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2020 Aiken Chamber Chair Julie Whitesell, Meybohm Real Estate, passes the gavel to 2021 Aiken Chamber Chair Ryan Reynolds, H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc. Traditionally, this ceremony occurs at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner each January, but this year the Chamber will delay the Annual Dinner until Spring. Reynolds will assume the role in January. |
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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. These leaders will work throughout the year in guiding the organization as it carries out its 2021 Plan of Action.
2021 Plan of Action
The Aiken Chamber’s 2021 Plan of Action creates viable, proactive mechanisms that become a driving force for Aiken’s prosperity in the 21st century. The Chamber believes it is essential for business and the public sector to seek out common ground and to find ways to bolster each other. Policies and practices that help strengthen a free enterprise system are those that allow business to grow and thrive.
The purpose of this plan of action is to educate and engage the general 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.
1. In 2020, the Aiken Chamber collaborated with the City of Aiken in the development of a comprehensive economic development action plan. In 2021, we will take the next step and review the AECOM City of Aiken Economic Development Blueprint to lay the foundation for a new 5-year strategic plan for the Aiken Chamber.
2. Use the Chamber’s influence to advocate for issues of major importance to the community’s economic vitality and quality of life through letters of support, forums, input to elected officials and other means for impactful development projects. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Advocacy for local spending of the $600M settlement between the federal government and the State of South Carolina.
- Advocacy for full funding of the US Department of Energy Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative
- Advocacy for a $15M State of South Carolina funding match for the National Guard Cyber Security DreamPort
- Advocacy for new missions to facilitate economic growth at the Savannah River Site
- Advocacy for the expansion of rural broadband in Aiken County
3. Recognizing that opportunity gaps exist, design and plan the implementation of a minority business development program to build bridges and share resources to maximize a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community for all. One focus would be improving access to tools, resources, funding and business opportunities.
4. The Aiken Young Professionals organization became dormant in 2020 because of COVID. In 2021, we will revitalize the organization to continue to serve as a tool to attract and retain young professionals to our community.
5. The Aiken Chamber will continue to be responsive to its members needs and provide opportunities for its membership to survive, grow and thrive though the Chamber’s educational programming and events.
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Strategic Economic Development Action Plan to be unveiled at
First Friday Means Business
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Aiken City Council took a bold step in 2019 towards helping Aiken businesses grow and thrive by commissioning AECOM Technical Services, Inc, to develop a blueprint for local economic development.
The final report was submitted to city officials this December and will be presented by City of Aiken Economic Development Director Tim O’Briant at the January 8 First Friday Means Business to Chamber members.
The Strategic Economic Development Action Plan provides a comprehensive overview of the local economy showing options for improvements, development and investment and will guide Aiken City Council in taking actions to bring growth, investment and greater opportunity for existing and new residents.
Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson said, “A diverse, vibrant economy that provides economic opportunity for residents is essential to achieving a high quality of life in Aiken. Creating and preserving jobs and enhancing our revenue base are key objectives. Businesses, neighborhoods and individual residents benefit from the improved quality of life that the City’s economic development efforts will be able to create with this blueprint of actionable steps.”
In addition to O’Briant’s presentation, attendees will also receive valuable information and updates from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber and from the January sponsor First Citizens Bank.
The monthly breakfast will occur Friday, Jan. 8, at Newberry Hall from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Seating is limited, and social distancing and masks are required. Members that wish to attend must register in advance as we are unable to accommodate walk-ins. Visit the calendar of events at www.aikenchamber.net to register. Further COVID precautions will be emailed to all attendees before the event.
The December First Friday Means Business is sponsored by First Citizens Bank.
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Aiken Chamber's 10 significant actions for business in 2020 |
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2020 has been a year of uncertainty, hardship and resilience. COVID-19 has not only changed how we do business, but it is determining what businesses survive and ultimately grow beyond the pandemic. The Aiken Chamber is here to help business survive and ultimately grow and thrive.
Below are 10 significant actions the Aiken Chamber took for business in 2020.
