Manufacturing thrives in Aiken | |
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Did you know that right in our own community, there's a bustling world of manufacturing happening? It's a thriving industry that's evolved into a sophisticated and precise process, requiring highly skilled workers and cutting-edge equipment. The Aiken area has embraced this challenge of advanced manufacturing for quite some time now, and the results are impressive.
According to Will Williams, President/CEO of Western SC Economic Development Partnership, Aiken County has over 20 manufacturers that employ over 9,000 individuals. Together these facilities support a jaw-dropping payroll of ½ billion dollars, which equates to $16 million in property taxes. Broken down this is $6 million to Aiken County and $10 million to Aiken County Public Schools.
“Aiken County is blessed with a diverse and dynamic group of corporate job creators producing products that our citizens and others around the world use regularly. These companies provide careers for our citizens, enrich our community with their philanthropy and help keep Aiken County property tax rates one of the lowest in South Carolina. Make it here, send it anywhere!”
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Manufacturing powerhouses in Aiken County | |
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is often a first stop for many new residents and visitors to the community. The professional staff is often asked about the economy and generally the question arises about what is actually made in Aiken. Well, we have a few answers for you. Here is a closer look at some of Aiken’s powerhouses in manufacturing.
**AGY: Weaving Innovation into Space Travel**
AGY specializes in producing glass fiber yarns, reinforcement, and high-performance materials. AGY is the last and only glass fiber yarn manufacturer in the United States. One “cool factor” to note, AGY will manufacture a raw material used in the heat shields that will protect NASA's Artemis 2 spacecraft and its astronauts from the intense heat as they return to the Earth’s atmosphere after the upcoming 2024 mission.
**Autoneum: The Silent Partners of Luxury Vehicles**
Autoneum is a quiet hero in the world of luxury vehicles. They craft tufted carpets, heat shields, and wheel area dampeners that find their way into high-end BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo cars. Autoneum's products help maintain the serene silence inside these luxury vehicles.
**BAE Systems: Armor that Protects and Serves**
BAE Systems, a heavyweight in Aiken's manufacturing landscape, specializes in producing armored combat and tactical vehicles for the U.S. military and various government agencies. BAE Systems is dedicated to our national security and defense.
**Bridgestone: Keeping Us Rolling Smoothly**
Bridgestone America's Tire Operations is a tire manufacturing powerhouse, producing tires for nearly every type of vehicle, from passenger cars to commercial trucks, buses, and even massive tires used in mining and construction. Bridgestone's commitment to quality keeps us rolling smoothly on the road.
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**BTD SC: Crafting Parts for Multiple Industries**
BTD SC is a versatile manufacturer that creates stamped parts and weldments for various industries, including automotive, power sports, lawn and garden, and appliances.
**The Carlstar Group: Driving Innovation in Specialty Tires and Wheels**
The Carlstar Group is a key player in producing specialty tires and wheels, catering to industries such as lawn and garden, ATV and UTV, trailers/haulers, agriculture, construction, and industrial markets. Their products are the wheels that keep these sectors turning.
**Central States: Building the Foundation of Metal Structures**
Central States’ employee owners manufacture metal products that are integral to metal roofs, barns, and buildings. Their contributions form the foundation of the sturdy and resilient metal structures you see as you drive through Aiken’s beautiful horse country.
**Emerson-ASCO: The Magic Behind Everyday Automation**
Emerson-ASCO is the name behind the valves, actuators, and regulators that make automation a reality in our everyday lives. From gas pumps that shut off automatically to the mesmerizing water show at the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas, Emerson-ASCO's products play a crucial role in fluid control.
**Hubbell Power Systems: Ensuring Reliable Power**
Hubbell Power Systems, Inc., produces and tests power components used across the world. Hubbell is the energy behind the insulators and arresters you see on power poles. Hubbell’s technology and components ensure smart reliable energy.
