Annual Chamber awards celebrate best of Aiken |
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Woman of the Year: Carolyn Emanuel McClain |
Man of the Year: Arthur W. “Buzz” Rich |
Small Business of the Year: Aiken Horse Park Foundation |
Large Business of the Year: Woodside Development |
Ambassador of the Year: Sarah Schultz |
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Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson
and 2022 Chamber Chair Norman Dunagan
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Annual Chamber awards celebrate best of Aiken
It was another great night for business in Aiken.
The Aiken Chamber of Commerce held its 104th annual gala Thursday evening at USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center. After two years of uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the event celebrated a return to normalcy and all of the great things happening in Aiken.
With a backdrop of music performed by Camille Rosier, a professional pianist and instructor, top businesses and individuals were honored for their achievements. “Takin’ Care of Business,” the familiar Bachman-Turner Overdrive tune, seemed to be an appropriate theme for the evening.
Sarah Schultz received the first award of the evening as Ambassador of the Year. A recruitment specialist with Shepeard Community Blood Center, Schultz is serving as chair of the 42-person 2022 Ambassador Team. They act as liaisons for new and existing chamber members, something Schultz seems to be suited for as she works with Aiken’s business community.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation received the Small Business of the Year honor. The foundation was lauded for bringing in an estimated $12 million in revenue in 2021 through its 25 weeks of hosting equestrian events. And the foundation isn’t satisfied; it is investing $5 million in upgrades currently to enhance its facilities.
For Large Business of the Year, Woodside Development was honored for a master plan that includes “millions of dollars invested in home sites, medical offices, Class A office buildings, fitness centers, restaurants, clubhouses, senior living center and numerous outdoor amenities.” The company has created a “live, work and play” environment that has attracted thousands of people to Aiken.
Carolyn Emanuel-McClain, the Woman of the Year, was left almost speechless by her award. “Thank you, Aiken,” an emotional Emanuel-McClain said. But it should be Aiken thanking the CEO of Rural Health Services for all she has done for the community. Under her watch, Rural Health grew from 31 employees to nearly 200 and increased from 6,800 patients to 17,600. She was quick to respond to COVID-19, making sure that her staff and patients were safe and that the vaccine was available to those in need. Under her guidance, facilities have expanded and a Maternal and Child Wellness Center is currently under construction.
You’ve probably seen the Man of the Year, Arthur “Buzz” Rich, around town. He was probably wearing one of his stylish hats. Maybe he was delivering Meals on Wheels, which he has done for 30 years. Maybe he was practicing law, which he has done for many years. Or maybe he was just serving the community he loves through the Aiken Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis or one of the numerous groups he is involved with. Rich was honored for all of those endeavors, and for challenging Aiken leaders to not be satisfied with the status quo. “Aiken has been so good to me,” he said. But we know he has been even better for the community.
J. David Jameson, president and CEO of the chamber, outlined many of Aiken’s accomplishments in the past year. Those include announcements on the Aiken Mall, Project Pascalis and a number of new businesses that are coming to Aiken. The chamber staff deserves credit, too: it recently received another five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which means it is among the best in America.
Norman Dunagan, the 2022 chairman of the chamber board, echoed Jameson’s comments. “Aiken is on fire right now,” he said. “There’s so many good things going on.”
Dunagan said an announcement is expected soon on the old Aiken County hospital property. He also used the analogy that economic development is a marathon, not a sprint.
“We’re not at the finish line, but we’re very, very close,” Dunagan said.
Congratulations to all of the winners, and we look forward to what the rest of 2022 brings to Aiken and its business community.
Aiken Standard 3/27/22
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Consumers plan to spend an average $169.79 this year on Easter-related items, according to results of the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. A total of 80 percent of Americans will celebrate the holiday and spend a collective $20.8 billion, down slightly from last year's forecast of $21.6 billion.
“Consumers are eager to return to their pre-pandemic holiday traditions, particularly as it relates to purchasing food and gifts for in-person celebrations this Easter,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Friends and family want to be together, and consumers are willing to spend money to make these events memorable.”
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Have questions about maximizing your benefits, joining the chamber, or what we're up to? Reach out to the Aiken Chamber’s incredible membership services team, Jim Tunison or Emily Murphy, at (803) 641-1111. |
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In business, and in life really, focus on #VOI is important. With Aiken Chamber membership, there are two ways to look at VOI: "from" and "through."
If you're in the "from" camp, you're looking to get that return FROM the Chamber. You're after connections, leads, business awareness, training, etc. If this describes you, be sure you're maximizing your membership. Are you attending events? Sponsoring them? Tagging the Chamber in your posts so we can celebrate with you? Is your contact information up to date?
If you're in the "through" camp, you're looking at the big picture and know your return comes THROUGH the Chamber. You're interested in building a thriving community with a shared vision, excellent schools, hospitals, roads, and internet, with a business-friendly government, safe streets and a prepared workforce.
The Aiken Chamber works daily to make sure the voice of business is heard, your VOI is high, and to help make BIG things happen in our community.
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The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is pleased to continue its relationship with Target Marketing to publish a new, up-to-date, full-color Greater Aiken Street Map and Resource Guide.
This publication will be the only official map endorsed and distributed by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
Accurate, user-friendly maps are a popular item for our newcomers, potential commercial relocation candidates and even our lifelong residents.
