The Annual Report2016 - 2017

www.kershawcountychamber.org

EDITORIALAmy Kinard

DESIGN & LAYOUTLauren Reeder

PHOTOGRAPHYJohnny Deal, Bowtie PhotographyDianne Byrd

PRINTINGThe UPS Store

PHYSICAL ADDRESS - 607 South Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020

MAILING ADDRESS - P.O. Box 605, Camden, SC 29021

PHONE - 803.432.2525 phone

TOLL FREE - 800.262.1842 toll freewww.kershawcountychamber.org

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CHAMBER STAFFAMY KINARD - Executive Director

LOREE STOKES - Manager of Finance & Special Events

DIANNE BYRD - Manager of Member & Visitor Information Services

TAMMY HORNSBY - Weekend Visitors Center Operations

LAUREY CARPENTER - Weekend Visitors Center Operations

Dear Chamber Members:

It is certainly with great honor that I have been blessed to serve as your President of our fine Kershaw County Chamber of Commerceand Visitor's Center this past year. As my tenure comes to a close in July, it pleases me greatly to look back on all that wehave accomplished together in such a short period of time to move our Chamber and Visitor's Center forward, making such a positive impact on our community.

As we began our new year, we faced the difficult search for our new Executive Director to lead our Chamber and Visitor's Center bringing new ideas and progressive challenges to help us further our mission to our business community and visitors. I appreciate the diligence and hard work of our Search Committee who committed many, many hours of interviews and discussions to find that distinct candidate to "fit" such an important role in this community. We are thankful that Amy Kinard answered the call and committed to this role with the full support of our Board and Executive Committee as well as so many in our County.

Our Chamber Board of Directors developed, approved, and implemented a new Strategic Plan after an intense planning retreat to modernize and define our mission, our vision, our goals, and prioritize strategies as we serve as the "Voice" of business in Kershaw County. We are so fortunate to have such a talented group of business leaders on the Chamber Board of Directors who are committed to seeing us succeed and improve the services we offer our members and visitors to our County.

Our current home in the beautiful and historic Robert Mills Courthouse continues to challenge our Board and staff since the 2015 Flood, and many rain events the months following, with repair issues. We are thankful for funding Senator Vincent Sheheen secured on our behalf in 2016 to help us get the recovery process started. This will be a continuous issue as we research repair solutions and future options.

Our Chamber led the way as the first organization to endorse the School Facility Bond Referen-dum and sales tax emphasizing our support of the new ATEC Facility and its positive effect on workforce development. The networking opportunities we hosted along with the support of our wonderful sponsors have been tremendous and well-attended.

As we look towards the 2017-2018 fiscal year, we will continue to remain steadfast in our mis-sion to be the leading resource for our business community and advocate the interests and con-cerns of the business community on the local, state, and federal level. We must remain relevant and actively seek services and projects that add value to our members and support for business in the County while welcoming our visitors from all over the world. Without a doubt, great days are ahead for the Chamber and I am thankful to be serving with each of you!

Most sincerely,

Dennis K. RayBoard President

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OUR VISIONThe Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Center strives to make Kershaw County THE place where businesses and families want to call home.

OUR MISSIONAs the voice and leading resource for the business community, The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Center is the collaborative leader for economic, workforce, and business development in Kershaw County.

OUR PRIORITY AREAS & GOALSTo accomplish our mission, The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce &Visitor's Center will focus our activities on the following priorities: Administration & Financial Stability Goal Statement: Operate in a fiscally responsible manner and allocate resources efficiently to provide value to members while ensuring long term sustainability

Education, Economic & Workforce Development Goal Statement: Create and foster an environment for business and industry to locate and remain in Kershaw County through successful educational and economic development

Legislative & Governmental Affairs Goal Statement: Be the voice and leading resource for business advocacy in Kershaw County

Membership Development & Organizational Improvement Goal Statement: Attract and maintain business members through valuable services in the areas of legislative and governmental advocacy, membership benefits, prudent financial responsibility, and economic development

