COVID unravels Aiken's Makin', SC Chamber Grassroots, and more

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July 30, 2020

COVID unravels Aiken's Makin'

The 44 ^th annual Aiken’s Makin’ arts and craft event scheduled for September 11 and 12, joins the long list of events impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the cancellation of Aiken’s Makin’ for 2020,” said Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. “While only a short time ago we felt optimistic that September was far enough away to confidently proceed with plans for the event, the event is now cancelled.”

The Aiken’s Makin’ planning committee worked diligently to identify ways to keep exhibitors and shoppers safe. A plan was designed to utilize the newly refreshed downtown parkways which would double the footprint of the event and space booths 10 feet apart; but in the end, there was simply no way to ensure that the thousands of shoppers the event draws would be able to maintain distance from one another.

“As much as we desperately wanted to go on as planned, we recognized that we must put the health and safety of our artists, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and community first,” said Aiken Chamber Chair Julie Whitesell. “As we’ve watched the COVID-19 pandemic unfold, with all the uncertainty it holds for the near future, we could not in good conscience hold an event that would bring a large crowd within close proximity of one another to our beloved community.”

As with many decisions being made during the pandemic, the Chamber realizes that this decision adds another devastating blow, not just to the artists who depend on Aiken’s Makin’ to make money, and the vendors that are paid to provide support services, but to the people who look forward to Aiken’s Makin’ each year. It also impacts area retailers that rely on the influx of additional shoppers and hoteliers who host exhibitors and shoppers from afar. Sadly, it cannot be helped. The health, safety and well being of people must come first.

“We had hoped to be Aiken’s first large event after quarantine. A place where everyone could gather, shop, and spend time enjoying Aiken,” said Aiken’s Makin’ show director, Dianne Phillips. “I encourage everyone to discover the inspiring work of this year’s artists through our website and make plans to attend the event when it can safely return.”

The Aiken Chamber is encouraging the community that has faithfully supported the award-winning show for the last 43 years to continue its support by shopping online with these gifted artists and crafters. The 2020 exhibitors are featured on the Chamber’s website at www.aikenchamber.net/AikensMakin2020

The Aiken Chamber is thankful for the time and commitment of the Aiken’s Makin’ planning committee and the event sponsors: Master Chevrolet Cadillac, Bank of America and Dominion Energy.

4 HOT Tuesdays, 4 HOT topics,

4 HOT seminars

Don’t let the summer heat cook your business. Keep your cool with these sizzling online webinars every Tuesday in August. All four webinars will be presented from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and are free of charge. Attendees will receive free tools, plans, and messaging strategies to implement immediately - no matter their level of marketing "know-how" or expertise. Make plans to join us for one webinar or all four by registering at www.aikenchamber.net . As a special bonus, all attendees at one of the Google seminars will receive $150 in Google ad credit (one credit per business) to use immediately.

August 4

Reaching Customers Online with Google

Now more than ever, businesses and nonprofits across the CSRA need to know how to reach and engage with customers online - to continue to generate leads, make sales, and grow revenue. This online class led by Grow with Google speaker and trainer Demming Bass, is customized with ideas and strategies on how to market online during and after the COVID-19 crisis.

The webinar will cover:

· Creating a free Google My Business profile and how to use it to engage with customers

· Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices

· Implementing simple, yet effective, best practices for content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing - especially during the COVID-19 crisis

· Advertising your business through Google via Smart Campaigns

August 11

Using Data to Drive Business Growth

This custom Google webinar will teach you how to easily, effectively, and affordably, attract and retain customers online. Attendees will learn how to use Google tools to make informed decisions about their ongoing online marketing strategy and help business owners understand customer behavior as it relates to their business’ online presence.

The webinar will cover:

· Identifying business goals and how to to use an online presence to achieve them

· Incorporating data into your plan and how to find actionable insights in customer patterns and trends

· Selecting the best tools to find the answers you need to make business decisions

· Demystifying Google Analytics and making them work for your business

· Making smarter decisions about your website and online presence resulting in more leads, revenue growth, and customer loyalty.

August 18

Selling During a Pandemic

The current pandemic certainly hasn’t made the life of a sales professional any easier. With limited travel, less face-to-face meetings and tighter budgets, the odds may seem stacked against you. Your goals probably seem less attainable than ever, but they really aren’t.

Join Atlantic Broadband, Vice President of Sales, Juan Dominguez to discuss:

· Building your sales pipeline during a pandemic

· Recognizing and breaking bad habits that may have formed over the past few months

· Implementing simple strategies and tactics to improve your sales performance

· Finding new ways to engage with your current clients and perspective customers

August 25

Changing Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior has drastically changed since the beginning of the pandemic, effecting businesses both large and small. In this online workshop, Nielsen Account Manager, Kim Capria, will break down national spending metrics and what the metrics mean for the future of your business.

