Chamber develops program to increase sales |
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The holiday shopping season is just around the corner, and the Aiken Chamber is ready to help local small business with a new program to encourage buying local - Buy Aiken.
“Our members tell us they need people in their doors spending money,” said Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. “We listened and developed a campaign to reward shoppers for spending locally.”
Buy Aiken is an affordable, fun way to increase business during the holiday season. Participating businesses will be part of a 6-week advertising campaign being underwritten by the campaign sponsors. The advertising will consist of social media, website, radio, television and print content.
Shoppers will receive a red ticket at participating businesses for each $25 of goods or services purchased from Nov. 1 to Dec. 13. Throughout the campaign, red ticket drawings will be held for cash prizes. A total of $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including three grand prizes of $1,000 drawn on December 13. Retailers also have a chance to win cash prizes for distributing winning tickets.
Buy Aiken participants can represent any type of business – traditional retail, food and beverage, accommodations, hair salons, repair shops, etc. Interested business owners should contact Emily Murphy: (803) 645-3578, emurphy@aikenchamber.net for further details.
A list of participating businesses will be announced in the October 28 Commerce Report.
Sponsors of Buy Aiken are:
· Bridgestone
· Master Chevrolet
· Dominion Energy
· SRP Federal Credit Union
· Elite Hearing Centers, Aiken
· Cork and Cap
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Members, submit your updates |
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The Aiken Chamber’s annual community guide and membership directory, Welcome Aiken, is underway for 2022.
Chamber members, now is the time to update your membership information and to market your business in the award winning publication.
The verification process of members’ information on file with the Chamber began last week. All members have been sent their specific information to verify, along with a marketing opportunity to purchase enhancements of their listing in the membership directory. Enhancements are available for as little as $140.
More than 8,000 copies of Welcome Aiken are distributed annually to newcomers, visitors, potential residents, current residents, and to business and industry for recruiting purposes. Members also receive a personal copy and are encouraged to support their fellow Chamber members by using the directory as their business-to-business resource.
Contact Dianne Phillips at dphillips@aikenchamber.net, or (803) 645-0169, for additional information.
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10 ways to keep your best employees |
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Employee retention and turnover are important terms to every business owner and leader. But sometimes the driving factors behind why employees leave aren’t fully grasped or addressed by leadership, and if that disconnect persists, the business suffers while some of the best employees beat a path to the door.
“Leaders know that it’s vital to attract good talent, but knowing how to keep good talent involves an important process that leaders must learn and practice,” says Steve Baker (www.greatgame.com), a business coach, vice president of The Great Game of Business Inc., and co-author with Rich Armstrong of GET IN THE GAME: How To Create Rapid Financial Results And Lasting Cultural Change.
Making employee retention a priority for your company is essential for continual growth, success, and sustainability. Baker and Armstrong offer 10 tips to business leaders and managers on how they can retain their best employees.
1. Make employees feel they’re part of something special. In the same way that you promote the value proposition of your products and services to potential customers, you should do the same with employees, only focusing on your attributes as their employer. Inclusivity and pride are feelings you can leverage to help them understand that working for your organization is a unique opportunity.
2. Emphasize the purpose and meaning of the work. The outstanding employees you seek to hire and retain have special talents, skills, and drive. Make it clear to them that what they are doing benefits both the company and your customers in important ways.
3. Ensure deserving team members are rewarded. Successful companies reward employees who go above and beyond. Recognition, bonuses, and promotions demonstrate your respect and appreciation for hard-working team members.
4. Give employees more responsibility. One of the most effective employee retention strategies is to give them greater responsibility to make a bigger difference. This starts with financial literacy training and continues with regular updates on business statistics like profits and revenue, and details on how their efforts are moving the needle.
5. Surround employees with other talented workers. People like to be a part of teams that are built for success. By creating groups of skilled and motivated workers, you can tap into a competitive and cooperative partnership that will benefit the business as a whole.
6. Mentor employees. When you prioritize personal growth and development, employees see that their careers are going somewhere and that their organization’s interests are aligned with their own.
7. Nurture trust in leadership. All great relationships are built on trust, and the workplace is no different. Outstanding employees will stay if they trust leadership, and that trust grows from leaders being honest, open, and interested in their team members.
8. Get employees emotionally invested. People are passionate about the things they have helped create. The more you engage employees in the development of the organization, the more emotionally invested they become and the more likely they are to stay.
9. Create a positive work culture. Create a drama-free environment where honesty and integrity matter. Clearly define each staff member's responsibilities to avoid scope creep. Set standard processes for tasks, integrate fun activities into the work week to build bonds between staff and foster an environment of transparency.
10. Provide competitive compensation. No other retention strategies matter if you continue to underpay an employee. It is important to stay on top of what constitutes fair compensation in your industry.
Increasing employee retention and keeping it at a high level is challenging, but you can start by getting your people in the same game the owner is: the game of business.
You can build a winning culture by creating a business of business people. Allowing employees to contribute to a greater good and valuing their contribution inspires loyalty and commitment. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a winning company and a company of winners.
