December 28, 2023

DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP

Aiken Chamber Board

geared up for pivotal year

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce recently announced its leadership team for the upcoming year. A diverse, dynamic group, the board of directors represents a cross section of the Chamber membership and offers a broad perspective on business and community related matters.

This year the leadership team will have the additional role of filling the role of president and CEO. David Jameson, the leader of the Aiken Chamber for the past 18 years, recently announced his plans to retire at the end of February 2024 on the 50th anniversary of his career.

"This will be a pivotal year for the Aiken Chamber of Commerce,” said 2024 Chair Charlie Hartz. “Welcoming a new president/CEO is not just a change in leadership but an opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Together, we will build upon the legacy left by David, ensuring the continued growth and success of the Aiken Chamber as we navigate this transformative chapter in our organization's history."

The Chamber will continue to educate and engage the public and business community about the components necessary for business growth and job creation, raise awareness that business climate is the #1 factor of a successful community and encourage the community’s long-term prosperity through taking risk, rewarding success and growing families.

The BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign wrapped up Monday, Dec. 18 with the drawing of 3 grand prize tickets each worth $1,000 and a set of Bridgestone Tires.

The BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign urged shoppers to spend money in Aiken, and rewarded shoppers with the chance to win cash prizes. For each $25 in purchases of goods or services from participating businesses, shoppers received a numbered red ticket that was entered into the drawings held each week for over $5,000 in cash prizes throughout the campaign.

The BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign began in 2021 following COVID to encourage shoppers to stop clicking a computer mouse to shop and start walking through the doors of Aiken’s small businesses.

This year, the BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign reached new heights, with a staggering 78,756 tickets given out to enthusiastic shoppers, representing $1,968,900 spent at the 67 participating businesses. While just shy of the $2 million mark, this figure

highlights the tremendous impact of the BUY AIKEN initiative on the local economy.

Jim Tunison, Aiken Chamber Director of Membership Services, commented, “Aiken’s small businesses are the heart of our community, and the overwhelming response to the BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign reaffirms the importance of shopping locally. It’s truly heartening to witness the community rallying around our small businesses, particularly during the holiday season.”

The BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign is a collaborative effort, and the Chamber expresses its gratitude to the community for embracing the initiative. The consistent

support from shoppers, store owners, and sponsors has been instrumental in the campaign’s success.

The Chamber thanks the community for choosing to BUY AIKEN and encourages everyone to BUY AIKEN all year long.

The 2023 BUY AIKEN – RED TICKET campaign was sponsored by: Master Chevrolet, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, Savannah River Mission Completion,

LAMAR, and WRDW TV

A Digital Media Company

Advertising

We will carry the brand culture of transparency, accountability, and quantifiable profits in an industry that is often riddled with vagueness about what results look like. “Truth Be Told” is our motto. Our commitment to clients is just as simple; no frills, bells or whistles. Offering an upscale and tailored service that isn’t inflated or overpriced, without any sacrifice to the customer experience.

230 Park Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Madison Morgan

Phone: (803) 226-3746

www.adigitalmediacompany.com

A is for Advertising

Advertising

Built on trust, authenticity, and grit. We strive to help businesses in the local community in the same way that we have helped so many others nationwide over the past two decades.

230 Park Avenue, SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Allison Hilton

Phone: (843) 412.3795

www.aisforadvertising.tv

Pat Cunning, Aiken – Woodside Realty

Real Estate (Commercial)

Meeting the commercial real estate needs of the Aiken business community.

1419 Silver Bluff Road

Aiken, SC 29803

Phone: (803) 221-4004

www.woodside-aikenrealty.com

Four Seasons Property Care, LLC

Landscaping

Professional lawn care company serving Aiken, SC, and nearby regions. We provide expert services for maintaining beautiful landscapes all year round.

Aiken, SC 29805

Contact: Jacob Senoski

Phone: (203) 410-6737

http://fourseasonspropertycareusa.com/

John Obelenus Photography

Photography

A full-service agency that handles everything from product-branding shots to corporate events and weddings. I use an artistic approach to all my work and produce excellent results.

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: John Obelenus

Phone: (864) 921-0172

www.photosbyjohno.com

Precision Total Home Builders, LLC

Builders and Construction (Residential)

Building the finest homes in the Aiken area. Expert craftsmanship and attention to details is what differentiates us. New home construction Aiken, SC.

746 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Marvin Valentine

Phone: (803) 645-4994

www.precisiontotalhome.com

The Red Door Sake + Kitchen

Restaurant

Little restaurant, BIG Asian flavor.

126 Laurens Street, SW, Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Chad Jajczyk

Phone: (803) 226-0230

www.thereddooraiken.com

Stretch Zone

Wellness

Providing assisted stretching where you get all the benefits, and we do all the work! Stretching increases mobility, alleviates pain, expands range of motion and enhances physical performance for adults of all ages.

1404 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Nora Dahlman

Phone: (803) 262-5177

https://www.stretchzone.com/locations/aiken.sc

Celebrating Business

Tailored Gents Boutique, located at 345 Hayne Ave. SW, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 24 to mark the grand opening of its boutique. Tailored Gents Boutique features a curated selection of gentlemen and ladies’ apparel, golf attire, accessories, designer sunglasses, and fragrances. Owners Jessica and Elier Alberto had the honor of cutting the ribbon, accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. The boutique welcomes shoppers Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop by to extend your greetings and explore the stylish offerings. You can also find Tailored Gents Boutique on Facebook for more updates.

