Long term advocacy for AMC pays off for Aiken |
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Local officials along with leaders from the Department of Energy, Savannah River National Lab, and the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) broke ground April 19 on the long-awaited Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) facility to be built on the USC Aiken campus.
The $50 million, 60,000-square-foot facility will not only provide new laboratory, office and conference space suitable for advanced manufacturing research and development, but more importantly, it will house collaborative and research and development spaces for spinning innovative technologies into the Department of Energy and spinning them out into the commercial sector.
The Aiken Legislative Delegation, Aiken Chamber, USC Aiken, Economic Development Partnership, and the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization and others have advocated for funding of this game-changing economic catalyst since fall 2014. Through many starts and stops through the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, and two presidential elections, the community support of the AMC has never waiver-ed.
“We believe the AMC has the potential to become the front door to a new innovation district and serve as an engine for economic growth in the area,” said Aiken Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson.
The AMC is expected to employ 120 high level researchers that will collaborate with industry professionals from across the world. The level of activity at the facility will mean more people eating, shopping and spending money on goods and services in our local economy. Previously, these scientists and the support staff were all located behind the gates of the Savannah River Site making collaboration with business and industry and academia more difficult.
“There will be a tremendous boost to the local economy from this initiative, since the facility will be outside the Savannah River Site, a first for the community,” Jameson said. “Benefits will not only include the projected workforce but also include the in-direct economic benefits from national and international researchers visiting our community and the possibility of numerous conferences and seminars hosted locally.”
The facility’s location on the campus of USC Aiken will create an environment to develop the best and brightest next generation workforce to help counter attrition of nuclear chemical and materials processing experience. Having AMC on the USC Aiken campus will promote the “power of proximity,” allowing university students and researchers to interact to create future technologies.
The purpose of the AMC, to support the mission of the Savannah River National Lab, is wonderful, but the potential impact to the overall economy of the area is even greater. Already the South Carolina National Guard has plans to build its DreamPort adjacent to the AMC.
Both projects have been on the advocacy radar of the Aiken Chamber for years because of the potential they bring to creating an innovation district. These are not just buildings where people go to work, these buildings are powerful for what goes on inside of them as well as the changes they can bring around them.
The City of Aiken Strategic Economic Development Action Plan, which was endorsed by Aiken City Council in 2021, discussed catalytic investments to establish an innovative district near USC Aiken. The Aiken Municipal Development Commission (AMDC) will spearhead the development of an Innovation and Impact district to capitalize upon imminent investments being made on and near the USC Aiken campus.
Innovation districts enable companies, entrepreneurs, workers, researchers and investors to work across disparate sectors and institutions to commercialize ideas and co-invent and co-produce new discoveries for the market. Innovation districts are typically physically compact, walkable, and packed with researchers, students, retail, affordable housing and popular eateries – basically everything you need to live, work and play all in one place. Innovation districts are attractive to early career professionals and could help Aiken attract and retain younger workers to the area.
The location of the facility was set up through a no-cost land lease agreement between the Department of Energy and the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education. North Wind Construction Services was awarded the final design, construction and commissioning of the AMC facility. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in 2024.
“It has been a long-held dream to have a facility of this magnitude, a catalyst for innovation, built in Aiken,” said Jameson. “We celebrated when the funding was finally appropriated, we celebrated when the contract was awarded, and we are celebrating again as the shovels go in the ground. It’s certainly been a marathon and not a sprint, but it will be worth everyone’s efforts when the ribbon is finally cut in 2024.”
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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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First Friday and Business After Hours |
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On March 31 the Aiken Chamber held a ribbon cutting for Right at Home to celebrate its expansion into a larger office space located at 2130 Woodside Executive Court. Right at Home is supported by trained, insured and bonded caregivers that offer in-home care services. To inquire about the company or request services, call (803) 278-0250. Pictured from left to right are: J. David Jameson, Aiken Chamber president/CEO; Rhett Reiner; Danielle Reiner, director of operations; Jan Quail, SC marketer; Anjilah Clawson, client service coordinator; Rachael Head, billing and payroll director; MaryJane Karpel, client service coordinator; and owner Stephan Swafford. |
April 1 was a sweet date to celebrate the grand opening of Nothing Bundt Cakes located at 161 S Aiken Ln, #430 and open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Stop by today and get yourself a delectable treat. Cutting the ribbon is Nothing Bundt Cakes owner James See, with his wife Susan See. They are joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, the Nothing Bundt Cakes staff and the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team.
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B&K Grading and Paving, LLC celebrated on April 12 the completion of its new location at 2087 Williston Road. B&K Grading and Paving is a full-service contractor, providing grading, paving, excavation, concrete, and maintenance services. Trucking, roll-off dumpsters, and dirt/topsoil sales are also available. Contact a representative today at (803) 652-3232 or visit their website to learn more. Front and center are Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson and B&K Grading and Paving CEO Jason Brittain. They are joined by the rest of the expert staff and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team.
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Bridge Internet held a ribbon cutting April 14. Bridge Internet's mission is to deliver broadband where it’s never been before throughout rural America. Those interested in services should call (800) 555-5538 to inquire about services. In the center is Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson and cutting the ribbon is Brett Osean, VP of development; and Melody Hall, executive assistant/franchise coordinator. They are joined by members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team.
