Dogged determination drives Aiken Chamber
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 2019 program of work.
One area of focus in the Chamber’s program of work is community building. The Chamber will convene traditional and nontraditional leaders around specific community issues that have bearing on business and our economy. This community building program will involve individuals who all share a common concern and passion for positively developing Aiken’s future.
Aiken Chamber Chair, Pastor Paul Bush said, “By collectively establishing priorities that can invoke change, our community can tackle problems and issues that impact all of us, from the faith-based community, neighborhoods, law enforcement, government, business, education and many others. This program is tied to the belief that Aiken isn’t good enough for any of us until its good enough for ALL of us.”
Another focus of the 2019 Program of Work is advocacy and collaborations. One strength of the Aiken Chamber is its ability to connect and convene people interested in solving a common problem. Another is using its 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.
There are 11 action items included in this section of the 2019 program of work - the list may be added to over the year.
• Secure new missions to facilitate economic growth at the Savannah River Site
• Encourage the proper development of the former Aiken County Complex and the surrounding area.
• Secure funding for an Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, an initiative of the Savannah River National Laboratory, to be built on the USC Aiken campus and owned by the Economic Development Partnership.
• Advocate for and encourage the timely redevelopment of the Aiken Mall property.
• Grow the winner’s circle related to the relocation of the United States Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Headquarters to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, to include Aiken as a desirable location to live, work and locate businesses supporting ARCYBER.
• Socialize the idea of “SRS Cyber” to demonstrate the potential for the Savannah River Site region to address our nation’s cyber security and resiliency needs.
• Apply information from SC Connect to provide broadband access to all of Aiken County. This will aid in attracting technology savvy employees and entrepreneurs working in the cyber arena to the area and ensure all students have access to the internet.
• Socialize and use the Novogradac Rental Market Housing Study to attract rental housing to Aiken and fulfill an unmet need in the market.
• Coordinate with large employers to connect new hires to the community to aid in employee retention.
• Team with Aiken Works to dispel myths about skilled trade professions, highlight career opportunities in those professions, showcase skilled professionals’ vocational pride.
• Expand the nationally recognized digital marketing campaign to attract new residents and business investment to the area.
In 2019, the Aiken Chamber will continue to focus on providing value to its members. Membership in the Aiken Chamber provides opportunities for members to connect in the area’s largest business network, develop relationships, connect with potential strategic partners and stay well-informed through business training and education programs.
One area of focus in the Chamber’s program of work is community building. The Chamber will convene traditional and nontraditional leaders around specific community issues that have bearing on business and our economy. This community building program will involve individuals who all share a common concern and passion for positively developing Aiken’s future.
Aiken Chamber Chair, Pastor Paul Bush said, “By collectively establishing priorities that can invoke change, our community can tackle problems and issues that impact all of us, from the faith-based community, neighborhoods, law enforcement, government, business, education and many others. This program is tied to the belief that Aiken isn’t good enough for any of us until its good enough for ALL of us.”
Another focus of the 2019 Program of Work is advocacy and collaborations. One strength of the Aiken Chamber is its ability to connect and convene people interested in solving a common problem. Another is using its 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.
There are 11 action items included in this section of the 2019 program of work - the list may be added to over the year.
• Secure new missions to facilitate economic growth at the Savannah River Site
• Encourage the proper development of the former Aiken County Complex and the surrounding area.
• Secure funding for an Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, an initiative of the Savannah River National Laboratory, to be built on the USC Aiken campus and owned by the Economic Development Partnership.
• Advocate for and encourage the timely redevelopment of the Aiken Mall property.
• Grow the winner’s circle related to the relocation of the United States Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) Headquarters to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, to include Aiken as a desirable location to live, work and locate businesses supporting ARCYBER.
• Socialize the idea of “SRS Cyber” to demonstrate the potential for the Savannah River Site region to address our nation’s cyber security and resiliency needs.
• Apply information from SC Connect to provide broadband access to all of Aiken County. This will aid in attracting technology savvy employees and entrepreneurs working in the cyber arena to the area and ensure all students have access to the internet.
• Socialize and use the Novogradac Rental Market Housing Study to attract rental housing to Aiken and fulfill an unmet need in the market.
• Coordinate with large employers to connect new hires to the community to aid in employee retention.
• Team with Aiken Works to dispel myths about skilled trade professions, highlight career opportunities in those professions, showcase skilled professionals’ vocational pride.
• Expand the nationally recognized digital marketing campaign to attract new residents and business investment to the area.
In 2019, the Aiken Chamber will continue to focus on providing value to its members. Membership in the Aiken Chamber provides opportunities for members to connect in the area’s largest business network, develop relationships, connect with potential strategic partners and stay well-informed through business training and education programs.
