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Aiken’s small businesses offer a rich range of products and services that make it a distinctive place to live and work. From vintage treasures to boutiques for the fashionista, to innovative food, to digital marketing firms and beyond, there are a rich variety of business types in Aiken.
The small-business scene in Aiken is thriving in large part by embracing a model that involves a supportive community. Put simply, Aiken’s small businesses build each other up and use the Chamber of Commerce to build connections.
One of the great things about living in Aiken is the connectivity of businesses and residents,” says Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. "People in the business community will make time to help fellow entrepreneurs. It’s the Aiken way.”
The Aiken Chamber reached out to some of its newest members and asked why they choose to do business in Aiken and what makes Aiken unique. We think the community will enjoy their replies.
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Celebrating the women in your life: learning from mentors and giving back to the next generation will be the topic at the June 7 Aiken Chamber Women in Business luncheon presented by Dr. Deidre Martin.
For women in the early stages of their careers or making a career transition, an experienced mentor (whether formal or informal) can be of enormous benefit. The opportunity to discuss candidly and confidentially concerns, difficulties, and aspirations with an empathetic experienced person makes a profound difference in women’s career trajectories. While it is not a mentor’s job to directly promote a mentee’s career, mentors with deep career experience and keen people skills can make a world of difference in how mentees see their careers, the obstacles they face, and effective ways to deal with other people.
The best mentors are good listeners, good questioners, and good strategic thinkers. Poor mentors think they know all the answers and respond to any issue with specific advice as to how their mentee should behave. Good mentors know their limitations and are frank about them, but they also know how to reach out to others who may be better suited to deal with a particular issue faced by the mentee. Mentoring is a cooperative partnership that works best if there is candor and honesty on both sides. Mentors should be cheerleaders for their mentees—providing encouragement, reassurance, and positive suggestions.
One way or another, all women should get involved in a mentoring relationship—as mentors, mentees, or both. Dr. Deidre Martin has done both, and the Aiken Chamber is honored to have her returning to Aiken to present at the Women in Business luncheon Tuesday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Newberry Hall.
Please visit the calendar of events at www.aikenchamber.net or call Mandy Collins at (803) 645-0049 to make the required reservation. Seats are $35 per person. |
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Stay in the know with the Weekend Rundown |
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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 and Savvy Home, 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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All About Aiken: A tool for employers |
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Attracting and retaining employees is difficult, especially in today’s economy. One key to retaining employees is to make sure employees connect with not only the company but also with the community.
The Aiken Chamber is offering All About Aiken, an orientation program to connect your key employees and their families to the wonderful Aiken community.
All About Aiken will offer a glimpse of Aiken’s fascinating history, highlight the activities and offerings available in the community, and share information on Aiken’s promising future.
Attendees will discover the many ways there are to connect to Aiken. They will leave with a better understanding of the many working relationships that affect Aiken’s overall quality of life.
Scheduled for June 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, All About Aiken will feature multiple presenters and include breakfast and a voucher for a complimentary driving tour of Aiken with Marty Bailey, owner of Tailored Tours of Aiken.
The cost of the half-day program, breakfast and tour is $95 per person. Contact Mandy Collins for reservations at (803) 645-0049 or mcollins@aikenchamber.net
All about Aiken is sponsored by
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First Friday and Business After Hours |
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2022 Aiken Chamber Chair Norman Dunagan of Dumpster Depot recently recognized 2021 Aiken Chamber Chair Ryan Reynolds, H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc., for his faithful, conscientious and unselfish service to the goals and objectives of the organization. |
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Smiles were abundant as ceremonial checks were presented to 40 minority entrepreneurs and small business owners receiving grants totaling $142,500 at the May 17 conclusion of phase one of the Aiken Business Coalition Entrepreneurship program (ABCEP).
The goal of the program was to provide minority entrepreneurs and small-business owners with the needed training and capital to cultivate and grow businesses. The program provided four weeks of training and an additional six weeks of coaching and mentorship for new and existing minority-owned business owners and entrepreneurs in the Aiken area.
The grants were funded through a portion of the City of Aiken’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act and is a partnership between the City of Aiken, Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, Aiken County Branch of the NAACP, and Security Federal Bank.
Above clockwise from top left: 1. Carlos Brown with The Yard Barber Land & Development Company Inc. receiving funding 2. attendees at the check presentation 3. Ashley Felton with Tech NIC Ally LLC receiving funding 4. ShaGraila Hammond, director of membership and operations, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce; Eugene White, president, Aiken NAACP; Stuart Bedenbaugh, Aiken City manager; J. David Jameson, president/CEO, Aiken Chamber of Commerce; Ronic West, president, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce; Phil Wahl, president, Security Federal Bank; Gary Meadows, media coordinator, City of Aiken; Lessie Price, Aiken City Council; City of Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon; Kigwana Cherry, vice president, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce; Michael Strange, executive vice president of community development, public affairs and diversity, equity and inclusion, Security Federal Bank; Michael Hill, Marketplace USA LLC.5. Mayor Osbon and City Councilor Lessie Price at the event.