**Kimberly-Clark: Products for Everyday Comfort**
Kimberly-Clark is the name behind everyday essentials like Huggies diapers, Pull-Ups, Kleenex facial tissue, Cottonelle and Scott bath tissue, and more. Their products bring comfort to our daily lives.
**Newman Technology South Carolina, Inc.: Crafting Components for Off-Road Adventures**
Newman Technology South Carolina, Inc., manufactures components for ATVs and recreational utility vehicles. From exhaust systems to roll-over protection systems, they make off-road adventures safer and more enjoyable.
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**Owens Corning: Building a Stronger Tomorrow**
Owens Corning specializes in manufacturing fiberglass mat used in building materials. Their products can be found in roofing materials, gypsum board, and insulation, contributing to the construction of resilient homes and commercial buildings.
**MTU – A Rolls-Royce Solution: Powering Critical Industries**
MTU produces and assembles off-highway MTU-brand diesel engines that power construction, industrial, power generation, mining, and oil and gas industries. Their engines are the driving force behind these critical sectors.
**Shaw Industries: Weaving the Threads of Carpet Yarns**
Shaw Industries plays a pivotal role in the carpet industry. They transform nylon chips into fibers and then twist these fibers into carpet yarns, making carpets possible.
**Zeus Industrial Products: Pioneering Medical and Industrial Solutions**
Zeus Industrial Products is a leader in producing fluoropolymer and specialized plastic tubing used in medical and industrial markets. Their innovations are vital in microsurgical devices for treating heart and neurological conditions with minimally invasive techniques.
Aiken is home to a fascinating array of manufacturing companies that produce essential components and materials for industries across the globe. These local manufacturers contribute to our community's vibrancy.
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Two examples of "Make it here, send it anywhere!" | |
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is continually finding innovative ways to help business grow and thrive in our community.
After the pandemic, the Chamber launched the Buy Aiken-Red Ticket Campaign, an initiative that encouraged our neighbors to step back from online shopping and step into our locally owned stores to complete their holiday shopping.
Shoppers earn 1 red ticket for every $25 spent at a participating business for a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash prizes. Over 120,000 red tickets were given away in the first two years, equating to over $3 million spent locally through the campaign.
With those types of numbers, the Aiken Chamber is excited to bring back for the third year the Buy Aiken-Red Ticket Campaign, happening November 1-December 18. To add to this year’s excitement, one lucky winner will also walk away with a complete set of new Bridgestone Tires.
Step one of the campaign is rounding up participating businesses. The Buy Aiken-Red Ticket Campaign offers an affordable, fun way to increase your business sales during the holiday season. Those businesses joining the campaign will become part of a 7-week-long advertising initiative being underwritten by our major sponsors, Bridgestone and Master Chevrolet.
Participants in the campaign will receive the following marketing benefits:
WRDW News 12 & WAGT NBC 26 – TV, streaming, digital ads, and social media posts
Aiken City Lifestyle – print and online distribution, direct mail, and social media coverage
The Aiken Horse – print and online distribution
Exclusively featured in social media posts on the Aiken Chamber’s Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages
Prominent placement on www.aikenchamber.net Buy Aiken - Red Ticket webpage
Coverage in the Aiken Chamber Commerce Report distributed in the Aiken Standard
Weekly e-blasts in the Weekend Rundown to over 6,000 subscribers in the CSRA
Signage announcing your business as a participating location
Weekly drawings to build enthusiasm and encourage additional shopping
For an investment as low as $100 for members and $300 for nonmembers, the Aiken Chamber can give your business a boost this holiday shopping season. Participation is not limited to retail. Contact the Chamber’s Director of Membership Services, Jim Tunison (803) 645-0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net to register and discuss innovative ways to involve your business.
Don’t be left out…join the great list of participating businesses below.