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Broadwater-Toole Realty held a ribbon cutting April 20 to celebrate the opening of its new office space at 601 Silver Bluff Road, Unit 15. To speak to an agent or inquire about listings call (803) 226-0473 or visit them on facebook @broadwatertoolerealty. Cutting the ribbon is Broadwater-Toole Realty Broker-in-Charge, Catina Broadwater and her husband Anthony Broadwater. They are joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, family members, Broadwater-Toole Realty agents, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team.
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Tutor Doctor of Evans celebrated the launch of their services in the CSRA with a ribbon cutting April 21. Tutor Doctor of Evans provides one-on-one tutoring services for both in-home and on-line learning environments for all students. To inquire about their services for your family or for your employees call (706) 873-5173. Cutting the ribbon are Tutor Doctor of Evans co-owners Aaron and Maria Washington. They are joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team.
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CLT Treasures & Street Market located at 3881 Augusta Road, Warrenville celebrated its recent opening with a ribbon cutting April 22. CLT Treasures seeks out quality antique and vintage items that are looking for a new home. They also have an indoor and outdoor street market as well as car detailing services. Make sure to follow their Facebook page to stay up to date with store hours and stop on by to see what treasures you may find. Cutting the ribbon is CLT Treasure & Street Market Owner Laura Casdorph. She is joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, and CLT vendors and artisans.
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On April 26 The Legends Grille located at The Aiken Golf Club, 555 Highland Park Drive, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Cutting the ribbon is owner Michael Allen. He is joined by Mayor Rick Osbon and Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. The Legends Grille is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling (803) 226-0137. Daily specials are posted on their Facebook page and menus are also available online.
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B&K Grading and Paving, LLC – Grading (all types)
We are standing by to handle your project needs. *Asphalt Seal Coating & Line-Striping *Concrete Paving * Crack Seal & Asphalt Repair * Construction & Industrial Waste Disposal * Demolition * Excavation * Grading * Soil Erosion * Prevention * Stone Base & Asphalt Paving * Storm Drainage & Asphalt Paving
2087 Williston Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Johnny Day
Phone: (803) 652-3232
By Farr – Marketing
Full-service creative studio that focuses on elevating entrepreneurs and small businesses through thoughtful branding and marketing strategies.
703 Richland Avenue, E
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Brynley Farr
Phone: (803) 200-1004
Cabinet Masters of South Carolina – Cabinets
1375 Old Barnwell Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Mitch Kirkbride
Phone: (803) 761-2384
CLT Treasures and Street Market – Antiques
We seek out quality items that are looking for a new home. We offer a wide variety of items with a focus on providing antique and vintage pieces for your home.
3881 Augusta Road
Warrenville, SC 29851
Contact: Laura Casdorph
Phone: (803) 594-5060
www.facebook.com/CLT-Treasures-Street-Market-103134788816322/
DeWitt Family Industries, LLC – Consulting Services
Here to facilitate streamlining and growth in all CSRA organizations. Contact us if we can help with your technology, administrative, or process improvement needs.
1070 Watsonia Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Don DeWitt
Phone: (803) 262-3499
www.dfiaiken.com
DSP Ltd. Co. d/b/a Solid Gold – Jewelry
Premium quality jewelries of your choice, at the most affordable prices.
2167 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Sanjeev Paul
Phone: (803) 643-3477
Furlong Capital LTD – Property Management
Providing concierge residential, commercial, and equestrian property management services to homeowners, investors, and real estate developers.
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: John Makolin
Phone: (803) 200-1889
Hospice Services of SC – Hospice
Locally owned hospice company based out of North Augusta, SC. Our experienced staff has over 50 years of combined hospice knowledge and expertise.
233 West Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841
Contact: Casi Arena
Phone: (803) 599-5137
Integra Business Brokers – Business Support Services/Consulting
We confidentially facilitate the sale of small to medium size privately held businesses by working with both buyers and sellers.
4468 Columbia Road, Suite B
Martinez, GA 30907
Contact: David Herbert
Phone: (706) 650-1100
Kirkbride Homes, LLC – Builders and Construction (Residential)
1375 Old Barnwell Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Mitch Kirkbride
Phone: (803) 761-2384
The Legends Grille – Restaurant
Located at the historic Aiken Golf Club at Highland Park. Established in the mid-1800s as a luxury hotel and now an 18-hole challenging golf course. We offer excellent lunch and dinner cuisine.
555 Highland Park Drive, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Michael Allen
Phone: (803) 226-0137
Right at Home – Home Health Care (DOL Provider)
We provide in-home care services such as personal care services, companion, respite services, and skilled care.
2130 Woodside Executive Court
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Danielle Reiner
Phone: (803) 278-0250
www.rightathome.net/central-savannah-river-area
Terra Lysis – Service Agency
Offering entrepreneurs assistance in labor, errands, and tasks. Personal assistant, helper, apprentice, runner, and organizational skills.
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Melvin Rodriguez
Phone: (910) 916-2211
Tutor Doctor of Evans – Education (Business)
We provide one-on-one in-home tutoring for all ages and all grades. We are a completely scalable business and are looking to partner with companies to provide this service as a benefit to their employees, we can help to alleviate the stress that education can present.
Martinez, GA 30907
Contact: Maria Washington
Phone: (706) 287-8583
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Always Learning with SCORE |
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