Produced by the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce

Connection
ChaMber
Business OppOrtunity COmmunity Heritage
With mixed emotions, I have decided to accept the job as President of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. This decision has not been an easy one. North Augusta has been my home for almost 13 years and my time with the Chamber has been one of the best times of my life. Since I moved here in 1999 this community has taken me in and treated me as its very own. North Augusta is my family. With that being said, even in families, the children often leave home to take hold of the opportunities and to face the adventures that life offers up. That is very much the case here. My family has struggled with this decision. Again, North Augusta is home. Its comfortable and its safe, but this is truly an opportunity that we cant turn down. North Augusta has a bright future and I am looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for this wonderful community. Over the coming weeks, I will work with our Board of Directors and staff to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure that the Chamber continues to grow in size and influence. I ask that all of you continue to support the chambers initiatives through your membership and your participation. I have no doubt that the Chambers brightest days are before it. Judy, Suzanne, our Board of Directors and our Ambassadors will continue to serve our members through our advocacy, education and networking opportunities. I will really miss you all! Brian Tucker, President May 24th at Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast was the place of our Business After Hours for May. The Event was held from 5-7pm, with refreshments and food from Chick-Fil-A being served. Rosemary Inn offered a great setting for a casual, relaxing time to visit with our Members both New and existing. A Special THANK YOU for our Sponsors: from the Small Business Roundtable: Lorilyn Smith-Magic Shrink Wraps Michael McCauley-Fleet Feet Sports Joel Presley-Presley Realty Kim Romaner-Possibilities Amplified Jeff Annis-Advanced Services Pest Control Jeff Partl-Powerserve Michelle Bennett-Serotta Maddocks Evans, CPAs Jay Weigle-Weigle Insurance Group Don White-Law Offices of Donald H. White Shelley Craft-Mens Refinery Barber Shop Andy Maxwell-Maxwell Smart Promotionals Jon Dawkins-Chick-fil-A Hope Seamon-LaDeeDa Gifts

July 2012

406 West Avenue PO Box 6246 North Augusta, S.C. 29861 VOICE: 803.279.2323 FAX: 803.279.0003 E-MAIL/WEBSITE: northaugustachamber.org Brian @ northaugustachamber.org Judy@northaugustachamber.org
Suzanne@northaugustachamber.org

North Augusta is my family

The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce advocates for the business community and provides opportunities for business engagements and growth.

Our MissiOn

Business After Hours for May

By 2010, the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce will be a community catalyst promoting collaboration and partnerships that maintain a positive business environment and enrich the communitys quality of life.

Our visiOn

Visit us online at northaugustachamber.org

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Our last A.M. Connection before Summer was held on May 23, 2012 at the North Augusta Community Center at 7:15am. Our Speaker/ Sponsor was Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, with Dr. Anthony Burris, Assistant Lab Director for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Dr. Burris gave his presentation on the National Security Programs at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. The invocation was given by Rev.Ryan Spurrier of Grace United Methodist Church. Our Pledge was given by Brian Tucker, President of the North Augusta Chamber. The winner of our first 2

North Augusta Chambers A.M. Connection

minute infomercial drawing was, Rev. Ryan Spurrier, who talked about Grace United Methodist Church. A THANK YOU was given to the City of North Augusta, along with Butch and Darlene of Als Family Restaurant for catering our Breakfast. Ft. Gordon awardees were recognized by Alia Naffouj. Speaker was introduced by Michelle Bennett of Serotta Maddocks and Evans. CPA.s., our Board Chair-person. Door Prizes were given by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. There will be NO A.M.Connection for June and July. Next one is August 22nd.

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North Augusta Chamber of Commerce

On June 6th at 8am at the Sunrise Grill, the Ambassadors attended a Thank You breakfast for them for their hard work throughout the 2012 year. A great breakfast and networking was had by those in attendance with a light agenda for the Meeting. Next Meeting will be on July 11th at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerces Office. Anyone interested in attending, please plan to attend at 8:00am on July 11th.