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Marcus Weeks - State Farm Agent celebrated the opening of a new office at 212 University Parkway on April 27. Contact Marcus and his team for all your insurance needs at (803) 648-1143. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weeks is pictured cutting the ribbon with Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by the friendly Marcus Weeks – State Farm staff, family members and the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. |
On April 28 the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate Holistic Home Health Care's new office space located at 946 Millbrook Ave Suite B1. Holistic Home Health Care strives to provide excellent in-home care services. Their client’s health and quality of life are the number one priority. Harold and his team believe in treating their clients with respect, empathy, honesty, integrity, and compassion. To inquire about services, you can contact a team member at (803) 226-0020. Cutting the ribbon is Holistic Home Health Care owner Harold Robinson and his daughter Kizzie with Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by family, the Holistic Home Health Care staff and the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. |
April 29 was a great day for SRP Federal Credit Union as the organization celebrated the grand opening of its new, modern facility at 3559 Richland Ave. They are ready to serve the community with virtual tellers, a welcoming lobby, and a full-service drive through in a state-of-the-art facility. Hours are Monday and Tuesday 8:30-5:30, Wednesday 8:30-12:00 and Thursday and Friday 8:30-6:00. Aiken City Councilwoman Lessie B. Price, Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, SRP board chair Sandra DeVoe Bland, SRP board members Goldie Randle and Louisiana Sanders are pictured in the center front of the photo. They are joined by the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, along with members of the SRP leadership team, branch staff members, and Aiken County Council Chair Gary Bunker. |
On May 12 the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the merger of Hunter Mortgage with Assurance Financial. You will still see all the familiar faces when you stop by 408 Silver Bluff Road. Matt Hunter and the team are ready to serve you and help you reach all your homeownership goals. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call today at (803) 644-4010. Cutting the ribbon is Assurance Financial branch manager Matt Hunter. He is joined by Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, Assurance Financial loan officer Kristi Hunter, Beverlie and Al Hunter, Margo Ruthven and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. |
On May 17 the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting to announce the rebrand of The Pain Center to Novo Wellness Center. Located at 5110 Woodside Executive Court, Novo Wellness combines the latest techniques in treating patients with interventional and non-interventional approaches to pain management. After they identify the pain generator, the team designs an individualized treatment program for each patient including medical management, massage therapy and physical therapy. Call (803) 642-6500 for more information. Cutting the ribbon is William Durrett, M.D. He is joined by Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, members of the NOVO Wellness Center staff, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador team. |
Shining Sons Enterprises LLC held a ribbon cutting May 24 th at the Aiken Chamber. Shining Sons is a digital marketing agency that helps businesses grow online by providing various marketing services including Google My Business Optimization (GMB), SEO, PPC, Monthly Data Reports, Website Form Lead Tracking, Google Reviews, Social Network Advertising, Authority Business Listings, Website Optimization and much more. Owne r Christa Turner is ready to show you how she can help your business grow. Call her at (803) 761-0157 to learn more. From left to right are Aiken Chamber ambassador Martha Ruthven, Noah Turner, Shining Sons Enterprises LLC owner Christa Turner, Joshua Turner, Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson, and Aiken Chamber ambassador Delany Tavenner. |
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Aflac – Melissa Murray – Insurance (Supplemental)
I partner with local business owners to attract and retain good employees by offering them Aflac supplemental benefits at no cost to the business. I am in the process of growing and developing the local Aflac team so we can better fit the needs of the local businesses that need our help.
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Melissa Murray
Phone: (952) 737-7179
Sharer Dale Team – Real Estate
From luxury equestrian farms and ranches, to land and residential real estate, serving Aiken, SC and the surrounding areas. The Sharer Dale Team makes your real estate experience easy and fun! No job too big or too small…. Sharer Dale Team can do it ALL!
4230 Wagener Road
Aiken, SC 29805
Contact: Sharer Dale
Phone: (803) 522-3648
Dogwood Construction, Inc. – Builders and Construction (Commercial & Residential)
Custom homes, state of the art equestrian facilities, and renovations.
115 Hunting Hills Drive
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Carole Ann Hopkins
Phone: (803) 226-2433
Hillview Baptist Church – Churches
Here at Hillview Baptist Church, we know that everyone has a story. The beauty of the gospel is that no matter what your life’s story is, Jesus has come to redeem it and give it another ending. That’s why we proclaim that we can not stop speaking about what we have seen and heard!
1974 Jefferson Davis Highway
Graniteville, SC 29829
Contact: Joshua Edwards
Phone: (803) 593-5125
Rite Price Roofing, LLC – Roofing
Provides residential and commercial roofing services to Aiken County and beyond. Our roofing team specializes in metal and shingle roof maintenance, repair, and installation.
115 Hunting Hills Drive
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Bobby Robinson
Phone: (803) 514-0053
Shining Sons Enterprises LLC – Marketing
We help businesses by creating marketing content that will engage your customers and grow your business. We believe in the power of consistency and influence. We work for you so that you can do what you enjoy most, interacting with your customers.
158 Martin Road
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Christa Turner
Phone: (803) 624-0229
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Always learning with SCORE |
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Creating a successful marketing plan with SCORE
Are you overwhelmed by all the choices for marketing your business? Not sure where your time and money would be well spent? Are you just following what everyone else is doing and hope it works for you too? If this is you...then it sounds like you may need a marketing plan.
Without a plan in place, you could potentially waste thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to grow your business. Join SCORE mentor and owner of Rhodes Porter Management Consulting, Cynthia Rhodes, for a free informative online workshop, Tuesday, May 31 from noon to 1 p.m.
Visit the workshop tab at greateraiken.score.org to register. 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.
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