It’s time for Aiken’s Makin’ |
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The sight of colorful paintings and creative crafts, the smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn, and the delight of shoppers when they find just the right gift for someone special – these are just a few of the joys the Aiken Chamber, its numerous volunteers, and attendees look forward to at the 47th annual Aiken’s Makin’ arts and craft show coming to downtown Aiken September 8 and 9.
Quality craftsmanship and excellent design are the hallmarks of Aiken’s Makin’. Held annually since 1976 by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the 47th Aiken’s Makin’ will feature the handiwork of 212 fine artisans and 22 food vendors from across the southeast.
Keeping the quality of the arts and crafts offered fresh and exciting is an important key to the success of Aiken’s Makin’. This is why Aiken’s Makin’ is a juried event. Each application and its required accompanying photos are carefully reviewed by a selection committee and being selected one year does not automatically guarantee a place in the next year’s event. This year, 44% of the vendors were not at the event in 2022.
A full spectrum of media including folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, basket weaving, iron work, candles, textile art, hair accessories, handbags and accessories, handmade cards, leather, mosaic, wood, canvas art, stained glass, as well as food items like sweets, dips, jams and homemade pickles can be found at Aiken’s Makin’. Artists and crafters are on-site at the two-day juried event and enjoy chatting with guests about their art and inspirations.
Attendees will enjoy shopping from well-spaced booths in the closed street and under the canopy of trees in the parkways along Park Avenue from Chesterfield to Union streets.
“The City of Aiken has done a fantastic job refreshing Aiken’s iconic parkways. The meandering hardscape paths under the canopy of shade trees is a perfect place to enjoy the day and have a little, or a lot of, retail therapy,” said Aiken’s Makin’ show director Dianne Phillips. “From the practical to the whimsical, there is something for everyone at Aiken’s Makin’.”
Aiken’s Makin’ has a well-deserved reputation for an ambiance that is relaxed, friendly and fun. There is no charge to attend the event. The hours are Friday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Tunison begins premier
professional development program
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Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Jim Tunison, Director of Membership Services, of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed his first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
“Jim joined the Aiken Chamber of Commerce professional team in March 2019,” said J. David Jameson, Aiken Chamber president/CEO. “Since then, his responsibilities have increased, and Institute is the next logical step in his professional development. We are fortunate to have Jim on our team, and our members will benefit from Jim furthering his Chamber education.”
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
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S.C. Chamber Grassroots tour visits Aiken |
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual South Carolina Grassroots Tour at the Chamber on August 24.
Will Frierson, VP of Governmental Affairs for the SC Chamber presented and gathered data from Chamber members and the Chamber’s board of directors.
This was the 7th meeting of 47 that the SC Chamber is conducting across the state
to gather information to set priorities for the SC Chamber’s 2024 legislative session. Input
from these sessions is used to shape the state’s business environment.
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A ribbon cutting was held August 4 at Horse Creek Academy to celebrate the construction of its new inclusive playground. Sarah Morris, assessment and community relations director, is cutting the ribbon along with Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, staff, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Horse Creek Academy prides itself on being a place that puts inclusivity at the center of all it does. The new playground will allow all students to play. This project was made possible with the help of the SRP High School Affinity Debit Card Program and grassroots fundraising. HSA raised nearly $80,000 which was used toward this project. Learn more about Horse Creek Academy at www.hcacs.net
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On August 18 the Aiken Chamber helped Radioactive Pinball Arcade celebrate its grand opening at 113 Laurens St. SW, Suite 103, in the Holley Building. Cutting the ribbon are owners Erin and Eric Andrews, with Aiken City Council member Gail Diggs. They are joined by family, friends and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Radioactive Pinball Arcade provides a retro gaming experience for people of all ages, and they also offer private events and parties. To learn more, follow their Facebook page and check out their website: https://radioactivepinballarcade.com/.
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A ribbon cutting was held on August 22 to help welcome Palmetto Shed Company – Aiken, SC to the business community. Located at 1450 Richland Ave. E, the company sells portable sheds, metal buildings, garages, gazebos, and greenhouses. They also sell chicken coops, and they offer free delivery within 50 miles of their location. Give them a call at (833) 469-2276 or swing by Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cutting the ribbon is owner Sherry Mason with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, along with members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. www.palmettoshedcompany.com/aiken-sc
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Best Office Solutions – Office Furniture
We look forward to earning your business. Please keep us in mind for all your furniture, supplies, promotional and signage needs. We are a bunch of hard-working folks and we will work hard for you! The Best Team!
142 S. Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Contact: Tiffany Faulk
Phone: (706) 437.9771
Covanta – Waste Disposal
We are partnering with companies to provide sustainable and creative solutions for a variety of waste types. We provide solutions for hazardous waste, waste waters, non-hazardous waste product destruction.
3920 Goshen Industrial Boulevard
Augusta, GA 30906
Contact: David Warren
Phone: (781) 562-9636
Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill – Restaurant
A neighborhood seafood restaurant in Aiken’s Historic downtown. We focus on serving the highest quality seafood with a casual bistro vibe. Our raw bar features local and boutique oysters as well as peel & eat shrimp, shellfish salad, tuna tartar & more. The kitchen showcases top-quality land and sea dishes with creative and fresh seasonal preparations.
224 Park Avenue, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Philip Fisher
Phone: (803) 962.7848
Radioactive Pinball Arcade – Entertainment and Activities
A retro gaming experience for people of all ages in downtown Aiken, SC
113 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Erin Edwards
Phone: (803) 373-1717
SC & GA Licensed, Debbie is a vital part of her community. She is a supporter of the animal shelters, a member of PSU Alumni Assn, an Aiken Chamber Ambassador, Founder/ Leader of Business Roundtable Discussion Group, and community connector and volunteer.
PO Box 995
Aiken, SC 29802
Phone: (570) 479-0043 cell
Sandler Training by SML Business Solutions Inc. – Business Support Services/Consulting
Sandler is a worldwide leader in sales, management and leadership training. Offering business consulting and training that is revolutionizing the modern sales experience.
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: John Michielini
Phone: (803) 229-6163
The mission of the Young Kappa Foundation is to impact the lives of students by providing financial assistance and a lasting mechanism to help guide life decisions.
Chesterfield, SC 29709
Contact: Michael Smith
Phone: (407) 616-7878
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Learn from the experts with SCORE’s small business training workshops
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. |
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