It's time for Aiken's Makin' |
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2022 Aiken’s Makin’ Leadership
Event Director
Dianne Phillips, Aiken Chamber of Commerce
Aiken's Makin' Co-Chairs
Amber Davis, Long Term Liaisons
John McMichael, Anderson Insurance
Associates, LLC
Artists/Crafters Committee Co-Chairs
Melissa Viola, Young & Thurmond, LLC
Jan Black, Retired
Food and Beverage Committee Co-Chairs
Dave Hepner, Acuity International
Shane Bagby, Security Federal Bank
Safety/Security
Joe O’Conor, City of Aiken
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Shane Bagby, Alyssa Bagby, and Dave Hepner delivering ice to vendors at Aiken’s Makin’ in 2017. Three of the many hardworking, dedicated volunteers that not only make the event happen, but also represent the spirit of Aiken. |
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Volunteers key to Aiken's Makin'
The Aiken’s Makin’ arts and craft show draws thousands of visitors to downtown Aiken each year. With a community event of this magnitude, planning, coordination, and implementation are critical at every level. From the major details of vendor booth placement, electricity, safety, parking, and traffic flow to the small (but important) details of shade and the elimination of ant hills, Aiken’s Makin’ coordinators depend on the integration of many things and many people for a successful show.
Each year numerous dedicated volunteers and their businesses support the popular community event. These volunteers give of their time and talents to ensure that Aiken’s Makin’ is an event that embodies the essence of handmade art and crafts while showcasing the beauty and attributes of downtown Aiken.
Since 2006, Shane Bagby, has volunteered as the co-chair of the Food and Beverage Committee. He describes Aiken’s Makin’ as, “one of the premier events in Aiken. It has major economic impact on Aiken and the surrounding areas. Being involved with the planning and operations of an event of this caliber gives me a major sense of accomplishment. My service helps me feel that I am an active member of my local community and a contributor to its well-being.”
Volunteering is a family affair as well. Bagby’s daughters, Alyssa and Makayla, both volunteer at the event. Alyssa is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina’s Honors College and will come home to serve for the 10th year in a row, and Makayla is a junior at South Aiken High School and has been a volunteer for 6 years.
David Hepner, Sr. started volunteering at the event so long ago he can’t remember, but he thinks it’s been about 20 years. He serves as the co-chair of the Food and Beverage Committee. When asked why he volunteers he said, “I love doing it because it’s a great event. We have a great group of volunteers, and the Chamber staff make it fun! I’m pushing 65 and still love it!”
It takes over 75 volunteers to make Aiken’s Makin’ the successful award-winning show that it is. "Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Aiken’s Makin’. Their dedication and passion to showing off the best of Aiken through this event makes it special for everyone attending as a shopper or a vendor," said event coordinator Dianne Phillips, vice president of administration for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. “I am so thankful for these volunteers who give back to our community by volunteering year after year. They each embody the spirit of Aiken.”
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The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is a statewide organization that promotes pro-job and pro-business policies at the state and federal level.
Each year, the organization partners with regional and local chambers of commerce on the Chamber Alliance Grassroots Tour. Aiken Chamber members are invited to participate in the annual event being held at the September 2 First Friday Means Business breakfast.
“This meeting is a very effective way of making sure the priorities of the state organization align with those of our local business owners,” said Chamber president/CEO J. David Jameson. “Your input is valuable and helps create a state-wide environment where business is allowed to grow and thrive.”
Each person attending will be asked to participate in several polls that will help set the South Carolina Chamber’s 2023 Competitiveness Agenda and set the organization’s priorities for the 2023 legislative session.
"We look forward to the Grassroots Tour each year because it gives us the opportunity to hear directly from a diverse group of business owners about what impacts their bottom line," said S.C. Chamber President/CEO Bob Morgan. "The feedback we receive during the tour is critical, and we use it to help shape our list of priorities for the upcoming legislative session. There is no stronger advocate for the state’s business community than our local and regional chamber partners. Together, we are working to make South Carolina’s economy the most vibrant in the United States, creating opportunity and prosperity for all.”
In addition to the SC Chamber of Commerce presentation, attendees will receive valuable updates from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber and the September First Friday Means Business sponsor SRP Federal Credit Union.