Nielsen has explored what’s important to shoppers for more than 90 years, and businesses continue to rely on their data and insights. With groundbreaking technology, Nielsen provides a truly complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that manufacturers and retailers need to understand to innovate and grow their businesses.

Attendees will gain key insights on consumer behavior and steps to apply this data to their own business.

HOT AUGUST TUESDAYS are sponsored by Atlantic Broadband Business

Let your voice be heard

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 virtually at 9 a.m. August 12.

“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 the virtual meeting will be asked to participate in a poll that will help set the 2021 South Carolina Competitiveness Agenda and set the organization’s priorities for the 2021 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 Ted Pitts. "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. This year the tour will be held virtually, but it will still offer the same opportunity for business owners to be heard. 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 the best place in the nation to live, work and do business.”

To register for the virtual meeting and receive login instructions, visit the calendar of events at www.aikenchamber.net or contact Mandy Collins at the Aiken Chamber at (803) 645-0049. There is no charge for registration.

Have a Blast with the Aiken Chamber

The Aiken Chamber will be firing off its fifth 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 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is outside and social distancing is easy in the many acres available at this world-class facility. All skill levels are welcome to join this fun and exciting day of distance networking and team building.

Trophies and cash prices will be awarded to the top teams during the BBQ lunch held under the spacious 9,300 square foot pavilion at the conclusion of the day.

Ryan Reynolds of H. G. Reynolds Company, Inc. has participated in the event each year and had this to say, “The Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot provides an incredible venue and networking opportunity for those outdoor sports enthusiasts who might otherwise not share the same enthusiasm for traditional golfing. Palmetto Shooting Complex is a first-class facility all the way.”

The cost for a team of five is $625. The package includes golf carts, ammo, 100 targets, lunch and prizes. To make reservations or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact Jim Tunison at (803) 645-0144 or [email protected] .

The shotgun team representing Pipeworks of Aiken, Inc. won the fourth annual Blastin’ for Business competition in 2019. Will Good, Grace Poole, Rayford Poole, Denny Flahault and Pete Widener made up the winning team. The fifth annual event is scheduled for September 18, 2020 at Palmetto Shooting Complex. Individuals or teams interested in participating should contact Jim Tunison at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce (803) 645-0144.

Blastin’ for Business is sponsored by:

Title Sponsor: H. G. Reynolds Company, Inc.

Breakfast Sponsor: Emerson

Buckshot Sponsors :

Alfred Benesch & Company

Bechtel

Cranston Engineering Group

Gillam & Associates, Inc.

Lori Comshaw's Personal Training

Matthews Motors

Pipeworks of Aiken, Inc.

Pollack Company

TD Bank

United Rentals – Aiken

United Rentals – Augusta

Welcome to our first-year teachers

Every year the Aiken County Public School District conducts first-year teacher orientation before the start of classes, and every year since 2009, the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and its members have helped to welcome these educators with funds that will help them offset some of the costs of setting up their first classroom.

There are an estimated 90 first-year teachers in the Aiken County Public Schools this year. Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, Chamber Chair Julie Whitesell, Meybohm Real Estate, and Molly Jones, SRP Federal Credit Union presented the funds and an SRP canvas tote bag of items from participating sponsors to the first-time teachers at the orientation held July 28 at Aiken High School.

New Members & Ribbon Cutting

Ginger Bee Boutique – Apparel (Women)

Upscale women’s clothing boutique offering affordable apparel, jewelry, accessories, and gift items.

110 Laurens Street, SW

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Brooke Thomas

Phone: (803) 226-0340

https://www.facebook.com/Ginger-Bee-Boutique-2021968258086019

Movement Mortgage – Mortgage Company

Providing mortgage services to Aiken, SC and the Midlands

146 E. Main Street

Lexington, SC 29072

Contact: Gary Burch

Phone: (803) 212-8566

https://movement.com/lo/gary-burch/

Valcourt Pediatric Associates – Physician – Pediatric

410 Barnwell Avenue

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Dr. Vyrose Valcourt

Phone: (803) 226-0005

www.valcourtpeds.com

The Reserve Club at Woodside held a ribbon cutting July 1 to celebrate the completion and grand opening of its Hollow Creek Golf Course. The Reserve Club now offers members and guests two completed courses with 36 holes of fun. Pictured are City of Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, and Woodside Development CEO Rick Steele. Contact Membership Director, Gabby Dubuc to schedule your personal tour, (803) 220-3423.

Always learning with SCORE

Still need personal protective equipment?

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce has partnered with New Day Care Products and other chambers of commerce to bring you ChamberPPE.com . This site offers an array of personal protective equipment (PPE) in one place and allows Chamber members to receive an additional 10% discount with code " Aiken Chamber ". Shop online at CHAMBERPPE.com now for all your PPE needs.

Reminder! The deadline to apply for PPP is August 8th!