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| 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts
A Fox’s Tale
Aiken Wellness Spa & Boutique
The Alley Downtown Taproom
Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS)
Affordables Apparel
C&C Automotive – Aiken
C&C Automotive – Warrenville
Complete Cryotherapy Aiken
Cork and Cap
Cruises by PopPop LLC
The Etherredge Center for the Fine & Performing Arts
Folly
The Frequency Bar
Hawthorne Aiken Pharmacy
Joye in Aiken
Lionel Smith, Ltd.
Little Red Fox Shop
Master Chevrolet
Mia Mora Children’s Boutique & Consignment
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Premier Medical & MedAesthetic Center
Tailored Gents Boutique, LLC
Town Creek Boutique
The Village Cafe
The Well Pilates & Performance
Whiskey Alley Spirits & Tapas·
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The BUY AIKEN - RED TICKET CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY | |
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Aiken's Makin' wins Readers' Choice Award:
A tribute to its dedicated volunteers
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Aiken’s Makin’, the premier arts and crafts show of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, has once again left its mark on the local festival scene by proudly receiving the prestigious Aiken Standard Readers' Choice Award in the local festival category. This recognition is a testament to the event's enduring charm and is a tribute to its dedicated volunteers.
At the heart of this remarkable event are the volunteers and the businesses that support them. These remarkable individuals devote their precious time and talents to ensure that Aiken's Makin' lives up to its reputation as an event that showcases the very essence of handmade art and crafts while highlighting the splendor of downtown Aiken.
“These volunteers breathe life into Aiken’s Makin’ and are the true recipients of the Aiken Standard Readers’ Choice Award,” said Dianne Phillips, the event coordinator and vice president of administration for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
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| Amber Davis, Co-Chair
Long Term Liaisons | John McMichael, Co-Chair
Anderson Insurance Associates, LLC | |
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| | • Hetal Acharekar - Performance Above
• Michael Allen
• Aiken Boy Scouts
• Aiken Public Safety
• Aiken Scholars Academy
• Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum
• Shane Bagby - Security Federal Bank
• Alyssa Bagby
• Jan Black
• Aaron Campbell - City of Aiken
• Allen Cook - Hixon’s Roofing & Construction
• Madison Copley - State Farm Insurance, Swanson Agency
• Brad Crain - First Community Bank
• Chad Crumbaker - Aiken Technical College
• Heather Dorries - Trinity on Laurens
• TC Dorries - Hixon’s Roofing & Construction
• Amanda Drake - C&C Automotive
• Heather Ferrante - Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Beazley
• Frank Fulmer - CardConnect | • Alfie Pineda - Savannah River Mission Completion
• Jessica Ramp - Aiken Staffing/Job Shop
• Cynthia Rhodes - Rhodes Porter Logistics
• Debbie Roland - Farmscape Realty
• Mandy Sims - STTAS, a UPS Company
• St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church & School
• Gary Sullivan - TPi - Tyler Press, LLC
• Delany Tavenner - G. L. Williams & Daughter Trucking Inc.