Ambassador Thank You Breakfast North Augusta Chambers 12@12 Lunch

The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce resumed their 12@12 Lunch on June 12th at noon at the River Golf Club. The purpose in this lunch is to invite 12 people to network, with a light agenda and participants buy their own lunch. Those attending were: Brian Tucker, Judy Whaley and Suzanne Fletcher with the North Augusta Chamber, Terry Lawson, Donald H. Bailie Agency, Swain Morris, NA 2000, Rechelle Dallas, The

Star/Aiken Standard, Austin Taylor, Matt Nieman Insurance, Tami Burke, Honey House Web Design, Chris Bennett, Maurices Bar B Que, and Chris Turner and Derek Dugan with Golden Harvest.

How to Build Teamwork in Your Organization

Brent Mallek with Talent Focus Consulting presented the June 7th Seminar on How to Build Teamwork in Your Organization at 11:30am at Southern Wesleyan. Lunch was provided by Fat Mans. Brent spoke to the group on how to field a high performance team by having the right players is critical to a teams success. You will need to hire for fit and develop skills and competencies with a personal fit. Becky Lam with Southern Wesleyan welcomed everyone and we would like to thank her for her hard work in setting up the conference room for us.

National Garden Week

In recognition of-June 3-June 9, 2012, the Palmetto Garden Club arranged and placed this lovely flower arrangement for the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce!

Artist of the Month: Andrea J. Spano

Andrea J. Spano has just retired from the Aiken County School system as an art teacher of 35 years at Silver Bluff High School. She is now able to concentrate on her own art. She is adaptable in both 2-D (watercolor, acrylics, charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, 35mm and digital photography) and 3-D (fiber art, mixed medias, ceramics) medias. For more info on Andreas artwork, please contact her at 803-279-1818, or ajss14892@aol.com. Her work will be on display at the North Augusta Chamber until June 29, 2012.

Opportunities for North Augusta Chamber of Commerce members

Benefits:
The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce offers its members a wide variety of opportunities to earn new customers, network with other local businesses, and develop their professional skills. Moreover, as an active participant in all levels of local government, the Chamber serves as an advocate for the business community. One of the first benefits you will receive as a member of the North Augusta Chamber is an increase in referral traffic. The Chamber accommodates phone and internet inquiries daily, providing pertinent information to residents and prospective residents as to the member businesses that will best serve their needs. Additionally, we provide relocation packages, which include our regularly updated community guide and membership directory, for new residents to acquaint themselves with our members businesses. North Augusta Chamber of Commerce members have active roles in the community and are provided many opportunities to network with other members through Chamber events. Some of these events include: A.M. Connection breakfast and seminar Monthly 12@12 luncheon Women in Business annual event Annual meeting for chamber members & community leaders Small business rountables Business After Hours Business Expo Trade Show Teachers Banquet We have at least two events every month designed to connect our members and help foster new relationships. In addition to many networking opportunities, our Member-to-Member Program encourages members and their employees to prefer other Chamber members when making purchases. The program entitles our members many valuable discounts at participating member businesses while attracting new customers, building existing relationships, saving advertising dollars, and strengthening our local economy. Social media and online communication are crucial to a businesss success. At the Chamber we provide weekly e-mail updates to inform our members and subscribers of the most up-to-date events in the community including member-only promotions and educational opportunities. We also have a presence on both Facebook and Twitter, informing our friends and followers of chamber events, community events, and member news. Our newly updated website provides an online member directory with optional standalone member information pages. We make it our business to improve our members businesses through regular educational opportunities. We offer monthly workshops, seminars, or peer exchanges and weekly webinars tailored to our members needs. These sessions are designed to provide members timely, relative information pertaining to a broad list of subjects with a very minimal cost to our members. Furthermore, the Chamber serves as the voice of the business community with its exceptional knowledge of local, regional, and federal governments. We serve as the liaison between our members and the City of North Augusta, Aiken County, the State of South Carolina, and the United States Congress. We are here to support and inform you. Considering all the benefits of becoming a member of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, why wouldnt you join today? each member has unique needs and expectations. We strive to understand our members needs and create value through building real relationships.