1. Participated as a guarantor in the City of Aiken $1 Million Revolving Loan Fund. This program was a lifeline for the 47 local small businesses that received funding. The total amount loaned was $464,042.
2. Advocated for 5 major economic initiatives: funding of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, the S.C. National Guard DreamPort at USC Aiken, the PIT production mission at the Savannah River Site, liability protection for business in the wake of COVID-19, and the local investment of the $600 million dollar settlement between the federal government and the State of South Carolina.
3. Aiken Chamber Chair, Julie Whitesell, Meybohm Real Estate, and Aiken Chamber President/CEO J. David Jameson conducted 18 virtual meetings in April to discuss the “lay-of-the-land” with members. Approximately 200 people were invited to participate with a 50% participation rate.
4. A geofenced social media and Google AdWords campaign being used by the Aiken Chamber to promote Aiken as an excellent place to live, work and play successfully wrapped up after a three-year run. Over 2 Million impressions of the ads were displayed across Facebook.
5. Over the last 21 months, the Aiken Chamber has collaborated with the City of Aiken in the development of a comprehensive Economic Development Action Plan for Aiken. The Plan was released in December and will be presented at First Friday Means Business in January.
6. Pivoted 4 Caffeinated Conversations to an online format to continue to offer relevant business training and education for members. Subjects included year-end tax planning for business, increasing sales with online reviews, websites for business success, and protecting your business from an economic downturn.
7. Created the podcast “Ask the Expert” and produced 8 episodes to provide up-to-date information to our members. Timely subjects included broadband access, health care, economic conditions, the Paycheck Protection Program, school updates, Accelerate SC, and area community service needs.
8. The Aiken Chamber professional staff called on over 500 members for one-on-one conversations This allowed us to help connect members to resources and information on a personal level.
9. Created a “Good News” social media campaign to allow members a highly visited platform to announce that they were open, had reopened, or were opening soon. With a reach of 67,000, the news that Aiken was open for business spread rapidly.
10. Stepped up the Chamber’s SHOP AIKEN campaign to include a City of Aiken proclamation, social media videos, and newspaper advertisements. 1,951 minutes of video encouraging viewers to SHOP AIKEN were viewed.
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SHOP AIKEN - Make a BIG IMPACT
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Small businesses are often referred to as the ‘backbone’ of America’s economy and were key for the nation’s recovery from the 2008 recession. Between the middle of 2009 and the middle of 2013, 60% of jobs created were from small businesses. Once again thrust into economic upheaval, we are reminded of the impact small businesses have on our local economies and how the support of these businesses through the pandemic is paramount to long-term economic success.
Shopping Aiken has never been more important, and consumers play a key role in helping small businesses and Aiken thrive. Recent data suggests that if every U.S. family spent just $10 a month at a local business, then over $9.3 billion dollars would directly funnel back into the national economy.
Much of the narrative we’ve been exposed to recently has been to either choose health and safety or economic well-being, but these items don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Over the past few months, we’ve learned safe ways to shop and take advantage of local services. Additionally, we’ve seen many businesses demonstrate creativity in terms their offerings too - which include personal shopping appointment times, curbside pickup, and unique gifts.
The Aiken community must get out and take advantage of these creative solutions in order keep our economic engines running. And as we know from past scenarios, small businesses can provide the fuel our local economy needs to thrive.
Supporting Aiken’s small businesses starts with spending, but there are numerous other ways, which can include leaving positive reviews, following the business on social media and including their hashtag, and spreading the word to family and friends.
Join the Aiken Chamber in continuing to SHOP AIKEN all year long.
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Odom Chiropractic, 918 Houndslake Drive cut the ribbon on their new business in Aiken on December 4. Cutting the ribbon is Dr. Jerry D. Odom, surrounded by his family, partners, Aiken Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, David Jameson along with members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Odom Chiropractic offers an alternative to traditional medicine and helps people achieve and maintain optimal health. Make sure to follow their Facebook page or call (803) 226-0604 to learn more. |
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Blue Moon Estate Sales – Augusta – Estate Sales
Midland Valley Christian Academy – Schools
Private Christian PreK – 8th Grade: DISCOVER MVCA. A Christ-centered education that prepares students in mind, body, and soul to love God and discover their place in his world. At MVCA, students are challenged to become intellectually curious, spiritually alert, rightly loving, growth minded, and mentally healthy.
