March 2010 Business of the Month

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors selected SC Telco Federal Credit Union as Business of the Month for March 2010. Not only is SC Telco Federal Credit Union celebrating two years in Easley, they are celebrating 75 years of service to the communities of South Carolina.

Front row from left behind the banner are employees Patty Finley, Sarena Elgin, Cyndie McCreight, Sue Spellman & Patricia Lewis. Second row behind banner are Patti Seymore Terry Harrington (Branch Manager), Travis Barbare, Terri Hendrix and Brian McKay

SC Telco Federal Credit Union entered into the Easley market in 2008 by acquiring the Anderson Federal Credit Union branch located at 118 Brushy Creek Road, where they continue to serve our community today. SC Telco has over 34,000 members and $184 million in assets. Including their Easley location, SC Telco serves the entire state of South Carolina through 8 branch locations, 40 additional shared branching locations, and over 28,000 surcharge free ATMS throughout the United States.

Our 2nd Annual Regional “Business After Hours”

SAVE THE DATE – You don’t want to miss this!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Greenville Drive Stadium / Fluor Field

The business climate is much improved over last year, so our “good news” kickoff must have worked – let’s not jinx it! Come loaded with “Good News” about what’s going on in your business and the Upstate. Please join us as we kickoff the 2010 “Business is Great in the Upstate” featuring area businesses “doing great things!”

• Make business contacts across the Upstate with Chamber members from these areas: Anderson, Clemson, Easley, Fountain Inn, Greer, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Mauldin, Oconee-Pickens, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, and SC Hispanic Chamber.
• Promote your good news! Last year’s eleven radio stations will join forces again to donate 14,000 commercials specifically promoting “good news” through the end of the year. Let’s thank them for last year and give them plenty to talk about this year!
• Wear your baseball cap for a special treat as the Greenville Drive will be on the field practicing for their first home game of the season. It’’s not an April Fool’’s joke – it’’s an incredible opportuniity!

DON’T BE “FOOLISH” – DO BUSINESS IN THE UPSTATE!

DOWNLOAD FLYER>>>

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce 62nd Annual Gala

Left to right Emily DeRoberts (Duke Energy), Richard H. Gettys, Maegan Garner & Joel Ledbetter (Combined Utilities)

Left to right Chris Mann, Sid Collins (YMCA), Rep. Phil Owens

The 62nd Annual Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala was held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at Southern Wesleyan University. At the “Red Carpet Event” attendees were treated like stars walking down the red carpet while being photographed by paparazzi.

Dr. David Spittal, President of Southern Wesleyan, gave the invocation followed by a “Red Carpet Dinner Buffet” and recognition of the outgoing board of directors: Stan Brooks, Ginnye Lusk, Danny Youngblood, David Whittemore and Jeff Willis. The first award of the evening was “2009 Volunteer of the Year”, presented to Pam Jeter of First Citizens Bank. Pam has gone “above and beyond” the call as chairperson of the Easley Chamber Ambassadors, with her time and energies donated to Easley Chamber events.

The “2009 Ambassador of the Year” award was presented by Pam Jeter to Ronny Hall of the Bynum Financial Group. Ronny excelled in achieving the most contacts with chamber members, attending chamber functions and helping with chamber events.

The “2009 Business of the Year” award was presented to the Pickens County YMCA by Roddey Gettys from Baptist Easley Hospital, the award recipient for 2008. The Chamber Board of Directors selected the YMCA from among the twelve (12) Businesses of the Month for 2009. The YMCA launched the highly successful “Save a Life” program, due to community drownings. The YMCA hosted the 2009 Carolina YMCA State Championship Swim Meet with over 300 swimmers in attendance. The YMCA provided over $43,000 in financial aid to the community in 2009 and reached a new record of 10,000 members in June of 2009. To say they are community minded would be an understatement.

The Duke Citizenship Award was presented by Emily DeRoberts, Duke Energy, and Joel Ledbetter, Easley Combined Utilities. Richard H. Gettys was the recipient of this year’s award because of his outstanding contributions to his community, his state and the nation. Dick Gettys served as a commissioner of Easley Combined Utilities for 42 years and has been a key driver in the construction of utility infrastructure for the city of Easley that has allowed its recent growth.

Eric Goodwin, Chairman of the Easley Chamber Board for 2009, “Passed the Gavel” to Alex Dye of The People’s National Bank, who will be Chairman of the Board for 2010.