2016 - 2017 Bo

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CHIEF DENNISRAY

Lugoff Fire-Rescue

PRESIDENT

JAMESVAN HORN

Van Horn Agency

2ND VP

THOMASANDERSON

Potters Computer SystemsMEMBER AT LARGE

KIRKMAYS

KM Video Productions

1ST VP

DR. BRUCEBROWN

Bloomsbury Inn

VP EDUCATION

CHIPGALLOWAY

Galloway Enterprises/KFC

VP FINANCE

JAMESPLEMMONS

SERVPROMEMBER AT LARGE

DR. ALLYSONMONFERDINI

Wateree Family DentistryMEMBER AT LARGE

KESHAHAYES

Professional Development & Training ServicesMEMBER AT LARGE

DR. ERICRUNDLETT

Wateree Animal HospitalMEMBER AT LARGE

GREGROBINSON

Suominen NonwovensMEMBER AT LARGE

JOHNWELLS

Baxley, Pratt & Wells PAMEMBER AT LARGE

BRENTHUTTO

First Citizens BankMEMBER AT LARGE

LAURENREEDER

Kershaw County Economic DevelopmentMEMBER AT LARGE

RICKJIRAN

Duke EnergyMEMBER AT LARGE

BUZZYMYERS

Chick-Fil-AMEMBER AT LARGE

GREGNEWMAN

Coldwell Banker

Residential Brokerage

PAST PRESIDENT

CLEATUSRAY

Oak-MitsuiMEMBER AT LARGE

KIMBERLYDIXON

First Palmetto BankMEMBER AT LARGE

Employing over

10,000 People

6Staff Members

By T

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19Board Members

409 Members

35New Members

84%Membership Retention

11Ribbons Cut14 Community Pride Awards Presented

7Business & Education

Awards Presented

8Out of County Visits Representing the Interest

of Kershaw County Business

4,000+AttendeesChamber-Sponsored Events

Staff & Board

Membership

Business Facts

Pro-Business

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204 Relocation Packets Mailed

7,959Visitor Information Mailings

161 Events/Meetingsheld in our facility

5,000Visitor's Guides

Distributed

14,395Visitor's coming

through our facility20,000 Inquiries responded to by mail, email, walk-in or phone

1,850 Visitor-Information Packets assembled for Tourism-Related Events

1,645,599 Hits to the Chamber's Website

781,685Business Directory Searches in the Chamber's Online & Mobile Directories

218,723Member Page Hits from the Chamber's Online & Mobile Directories

76,475Event Page Views from the Community Calendar

1,622Facebook Friends

Website & Social Media

Visitors

1st Franklin Financial Corporation833 South BroadAberdeen CateryAgape HospiceAgSouth Farm Credit, ACAAllSouth Federal Credit UnionAllstate Insurance Agency Kyle CassidyAlmond Forest Products, Inc.Alpine Agency of the Midlands, LLCAmerican Legion Post #17American Legion Post #195Applied Technology Education CampusArtists' AtticAtlantic Pools & Water Features, Inc.Attic and Crawlspace SolutionsBaxley FarmsBaxley, Pratt & Wells, P.A., Attorneys at LawBeeSafe Driving Academy, LLCBelgar Farms & Construction Company Inc.Belk of CamdenBlack River Electric Cooperative, Inc.Blaney Elementary SchoolBloomsbury InnBoykin & Munnerlyn Architects & AssociatesBridle Station ApartmentsBuckrill, Inc.C. Ray Miles Construction Co., Inc.Camden Bone & Joint, LLCCamden Clinic of ChiropracticCamden Country Club & Pro ShopCamden Elementary School of Creative ArtsCamden JayceesCamden Jewelers, Inc.Camden Junior Welfare LeagueCamden Lions ClubCamden LivingCamden Lock & KeyCamden Media Company/Chronicle-IndependentCamden Military AcademyCamden Rotary ClubCamden Travel Service, Inc.Camden/Kershaw County Branch NAACPCamden-Lugoff Area Shag SocietyCantey, Tiller, Pierce & Green, LLCCarolina Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge, LLCCarolina Cup Racing Association, Inc.Carolina Motorsports Park, Inc.Carpet Outlet, Inc.Cash Man Jewelry, Pawn & Discount TobaccoCassatt WaterCentral Carolina Technical CollegeCHESCO ServicesChick-fil-A CamdenChuck Nash State Farm Insurance AgencyCity Laundry & Cleaners, Inc.City Paint and Body, Inc.Cogsdill Tool Products, Inc.Columbia/Camden RV ParkCommunity Medical Clinic of Kershaw CountyCustom Care Equine, LLCDancin' on BroadDaughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)

