E-Commerce Report

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September 26, 2024

INVESTING IN AIKEN'S FUTURE:

RENEWING VITAL PENNY TAXES FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

A Strong Foundation for Growth: Renewing the Aiken County Education Capital Improvements Sales Tax will enhance local schools and drive economic development. This will benefit the entire community by continuing to improve Aiken County’s educational facilities. Both this and the Capital Project Sales Tax are on the ballot for renewal and a YES vote is imperative for Aiken’s future.

Educational Capital Improvements Sales & Use Tax Facts:

· 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.

Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST-5) Facts:

· This is not a new tax; it has been in place since 2000.

· This tax is not collected on unprepared food, gas, prescriptions, and medical/dental services.

· Over 25% of this tax is estimated to be paid by people visiting Aiken County.

· First responder vehicles, water and sewer improvements, roads, recreation facilities, animal shelters, drinking water supplies, parks, and playgrounds are among the many projects that this tax will fund.

· This tax is a vote for a better community and quality of life.

Please register to vote by October 4, either in person at the Aiken County Government Center or online by visiting https://www.scvotes.gov/. Every vote counts. By voting YES on this ballot question, you’re supporting the children and securing the future of Aiken County.

Want more business this holiday season?

Buy Aiken-Red Ticket is BACK!

The wildly successful Buy Aiken-Red Ticket Campaign is back! To encourage customers to shop Aiken, your business will want to be included. Over 200,000 red tickets were given away in the first three years, equating to over $5 million spent locally through the campaign. With those types of numbers, you don’t want to miss out.

Shoppers earn 1 red ticket for every $25 spent at a participating business for a chance to win up to $5,000 in cash prizes. The campaign runs from November 1-December 16.

The Buy Aiken-Red Ticket Campaign offers an affordable, fun way to increase your business sales during the holiday season. Those businesses joining the campaign will become part of a 7-week-long advertising initiative being underwritten by our major sponsors, Met,Bridgestone and Master Chevrolet Cadillac.

Participants in the campaign will receive the following marketing benefits:

WRDW News 12 & WAGT NBC 26 – TV, streaming, digital ads, and social media posts.
Cumulus Media B106.7 Radio ads, video ads, social media ads, live and recorded promos.
Aiken City Lifestyle – print and online distribution, direct mail, and social media coverage.
The Aiken Horse – print and online distribution.
Exclusively featured in social media posts on the Aiken Chamber’s Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Prominent placement on www.aikenchamber.net Buy Aiken - Red Ticket webpage.
Coverage in the Aiken Chamber Commerce Report distributed in the Aiken Standard.
Weekly e-blasts in the Weekend Rundown to over 6,000 subscribers in the CSRA.
Signage announcing your business as a participating location.
Weekly drawings to build enthusiasm and encourage additional shopping.

For an investment as low as $100 for members and $400 for non-members, the Aiken Chamber can give your business a boost this holiday shopping season. Participation is not limited to retail. Contact the Chamber’s Director of Membership Services, Sarah Schultz (803) 645-0502 or sschultz@aikenchamber.net to register and discuss innovative ways to involve your business.

MAJOR SPONSORS

Don’t be left out…join the great list of participating businesses below.

803 Mobile Detailing and Wash, LLC

Alicia Fitts Consulting & Marketing Solutions

A Little Touch of Heaven, LLC

Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS)

Aiken Co. Historical Museum Gift Shop

Aiken Medical Aesthetics

Aiken Saddlery

Aiken Wellness Spa & Boutique

Board In Aiken

Carquest Auto Parts

City Billiards

Cold Creek Nurseries, LLC

Etherredge Center for Performing Arts

Family Pharmacy

The Feed Sack

Flawless Glow Cosmetics Studio

Hawthorne Pharmacy

Honey Baked Ham Cafe & Catering

Horse Creek Academy

Jowers Technology Solutions, LLC

Just Julie’s Sandwich Shop

Lionel Smith

Master Chevrolet

The Red Door Sake + Kitchen

Scenthound

Shepeard Community Blood Center

Southeastern Residential

Southern Gal in the Valley

The Proper Plate

Town Creek Boutique

Trophies Unlimited

Vampire Penguin

Whiskey Alley

Woodside Country Club

It's a great day for business in Aiken, South Carolina.