The surprise speaker for the Gala was nationally acclaimed entertainer Durwood Fincher also known as “Mr. Double Talk”.  Check out the video interviews on YouTube.

The Easley Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the presenting sponsors for this year’s gala:

• City of Easley
• Duke Energy
• Easley Combined Utilities
• Garrison Business & Tax Services
• Easley Living Center
• The Peoples National Bank
• Southern Wesleyan University
• SunTrust Bank
• Occasions at Wedgefield
• Albright Associates Tax & Bookkeeping
• Baptist Easley Hospital
• Charter Business
• Alice Manufacturing
• CommunitySouth Bank & Trust
• Easley Dental Center
• The Palmetto Bank
• SC Telco Credit Union

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February 2010 Business of the Month

From left behind the banner are Christa McDonald, Alfred Robinson, Anna Mauldin, Lori LaBrash, Steve Culbertson, Chris Robinson, Richard Holcombe, & Lynn Hammett

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors selected Robinson Funeral Home as the Business of the Month for February. Robinson Funeral Home was recently awarded the 2009 Business of Integrity Award for Customer Service by the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation and BBB Board of Directors of the Upstate South Carolina. The company has demonstrated high ethical standards of behavior toward customers, vendors, and employees, along with having a history of strong ethics in the workplace. By displaying marketing and advertising strategies that reflect a true representation of the product, Robinson Funeral Home has also been recognized by the community and their industry for sound business practices.

“Robinson Funeral Home has been a very long time member of the Easley Chamber of Commerce and has been a great support over the years and we commend Robinson Funeral Home for this prestigious award from the Better Business Bureau,” stated Kent Dykes, President of the Chamber.

February 2010 Chamber Notes

CLICK HERE to download the entire February 2010 CHAMBER NOTES as a PDF file

Easley Mayor Larry Bagwell to give ‘State of the City’ Address

Mayor Larry Bagwell will present the annual “State of the City” address on Thursday, February 18th at the 3rd Thursday Easley Chamber of Commerce Luncheon held at Dunburks Premier Events from 11:45 am – 1:00 pm. Dunburks Premier Events is located at 110 S. Pendleton Street in downtown Easley. Please join us at Dunburks Premier Events on Thursday, February 18th for this important event. Reservations only by February 16th to 859-2693. $15-Members $18-Non-members.

What: Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce 3rd Thursday luncheon featuring speaker Mayor Larry Bagwell delivering annual “State of the City” address
When: Thursday, February 18 —11:45 a.m.- 1p.m.
Where: Dunburks Premier Events in Easley
Cost: $15 for Chamber members, $18 for non-members
To RSVP: Contact Easley Chamber of Commerce at (864) 859-2693 by February 16

In this issue…

• Page 2: President’s Corner, February Calendar of Events
• Page 3: Welcome New Members, Member Renewals, Business of the Month
• Page 4: New Intern at Chamber, Business After Hours
• Page 5: Ambassador of the Month, 3rd Thursday Luncheon
• Page 6: Chamber Co-Sponsors Washington Issues Trip
• Page 7: Watson to Speak at Powdersville Luncheon, Business After Hours Scheduled
• Page 8-9: Spotlight on… Interim Healthcare, Marathon Church
• And more…

CLICK HERE to download the entire February 2010 CHAMBER NOTES as a PDF file

Anderson County Parks and Recreation presents Kayak Corridor

Anderson County Parks and Recreation presents Kayak Corridor to Powdersville Council of Easley Chamber of Commerce

Matt Schell and Sharon Nicometo of Anderson County Park and Recreation reviewing proposed Kayak Corridor near Powdersville.

On January 28, Matt Schell, director of the Anderson County Parks and Recreation Department, presented to thirty seven (37) members of the Powdersville Council the concept of a kayak and canoe corridor on the Saluda River from the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex to the Piedmont Dam. This is a 9.25 miles segment of a potential larger corridor from the Saluda Lake Dam to Ware Shoals.

“The river is basically an untapped resource for developing tourism in Anderson County,” according to Glenn Brill, Director of Anderson County parks, recreation, and tourism.

Grants will be proposed to fund the project of building launch points around the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex, make an information area, build shelters and picnic areas, and making ADA accessible.