North Augusta Chamber of Commerce

July 2012 Page 3

New Members
Calling post Communications Jimmy Rooney State Farm Insurance

Our Mission

The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce provides leadership in representing the business community in supporting a cultural environment by providing opportunities for community engagement and growth.

Our Vision

Membership Info:
Simply put, the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce operates to serve our members through Promotion, Education and Advocacy. The benefits derived from chamber membership are unique to every member because

By 2010, the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce will be a community catalyst promoting collaboration and partnerships that maintain a positive business environment and enrich the communitys quality of life. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is organized to achieve the objectives of: Promoting business and community growth and development by promoting economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of all businesses within the trade area; promoting programs of civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional and aesthetic values of the community; and discovering and correcting abuses which prevent the promotion of business expansion and community growth; Preserving the competitive enterprise system of business by; creating a better understanding, and appreciation of, the importance of business people and a concern for their problems; educating the business community and representing them in city, county, state and national legislative and political affairs; preventing and addressing controversies which are detrimental to expansion and growth of business and the community if they arise; creating a greater appreciation of the value of a more liberal investment of substance and self on behalf of the interests of competitive business.

The Chamber is funded by its membership and is not part of a city, county, or state government agency. Policies are set by a volunteer Board of Directors. Volunteers from area businesses serve on committees and programs. The day to day operations are managed by its president and a professional staff of employees. The primary focus of the Chamber is to provide services to its members and to help their businesses grow and prosper. The Chamber is working to create conditions which will directly enhance your companys bottom line. The Chamber also gives members a voice in government and helps to improve the quality of life for all through participation in the arts, education, and other important community issues.

Renewing Members
Crossroads Market Apts. Donald Smith Joan Kight-Piercy State Farm Ins. Co. Georgialina Physical Therapy Associates Monterrey Mexican Restaurant J. Stephen Staley, CPA,PC Hals Hair Center After Hours Appliance Repair The RECing Crew

Pacer Career Connection

The University of South Carolina Aiken has an online job board that is free for students, alumni, and employers: Pacer Career Connection. If your company or organization has a part-time, full-time, or internship position to post, the job board is a great way to advertise openings. The system will also save the job descriptions, so you can easily repost as necessary. Pacer Career Connection can be accessed through the Career Services website: www.usca. edu/careers. For more information, please contact Donna DeTroye, Coordinator for Experiential Education and Employer Relations, at 803-641-3533.

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North Augusta Chamber of Commerce

North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Senior Health Expo

The First Annual North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Senior Health Expo was held on May 31, 2012 at the Wesley Center of grace United Methodist church. The Event was held from 10am till 2pm and was free to the Public. Over 48 vendors participated in this event which included lunches for purchasing. Sponsors of the Event were The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Aiken Regional Medical Center, Sterling House, Comfort Keepers, Northwestern

Mutual and Coca-Cola. The vendors ranged from Nutrition and health Products, Eye Care and Eye Checks, Sports and Fitness, Beauty and Fashion.

EVENTS
July 4th Office Closed July 11th Ambassadors Meeting July 12th Women in Business Remember No A.M. Connection in July!

Upcoming

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ExEcutivE committEE
michelle Jones Ga-Lina Physical Therapy Brian tucker President Patricia Allen Savannah River Remediation, LLC Jon Dawkins Chick-fil-a Nyles Ellefson ADSI Kevin toole First Citizens Don Goggans Austin Industrial michelle Bennett Chair Serotta Maddocks Evans & Co. CPAs Paul Brewer Past Chair WFXG-TV Rodney ingle Treasurer Southern Bank & Trust

DiREctoRs
Bernard Kitchens Bridgestone Firestone Bill Hixon Hixon Realty & Ins. Co. Rechelle Dallas The Star Hap Greenway Allstate Insurance Co. susan Everitt Episcopal Day School Brett turner Rhodes Financial

Ex-officio mEmBERs
todd Glover City of North Augusta Ray fleming Aiken Co. School Board Will Williams Economic Development Partnership

to advertise call Rechelle at 803-279-2793.

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