3526 Jefferson Davis Highway
Graniteville, SC 29829
Contact: Bryan Easley
Phone: (803) 594-9945
Odom Chiropractic of Aiken - Chiropractor
Committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident, experiencing an injury, or if you suffer from a specific condition like chronic back pain or a spinal condition. Even if you are looking to improve your overall health, our Dr. Odom can help you attain your everyday wellness goals!
918 A Houndslake Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Contact: Jerry Odom
Phone: (803) 226-0604
Washington National Insurance Company – Insurance (Supplemental), Health Insurance, Business Support Services
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Always learning with SCORE |
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SCORE is proud to have the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. They help thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses every year. SCORE volunteers give back to their communities and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
SCORE hosts free, live webinars every week on small business tips and strategies. Register at www.score.org or view recorded webinars and other offerings at the site.
January 7
2021’s Hottest Businesses, Markets & Trends
Live Webinar at 1 p.m.
We all know 2020 was not a typical year for small businesses, and the factors that impacted us this year will continue to affect us in 2021.
As business moves forward, there are still many unknowns, but there are some things we do know, and we will discuss them in this webinar.
Join this timely webinar, presented by small business expert and best-selling author Rieva Lesonsky, where attendees will learn about the small business ideas and industries that are breaking through and reaching consumers. Attendees will learn about America’s changing demographics, attitudes, and consumer behaviors, and how your small business can best adapt and address them. Topics covered include:
- The industry that is soaring right now and how small retailers can take advantage.
- How restaurants can transform their operations.
- Which consumer behaviors have shifted, and how to reach those customers.
- How COVID-19 has created entrepreneurial opportunities.
- How to pivot your small business to address changing consumer demands.
Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or have owned your business for years, this webinar is a great opportunity to learn how to adjust to and take advantage of today’s changing marketplace.
January 14
SEO Simplified in 30 Minutes
Live Webinar at 2 p.m.
Search engine optimization (SEO) has been made to appear way more complicated than it is. Mike Corso, of Roovio Digital Marketing, maintains that 80% of good SEO habits come down to just four words, "They ask, You Answer", and in this eye-opening presentation he will explain what this means to your business and how to apply it.
Attendees will learn how to take immediate action and see results, as he unpacks the essence of SEO in just 30 minutes.
Attendees will learn:
- The important steps to evolve your website optimization and achieve greater online visibility.
- How successfully ranked websites leverage the strong backbone of their existing site and are adding a lot more value (content!) on top.
- Mike’s favorite tools for keyword and content research, social media, and more.
January 19
How to Find and Get a Small Business Grant
Live Webinar at 1 p.m.
Small business grants are an entrepreneur’s dream because they offer money that does not have to be repaid, but finding, applying for, and winning small business grants can be daunting.
In this webinar, presented by Education Director of Nav Gerri Detweiler, attendees will learn:
- The main sources of grants, including both private and federal grants.
- Tools for researching small business grants.
- Application tips to increase your chances of being successful.
- Is there really free money to start a business?
- The current state of COVID-19 small business grants.
January 28
Data Privacy - Why it Should be a Top Priority for Your Small to Medium-Size Business
Live Webinar at 2 p.m.
Small to medium-size businesses (SMBs) need to make data privacy a higher priority in today’s increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem.
Join Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) CEO and founder Kristin Judge and Keeper Security CEO and co-founder Darren Guccione, as they discuss issues regarding cybersecurity, privacy, data governance, and digital ethics.
In this conversational webinar, attendees will learn:
- Some of the data privacy regulations that are affecting small to medium-size businesses today.
- The responsibilities and potential liabilities created by these regulations.
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How SMBs can take proactive steps to comply with complex regulations.
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