Cassidy Durham, Miss Powdersville Teen, and Will Merritt

The Powdersville Business Council of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held their monthly luncheon meeting Thursday, January 26, 2012, at the Powdersville Library. An enthusiastic and inspirational speaker, Will Merritt talked about his life on the Clemson football team and since then as a Powdersville businessman. Will told the group, “As a businessman, always sweat the small stuff”. He also talked about “association with the right people makes a difference” and “being prepared the right way matters”.

Next month’s Powdersville Business Council Luncheon will be held on February 23 at the Powdersville Library with speaker Vee Daniel of the BBB.

Tri County Technology College – Easley

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Black tie is encouraged.  There will be a cash bar and social hour beginning at 6:00 PM.   The grand buffet will begin at 7:00 PM.  Michael Cogdill of WYFF will be the Master of Ceremonies and speaker.

We are offering again this year sponsorships for members.   Sponsorships will include your company’s name recognized on the table, in the program, in the Chamber News, on front page of www.easleychamber.org, on our Facebook page and announced at the Gala.

 Be a Sponsor:

• Download Sponsor Form>>>
• Download Invitation>>>

United Way of Pickens County has been recently recognized by United Way Worldwide as the model small United Way in the nation.

Over the past 2 years,United Way of Pickens County has implemented a community investment model that stems from an effort to address the root causes of the issues that affect our communities.  The long term goal of this shift is to create a reduction in the need for basic, charity-type services through a focus on early childhood development, academic achievement and financial stability.

The communities have the responsibility to help those in need right now. The Pickens County United Way does this by continuing to support the essential services necessary to assist individuals in emergency situations and carry them through those times when they have no food to eat, no heat to warm a home or nowhere to sleep at night.

John Cessarich

John Cessarich, weather forecaster for WYFF News 4 each weeknight, addressed the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce luncheon on January 19^th at Dunburks Premier Events.  He spoke about his different experiences with his love for weather.  Mr. Cessarich has been a TV broadcaster in Palm Springs, CA, Albany, NY and Atlanta before coming to Greenville in 1991, but commented, “the Greenville area is in the top 5 most difficult markets to forecast.”

John’s work has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.  One of the most popular features on WYFF New 4 is the weekly “John on the Road’ each Thursday evening.  Mr. Cessarich has been named Television Personality of the Year seven times and Best Weathercaster three times.

Chamber President Kent Dykes did the ceremonial puck drop to start the game.

Thursday Januar 12, 2012 was Easley Chamber night at the Greenville Road Warriors ice hockey game at the Bilo Center in Greenville.

It was well attended with 5000+ attendees. Greenville beat Gwinnett 4-2.

Photo: left to right: Ron Webber, Pickens County School District, Richard Parker, Tri County Technical College

The Easley Chamber of Commerce had its quarterly Manufacturers’ Luncheon at Fatz Café in December. It was sponsored by the Palmetto Finishing Company. The meeting was lead by the council chairman Mike Kingsmore.

Two speakers gave important information to managers from area manufacturers attending. Richard Parker, training director, from Tri County Technical College explained tax credits of up to $1500 from the state for apprenticeships in manufacturing.

Ron Webber, coordinator of career and technical education, from the Pickens County School District spoke on a business/education committee being formed in the county. Its purpose will be to advise to school district administration what businesses need from the education system so we can better prepare students for graduation and the job world. Ron requested representation from the manufacturers for this committee.

The next meeting will be March 15, 2012 and will be hosted by the new Pickens County Career and Technology Center. Dr. Leonard Williams will speak along with students and provide tours of the new facility. The lunch will be provided by the culinary department of the Center.

Michael Cogdill

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce 64th Annual Awards Banquet and Gala will be held at Tri County Technical College, Easley campus, on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Black tie is encouraged. There will be a cash bar and social hour beginning at 6:00 PM. The grand buffet will begin at 7:00 PM. Michael Cogdill of WYFF will be the Master of Ceremonies and speaker.

We are offering again this year sponsorship opportunities for members. Sponsorships will include your company’s name recognized on the table, in the program, in the Chamber News, on front page of www.easleychamber.org, on our Facebook page and announced at the Gala.

Sponsorship Levels

• Platinum- $1000, Entire table of eight (8) attendees. 12 Month business card ad on the website.
• Gold- $550, Preferred seating for four (4) attendees. 6 Month business card ad on the website.
• Silver- $300, Preferred seating for two (2) attendees

Download Sponsorship Form>>>

Shown in the center is Vicki Ciplickas, owner of The Starving Artist Café, and Chamber members enjoying the food she prepared.

The Starving Artist Café, located at 114 NW Main St, Easley, was the host of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce “Business before Hours” on December 8th. Owner Vicki Ciplickas told the crowd she is celebrating six months in business in downtown Easley.

Easley Chamber members had a chance to network and sample some great favorites of Vicki’s clientele. Vicki spoke briefly to the group about the café’s short history and the success she is having at the restaurant, as well as catering for various meetings and businesses. A business card drawing was held and gift certificates were awarded to Brett Robinson of SunTrust and Louise Kay of WMUU. The Starving Artist Café can be reached at 644-8450.

Pictured is Dr. Todd Voss, President of Southern Wesleyan University, with freshman Brandi Kirk and senior Mark Thompson

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held the 3rd Thursday Luncheon meeting on November 17, 2011, at the Dunburks Premier Events in Easley. Dr. Todd Voss, President of Southern Wesleyan University, was the guest speaker.

Dr. Voss said “there are some things broken in higher education today. Things are happening on college campuses that make you want to hang your head in shame. Higher education is on the brink of a crisis and the US has dropped in higher education from #1 to #10 worldwide.” In contrast he proudly stated that “the students at Southern Wesleyan University are sought after because of the difference they make. The students are commended because of their integrity.” Following his talk, two students from Southern Wesleyan, a freshman Brandi Kirk and a senior, Mark Thompson, shared their thoughts about the university and their faith based education.

From left are Meta Bowers (PCMOW Executive Director), Steven Lambright (Miracle Hill), Sam Wyche (PCMOW Board), Rose Dalton (PCMOW Program Manager) and Gerald Reese (PCMOW Board Chairman)

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce held Business after Hours Thursday evening November 10 at Pickens County Meals on Wheels (PCMOW) located at 704 S. Pendleton St., Suite I in Easley. Fellow chamber members, supporters and staff of Meals on Wheels enjoyed some great food and learn about the wonderful organization. Prizes were given to the winners of a business card drawing of those in attendance.

Pickens County Meals on Wheels exists to combat the effects of hunger, loneliness and isolation on those living in Pickens County and to provide a lifeline through the use of caring volunteers. Volunteers are always needed. To volunteer your time, talents or treasures call 855-3770. Visit the website at www.pcmow.org.

The next Business before Hours will be held at The Starving Artist Café, 114 NW Main Street, Easley, on December 8.