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Pelvic Prime Physical Therapy held a ribbon cutting ceremony August 31 to celebrate the grand opening of their office space in the Houndslake Wellness Center. Stop by 920 Houndslake Drive or call (803) 716-9723 to set up an appointment with Dr. Rea Hubbs. Make sure to follow their Facebook page and check out their website: https://www.pelvicprime.com/ to view the wide array of treatments and services Dr. Hubbs offers. From left to right are Hetal Acharekar, Performance Above, Aiken Chamber Ambassador Gary Sullivan, Audri Hubbs, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, Dr. Shandrea Hubbs, PT, DPT, OCS, FDN2, Pelvic Prime, Aiken Chamber Ambassador Kirk McGowan, Matt Hubbs, Aiken Chamber Ambassador Jim Mazini, and Gloria Hubbs. |
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Woodchuckers Axe Throwing held a ribbon cutting August 29 to celebrate the grand opening of its new, 10 lane axe throwing facility in The Alley in downtown Aiken. It’s a great “axe-tivity” for the next family or friends night out. Make sure to check out their website https://woodchuckersaxethrowing.com/ or call (803) 500-2937 to book a lane today. From left to right are: Patrick Ross, Woodchuckers, Aiken Chamber Ambassador Kirk McGowan, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, owners Jason and Alisa Hamrick, Aiken Chamber ambassador Jim Mazini, Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, Aiken Chamber abassadors Kristi Carney, Carmen Perez, Sarah Schultz, Martha Ruthven, and Woodchucker’s representatives Quill Barron and Katie Turner. |
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Palmetto Motion, PC held a ribbon cutting ceremony September 13 to celebrate the grand opening of their new office space in downtown Aiken. Visit Dr. Joshua Pniewsk and his team at 222 Park Ave. SW for your physical therapy and sports medicine needs. You can set up an appointment by calling: (803) 226-0268 or visit their website to learn more: https://palmettomotion.com/ . Cutting the ribbon is Dr. Joshua Pniewski, PT, DPT, Palmetto Motion, PC . He is joined by Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador team, family, and friends. |
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Members of the Aiken Chamber ambassador team and other friends of the Aiken Chamber gathered for final instructions before assisting vendors in load in and set up at the 45th Annual Aiken’s Makin’ event held September 10 and 11. The Chamber greatly appreciates the time these volunteers gave to make the event a success. |
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Blastin' for Business Winners |
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The team representing Lori Comshaw Personal Training Inc. won the 6th Annual Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot held September 17 at the Palmetto Shooting Complex. The winning team members pictured left to right are Chase Land, John Gregory, Mary Gregory, Emery Tumbleston and Kaminer Cromer
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Adam Godbey, with a score of 97 out of 100, had the best overall score of the day at the 6th Annual Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot held September 17 at the Palmetto Shooting Complex. Godbey shot on the Pipeworks of Aiken, Inc. team. |
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Alzheimer’s Association – Nonprofit
Providing education and support to those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias throughout our community, including those living with the disease, caregivers, health care professionals and families. We are also committed to advocating for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s disease and advancing critical research.
140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 640
Columbia, SC 29210
Contact: Alexis Watts
Phone: (800) 272-3900
Cassie’s Soul Sistas Catering – Caterer
Offering a mouthwatering selection of favorite menu items including some of your favorite drinks and desserts. Our menus are flexible and can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Graniteville, SC 29829
Contact: Tracey Coker
Phone: (803) 392-3473
Dynamic Audio & Video – Audio/Video Equipment (Rental and Installation)
We oversee your home entertainment process from beginning to end. Whether a flat panel TV on a stand, an entry-level surround sound system, distributed audio in and outside your home or a state-of-the-art home theater installation, we will ensure that all your expectations for system design, installation, operation, and performance are met. Our services don’t stop when your installation is complete. Our fully trained technicians are available to take care of your needs.
262 Eastgate Drive, Suite 388
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: David Donnamaria
Phone: (803) 392-1599
Enloe Residential Company – Home Improvement
Home remodeling, vinyl replacement windows and siding, doors, butters, roofs, bathtubs, and showers.
259 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30907
Contact: Brad Codman
Phone: (706) 736-5555
Feasters Foods – Grocery (Wholesale/Retail)
Serving the community for over 40-years. Family owned and operated, Feaster’s Foods is a wholesale, retail, food distributor and grocery store supplying area restaurants, bars, concession stands, food trucks, caterers, churches, schools, and day cares.
111 Marlboro Street, NE
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Craig Schenck
Phone: (803) 648-7768
Globalpundits Technology Consultancy, Inc. – Staffing Service
An enterprise IT and engineering solutions and staff augmentation firm supporting DOE/DOD prime contractors, commercial clients, state government, and higher education institutions.
903 Main Street, S
New Ellenton, SC 29809
Contact: Joe Doyle
Phone: (803) 354-9400
Junkluggers of the CSRA – Waste Management
An eco-friendly junk removal company committed to the environment and the communities we serve.
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Robert Evans
Phone: (803) 335-2585
Palmetto Motion, PC – Physical Therapy
A business started with one focus...patient-centered care. Each patient has a unique experience that tells a story. Efficiency combined with an academic approach will unpack each case to lead to a better you.
222 Park Avenue, SE
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Joshua Pniewski
Phone: (803) 226-0268
A provider established in Aiken specializing in physical therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. Josh Raines PT, DPT is the owner and has over 11 years of experience.
1393 Silver Bluff Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Josh Raines
Phone: (803) 226-9196
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Always learning with SCORE |
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SCORE is proud to have the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. They help thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses every year. SCORE volunteers give back to their communities and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
SCORE hosts free, live webinars every week on small business tips and strategies. Learn more at www.score.org.
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