Aiken School of Cosmetology & Barbering held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 25 to mark the official opening of its new location at 3084 Whiskey Rd. Brian Reynolds, joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, cut the ribbon. This modern facility is where aspiring individuals can acquire the expert skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the beauty industry and obtain their professional license. The celebration included participation from members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team, professional staff, and students. For more information, contact (803) 644-7133 or visit their website at https://aikenschoolofcosmetologyandbarbering.com/.

On October 26, Curated Clothiers hosted a grand opening celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location, 108A Laurens St. NW. Specializing in timeless and elegant women’s apparel, the boutique is open Monday through Saturday, welcoming shoppers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Owners Terri Rourke and Angie Richards had the privilege of cutting the ribbon, accompanied by Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker and Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Explore their offerings and discover more about Curated Clothiers by visiting their website at https://curatedclothiers.com/.

Enercon Services, Inc. proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 2, to mark the opening of its Aiken office, located at 230 Village Green Boulevard, Suite 210. Enercon is a leading engineering and environmental services firm providing services to customers in the power generation, power delivery, and related markets, including nuclear, renewable and conventional power generation, electric transmission and distribution, distributed generation, battery energy storage, EV infrastructure, and data centers. Cutting the ribbon are Division Director Enercon Nuclear Services, John Summers, and VP Enercon Federal Services, Laura Dollar. The ceremony was attended by Enercon’s professional staff, clients and Aiken Chamber Ambassadors. Learn more at www.enercon.com.

On November 16, DBD, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its Aiken office at 108 Laurens St, NW, Suite B, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. DBD is an independent global enterprise that specializes in providing innovative solutions to intricate technical, engineering, and strategic challenges within highly regulated industries. CEO Thomas Keegan, joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, cut the ribbon. Also attending were Dave Olson, Executive Vice President, NNSA Capital Projects Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, as well as staff, colleagues, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Learn more at www.dbdinternational.com.

Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 16. Located at 224 Park Ave. SW., this seafood haven in Aiken’s Historic Downtown prides itself on offering the finest seafood in a casual bistro setting. Their kitchen showcases a menu of top-quality land and sea dishes with creative and fresh seasonal preparations. Executive Chef Paige Harden cut the ribbon along with Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson, staff, and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill hours and menu are at www.parkaveoysterbar.com.

John Obelenus Photography celebrated officially opening for business in Aiken on December 19 with a ribbon cutting at the Aiken Chamber. A lifelong photographer who retired to Aiken, John is ready to capture your personality with his creative style. He is available for portraits, brand shoots, corporate and private events. Pictured are Chamber Ambassador Allen Cooke, Hixon’s Roofing; Aiken Chamber VP Economic Vitality, Mandy Collins; Aiken Chamber Director of Membership Services, Jim Tunison; John Obelenus; Aiken Chamber President/CEO, J. David Jameson; and Chamber Ambassador Delany Tavenner, G. L. Williams & Daughter Trucking. Visit www.photosbyjohno.com to learn more.

The Aiken Young Professionals

invites individuals ages 22-39 to a

networking drop-in January 11th

from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Savannah River

Site Museum. The event will be hosted

by Citizens for Nuclear Technology

Awareness (CNTA), and sponsored by

EGS, Inc. (Empowered Global Solutions,

Inc.).

This is the second year EGS, Inc. has

sponsored the Aiken Young Professionals.

“We feel it is important to support the

young professionals in Aiken. Investing in

the next generation of community leaders

will ensure Aiken continues to be as

strong in the future as it has been in the

past,” said Kevin Pflieger, Chief Financial

Officer, EGS, Inc.

Attendees will enjoy casual networking

with others in their age group, guided

museum tours, and complimentary food

and drinks. There is no charge to attend,

but reservations are requested at www.

aikenchamber.net.

Aiken’s Makin’, the Aiken Chamber’s two-day premier arts and crafts show, is now accepting applications for its

48th annual event scheduled to take place on September 6th and 7th, 2024. This highly anticipated event has become a staple in the artistic community, showcasing a diverse array of talents and fostering a vibrant

atmosphere of creativity.

Key Dates:

• Application Postmarked by February

29, 2024

• Acceptances Mailed on March 30,

2024

• Event Dates September 6 & 7, 2024

Aiken’s Makin’ takes pride in maintaining the quality and innovation of the arts and crafts presented at the event. To achieve this, the show operates as a juried event, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for attendees.

The selection committee meticulously reviews each application and accompanying photos to curate a unique lineup of artisans, crafters and food vendors.

It’s important to note that being selected for one year does not guarantee a place in the following year’s event. In 2023, 44% of the vendors were newcomers, adding an

ever-changing element to Aiken’s Makin’.

Aiken’s Makin’ welcomes a spectrum of media, including but not limited to folk art, pottery, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, basket weaving, ironwork,

candles, textile art, hair accessories, handbags, handmade cards, leather goods, mosaic pieces, woodcraft, canvas art, and stained glass. Vendors who produce food products such as sweets, dips, jams and homemade pickles are also welcome to apply.

Food vendors featuring fair type food as well as those offering nontraditional foods are encouraged to apply. Attendees love the variety of delicacies available at the event.

Spread the word and encourage talented individuals in your network to apply to be a part of this annual Aiken tradition.

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.