The monthly breakfast will occur Friday, September 2, at Newberry Hall from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Members should make reservations on the calendar of events page at www.aikenchamber.net.
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Chamber calls for board nominations |
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Nominations are now being accepted from the Aiken Chamber membership for the 2023 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, 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 8. The nominating committee will present its slate of candidates to the board of directors at its next board meeting.
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Have a blast with the Aiken Chamber |
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The Aiken Chamber will be firing off its seventh Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot at Palmetto Shooting Complex, a premier shooting destination operated by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The event will be held September 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and all skill levels are welcome.
Often referred to as golfing with a gun, the Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot is a fun and exciting day of networking and team building.
The cost for a team of five is $625. The package includes use of a golf cart, ammo, 100 targets, and lunch followed by the awards ceremony with cash prizes.
To make reservations or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact Jim Tunison at 803.645.0144 or jtunison@aikenchamber.net.
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Tasty Crab House - Aiken held a ribbon cutting ceremony July 27 to celebrate its new management and the acquisition of its liquor license. Cutting the ribbon is Tasty Krab Manager Keyifa George, along with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by members of the staff and the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Located at 996 Pine Log Road, Tasty Crab House offers finger-lickin' New Orleans Cajun-style seafood. Tasty Crab House's convenient location and affordable prices make it a natural choice for dine-in and take-out meals in the neighborhood. Open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can also call (803) 226-0248 for to go orders.
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Navigating My Medicare celebrated its move to Aiken and new office space with a ribbon cutting on July 28. Cutting the ribbon is Navigating My Medicare Founder/CEO Russell Turner and Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by Russell’s wife Jen and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Medicare can be very confusing. As you turn 65 you will receive a lot of mail, phone calls and other information that only adds to the confusion. Navigating My Medicare helps you navigate through that experience and gives you knowledge you need to make the best decisions. Give Russell a call today at: (803) 640-4039 or visit him at his office, located at 231 Barnwell Ave., NW.
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Aiken Regional Medical Centers held a ribbon cutting August 9 to celebrate the grand opening of its new free-standing ER at Sweetwater to serve the needs of the growing North Augusta community. The facility will offer the same level of care as the hospital-based emergency room and will care for and treat patients who are experiencing everything from chest pain and symptoms of stroke to minor scrapes and sprains. Located at 160 Austin Graybill Road, North Augusta, at the intersection of Austin Graybill Road and Market Plaza Drive, the ER at Sweetwater will provide 24/7 care. Terra Carroll, North Augusta Chamber President/CEO hosted the event and is joined by the leadership team of Aiken Regional Medical Centers in cutting the ribbon. https://www.aikenregional.com/
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Hillview Baptist Church celebrated the opening of its recently constructed Hillview Christian Academy with a ribbon cutting August 10. Senior Pastor Mike McAplin and Head of Schools Dr. Amy Edwards cut the ribbon. They are joined by Aiken Chamber of Commerce President/CEO J. David Jameson, staff members, congregants and the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Currently accepting applications for students in grades 4K through 5th, the vision of Hillview Christian Academy is to teach, model, and encourage academic and Christian excellence for every child and student to follow. To learn more about the academy and enrollment, call (803) 593-5125 or visit www.hillviewchurch.org/hca or stop by 1974 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville. |
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Kendrick Paint & Body held a ribbon cutting August 11 to celebrate the expansion of its southside Aiken location at 1564 Hamilton Drive. Cutting the ribbon is Owner/CEO Stephen Kendrick, Jr. and Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. They are joined by the friendly and expert Kendrick staff. Kendrick Paint & Body is a 3rd generation, family-owned group of auto body shops in Georgia and South Carolina specializing in high quality automotive collision repair and stellar customer service since 1952. Give them a call at (803) 617-0324 or visit one of their two Aiken locations at 1564 Hamilton Drive, or 3720 Richland Ave. W. Operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.kendrickbodyshop.com
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Premier Networx held a ribbon cutting August 11 to celebrate the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Cyber Technology Center at 116 Cooper Dr, Augusta. From left to right is Augusta Commissioner Sean Frantom, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Sue Parr, cutting the ribbon is Premier Networx President/CEO Chad Harpley, COO Jenifer Davis, and CFO Jessica Wingard. They are joined by Columbia County Chamber President/CEO Russell Lahodny and Aiken Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership Services Jim Tunison, staff and partners. Premier Networx offers a wide range of IT support solutions including managed IT services, cloud computing, network support, cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery, telephone systems, wireless site survey, and infrastructure cabling. Learn more at www.augustaitguys.com. |
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Jameson McDubby’s held a ribbon cutting ceremony August 23 to celebrate its grand opening. An Authentic Irish Public House in the heart of Downtown Aiken, Jameson McDubby's is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday & Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays. 126 Laurens St. NW, where Aiken meets Ireland! Cutting the ribbon is owner Marty Dubber, he is joined by the friendly Jameson McDubby’s staff and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Check out the menu on McDubby’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/JamesonMcDubbys.