Remember, new movers are needy! They need to secure new and reaffirm existing business relationships for home furnishings, groceries, childcare, medical services, restaurants, automotive services and much, much more. In fact, these special “needy” consumers spend more in the first six months following a move than the average consumer spends in many years.
The Business and Professional Showcase Directory of Members section offers the opportunity to promote your business. This section will classify participating businesses by category, including a brief description of products and/or services.
Don't miss out on the unique member opportunity to reach potential buyers, new residents and new partners. Space is limited, and sponsorships are reasonable, especially considering more than 12,000 maps will be printed and available for the next 18 months.
Target Marketing will also be offering members an opportunity to be included on the popular mobile GPS app, Waze. This app has 110 million users.
Advertising space on the back cover and a limited number of interior display panel ads are also available. Participating advertisers will receive a complimentary supply of the folded maps and will be included on the web counterpart which will be prominently linked from the Chamber's website.
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Aloha Aesthetics – Health & Beauty
Whether it’s Botox, fillers, microneedling with PRP, IV infusions, or PDO thread lifts you need, we’ve got you covered. We pride ourselves on offering a pain-free experience through Pro-Nox, too.
673 Silver Bluff Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Stacey Bulfinch Idica, NP
Phone: (941) 276-7001
B & B Glass and Paint LLC – Glass & Mirror
810 Park Avenue, SE
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Deven Charnock
Phone: (803) 649-4997
Bia Elysian – Spa
Our mission is to help everyone achieve their best self by providing custom treatment options for every person who walks through our doors. Offering spa esthetics, salt cave services, and fillers
1510 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Rachel Eigen
Phone: (803) 998-9424
Blanchard Machinery – Rental Equipment
or more than 35 years, Blanchard Machinery has been the only certified CAT equipment dealer in the state. We have locations throughout the state providing new and used sales, rentals, parts, and service for construction, agriculture, forestry, electric power generation, marine power and a wide range of other industries. We build South Carolina.
3151 Charleston Highway
West Columbia, SC 29172
Contact: Lucas Huffstetler
Phone: (803) 844-8361
Board in Aiken -Caterer
Board in Aiken provides customized charcuterie and other unique food boards for any occasion. Delivery available.
6160 Woodside Executive Court
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Ashley Elvis
Phone: (803) 646-8630
East Georgia State College Augusta – College & University
EGSC-Augusta is located on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University. We are an off-site location of our main campus in Swainsboro. We offer in-state tuition for SC residents at all our campus locations. Select from our 5 Associate Degrees, or find a pathway to a 4-year degree.
2500 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30904
Contact: Nick Kelch
Phone: (706) 729-2257
Holistic Home Health Care – Health Services
Health care agency that provides in-home health care. We believe in treating our clients with respect, empathy, honesty, integrity, and compassion.
946 Millbrook Avenue, Suite B1
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Harold Robinson
Phone: 9803) 226-0020
Wm Ray Masse, Attorney at Law – Attorney
Guide to estate planning in Aiken and Augusta. By implementing a solid, comprehensive estate plan, you can protect your spouse and family. Preplanning using wills and trusts can protect your heirs from lawsuits, over-taxation, and foster care (if you have small children). The first step is developing an estate plan. By getting the estate planning documents you need now, you can prepare yourself for any financial obstacles that may affect your and your family’s lifestyle – now and in the future.
210 Colony Parkway, SE
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Ray Massey
Phone: (803) 643-4110
Max Fitness Aiken – Health & Fitness
Join Now, no payments until summer. Our mission is to inspire and promote a positive change for our members and employees in an exciting atmosphere where strong relationships are created and excellent service is our standard.
101 Corporate Parkway
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Mitch Hearne
Phone: (803) 648-4653
Meadows Media LLC – Web Development
A media savvy design company based in Aiken County providing solutions for web design, logo design, graphic design, corporate video production, search engine optimization (SEO) services, marketing and branding.
North Augusta, SC 29860
Contact: Gary Meadows
Phone: (803) 439-4310
Meme’s All Natural – Retail
Natural herbal tea
403 Main Street
New Ellenton, SC 29809
Contact: Tonya Thomas
Phone: (803) 998-7201
Michelle Raab – Meybohm Real Estate – Real Estate
Specializing in equestrian land and polo properties
Wagener, SC 29164
Contact: Michelle Raab
Phone: (561) 662-1249
Thomas E. Rosensteel – Real Estate Consultant
With 48+ years of real estate legal experience and 36+ years of brokerage experience, Tom provides comprehensive services in contracts, acquisition, land planning, development, zoning, entitlement, construction, and sales and leasing.
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Tom Rosensteel
Phone: (630) 377-9377
The Seafood House – Restaurant
Sushi, Hibachi, Seafood restaurant
3553 Richland Avenue, W, Suite 104
Aiken, SC 29801
Contact: Mei Yang
Phone: (803) 226-0555
Tech 4 Success – Computer Service/Repair
Offering free commercial pick-up services for electronic waste within Augusta-Richmond County. We also provide data destruction services, computer repair, phone repair, and new and used computer sales.
912 Broad Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Contact: Richard Green
Phone: (706) 550-6200
Vampire Penguin – Ice Cream/Snow Cones/Yogurt
Light, fluffy, shave snow desserts
108 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact Jeannette Moseley
Phone: (803) 226-0121
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