• Caroline Turner - Herlong Financial Group
• Russell Turner - Navigating My Medicare
• Jen Turner - Gentiva Hospice
• Matthew Vernon - Comcast Business
• Melissa Viola - Young & Thurmond, LLC
• Kathy Walker - Trinity Home Health & Hospice of Aiken
• Michael Walton - Pixelland Media Group
• Kevin White - Mead Hall Episcopal School
• Raye White - Mead Hall Episcopal School | | • Samantha Grimes - Shepeard Community Blood Center
• Lauren Guidetti - BIT Services
• James Heirs - City of Aiken
• Dave Hepner - GT APEX Accelerator
• Lee Hepner - Swiss Krono
• Sandra Hunt - SME CPAs
• Madie Jones - Children’s Place
• Bruce Jordan
• John Lamprecht - ERA Wilder Concierge Real Estate
• Stephanie Lord - Security Federal Bank
• Andrew MacMillan - Savannah River National Laboratory
• Emily Murphy - Uniti Fiber
• Mariah Navarre - Aiken Memory Care
• Joe O’Conor - Aiken Public Safety | 2023 Masterpiece Sponsors
• Bank of America
• Bridgestone
• Enloe Residential
• Master Chevrolet
2023 Gallery Sponsors
• 88.3 WAFJ
• Aiken Standard
• Breezeline
• Dominion Energy
• Dumpster Depot
• Emerson-ASCO LP
• Empire Windows and Doors, LLC
• LeafFilter
• WJBF-TV
• WRDW | | • Eddie O’Neal - Regions Bank
• Park Avenue Residents & Merchants |
2023 Studio Sponsors
• Aiken Rescue Inc
• Allegra Marketing Print & Web
• Textron Specialized Vehicles
• Timeless Jukebox | |
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The Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting July 25 at Aiken Wellness Spa & Boutique to celebrate its grand opening. Owner Haley Maness is seen cutting the ribbon, along with her husband Brandon, daughter Addie, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, friends, family, staff, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Haley opened this space to bring cutting edge therapies and healing modalities to Aiken. Stop by 111 Warehouse Rd. and see the wonderfully remodeled space. You can also view the variety of services and products on their website: https://www.aikenwellnessspa.com/ | |
On August 31 the Aiken Chamber helped Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beazley, REALTORS® celebrate the grand opening of its Aiken headquarters at 149 Laurens St NW. Cutting the ribbon is President, Stephen Beazley, along with Executive Vice-President – Broker Kyria Jefferies, founder Bill Beazley, Broker-In-Charge-Aiken Office Pam Kramer, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, and Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker. They are joined by fellow staff, business associates and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Visit www.bhhsbeazleyrealtors.com to learn more about their services. | |
A ribbon cutting was held on September 5 to help welcome the new owners of Workout Anytime Aiken to the business community. Cutting the ribbon are owners Cody and Sarah Melvin, with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, who are joined by members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Located at 1614 Richland Ave. W., Workout Anytime Aiken has memberships that will fit everyone’s budget. Their workout equipment includes free weight dumbbells, squat rack, flat and incline bench press, smith machine, a variety of assisted weightlifting equipment, rows of cardio, including treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and stationary bikes. Learn more at https://workoutanytime.us/aiken/ | |
On September 13 the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting to welcome Sandler Training by SML Business Solutions Inc. to Aiken. Sandler is a worldwide leader in sales, management and leadership training. They offer business consulting and training that is revolutionizing the modern sales experience. Reach out to John today to learn more: (803) 229-6163. Cutting the ribbon is owner, John Michielini, along with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Visit sml.sandler.com to learn more about the training. | |
A ribbon cutting was held on September 19 to celebrate the grand opening of Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers Aiken location at 701 Richland Avenue East. Cutting the ribbon is Leland Malchow with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by attorneys Dane Anderson, and Chris Johnson, family, friends and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. To learn more about the firm and their practice areas, call (803) 710-4401 or visit https://nmjfirm.com/ | |
A ribbon cutting was held September 5 to celebrate the new owners of Mark Taylor and Associates. Cutting the ribbon is owner Kim Brinson, with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by friendly staff members, family and Aiken Chamber ambassadors. Mark Taylor and Associates have been serving the CSRA for more than 30 years and offer vision, dental, health, life, Medicare supplements and more. Contact them at (803) 642-4551 or visit https://marktaylorinsurance.com/ to learn more about the wide array of insurance products they offer. | |
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Ann Bodie Leadership, LLC – Consultant Services
“Everything we say and do has impact with a ripple effect; let your ‘Ripple Effect’, be one of excellence!
Williston, SC 29853
Contact: Ann Bodie
Phone: (803) 266-2374
https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/annbodie
A.D.S. Supply – Builders and Construction (Comm. and Ind.)
A.D.S. is a maintenance of traffic, safety company. We specialize in work zone flagging, permanent road signs, barricades, cones, crash systems, PPE, and more!
