This year's recipient of the Small Business of the Year award embodies the very essence of what it means to thrive in a competitive landscape. From the first seed of an idea to a full complement of services, this small business sets itself apart.
They pride themselves on having a can-do attitude and in helping their customers succeed. This is accomplished by continually investing in their greatest strength – their employees. Job-specific training and education is provided to all team members, with a paramount focus on nurturing their personal welfare. The company not only offers top-tier benefits but also teaches financial literacy to team members. Additionally, an emergency care fund stands ready to assist employees facing unforeseen challenges. Our small business of the year has a culture rooted in community that is demonstrated through its dedication to the arts and support for organizations such as ACTS, Children's Place, and the Cumbee Center. Throughout its nearly five decades in operation, the company has expanded its range of products and services while also delivering enriching experiences to its customers. Often described as a happy place for its customers, this business offers workshop and event experiences which educate the community and help us celebrate the seasons with natural beauty. Under new ownership since 2020, yet deeply rooted in tradition, our small business of the year crafts stunning spaces that invite peace, refuge and connection. Their commitment to resilience, teamwork, customer satisfaction, and accountability shines through in every interaction and service they offer. The company's tagline "Let's Grow" symbolizes its commitment to nurturing plants, fostering employee development, expanding its footprint, and actively supporting and engaging with the local community. We are blooming excited to announce the Aiken Chamber’s small business of the year is Cold Creek Nurseries, owned by Jennifer and Bill Tiszai. |
Integrity, teamwork, innovation and service are the core values at the heart of our large business of the year, and using these values to create lasting societal and economic impacts is in its DNA.
Our large business of the year serves our community. Through educational programs that foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, they inspire students with the wonders of our world. Through captivating experiments, demonstrations, and education grants for our teachers they ignite minds and empower futures. Our large business of the year partners with local businesses and nonprofits through community outreach programs to help make Aiken better, stronger, and more sustainable. Its employee-led giving campaigns have to date raised $253,000, and countless employee volunteer hours are given to create long-term change. The organization can proudly yell, Go Tigers, Go Gamecocks, Go Yellow Jackets, Go Dawgs, and go Bulldogs as they partner with 5 universities, they are always guaranteed a win. With roots that run much deeper than its official 20-year anniversary it celebrates in 2024, this elite organization has very few peers in America and none like it in the world. It is a dynamic research and development hub nestled in the heart of innovation. It is where brilliant minds converge to tackle some of the toughest environmental and security puzzles facing our nation. Through collaborative efforts, they safeguard our country and the world by leveraging scientific advancements in international security, environmental preservation, and energy sustainability. This organization boasts unparalleled proficiency in nuclear, chemical, and materials engineering, coupled with a unique knack for transforming breakthroughs into large-scale applications. With a steadfast dedication to tangible outcomes and a gold standard safety culture, they safeguard both their fourteen-hundred-member workforce and the environment. As the manager of the Savannah River National Laboratory, tonight, we recognize Battelle Savannah River Alliance as the Aiken Chamber Large Business of the Year. |
Our man of the year has a unique ability to spearhead initiatives with remarkable speed and precision; never losing momentum regardless of the complexity at hand.
A man with tremendous compassion for the downtrodden and a vigorous dislike of bullies. He goes above and beyond to fulfill commitments and is guided by his faith and clear moral compass.
Our distinguished honoree has an electrifying drive to improve the lives of his employees and members of the community. He doesn’t quit when challenges arise and will get in the trenches and get a job done whether it is helping a colleague, friend or stranger in need, or leading a multi-million-dollar corporation to be the best corporate citizen possible.
Our man of the year has played a crucial role in advancing numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of our community, with two standout achievements deserving special recognition:
First, he has championed the implementation and continued success of a program offering low-interest loans for home improvements, which has since been adopted and replicated nationwide.
Secondly, our man of the year played a pivotal role in raising awareness and spearheading efforts for affordable broadband access in rural South Carolina. Collaborating with industry peers, essential infrastructure is now in place enhancing connectivity across the region and improving access to education and healthcare in nine rural counties. This marks a significant stride towards equity and progress.
Our honoree has, and continues to be, a leading voice in economic development. In the last 15 years, he has been a part of more than $2.5 billion of new capital investment in Aiken County that has led to more than thirty-two hundred direct jobs.
He's always hungry to do more for his community, and it seems like there's no satisfying his appetite for making a difference. At the helm of Aiken Electric Cooperative, his dedication to the overarching mission of enhancing the lives of rural South Carolinians shines through. Gary Stooksbury, our man of the year, embodies this mission not just in his professional capacity, but also in his personal life, where his commitment to service knows no bounds.
A man with tremendous compassion for the downtrodden and a vigorous dislike of bullies. He goes above and beyond to fulfill commitments and is guided by his faith and clear moral compass.
Our distinguished honoree has an electrifying drive to improve the lives of his employees and members of the community. He doesn’t quit when challenges arise and will get in the trenches and get a job done whether it is helping a colleague, friend or stranger in need, or leading a multi-million-dollar corporation to be the best corporate citizen possible.
Our man of the year has played a crucial role in advancing numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of our community, with two standout achievements deserving special recognition:
First, he has championed the implementation and continued success of a program offering low-interest loans for home improvements, which has since been adopted and replicated nationwide.
Secondly, our man of the year played a pivotal role in raising awareness and spearheading efforts for affordable broadband access in rural South Carolina. Collaborating with industry peers, essential infrastructure is now in place enhancing connectivity across the region and improving access to education and healthcare in nine rural counties. This marks a significant stride towards equity and progress.
Our honoree has, and continues to be, a leading voice in economic development. In the last 15 years, he has been a part of more than $2.5 billion of new capital investment in Aiken County that has led to more than thirty-two hundred direct jobs.