David Joseph Landscaping, Inc.Davis Printing Company, Inc.Dental Care of CamdenDenton BuildersDeRoyal Textiles, Inc.Digital Office Solutions, Inc.Doby's Mill Elementary SchoolDonald E. Branham, Jr. Drive Safe Driving Academy, LLCDuBose-Robinson, P.C., Attorneys at LawDuke EnergyElegantly Yours AffairsElgin Veterinary HospitalF.D. Goodale Jeweler, LLCFairfield Electric Cooperative, Inc.Family Resource CenterFarmers Home FurnitureFatz Cafe of CamdenFinally Farm, Inc.First Citizens Bank/CamdenFirst Class Landscaping, Inc.First Community BankFirst Palmetto Bank/CamdenFitness ZoneForest Land Management, Inc.Gadgets of LugoffGainey's Lube Center, LLCGallman Personnel Services, Inc.Galloway Enterprises, Inc./KFCGinza Express HibachiGraham's Tire Service, Inc.Great Southern Homes, Inc.Haier America Research & DevelopmentHall's Restaurant & CateringHarry J. Koutroulakis, DMD, Family Dentistry, PA Hawthorne Camden PharmacyHawthorne Lugoff Pharmacy Hayes Building & Remodeling, Inc.Henry Beard Realty, Inc.Heritage Community BankHidden Treasures CateringHospice Care of Tri CountyHunter's Trace Farm Hay & FeedIndian Waters Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaINVISTAJ P Smith BuildersJet Janitorial & Pool Supply Co., LLCJim Cliatt, Jr., General ContractorJohn M. Stephenson, DMDJoseph Dental Associates, PAJulian Burns LLCKC Department of Social ServicesKenneth S. Higgenbotham, CPAKershaw County Board of Disabilities & Special NeedsKershaw County Republican PartyKershaw County ATECKershawHealthKirkwood Stables/Elser FarmsKiwanis Club of CamdenKM Video Productions, LLCKornegay Funeral Home Lafayette Square Apartments

Special Thanks to our 2016-2017 110% Contributing Partners!The Chamber is at the Historic Robert Mills Courthouse in Camden. We are extremely proud to call such an old, elegant structure home, but maintaining a historical landmark comes at a cost. The following Chamber Members have generously paid their yearly membership investment for 2016-2017, plus an additional 10% for the facility and we say Thank You!

110% C

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Lake Wateree Association, Inc.Larry DiBiase State Farm InsuranceLeisure Life Pools & SpasLeslie M. Stover Middle SchoolLTM General ContractorLugoff Fire-RescueLugoff FordLugoff House of PizzaLugoff Paint & Body Shop, Inc.Lugoff ToyotaLugoff-Elgin Middle SchoolM&L MonumentsM.B. Kahn Construction Company, Inc.Markley Properties, LLCMarty Kelly Construction, Inc.Mary Kay Cosmetics/Peggy BurroughsMedtronic Inc.Michael Thomas/Palmetto Homes & Land RealtyMid Carolina Credit UnionMidlands Tooling Systems, Inc.Midway Elementary SchoolMills Electric Service, Inc.Modern Turf, Inc.Morningside of CamdenMr. & Mrs. Bobby JonesMr. & Mrs. Hank KerfootMr. & Mrs. Jim BurnsMr. & Mrs. Jim MatthewsMr. & Mrs. Michael DavisMr. & Mrs. Michael LockhartMr. & Mrs. Ray AmyetteMr. & Mrs. Townley RedfearnMulberry Market Bake ShopMullikin Law FirmNational Steeplechase MuseumNationwide Insurance-Clark Farley Agency/CamdenNationwide Insurance-Clark Farley Agency/LugoffNatural Resource DevelopmentNature's View, Inc.NBSCNettles Family Dentistry, LLCOak-MitsuiOld South Catery, LLCOutlaw Enterprises/Taco BellPalmetto Hearing, LLCPalmetto Propane, Fuels and Ice, Inc.Papa John's PizzaPaul Hilton, Human Resources Consulting, Inc. PC MedicsPear Tree FarmPediatric Associates of Kershaw CountyPhoenix Services, Inc.Pine Tree Hill Elementary SchoolPink Stable, LLCPowers & Gregory, Inc.Powers Funeral Home, LLCPrestage Farms of South CarolinaProfessional Development & Training Services, LLCRandy's Tire and LubeRiverwinds ApartmentsRock Bottom PondRoy's Wood Products, Inc.Salud! Mexican Kitchen & Tequila LoungeSam Kendall's Sandhills BankSavage, Royall & Sheheen, LLPSecond Look CharitiesSecond Nature (Band)Sentinel Health PartnersServpro of Kershaw and Lancaster Counties

