williamsburg, Kentucky in 2020. She returned to the Graniteville plant as HR manager in 2022.
Currently Key serves on the board of the Gregg-Graniteville Foundation and is vice-chair of The Gifting Tree Foundation. Prior to her move to Kentucky in 2020, Key was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to the Aiken Technical College Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education. In addition, she has served as president of the University of South Carolina - Aiken Partnership Board and was previously appointed by then Governor Nikki Haley to serve on the SC Ethics Reform Commission. She is a past chair of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and Public Education Partners.
A graduate of Limestone College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Key holds her Professional HR Certification® from the HR Certification Institute® and Senior HR Certification® from the Society of Resource Managers.
Key is a member of Cedar Creek Church where she serves as a small group leader. She is a lifelong resident of Aiken County and grew up in the Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville (GVW) area. She is married to Bruce, and they have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching football with her family, and traveling.
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Other members of the class 2025 Aiken Chamber Board of Directors are Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, University of South Carolina Aiken, and Sharon Marra, Savannah River National Lab, who are both completing vacant unexpired terms in 2022 and have been reelected into the 2025 class. Their information was featured in last month's Commerce Report. e
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Tenacious City leaders to speak at Women in Business |
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Aiken City Council members Lessie Price, Gail Diggs, Andrea Gregory and Kay Brohl are amazing leaders with amazing stories.
These leading ladies will be the featured speakers at the upcoming Women in Business luncheon being held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Woodside Country Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“While everyone’s story is different, these leaders are resilient and strong. They have grace as well as grit,” said Mandy Collins, Aiken Chamber vice president of economic vitality and program lead. “They have each faced professional and personal challenges and have a strong sense of purpose and drive that each of us can learn from and apply to our own life.”
Attendees will enjoy a delicious meal, the company of other professional women, and interesting conversation with Aiken’s leading ladies. There will also be time for questions and answers with the group.
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The BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign is in week four of seven, and the numbers are astounding. The 60 participating businesses have given out 32,757 red tickets, and each ticket represents at least $25 spent in a participating business. A little math tells us that at least $818,925 has been spent through the campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to boost in-store small business shopping in Aiken during the holiday season. According to Holly Segar, owner of A Fox’s Tale, “I think the Buy Aiken – Red Ticket campaign is probably the best thing helping retailers for the whole year.”
The campaign runs through Dec. 19 and drawings are held on Facebook live each Monday at 4:45 p.m. The winning number is also on the Chamber’s website, www.aikenchamber.net, and is published in the Aiken Standard each Tuesday.
The cash prize from week one and week two have been claimed (see photos), week three was not claimed so the funds were rolled to week four. The Chamber is searching for the week four winner whose cash price is now $500. The week four winning ticket number is 002088 and was given out at Cold Creek Nurseries.
Participants should keep all tickets through Dec. 19 when the grand prize drawings will take place and 3 lucky winners will take home $1,000 each.
The Chamber thanks the community for choosing to BUY AIKEN and encourages everyone to continue to BUY AIKEN all year long.
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Aiken Vascular Specialists held a ribbon cutting November 10 to officially celebrate the
opening of its new office space at 690 Medical Park Drive, Suite 102. Cutting the ribbon is Dr. Ganesha B. Perera who is joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, the expert staff and Aiken Chamber Ambassadors Caroline Herlong Turner and John Makolin. Dr. Perera is a board-certified vascular surgeon with experience and expertise in vascular and endovascular surgery with a special interest in wound care and limb preservation. Visit www.aikenvascular.com or call (803) 602-4343 to learn more about his services or schedule an appointment. |
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Almost There Café, 245 White Pond Road, Williston, held a ribbon cutting November 3
to celebrate its grand opening. Almost There Café specializes in southern comfort food
and will not disappoint. It is a veteran owned/operated small town cafe in Williston with
BIG flavor. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m. for dine in or call in an order to (803) 266-3581. Daily specials are posted on
their Facebook page. Pictured with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson and cutting the ribbon is owner Dawn Redmon. They are joined by Aiken Chamber Ambassadors
Gary Sullivan and Martha Ruthven and the friendly staff at Almost There Café.
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Board in Aiken held a ribbon cutting October 4 to celebrate the launch of its new delivery
vehicle that is ready to bring you a freshly created charcuterie or specialty board. Cutting
the ribbon are owners of Board in Aiken, Ashley Elvis and Casey Young. They are
accompanied by Aiken Chamber Ambassador John Makolin, Aiken Chamber President/
CEO J. David Jameson, Board in Aiken staff member Maria Elvira, Aiken Chamber board
member Molly Jones and Aiken Chamber Ambassador Delany Tavenner. Pictured on the
back row are Aiken Chamber Ambassadors Martha Ruthven, Gary Sullivan, John Lamprecht,
Stephanie Lord, Matthew Vernon and Brad Crain. Board in Aiken offers traditional
charcuterie boards, dessert boards, brunch boards and many other options. Shop for
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Dirty Chimney, LLC held a ribbon cutting October 10 to celebrate its expansion into the
Aiken market. Dirty Chimney provides chimney inspections and cleanings, dryer vent
cleanings and repairs, rain gutter cleaning and masonry repairs. The company is built
on a belief in integrity, doing the right thing and always doing it right the first time.