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MAI Risk Advisors held a ribbon cutting on August 23 to celebrate their expansion into the Aiken market. MAI Risk Advisors is a group of friendly, professional, problem-solvers committed to providing both businesses and individuals with smart, creative solutions to help manage risk. Give them a call today at (706) 722-8338 or visit www.mairiskadvisors.com to view a full range of services. From left to right are Emily Murphy, Aiken Chamber of Commerce; Martha Ruthven, Congressman Joe Wilson’s Office and Aiken Chamber Ambassador; MAI Risk Advisors Insurance Broker, Abigail Shelton; Commercial Insurance Broker, Samantha Parker; Client Advisor, Steve Munn; and Dianne Phillips, Aiken Chamber of Commerce. |
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Almost There Café – Restaurant
A small-town cafe with BIG flavor!!! From our yummy appetizers to our gut-busting burgers, we're sure you will find a new favorite! You're Almost There!
245 White Pond Road
Williston, SC 29853
Contact: Dawn Redmon
Phone: (803) 266-3581
The Bin Store – Retail
A reimagined retail shopping experience! We have truckloads of overstock merchandise from major retailers that we empty weekly into our shopping bins!
401 West Martintown Road, Suite 121
North Augusta, SC 29841
Contact: Michael Prendamano
Phone: (561) 660-2596
Liz Bragg, REALTORS® - Real Estate
Liz has been in the construction and real estate industry for over 8 years with a proven track record for customer service, efficiency and market expertise.
625 Blue Ridge Drive
Evans, GA 30809
Phone: (706) 834-0719
Coastal Waste & Recycling – Trash Collection
Residential and Commercial waste disposal options available. Coastal Waste provides effective waste and recycling solutions to meet your every need.
3925 Goshen Industrial Boulevard
Augusta, GA 30906
Contact: Michael Barrett
Phone: (706) 790-4117
Gerald Jones Buick GMA – Automotive Dealer
The Gerald Jones Family joins Buick. Same great people, same great service at Buick GMC!
490 Jefferson Davis Highway
Graniteville, SC 29829
Contact: Virginia Atkins
Phone: (803) 663-9752
National Security Agency, National Cryptologic University – Cyber Security
Leads talent, learning and development for specialized workforce supporting national defense and workforce development in the local area.
Whitelaw Building, Fort Gordon
Augusta, GA 30905
Contact: Scott Dade
Phone: (762) 206-5005
Neon Fig – Restaurant
A brunch and lunch restaurant serving from 9am – 3pm. We also serve a bar menu from 3pm – 6pm. Our menu features a variety of choices with house made ingredients. Fresh, Fun, Friendly
110 Park Avenue, SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Cecelia Roust
Phone: (803) 226-0424
Ring Power – Industrial Supplies/Equipment
A full-service crane dealer, with the resources and technical proficiency to ensures maximum return on your investment. Whether you own new or used, rent or lease, we are committed to helping you select the best crane for the job, and will work with you to define your requirements for maximum productivity.
1096 Toolebeck Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Tabitha Schaub
Phone: (843) 818-1954
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The Money Side of Business
Don’t make the mistake that so many entrepreneurs do and ignore the money side of business. Let SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, help you look at the money side of your business.
The Sept. 13 SCORE workshop will be held at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will focus on key questions such as, “How much is it going to cost?” and “How much money can I make?” as well as introduce you to key financial terms you need to know to successfully operate a business.
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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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