Shawmut CorporationSheheen, Hancock & Godwin, LLPShirley Construction, LLCSonic Drive-In of LugoffSouth Carolina ENT, Allergy & Sleep MedicineSouth Carolina Equine Associaties, Inc.South Carolina Equine ParkSouthern Custom Doors & HardwareSpeaks Oil CompanySpringdale Hall ClubSt. Mary Magdalene Anglican ChurchStorage One, LLCSub Station II/CamdenSub Station II/LugoffSuominen NonwovensSweet Lili'sTarget Distribution CenterTB Kawashima USA, Inc.Telasco Alarm Service, Inc.Terminix Service, Inc.Thaxton Insurance Group, Inc.The ALPHA CenterThe Bargain BasketThe Boykin Spaniel SocietyThe Catery on BroadThe Connell Law Firm, LLCThe Habitat StoreThe Kershaw County Current/AeroGraphics, LLCThe Marley Project, Inc.The Tack RoomThe UPS StoreTilford, Inc.Tobacco CornerTown & CountryTown of ElginTraders of Camden, Inc.TruVistaUnited Way of Kershaw CountyUpchurch & Jowers Insurance Agency, Inc.Van Horn Insurance, Inc.Veterinary Medicine & SurgeryWateree Animal Hospital, LLCWateree Community Actions, Inc.Wateree Construction & ImprovementsWateree Elementary SchoolWateree Family DentistryWateree Lake RV Park & MarinaWebster University - Columbia Metropolitian CampusWeylChem US, Inc.Wings, Inc.Wm. T. Miller Lumber Co., Inc.Wood's Beauty SalonWPUB/WCAM Radio Station

110% C

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2016 Aw

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ers PRESIDENT'S AWARD

Mary & Bobby JonesSponsored by KershawHealth

WILLIAM F. NETTLES AWARD

Jonathan PotterSponsored by First Palmetto Bank

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

SuominenSponsored by Van Horn Insurance Agency

MID-SIZE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Lugoff Fire RescueSponsored by AllSouth Federal Credit Union

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

SERVPROSponsored by First Citizens Bank

Ad

vocacy

Chamber Legislative & Governmental AffairsThe cost of government is more than taxes: it includes the cost of legislation and regulations that are part of the daily operating expenses. As your advocate, the Chamber works to prevent anti-business legislation and regulation. Your Chamber is presently monitoring and engaging in numerous legislative issues in an effort to ultimately enhance economic activity and help reduce the cost of doing business in our County and our State. We know how busy you are and that your time and resources are best spent in running your business. Your membership investment allows us to advocate on your behalf.

Specifically, in 2016-2017 your Chamber:

- Endorsed The Kershaw County School District facilities bond referendum and penny sales tax (Vote Yes Twice) including a strong endorsement for the move of ATEC to The Kershaw County Central Carolina Technical College campus location, in an effort to improve school facilities and workforce development opportunities (among other benefits).

- Attends county government meetings to stay informed about issues that may impact businesses; these meetings include Kershaw County Council, Bethune Town Council, Camden City Council, Elgin Town Council, and Kershaw County School District Board meetings.

- Identified the need for a governmental relations committee, whose members will work with local governments to address business challenges.