They are a certified chimney sweep and offer discounts to first responders, military,
455-CHIM for a full list of services and to schedule an appointment. Cutting the ribbon
for Dirty Chimney are owners Kristen Samoranaski and Dave Andrews. They are joined
by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, members of the Aiken Chamber
Ambassador Team, friends and family.
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Tiffany’s at The Stables, 245 Greenville St. N.W., held a ribbon cutting October 4 to celebrate its grand opening. Tiffany’s at The Stables is your go to spot for amazing food
and drinks with world class service and atmosphere. They are open Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch. Cutting the ribbon
for Tiffany’s at The Stables is owner Tiffany Smith. She is joined by Chef C.J. Hostettler,
General Manager Jennifer McIntosh, Chef Samuel Fuentes Rosario, Aiken Chamber
President/CEO J. David Jameson, members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team and
their dedicated staff. Contact Tiffany’s at (803) 226-9224 for reservations. Visit them on
Facebook to find out about upcoming events and live music.
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Meybohm Real Estate held a ribbon cutting October 13 to celebrate the expansion of
its downtown Aiken location. Located at 142 Laurens St. N.W., in the heart of downtown
Aiken, Meybohm specializes in residential resales, new home construction, property
management, relocation, and commercial services. Meybohm Real Estate embodies a
true full-service brokerage. As the largest brokerage in the CSRA, Meybohm strives to be
where you need them to be every step of the way. Cutting the ribbon for Meybohm Real
Estate is Broker in Charge Julie Whitesell. She is joined by South Carolina Representative
Bill Taylor, U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson,
Meybohm staff members, agents and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador
Team. Meybohm office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (803) 644-1700 and ask to speak to
one of their knowledgeable agents today or visit the website at www.meybohm.com. |
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We are a shop of whimsy and word featuring handmade primitives, antiques, and books.
127 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Holly Segar
Phone: (914) 434-1435
A Western boutique with brands to meet the distinctive demands of today with the traditions and values of yesterday.
124 Laurens Street, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Holly Biddle-Ledoux
Phone: (803) 226-0100
We are a boutique dedicated to providing affordable fashion, accessories, and gifts for all!
106 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Bobby Walker
Phone: (803) 226-0803
Wes Bodie – ERA Wilder Concierge Real Estate – Real Estate
It’s your move! Helping people with real estate decisions with the heart of a teacher.
118 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 221-8362
https://www.facebook.com/WesleyBodieRealtor/
Enhanced Aesthetics, LLC – Physician (Medical Spa/Aesthetics)
Committed to enhancing both confidence and beauty within our clients using individualized treatment plans. Our goal is to provide natural-looking enhancements using innovative medical practices and superior products.
933 Dougherty Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Elizabeth Rhoades
Phone: (803) 599-4370
A quaint little boutique in Downtown Aiken. We specialize in Brighton, Spartina, and Simply Southern
101 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Renee’ Browder
Phone: (803) 291-0389
We provide beautiful high quality products showcasing King James scriptures for encouragement, edification, and leading the reader to the word of God in every circumstance with thanksgiving.
6998 N. Silverton Street
Jackson, SC 29831
Contact: Kelly Kruzner
Phone: (803) 450-0265
We are 25+ local artists creating and selling our individual pieces at affordable prices. We also sell our things in a combination of a ladies’ boutique!
109 Laurens Street, NW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Joy Mason
Phone: (803) 334-5289
NOLA Coffee – Coffee Shop
A full service coffee bar in Warrenville, SC. We offer indoor seating, curbside, online ordering, and outdoor seating. Our mission is to introduce the culture of New Orleans to Aiken through coffee and pastries.
2555 Jefferson Davis Highway
Warrenville, SC 29851
Contact: Mallory Adkinson
Phone: (803) 392-7052
Poppin! Party in a Box – Gifts
Poppin! Party in a Box is an e-commerce retail party supply provider that significantly improves the process of party planning by providing all the themed party essentials or thoughtfully crafted gifts boxes needed for your next event. Wow your guests without the stress.
2801 Washington Road, Suite 107 #363
Augusta, GA 30909
Contact: Alicia Fitts
Phone: (706) 339-8194
We are a premier medial day spa! Offering massage, facials, body treatments, waxing and cosmetic injections!
933 Dougherty Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Stacy Nunn-Donaldson
Phone: (803) 642-5252
SPCA Thrift Shop – Retail
A boutique thrift store in the Mitchell Plaza offering everything from pet care items and clothing, to jewelry, furniture and more. 100% of the revenue from every sale at the Thrift Store goes to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare to help feed, treat, shelter and find loving homes for the animals in our care.
1589 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Thom Tate
Phone: (803) 226-0255
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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. |
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