Stay Informed and Protect Your Business | |
|
Corporate Transparency Act: What Aiken Businesses Need to Know is the topic of First Friday Means Business on Friday, September 6, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Newberry Hall.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson will be sharing essential insights on the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements.
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) of 2021 took effect on January 1, 2024, and it impacts millions of small businesses across the U.S., including those right here in Aiken.
If you own or hold a significant interest in an affected business, there are important steps you must take by January 1, 2025, to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Why Compliance is Crucial
-
Civil Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $500 per day for each day the violation continues.
-
Criminal Penalties: In more serious cases, violations may lead to imprisonment of up to two years and/or fines reaching $10,000.
In addition to learning about the Corporate Transparency Act, attendees will also receive updates from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber, and our sponsor, Bill Cunningham Fitness.
| |
|
NEW EDUCATORS WELCOMED
There were smiles galore when representatives of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce gifted over 100 new Aiken County public school teachers with cash to help set up their first classrooms. Contributions from numerous member businesses and individuals were presented during the district’s ice cream social for induction teachers on August 14.
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce and its members are committed to the area’s future and to the workforce that these teachers are helping to develop. Together, we can ensure that our economy continues to thrive, and our quality of life continues to grow.
| | | |
Pictured are three new educators with SRP representative Molly Jones, one of the main sponsors for the event, and Charlie Hartz, Chair of the Board for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. | |
Chamber calls for board nominations | |
|
Nominations are now being accepted from the Aiken Chamber membership for the 2025 board of directors of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Six board seats each with a three-year term are open. Candidates who are members in good standing and who agree to fulfill the duties of a director will be considered.
Please submit your nomination in writing to the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, or by mail to P.O. Box 892, Aiken, SC 29802. A letter of recommendation stating why you feel the candidate is qualified should be included in the nomination. Self-nominations are allowed. Qualifications of an ideal candidate are:
Forward thinker
Committed to the business community
Actively involved in the Chamber
The deadline for nominations is September 9. The nominating committee will present its slate of candidates to the board of directors at the September 19 board meeting.
| |
|
Aiken Civic Ballet Company
Arts Organization
Founded by Carl Crosby, the Aiken Civic Ballet Company has been in existence for over 50 years. Under the artistic direction of Laura Jean Jones (and previously, Diane Miller), the company produces original ballets and contemporary dance works. The Company is made up of local dancers ages 13-18 and is a 501(c)(3) organization run by its volunteer board of directors.
PO Box 1437
Aiken, SC 29802
Contact: Maria Rhinehart
Phone: (803) 648-5771
www.aikenballet.org
| |
|
Atomic Workers Alliance, Inc.
Home Health Care (DOL Provider)
A national provider of the U.S. Department of Labor benefit through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Proudly serving our former and current atomic workers.
1204 Whiskey Road, Suite A
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Stephen Burr
Phone: (803) 220-1766
www.awacares.com
| |
|
BeeYOUtifully Enough
Health & Wellness
Opportunity is what we create, beauty is what we sell,
and hope is what we give back.
Beech Island, SC 29842
Contact: Christina Taylor
Phone: (803) 613-2867
www.marykay.com/ctaylor79165
| |
|
Cumulus Media
Marketing
We are your one-stop shop to deliver a coordinated radio and digital campaign that will get you results and make your business money.
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 1950
Columbia, SC 29201
Contact: Dom Hollins
Phone: (803) 920-9942
www.cumulusmedia.com
| |
|
Dos Potrillos Taqueria, LLC
Restaurant
Experience the authentic flavors of Mexico with fresh meats, tasty quesadillas, delicious Birria tacos, and much more in a welcoming outside environment filled with Hispanic décor and mouthwatering aroma!
2300 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Silvia Garibay
Phone: (803) 257-8341
https://www.facebook.com/DosPotrillosFoodtruckAiken
| |
|
Downtown Hydration and Wellness
Health & Wellness
Offering restorative care through IV hydration, injections, weight loss management, red light therapy and testosterone replacement to support your wellness journey.
120 Laurens Street, NW Suite J
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Natasha Davis
Phone: (803) 220-4166
www.downtownhydration.com
| |
|
Innersite Solutions
Web Development
Web development, app development, lead generation software
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Todd Reboul
Phone: (839) 465-4643
www.innersitesolutions.com
| |
|
Lowes Foods
Grocery Store
We are a Carolina based grocer making shopping fun.