Aiken Chamber’s

Coffee Crawl

Brews Business Conversations

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is brewing something special this fall with its newest event. The Coffee Crawl, set to take place across several local coffee shops and restaurants, offers a unique opportunity for chamber members to network and chat with Jim Tunison, President/CEO of the Aiken Chamber, over a cup of coffee. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a business professional with fresh ideas, or simply curious about Aiken’s economic development, this event is the perfect setting to engage in insightful discussions.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to meet with our members and community leaders in a more casual setting. I want to hear what’s on their minds, whether it’s ideas for the future, feedback on the current business environment, or just a good conversation over a cup of coffee," said Tunison.

During the Coffee Crawl, participants can drop in at local coffee spots, enjoy some of Aiken's finest brews, and exchange ideas with fellow attendees. From discussing the challenges small businesses face to sharing visions for the future of Aiken, no topic is off-limits. And the coffee is complimentary, thanks to our daily sponsors.

Coffee Crawl Locations and Schedule:

Thursday, October 3 at La Parisienne hosted by CarolinaConnect
Tuesday, October 8 at The Willcox hosted by MAI Risk Advisors
Thursday, October 10 at The Boxcar Coffee Co. in Lowe’s Food Store hosted by Aiken City Lifestyle
Friday, October 11 at Oh Mie Stelle Bakery hosted by PerformanceAbove
Tuesday, October 15 at The Proper Plate hosted by Jowers Technology Solutions
Wednesday, October 16 at The Village Café hosted by SANDLER
Wednesday, October 23 at NOLA Coffee hosted by Security Federal Bank

All Coffee Crawl meetups will begin at 9 a.m. Space is limited, please register online at www.aikenchamber.net.

Whether you're a new or long-time member, the Coffee Crawl promises to be an exciting way to foster connections, explore new business opportunities, and make Aiken a stronger community—one cup at a time.

BLASTIN' WINNERS

The team representing Crane & Owen Financial Solutions won the 9^th Annual Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot held on September 13 at the Palmetto Shooting Complex. Pictured, from left, is Aiken President/CEO Jim Tunison, Steve Berendsen, Jason Crane, Tim Berendsen, and Collin Flanders (not pictured is teammate David Flanders). Joined by their mascot Tess, Flanders’ hunting dog.

With a score of 85 out of 100, John Gregory took home the prize for best overall score of the day at the 9^th Annual Blastin’ for Business Clay Shoot held on September 13. He was a representative of the team for Lori Comshaw’s Personal Training.

Legislative Update at First Friday Means Business

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Senator Tom Young will be the keynote speaker at next month’s First Friday Means Business event on Friday, October 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Newberry Hall.

Known for his dedication to the local community and years of service, Senator Young has represented Aiken in the South Carolina Senate for over a decade. He serves on several key committees, including the Family and Veterans’ Services, Finance, Judiciary, Education, Fish, Game and Forestry and has been a committed advocate for the needs of Aiken County.

Senator Young, a lifelong resident of Aiken, is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, holds a law degree from the USC School of Law, and is co-founder of Young and Thurmond, LLC.

In addition to Senator Young’s legislative update, attendees will also receive reports from Aiken County, the City of Aiken, the Aiken Chamber, and the October First Friday Means Business sponsor, SRP Federal Credit Union.

RVSP to First Friday Here

Members, submit your updates

The Aiken Chamber’s annual community guide and membership directory, Welcome Aiken, is underway for 2025.

Chamber members, now is the time to update your membership information and to market your business in the award winning publication.

The verification process of members’ information on file with the Chamber began last week. All members have been sent their specific information to verify, along with a marketing opportunity to purchase enhancements of their listing in the membership directory. Enhancements are available for as little as $150.

More than 8,000 copies of Welcome Aiken are distributed annually to newcomers, visitors, potential residents, current residents, and to business and industry for recruiting purposes. Members also receive a personal copy and are encouraged to support their fellow Chamber members by using the directory as their business-to-business resource.

Contact Dianne Phillips at dphillips@aikenchamber.net, or (803) 645-0169, for additional information.