The next luncheon at the Powdersville library will be on February 25 at noon with speaker Diana Watson, television news anchor of Fox 21.

January 2010 3rd Thursday Luncheon

Jack Roper & Maegan Garner, Miss Easley 2010

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held the 3rd Thursday Chamber Luncheon at Dunburks Premier Events in Downtown Easley on January 21, 2010. Jack Roper of Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly and weather anchor of WSPA Channel 7 was the guest speaker. Jack gave an amusing presentation on the importance of keeping a positive attitude.

At next month’s meeting on Thursday, February 18, the Mayor of Easley, Larry Bagwell, will give his annual “State of the City” address. Reservations only by February 16th to 859-2693. $15-Members $18 Non-members

2010 National Issues Forum April 28th-30th

Easley Chamber of Commerce cosponsors Washington Issues Trip April 28-30.

Another exciting trip to Washington, DC is planned for April 28-30, 2010. Mr. Terry Garrison, Garrison Tax and Business Service of Easley is the tour chairman.

The Easley, Anderson, Clemson, Greenwood, Pickens, Seneca Chambers of Commerce have gone together for the trip. They will be staying at the completely remodeled Doyle Hotel at Dupont Circle.

Meetings will start at 2:00 pm April 28 in the Library of Congress. A group of legislators will be speaking on current bills that are important. Metro passes will be given for transportation from the Dupont Circle to the Library of Congress. A reception and dinner will happen that evening at the Tabard Inn two blocks from the hotel.

On Thursday, April 29 the meeting will be at the new Capitol Visitors Center from 9:00-noon. The afternoon will be free for sightseeing or private meetings. Congressman Gresham Barrett’s office will do a private tour of the Capitol in the evening. A reception will be at an Embassy to be determined.

On Friday, April 30 the group meets again at the Library of Congress from 9:00-noon for speakers and then returns to the hotel for check-out.

Sightseeing suggestions will be provided. The package includes 2 hotel nights, hot breakfast each morning, dinner at the Tabard Inn, Metro Smart Card and escort throughout the trip.

The price is $885.00 for single occupancy and $596.00 per person for double occupancy. This does not include transportation to Washington. The registration is due by March 29, 2010.
If you have any question, call Terry Garrison at 864-859-5361 or Jean Vegod at 864-646-8864.

US Capitol Building

Join business and community leaders in Washington to learn, listen, and voice your opinions on local and national issues.

Working with Third District Congressman Gresham Barrett, this annual three-day Washington National Issues Forum is a must do!

So, Save the Date: April 28-30, 2010

Download Registration Form>>>

January 2010 Business After Hours

Sarah Dow, Director of the American Red Cross speaking to Business after Hours attendees

The American Red Cross was the sponsor of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce “Business after Hours” held Thursday, January 14, 2010, at The Palmetto Bank in Easley.

Easley Chamber members and Board of Directors of the American Red Cross enjoyed delicious food and the chance to network and talk with Sarah Dow, Director of the American Red Cross Local Chapter located in Pickens. Ms. Dow gave a PowerPoint presentation on local community needs and needs in the Haitian disaster.

Next month’s “Business after Hours” will be sponsored by Duke Energy on Thursday, February 25 at The World of Energy at the Oconee Nuclear Station from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Upstate Bariatrics & Medical Clinic

From left are Pam Bridges (First Citizens), Kent Dykes (Easley Chamber), Kimberly Frommel (Nurse Practitioner), Dr. Kurt Gandenberger (owner), Cindy Wolf (Office Mgr), Karyn Woods (Upstate Parent), Craig Williams (First Citizens)

One out of eight deaths in America is caused by an illness directly related to obesity. Because obesity is preventable, Dr. Kurt Gandenberger saw the need for a realistic, affordable and individualized approach to weight loss.

Upstate Bariatrics & Medical Clinic opened in November 2009. Services include minor medical care for illness as well as affordable physical exams. We specialize in a non-surgical healthy approach to weight loss. Weight loss plans focus on nutritional education and dietary counseling. Additional services may include blood work, EKG’s, vitamin supplements, injections such as HCG, Lipo-B and B1B6 and appetite suppressants.

Upstate Bariatrics is located in the Shoppes at Brookside at 6 Halter Drive on Highway 153 between highways 81 and 85 off exit 40 towards Easley. The office number is (864)269-2400.