2940 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Kaitlin Dia
Phone: (803) 335-0749
www.lowesfoods.com
| |
|
Marine Corps League, Detachment #939
Military
James L. Hammons, MCL Detachment #939, Aiken, SC was formed in 1996 to fulfill the mission within the context of service to our community and Veterans.
1003 Spaulding Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Robert Neal
Phone: (803) 634-0321
www.aikenmcl939.org
| |
|
Northwest Exterminating
Pest Control
A family-run pest control company since 1951, with a vision to be an extraordinary company creating extraordinary experiences. We offer the most innovative green pest and termite solutions in the industry. Our company mission is to create healthier living and working environments for homes and businesses.
4820 Technology Drive
Augusta, GA 30907
Contact: Steven Lynch
Phone: (706) 250-5265
www.callnorthwest.com
| |
|
Peterson Insurance Solutions
Insurance
We offer more than just insurance. We combine practical life experience with professional expertise in health, Medicare, life, dental, and vision insurance, to truly enhance your well-being, not just provide a service.
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Jennifer Peterson
Phone: (803) 346-5848
www.petersoninsurancesolutions.com
| |
|
Tea Olive Capital
Financial Advisor/Investments/Planning
We approach your financial picture from a wide-angle lens and build long-term, trusted relationships, while working to pursue your goals. To us, you’re not just a number or one portfolio of many. You’re our clients, and we have built our firm around helping you succeed. Contact us today to get started.
203 Silver Bluff Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Richard Freckleton
Phone: (803) 226-0826
www.teaolivecapital.com
| | |
|
|
Building Aiken's Future
one ribbon cutting at a time
| |
The Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Lulu’s Express Car Wash on August 2 with an official ribbon cutting. Located in South Aiken at 3001 Whiskey Rd. and open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Cutting the ribbon is site manager Bill Bourbeau, with Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by members of the Lulu’s Express Car Wash team, friends, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Lulu’s offers a variety of innovative wash options, vacuums, and membership opportunities. For more information and to explore all their services, visit https://luluscarwash.com/services/. | |
On August 6, the Aiken Chamber celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new Emanuel-McClain Women and Children’s Health Center. This facility is part of Rural Health Services, Inc. and is named in honor of Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, who was the CEO of Rural Health Services since 2009. Cutting the ribbon is Dr. Liz Stewart, Rural Health Board Chair, accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by Rural Health Services staff and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. The new center is located at 995 Clyburn Place in Aiken and provides an environment where women and children can receive medical care specific to their needs. For more information on their services, visit https://ruralhs.org/. | |
On August 14, the Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Clearwater Preserve, a Bill Beazley Homes community in Graniteville. They have a 10-year plan to bring in 900 homes to the area with a selling price starting in the $250k’s. Cutting the ribbon is Clearwater Preserve site lead Eric Crawford, joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by fellow staff along with members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. For more information or to schedule a home visit, the site office is located at 4016 Glasgow Pass. For details online, please visit https://billbeazleyhomes.com/. | |
On August 20, the Aiken Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new management of Evello with a ribbon cutting at its Woodside location. Operating inside The Village Health & Wellness Center, Evello is a one stop clinic for permanent hair removal and skin care needs. They offer electrolysis, laser, and aesthetics. Cutting the ribbon is staff member Caitlin Edwards, joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by additional Evello staff members as well as members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Evello can be found at 440 Society Hill Dr. SW. For more information on their services, visit https://evelloaiken.com/. | | |
|
|
Food, music, theatre, equine activities and even drag racing are just the beginning when it comes to things to do in Aiken.
Sponsored by SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and Whiskey Alley, 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.
| |
|
Share your expertise
SCORE Greater Aiken is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed in the CSRA. The organization is looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve in a variety of volunteer roles — from knowledgeable business mentors to subject matter experts and more.
If you want to make a lasting impact in our small business community, SCORE Greater Aiken is the place to do that.
As a SCORE Greater Aiken volunteer, you will:
- Support local entrepreneurs
- Network and build new relationships
- Help grow your local small business community
- Expand your skillset and professional reputation
Contact John Greg at john.greg@scorevolunteer.org to learn more.
SCORE Greater Aiken is a partner with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and has provided no-cost mentoring to small-business owners in the area since 2004. Modest annual funding is received from the Small Business Administration.
| | | | |