- Participates in South Carolina Chamber of Commerce partner meetings, and is a member of the Mid-State Chambers Coalition; both groups identify and work collectively at the state level to address the needs of businesses.

- Supports the South Carolina Chamber's legislative focus on passing a bill that creates long term sustainable investment in roads and bridges.

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ARTHUR INVESTMENTS CASSATT WATER

CITY ARENAAND COMMERCE ALLEY

HERMITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH

HWY 55 BURGERS SHAKES & FRIES

KERSHAW COUNTYWEST PLAYGROUND

Community Pride AwardsCommunity Pride Awards are given to organizations across Kershaw County (Chamber and non-Chamber members) that have completed extensive exterior remodeling, new construction and/or landscaping which has significantly improved the appearance of the community.

These awards are intended for those who "go the extra mile" to assure their organizations' outward appearance is above and beyond what is reasonably done as a matter of course in construction or renovation.

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PINK STABLE SCHMUCKER'S AMISH GENERAL STORE

SENTINEL HEALTH ELGIN SPEAKS OIL ELGIN

TONY'S PIZZA PALACE

LITTLE THEATER O'REILLY AUTO PARTSELGIN

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AGAPE HOSPICE BLUE HORSE SOLUTIONS

CASSATT WATER DAVE'S PLACE

LEGACY INSTITUE OFBARBER AND BEAUTY

ODOM SCRUGGSAND ASSOCIATES

Ribbon CuttingsRibbon cuttings are provided to new or existing Chamber members, who have recently opened, reached a historical milestone, moved locations, or have completed renovations or an expan-sion.

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PINK STABLE SCHMUCKER'S AMISHGENERAL STORE

TOKYO EXPRESS TONY'S PIZZA PALACE

WESTFALL'S TEXAS STYLE BBQ

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2016 ANNUAL GALA 2016 ANNUAL GALA

2016 ANNUAL GALA2016 ANNUAL GALA

EDUCATED VOTERSFORUM

EDUCATED VOTERSFORUM

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2016 KERSHAW COUNTYCHRISTMAS PARADE

2016 BOYKINCHRISTMAS PARADE

2016 CHRISTMASBUSINESS AFTER HOURS

2016 SHOP SMALLSATURDAY

2016 SHOP SMALLSATURDAY

EDUCATED VOTERSFORUM

An

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COUNTY2016 KERSHAW COUNTY

CHRISTMAS PARADE

2016 KERSHAW COUNTYCHRISTMAS PARADE

2016 KERSHAW COUNTYCHRISTMAS PARADE

2016 CHRISTMASBUSINESS AFTER HOURS

2016 KERSHAW COUNTYCHRISTMAS PARADE

GOLF TOURNAMENT

GOLF TOURNAMENT PROCTOR HALLBUSINESS AFTER HOURS

PROCTOR HALLAFTER BUSINESS HOURS

SCHOOL DISTRICTCONSTRUCTION MEETING

SCHOOL DISTRICTCONSTRUCTION MEETING

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2017 STATE OF THECOUNTY

Partn

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2016 BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR

SC VOC REHAB

2016 BUSINESS PARTNEROF THE YEAR

UPCHURCH & JOWERSINSURANCE AGENCY

2016 - 2017JUNIOR LEADERSHIP

CLASS

2016 - 2017JUNIOR LEADERSHIP

GROUP PHOTO

2016 - 2017JUNIOR LEADERSHIPETIQUETTE MEETING

2016 - 2017JUNIOR LEADERSHIP

ROPES COURSE

Business Partner of the Year AwardsNominated by Kershaw County School District school representatives and given to the business partner that contributed the most (time and/or financial resources) to help a school reach its goals.

2016-2017 Recipient: South Carolina Vocational RehabilitationSponsored by Central Carolina Technical College

2016-2017 Recipient: Upchurch & Jowers Insurance Agency Inc.Sponsored by Powers Funeral Home

Junior LeadershipJunior Leadership is a program that brings together high school juniors and seniors, repre-senting the Camden, Lugoff-Elgin and North Central high schools and the Camden Military Academy, to participate in a variety of team-building and leadership development activities.