583 Woodward Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Ashley Smith
Phone: (850) 320-3444
https://adssupplyaiken.com
Azalea Outdoor – Advertising
A subsidiary of Azalea Investments, LLC is an outdoor advertising company with inventory in GA & SC.
699 Broad Street, Suite 1000
Augusta, GA 30901
Contact: Lynda Trotman
Phone: (706) 823-3740
www.azaleaoutdoor.com
DIG STEM – Nonprofit (Youth Service)
DIG is a 501c3 nonprofit determined to improve the lives of youth within rural communities. We focus on the development of our participant’s strengths, natural gifts and talents. We inspire young people to Dream Big and explore their imaginations.
12544 Main Street
Barnwell, SC 29853
Contact: Shon Crawford
Phone: (803) 868-0448
www.digdp.org
Empire Windows and Doors, LLC – Home Improvement
Window and doors products and installation. New and replacement. Quality, affordability, excellent customer service, professional installation.
2821 Holt Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Contact: John Adams
Phone: (803) 727-0561
www.empirewindowsanddoorscolumbia.com
First Heritage Mortgage – Mortgage Company
Residential home mortgage lender.
3740 Walton Way Ext.
Augusta, GA 30907
Contact: Josh Stader
Phone: (843) 250-0864
https://es.fhmtg.com/officers/josh-stader/
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Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs – Nonprofit Equestrian
Our programs change lives and foster unbridled personal growth, independence, and confidence for our students. We share our knowledge to empower those of all ages with disabilities through learning and engagement for lifelong impact.
1123 Edgefield Highway
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Ann Villa
www.greatoakeap.org
Nimmons Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers – Attorney
Since 1985, we’ve represented those who needed a voice in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. From big wins against large manufacturers to making our clients whole after an auto injury, our breadth of practice combined with our track record of success has made us one of the most respected firms in our area.
701 Richland Avenue East
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Janna Malchow
Phone: (706) 705-7525
www.nmjfirm.com
Rhumba Rum and Cigar Lounge – Bar
Rhumba Rum & Cigar Lounge will provide an elevated cocktail experience along with Latin bites and outdoor patio cigar lounge, retailing boutique cigars and members lockers. Rum inspired cocktails along with the classics will be offered at our mixology bar!
321 Richland Avenue, W
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Jessica Alberto
Phone: (803) 226-0014
Shane’s Rib Shack – Restaurant, Caterer
Family. Hard work. Darn-good BBQ. That’s what Shane Thompson built his business around. At Shane’s you always get more than what you pay for and everyone is treated like family. Come enjoy our famous sauces and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
2645 Whiskey Road, Suite 101
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Shane Irvin
Phone: (803) 226-0192
www.shanesribshack.com
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Southern Mortgage & Real Estate Solutions, Powered by Loan Factory – Mortgage CompanyDigital mortgage firm offering public pricing engine on lender network for borrowers to make informed decision on the cost of a mortgage.936 Broad Street, Suite 313936 Broad Street, Suite 31
Augusta, GA 3090
Contact: Dat Hoan
Phone: (706) 223-0322
www.loanfactory.com/dathoang
Tailored Gents Boutique, LLC – Apparel (Men)
Apparel and accessories tailored to life, leisure and golf, offering stylish yet comfortable options!
345 Hayne Avenue, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Jessica Alberto
Phone: (803) 226-0717
The Well Pilates & Performance – Personal Fitness Trainers
Formally known as Pilates, Performance and Wellness, the Well is the expanded version of the same community. We exist to support you in changing your life from the inside out!
232 Society Hill Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Catie Koman
Phone: (803) 335-7226
www.thewellpilatesandperformance.com
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Learn from the experts at SCORE | |
SCORE Greater Aiken hosts small business workshops -- both online webinars and live, in-person. Find everything you need to know to start a business or discover tools that will help your small business grow. Browse our workshops here. | | |
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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. | | | | |
