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October 31, 2024

Buy - Aiken Red Ticket

Shopping Recommendations from Bizzy the Elf

As the holiday season approaches, Bizzy the Elf is here to help spread cheer and encourage local shopping with the Buy Aiken - Red Ticket campaign! Running from November 1 to December 16, the campaign rewards shoppers who purchase goods and services at local businesses.


When you shop at these participating Aiken locations, you’ll receive a red ticket for every $25 spent. Hold onto those tickets for a chance to win exciting cash prizes! The tickets will be entered to win weekly drawings which start at $100 in week one and grow to three $1,000 awards. More than $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the campaign. Additionally, this year introduces a new opportunity to win a $50 gift card from each participating location. Bizzy the Elf reminds everyone that shopping locally not only brings joy to the holiday season but also helps our community thrive.

Don’t miss your chance to WIN BIG while supporting local businesses. Follow the Aiken Chamber on Facebook and tune in every Monday at 5 p.m. for the LIVE weekly drawing. Winning ticket numbers will also be posted at www.aikenchamber.net. The first drawing is on November 4 at 5 p.m.

 

Support local, get your red tickets, and let Bizzy bring a little extra holiday magic to your shopping experience!


A ticket with the winning number must be presented to the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at 121 Richland Ave. E, Aiken, SC 29801 in person within 7 days of the drawing. Winners must be 18 years of age or older. A winning ticket not redeemed by the next drawing will be considered void and is not redeemable. Unclaimed prize money will be added to the drawing the following week. Weekly winners are not excluded from the grand prize drawings but are excluded from further weekly drawings. The winning grand prize tickets must be claimed by Monday, January 3, at 5 p.m. All winners agree to have their name and image used in Aiken Chamber of Commerce publications including newspaper articles, newsletters, website and social media. Taxes on prizes are the responsibility of the winner.  


MAJOR SPONSORS

Participants as of 10/28/2024

Click here for more information on Buy Aiken - Red Ticket

Pictured are some individuals who are advocating for the penny tax (in no particular order): Molly Jones, Charlie Hartz, David Jameson, Donna Godbee, Chip Retson, Jerry Lang, Jim Tunison and John Lamprecht, Isaac Kelly, Katina Broadwater, Larry Ling, King Lawrence, Stephanie Slade, Lizzie Abshire, Woody Malone, Carmen Landy, Mike Budney, Gary Sullivan, Sarah Schultz, Tabitha Amodio, Dustin Ennis, Curt Hanna, Heather Ferrante, Kristi Carney, Whitney Goodwin, Will Williams

Fast Facts

Educational Capital Improvements Sales & Use Tax


  • This is not a new tax; it has been in place since 2014.
  • The 2014 Sales Tax helped fund the new Aiken High School, North Augusta High School, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School, Ridge Spring-Monetta's K-12 Campus, and Aiken County's Career and Technology Center.
  • 10% collected will be used for property tax relief and 90% will be used for the proposed projects.
  • Approximately 30% of this tax is estimated to be paid by people visiting Aiken County.
  • This tax is not collected on unprepared food, gas, prescriptions, and medical/dental services.
  • Without this tax, school construction and upgrades would likely not be possible.
  • This tax is an investment in our schools, an investment in Aiken’s future.
Click Here for More Info on the Penny Tax

AIKEN CHAMBER AMBASSADOR APPLICATIONS

NOW OPEN

Ambassadors have a promi­nent position of responsibility in the business community. They act as the Aiken Chamber’s pri­mary liaisons for new and ex­isting members and are highly visible at Chamber events. Working in conjunction with the Chamber’s professional staff, the Ambassador Team works to ensure members are maximizing the many benefits of Chamber membership, such as networking opportunities, educational seminars, and a variety of marketing opportunities.


Applications were emailed out this week to the current membership. The Chamber will accept applications through Friday, November 22, and we will kick off the 2025 Ambassador Team in January. 

First Friday Means Business: Life After Fed Rate Cuts and the 2024 Election

Founder and President of MarketNsight John Hunt will be the keynote speaker at next month’s First Friday Means Business event on Friday, November 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Newberry Hall. Hunt will discuss the effects of falling interest rates and what that means for housing demand, and what the fallout will be from this year’s election cycle. Join us as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond. 


John Hunt, graduate of Samford University with a BA in Finance/Economics, is MarketNsight’s Chief Analyst and Principal. With over 30 years in the housing industry, he has developed qualitative and quantitative analysis tools to produce extremely accurate modeling and forecasts.



This event is being sponsored by The Honey Baked Ham Co.

Register here for Business After Hours

Antares

Nuclear Design Construction and Operations

Antares is a nuclear technology company focused on building rapidly deployable microreactors for critical U.S. Department of Defense mission enablement.


2400 Marine Avenue, Suite 104

Redondo Beach, CA 90278


Contact: Matt Griffin

www.antaresindustries.com

Cheron's Bridal

Boutique

Here to help you find the perfect wedding gown style and prom dress fit at a price you can afford. Our friendly bridal shop offers a wide selection of wedding dresses, prom dresses, mother dresses, party dresses, and tuxedo rentals near, including a large selection of accessories. Get the 5-Star customer service you deserve. And thank you for supporting your local small businesses!


386 Park Avenue, SE

Aiken, SC 29801



Contact: Kelly Carter

Phone: (888) 212-8347

https://cheronsbridal.com/

CNS Cares

Home Health Care (DOL Provider)

Health Care and Claims Assistance for energy workers. We serve former energy workers with the highest quality, compassionate home health care. Our experienced, caring team is dedicated to helping you maximize all the benefits of the Department of Labor’s EEOICPA or RECA programs.