The Accountability Code

Business Support Services/Consulting

Utilizing The Accountability Code to make follow through easy and peaceful. Life and business coach Marci Barker specializes in strategy, execution, and accountability for businesses.

Aiken, SC 29803

Contact: Marci Barker

Phone: (801) 686-0272

www.marcibarker.com

A Little Touch of Heaven, LLC

Childcare

Providing quality, nurturing, care while empowering each child with respecting family values and cultures. My number one priority is to make sure all the children in my care are always safe.

446 Lawana Drive

Gloverville, SC 29828

Contact: Kenyata Crum

Phone: (803) 257-1992

Big House Outpost

Retail

Your new destination for high quality apparel and gear, grills and cooking accessories, gifts and other merchandise inspired by the outdoors and southern lifestyle.

300 Park Avenue, SE

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Paul Strength

Phone: (803) 507-5174

www.bighouseoutpost.com

Design Persuasion

Marketing

While you juggle the many hats necessary to make your business succeed, let Design Persuasion craft the image you need to take your business to the next level. With our goal-driven approach to graphic design and website creation, we artfully help you reach your customers and community.

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Samantha Bodie

Phone: (803) 270-4896

www.designpersuasion.com

Faithful Reliability

Consulting Services

We specialize in condition-based maintenance, enhancing equipment performance and longevity through expert vibration analysis, ultrasound, and infrared inspections, ensuring operational efficiency and minimizing downtime for industrial clients.

Graniteville, SC 29829

Contact: Kelvin Gardner

Phone: (803) 634-0873

www.faithfulreliability.com

The Icee Fusion Experience

Ice Cream/Snow Cones/Yogurt

We are a healthy frozen dessert company based out of Graniteville, SC.

Graniteville, SC 29829

Contact: Sonya Wilson

Phone: (803) 845-9596

PC Techware

Cyber Security

We help small businesses get secure, stay secure and grow secure. We are a cybersecurity-focused firm delivering responsive customer service offering fully Managed IT Services and Helpdesk Support.

3615 Walton Way Ext., Suite 201

Augusta, GA 30909

Contact: Matthew Jay

Phone: (706) 389-0580

www.pctechware.com

PCS Custom Training Solutions, LLC

Business Support Services/Consulting

We provide safety consulting and fully customized safety eLearning development and turnkey LMS services.

Trenton, SC 29847

Contact: Patti Carey

Phone: (716) 560-8297

www.pcscustomtraining.com

Scissors & Sofas

Boutique

Discover the ultimate fusion of ‘Cuts and Comfort’ at Scissors and Sofas. Refresh your look and elevate your space with our unique approach to styling and interior design.

225 Richland Avenue, East

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Tasha Raby

Phone: (803) 262-5141

Stanley Martin Homes

Builder and Construction Supplies

At Stanley Martin, Your Life is Our Blueprint ®, which is why we focus entirely on you, and on how you live your life every day. Operating with the utmost dedication, integrity, respect, excellence, and honesty, we work hard to provide you with an outstanding home building experience

3740 Walton Way Ext

Harlem, GA 309

Contact: Casey Williams

Phone: (706) 723-7606

www.stanleymartin.com

Marcus Weeks State Farm

Insurance

We proudly serve our community with insurance and financial services while providing outstanding customer service.

212 University Parkway

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Marcus Weeks

Phone: (803) 648-1143

www.marcusweeksinsurance.com

Thomas Agency Group

Marketing

We create customized marketing digital marketing, and web development. We’re dedicated to your success and building strong relationships. Tag, you’re it!

132 Chesterfield Street, South

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Ashley Thomas

Phone: (843) 940-4013

www.thomasagencygroup.com

Tippy-Toes Boutique

Apparel (Children's)

We strive to provide parents with fashionable, affordable clothing and accessories for their little ones. We also have a play area for children to use while mom and dad shop!

113 Laurens Street, SW Suite 107

Aiken, SC 29801

Contact: Mellisa Walton

Phone: (585) 409-6417

www.tippytoesboutique.shop

Building Aiken's Future

one ribbon cutting at a time

The Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Travelera Partners on August 29 with an official ribbon cutting. Holding the scissors is Travelera Partners owner Jackie Wammock accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by friends and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Jackie, a seasoned traveler who has explored 31 countries and countless destinations, is now offering expert travel services. With her extensive experience and deep knowledge of international travel, she is the go-to resource for planning personalized itineraries and creating unforgettable travel experiences. For more information on her services, visit https://www.travelerapartners.com.

