May 2, 2025

Aiken Chamber of Commerce Attends Small Business Day

News Summary

On April 29, 2025, around 30 members of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce participated in the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Day. With 85% of their membership being small businesses, the Aiken Chamber emphasized the crucial role these enterprises play in the local economy. Key discussions focused on tort reform and tax legislation, led by state officials, including Lieutenant Governor Evette, who declared April 29 as Small Business Day in South Carolina. The event highlighted the commitment of local chambers to support and advocate for small businesses.

Columbia, South Carolina – Approximately 30 members of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce gathered in Columbia for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Day event on April 29, 2025. This year, the Aiken Chamber had one of the largest delegations attending, underscoring strong member engagement and commitment to advocating for local small business concerns.

Chamber President Jim Tunison highlighted that 85% of their membership consists of small businesses, each with 10 or fewer employees, emphasizing the vital role such enterprises play in the local economy. Among the attendees were Jignesh Desai, the owner of the HoneyBaked Ham franchise in Aiken, and Hetal Acharekar, who operates both PerformanceAbove and Tee It Up Ladies. Acharekar also pointed out that in the U.S., small businesses make up about 55% to 60% of all businesses, suggesting that their collective voice carries significant weight in policy discussions.

The Aiken contingent participated in a panel discussion at the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Offices, moderated by government affairs officer Will Frierson. Key figures included South Carolina Senators Josh Kimbrell and Ed Sutton, along with S.C. Representative Fawn Pedalino, who deliberated over critical issues such as tort reform and proposed changes to income tax legislation.

Following the panel, the group gathered on the Statehouse steps at 10 a.m. for a special event that included remarks from Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and House Speaker Murrell Smith Jr. During her address, Evette reaffirmed her commitment to supporting small businesses through initiatives focused on tax cuts and regulatory relief. She also proclaimed April 29 as Small Business Day in South Carolina, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of small business owners to the state’s economy.

Evette’s speech reflected her background as a former business owner, highlighting the necessity for policymakers to understand the challenges faced by small enterprises. Post-event, the Aiken group had the opportunity to meet with S.C. Senator Tom Young Jr. for further discussions on their concerns.

Moreover, the event featured presentations from economist Joey Von Nesson and Cheryl Richards, CEO of Catapult Employers Association, who addressed the current business environment and the challenges facing small businesses. A panel that followed included Callie Goodwin, a greeting card entrepreneur, and Logan LaMance, co-founder of Kanga Coolers. Goodwin shared her experience of generating 98% of her orders through TikTok, offering insights into leveraging social media effectively, including tips on maintaining authenticity and consistent engagement.

In his presentation, Von Nesson graded South Carolina’s economy at a B+, while cautioning that rising tariffs could increase inflation and adversely affect consumer spending. Richards noted a significant challenge for small businesses is a declining labor market participation rate, highlighting the hurdles many face in attracting and retaining talent.

This year’s Small Business Day demonstrated a strong commitment from the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and its members to advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of small businesses in South Carolina. As small businesses continue to represent a significant portion of the economy, the insights gathered from this event will play a crucial role in how local businesses navigate the evolving economic landscape.

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