237 Barnwell Avenue, NW

Aiken, SC 29801



Contact: Kim Woods

Phone: (706) 350-2227

www.cnscares.com/georgia-south-carolina

Gregg-Graniteville Foundation, Inc. – d/b/a Gregg Park Civic Center 

Sports & Recreation

We are a hometown recreation center with rental spaces, youth leagues and community programs.


1001 A Avenue

Graniteville, SC 29829


Contact: Diana Silas

Phone: (803) 663-7552

www.greggparkonline.com

Gulf Financial Group

Financial Advisor/Investments/Planning

We are an independent fiduciary investment advisory firm. Our financial planning process is customized to each client’s goals, needs, and timeline so you get the support you deserve.


900 Trail Ridge Road, Suite 146

Aiken, SC 29803


Contact: Sam Kirkendohl

Phone: (803) 508-8701

https://gulffinancialgroup.com/

HomeSmiles Aiken

Home Maintenance

Proactive, comprehensive, and preventive home maintenance conveniently bundled into one appointment.

Aiken, SC 29803



Contact: Andy Olson

Phone: (803) 303-1534

www.aiken.homesmiles.com

SandHills Land & Septic Services, LLC

Home Services

We offer septic installation and repair, tree removal, land clearing and grading, demolition, etc. Family owned and operated.

Beech Island, SC 29842



Contact: Rodney Hinson           

Phone: (803) 640-4200

www.facebook.com/sandhillslandandseptic

Liston "Goose" Gainey State Farm

Insurance & Investments

We offer auto, home, and life insurance, Retirement and Financial Planning.


132 Kerr Street, Suite 120

North Augusta, SC 29841



Contact: Liston "Goose" Gainey

Phone: (803) 279-0266

www.teamgoosesf.com

SunBreak Window Tinting

Window Tinting (mobile, residential, commercial)

Professionalism. Excellence. Timeliness. Fast, efficient, and honest, SunBreak Window Tinting is a reputable window tinting service. Our team is up for every job, managing automotive, residential, and commercial projects with the skill and experience our clients expect.


2153 Whiskey Road

Aiken, SC 29803



Contact: Gene Hart

Phone: (803) 226-0035

www.sunbreaktint.com

Teachers Haven

Nonprofit Educational

To provide essential supplies and resources to underfunded teachers and classrooms.

PO Box 115

Aiken, SC 29802



Contact: April Williams

Phone: (803) 334-1895

www.teachershaven.org

Tony Islan

Associate


Aiken, SC



267-760-5976

Adams Horse Supply

Equine Supplies

A woman-owned business, run by a staff of equestrians and pet lovers who want nothing more than to bring high quality products to customers here and across the US and Canada.


119 Bolton Ct

Aiken, SC 29803



Contact: Jennifer Helgren

877-322-7387

www.adamshorsesupply.com

Elite Home Care

Adult Daycare Center

Specializing in caring for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other conditions involving chronic loss of memory and motor skills, or those with special needs.


905 East Pine Log Road

Aiken, SC 29803


Contact: Michelle Singleton

864-869-8730

www.elitehomecaresc.com

Thrivent

Financial Advisor / Investments/Planning

Now serving clients as the Aiken branch of a greater team based out of the Upstate. Helping our members be wise with money so they can lead generous lives is important to us and the goal of our practice. We are excited to meet you!


220 Richland Ave, West

Aiken, SC 29801



Contact: Kayla Campbell

803-306-8051

https://connect.thrivent.com/kayla-campbell

Nuclear Care Partners

Home Health Care (DOL Provider)

We believe every former atomic worker deserves the highest level of care. At Nuclear Care Partners we commit to creating customized care solutions to meet your unique health needs, to finding a caregiver that fits your lifestyle and treats you with kindness and respect, and to finding the best solution for YOU. If we are unable to provide this for you, we will support you in finding a provider who can meet your needs.


1908-A Pawnee Street

Aiken, SC 29803



Contact: Tasha Roberts

803-560-0100

http://www.nuclearcarepartners.com/

Aiken Youth Choirs, Inc

Arts Organization

Comprised of different vocal ensembles ranging in age from pre-K to 14 and up. Choral singing boosts self-confidence, promotes teamwork, and supports learning. Being in a choir Is not only fun and creative but also a great way to be active and of service in our community.


215 Park Ave, SE

Aiken, SC 29801



Contact: Mark LeGrande

www.southboundarysingers.org

Building Aiken's Future

one ribbon cutting at a time

On October 8, the Aiken Chamber welcomed Tippy-Toes Boutique with an official ribbon cutting at their grand opening! Cutting the ribbon is owner Melissa Walton, accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by friends and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Tippy-Toes Boutique offers an exclusive line of infant and children's clothing and accessories for boys and girls. Come also check out their toys, books, jewelry, hair accessories, tumblers, shoes, children's backpacks and purses, mom and dad options, summer styles and more. Their unique boutique also offers a children's play area so you can shop seamlessly! For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551782070817

On October 15, The Aiken Chamber celebrated HomeSmiles, one of its newest members, with an official ribbon cutting! Cutting the ribbon is owner Andy Olson, joined by his staff members Jay and Adam and accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are also joined by the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. HomeSmiles is a one-stop shop for all of your interior & exterior home maintenance needs. Gutters, Pressure Wash, Dryer Vent, Ext. Windows, and more. Protect your home and keep it safe and efficient. Call 803-830-4472 to schedule or for more information, visit www.aiken.homesmiles.com

Sign Up for the Weekend Rundown Here

Food, music, theatre, equine activities and even drag racing are just the beginning when it comes to things to do in Aiken.


Sponsored by SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, and Whiskey Alley, 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.