He's always hungry to do more for his community, and it seems like there's no satisfying his appetite for making a difference. At the helm of Aiken Electric Cooperative, his dedication to the overarching mission of enhancing the lives of rural South Carolinians shines through. Gary Stooksbury, our man of the year, embodies this mission not just in his professional capacity, but also in his personal life, where his commitment to service knows no bounds.
It is now time to honor someone whose contributions to our community are as vast as they are impactful. As we unveil the qualities of this remarkable lady, it becomes abundantly clear why she is deserving of the title "Woman of the Year."
In every interaction, she embodies diplomacy, empathy, and intuition, navigating challenges with grace and understanding. One nominator describes her as kindness and class personified. Her gift for public speaking captivates audiences, while her adeptness in relationship and team building fosters collaboration and unity.
Her adaptive and strategic thinking have steered her and those she volunteers with through various endeavors while her boundless creativity breathes life into every project she undertakes. But perhaps her most extraordinary quality is her unwavering motivation and encouragement, uplifting those around her with words that resonate deep within the soul and leave one better. When she says, “You’ll be great”, you walk away believing it.
Despite the whirlwind of responsibilities in her life, from family to church, to business and community, our woman of the year remains a steadfast beacon of support, always ready to lend a helping hand. With a servant's heart, she leads by example, dedicating her time and energy to numerous organizations and causes close to her heart.
She has acted in many productions, but one thing that is not an act is her sincerity.
She is known for her infectious smile and for greeting others by asking, "How can I help you today?" This is not just a question; it's a sincere testament to her genuine care for others and her true willingness to set aside what she is doing to help.
With every word and action, our woman of the year embodies the spirit of service and compassion, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
And so, it is with great honor and admiration that we reveal the Aiken Chamber Woman of the Year is Julie Whitesell.
In every interaction, she embodies diplomacy, empathy, and intuition, navigating challenges with grace and understanding. One nominator describes her as kindness and class personified. Her gift for public speaking captivates audiences, while her adeptness in relationship and team building fosters collaboration and unity.
Her adaptive and strategic thinking have steered her and those she volunteers with through various endeavors while her boundless creativity breathes life into every project she undertakes. But perhaps her most extraordinary quality is her unwavering motivation and encouragement, uplifting those around her with words that resonate deep within the soul and leave one better. When she says, “You’ll be great”, you walk away believing it.
Despite the whirlwind of responsibilities in her life, from family to church, to business and community, our woman of the year remains a steadfast beacon of support, always ready to lend a helping hand. With a servant's heart, she leads by example, dedicating her time and energy to numerous organizations and causes close to her heart.
She has acted in many productions, but one thing that is not an act is her sincerity.
She is known for her infectious smile and for greeting others by asking, "How can I help you today?" This is not just a question; it's a sincere testament to her genuine care for others and her true willingness to set aside what she is doing to help.
With every word and action, our woman of the year embodies the spirit of service and compassion, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
And so, it is with great honor and admiration that we reveal the Aiken Chamber Woman of the Year is Julie Whitesell.
Ambassadors hold a prominent role of responsibility in the business community, serving as the Chamber's key liaisons for both new and current members.
Their role includes guiding members to discover the advantages and offerings of membership and facilitating their involvement within the organization.
The Ambassador of the Year Award stands as a testament to the dedication and exemplary service exhibited by volunteers within the Chamber. It reflects not only the hard work and commitment of our honoree but also the invaluable contributions made by all ambassadors to the Aiken Chamber and its members.
Tonight’s honoree sets herself apart and exemplifies the characteristics of a truly dedicated volunteer. She exceeds expectations in all her endeavors, whether it's advocating for new members and inspiring their engagement or supporting the Chamber professional team at events.
No one rivals our honoree’s dedication to the Chamber. In just a year, she shared the value of Chamber membership with more new members than any ambassador has in the past decade. And not only does she bring new members to the Chamber, but she also mentors them as they navigate their individual small business journeys, becoming their most enthusiastic supporter.
Our honoree consistently brings her best. She's deeply committed and true to her word; when she commits to something, she delivers. Whether it’s for the Chamber, her real estate clients, or her fellow small business owners, you can count on her to bring her A game to all she does.
We honor her tonight for her unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and genuine passion for fostering connections within our business community. Please join us in saying thank you and congratulations to our Ambassador of the Year… Debbie Roland.
Their role includes guiding members to discover the advantages and offerings of membership and facilitating their involvement within the organization.
The Ambassador of the Year Award stands as a testament to the dedication and exemplary service exhibited by volunteers within the Chamber. It reflects not only the hard work and commitment of our honoree but also the invaluable contributions made by all ambassadors to the Aiken Chamber and its members.
Tonight’s honoree sets herself apart and exemplifies the characteristics of a truly dedicated volunteer. She exceeds expectations in all her endeavors, whether it's advocating for new members and inspiring their engagement or supporting the Chamber professional team at events.
No one rivals our honoree’s dedication to the Chamber. In just a year, she shared the value of Chamber membership with more new members than any ambassador has in the past decade. And not only does she bring new members to the Chamber, but she also mentors them as they navigate their individual small business journeys, becoming their most enthusiastic supporter.
Our honoree consistently brings her best. She's deeply committed and true to her word; when she commits to something, she delivers. Whether it’s for the Chamber, her real estate clients, or her fellow small business owners, you can count on her to bring her A game to all she does.
We honor her tonight for her unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and genuine passion for fostering connections within our business community. Please join us in saying thank you and congratulations to our Ambassador of the Year… Debbie Roland.
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Aiken Chamber of Commerce
121 Richland Ave. E | Aiken, SC 29801 PO Box 892 | Aiken, SC 29802 Phone: (803) 641.1111 | [email protected]| sitemap |
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