Chapin SC Area Information - News from the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce

News from The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce….January 12, 2010  

The Greater Chapin Chamber's January Members Breakfast Meeting Tuesday, January 19^th, 7:30 a.m. Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church 101 E. Boundary Street, Chapin Catered by:  Doza Rizen Guest Speaker will be Darrell Scott, S.C. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Government Affairs.  Mr. Scott will break down the State Chamber’s 2010 Legislative Agenda, and then take questions.  He’s extremely knowledgeable about current and pending state legislation, and will speak about issues including tax reform, economic development, education, and restructuring state government.  Breakfast is $5 per person (pay at the door).  Please RSVP to 345-1100 or laura@chapinchamber.com.

 

In This Issue:

· Staff Changes at the Chamber · Message from Laura · Jon & Company Grand Opening ·         Residential Rentals Request · Lake Murray Floor Covering ·SCORE Workshop · Chamber Sign Rental ·H & R Block Open House  

CHANGES AT THE CHAMBER Norma Hamer has stepped down as CEO of the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce.  She will continue to work for the Chamber part-time, serving as President Emeritus.  Her years of service to the Chamber have been greatly appreciated.  After getting the news of Norma’s partial retirement, the Board of Directors voted in December to change Laura Howell’s title to President/CEO effective January 1, 2010.  

 

MESSAGE FROM LAURA I’m so glad that Norma decided not to fully retire, but to continue helping us in our endeavors to promote Chapin, the Chamber, and our Members.  We’re really excited about 2010.  We plan to improve communications, add a few exciting events, and continue with our efforts to improve the Columbia Avenue situation.  I appreciate the Board’s confidence in allowing me to serve in this position, and will work harder than ever to serve the Members of our Chamber and the Chapin community. The Chamber’s Board of Directors will have its Annual Planning Meeting this Saturday.  The Board Members are all volunteers who give their time and talent (and an occasional Saturday) to the Chamber.  Serving on the 2010 Board are:

Chairman:  Roger Riemann, Palmetto Gems Vice Chairman:  Erin Whitaker, Whitaker Funeral Home

Treasurer:  Erin Long, Erin Long Accounting & Consulting

Secretary:  Beth Mack, Carolina First

Chad Boozer, Russell-Massey & Company

Brian McDermott, Solutions Logistics, Inc.

Chuck Walker, Ellett Brothers

Elizabeth Haney, General Information Services

Buddy Grimes, ERA Wilder Realty

Charlie Marra, Ashmore Concrete Contractors

Susan Horton, Lexington Medical Center

Harry Cromer, Edward Jones

Non-Voting:

Doug Clary, Past Chairman, Hybrid Engineering, Inc. Mayor Stan Shealy, Ex-Officio

The Board will be seeking Chamber Members willing to serve on several different committees this year.  Please consider volunteering to help make 2010 a great year for the Chamber!

JON & COMPANY Invites you to celebrate its Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening on Tuesday, January 19^th, at 5:30 p.m.  Please join us for great food, door prizes, and fun! Jon & Company is located at 203 Amicks Ferry Road, between Family Practice of Chiropractic and Dream Vacations. RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REQUEST The Chamber is beginning to get very frequent requests for residential rental properties, both short and long term for employees and contractors at V.C. Summer.  Please let us know if you own or manage residential rentals, so we can help connect you.

 

LAKE MURRAY FLOOR COVERING Happy New Year!  Come to Lake Murray Floor Covering this month and let them help you celebrate something new!  With any purchase of $2000.00 or more, receive 10% off of your total purchase!  Whether you’re in need of new window blinds, area rugs, carpet, tile, vinyl, hardwood, laminate or even countertops…Lake Murray Floor Covering is ready to help you in 2010!  While you’re there, don’t forget to check out their unbeatable warehouse specials.  Special financing available to qualified buyers.  Offer valid until January 31^st.

Lake Murray Floor Covering would also like to thank everyone that contributed to their 3^rd annual toy drive.  They were able to make Christmas special for so many kids in the Chapin and surrounding areas.  Thank you all for your generosity!  10076 Broad River Road in Irmo, www.lakemurrayfloorcovering.com or at 781-1707.  Come home to Lake Murray Floor Covering and Let Your Feet Feel the Difference! How to Successfully Buy or Sell a Business: a SCORE workshop providing practical guidance to those seeking to buy a business for a fair price and to those owners seeking to sell their business for "top dollar."  Presented by three SCORE small business advisors and a small business lawyer, all with experience in both sides of this type of transaction.  9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 19; Greater Columbia Chamber, 930 Richland St.; www.scoremidlands.org or (803) 765-5131. (Or contact John LaFond in Chapin at 345-1307.) CHAMBER SIGN RENTAL ON COLUMBIA AVENUE We’re now taking reservations for the Chamber sign rental for 2010.  Sign rental is $150 for each two-week period; you provide the sign.  (Signs are to be 29 1/2" tall, 54" wide, and can be purchased from Chamber Members Palmetto Graphix 345-5137 or SIGNBoss 750-3676.)  Please call us at 345-1100 to check on availability.    H & R BLOCK OPEN HOUSE In an effort to better serve its clients and community, H&R Block will be holding an Open House on January 16 at Murray Landing Shopping Center on N.Lake Drive. The public is invited to attend and share in the celebration of "Give a Charity a Second Look" showcasing the American Diabetes Association from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Richland County Sheriff's Department will be there with Kid Print and D.A.R.E. Be sure to bring your personal paper materials to be shredded as Shred360 will be on site to assist you in destroying up to 5 bags of old confidential materials. “This is a great opportunity for those in our community to safely and securely dispose of old papers while meeting those that serve and protect our community,” said Cindy Cripps, Office Manager of H&R Block Murray Landing,  “We look forward to meeting our neighbors as they have their tax questions answered by qualified tax professionals.” Those attending the Open House will have an opportunity to talk with a representative from the American Diabetes Association about diabetes in South Carolina and H&R Block professionals about tax law changes, tax planning and other financial issues.  Recognized as the nation’s tax services leader, H&R Block also offers a wide range of investment-related services.  For more information about the H&R Block office Open House, please call 803-749-3590 to talk with a company representative.