On September 3, the Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Downtown Hydration and Wellness with an official ribbon cutting. Located downtown at 120 Laurens St. NW Suite J, they provide services such as IV hydration, injections, weight management, red light therapy, and testosterone replacement therapy. Cutting the ribbon is owner and nurse practitioner Natasha Davis accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. Joining them are friends and family of Downtown Hydration and Wellness along with members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. For more information, visit www.downtownhydration.com.

On September 10, the Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Atomic Workers Alliance with an official ribbon cutting. The Atomic Workers Alliance, a home health agency, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our nation’s atomic workers by providing personalized care in the comfort of their homes. Cutting the ribbon is CEO Sanjiv Dhawan accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. Joining them are members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador team, AWA staff, and their family and friends. Atomic Workers Alliance (AWA) can be found at 1204 Whiskey Rd. Ste. A. For additional information, visit www.awacares.com.

The Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Aiken’s first Japanese inspired head spa at Flawless Glow Studio & Spa on September 11. Cutting the ribbon is Jeannette and Ryan Moseley, owners of Flawless Glow, accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. Joining them are friends of the Moseley's as well as members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Among their many services, including their infamous head spa, are skincare treatments, relaxing massage options, and skin-friendly spray tans. Flawless Glow is located at 106 Lauren’s St. SW. Additional information on their services can be found at www.flawlessglowstudio.com.

On September 12, the Aiken Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Big House Outpost with an official ribbon cutting. Cutting the ribbon is owner Caleb Conner, accompanied by his wife Faris Connor, and store manager Paul Strength. They are joined by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison and members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Big House Outpost, located at 300 Park Ave SE, offers a curated collection of goods including home décor and fine apparel tailed to those who spend their lives outdoors. For additional information, visit https://bighousehardware.com/big-house-outpost/.

On September 17, the Aiken Chamber celebrated with an official ribbon cutting for Eyemart Express. Cutting the ribbon is store manager Marysa Sierra joined by her staff and accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by members of the Aiken Chamber Ambassador Team. Eyemart Express offers over 2,000 frames, including designer options for any budget. With in-store labs, they ensure same-day glasses. Convenient eye exams are available next door. Spend more time enjoying life and less time worrying about vision. Eyemart Express is located at 4086 Julep Wy SW Ste A. For more information on their services, visit www.eyemartexpress.com.

On September 18, the Aiken Chamber celebrated an official ribbon cutting for Empyrean Hospice. Cutting the ribbon is team member Belinda Jones, accompanied by Aiken Chamber President/CEO Jim Tunison. They are joined by staff of Empyrean Hospice including Owner Larry Graham, CEO Doug Able, COO Elle Baker, Vice President Blake Hawkins, and VP of Operations January Menees. As a Christian, in-home hospice provider, they provide the highest quality clinical care, sharing the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. The Empyrean Hospice professional staff is dedicated to offering compassionate care for individuals at the end of life. Their office can be found at 164 University Parkway, Suite 203. For additional information on their services, visit www.empyreanhospice.com.

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.

Always Learning with SCORE

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. Greater Aiken SCORE is a partner with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.

October 29: Improve Your Website. Enhance Your Business. Beat Your Competition.

In-Person @ 12 p.m. at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce

Your website represents your company, so it's vital to define clear goals. What actions should visitors take when they visit your website, and how will you measure success?

This presentation will cover best practices for website design, including mobile and speed optimization, website security, and writing effective content. We will also explore SEO strategies to help you improve your Google search ranking and methods to track your results, ensuring your website performs well and aligns with your business goals.

This presentation will address the most common challenges website owner's encounter. We will cover how to:

Define clear goals for your website to align with company objectives.
Determine desired actions for visitors and how to measure their success.
Implement best practices for website design to enhance user experience.
Optimize your site for mobile devices and improve page speed.
Ensure robust security measures to protect your site and data.
Conduct thorough testing and use effective content writing strategies.
Apply SEO techniques to boost Google rankings and track your site's performance.

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.