News Summary

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce participated in the annual Small Business Day event at the South Carolina Statehouse, featuring discussions on business issues and networking opportunities. With 85% of its members being small businesses, the chamber emphasized their critical role in the state’s economy. The event included a panel consisting of state legislators and insights from local business owners demonstrating the importance of small enterprises in shaping economic policy.

Aiken – The Aiken Chamber of Commerce took part in the annual Small Business Day event on April 29, 2025, at the South Carolina Statehouse, gathering around 30 local members to highlight the critical role of small businesses in the state’s economy. The event, organized by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, brings together business owners and state legislators to discuss pertinent issues affecting the business community.

According to Chamber President Jim Tunison, a significant portion of the Aiken Chamber’s members consists of small businesses, with approximately 85% having ten or fewer employees. This year, the Aiken Chamber’s representation was notably large, which is consistent with past events, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for local small enterprises.

Attendees included Jignesh Desai, owner of the HoneyBaked Ham franchise in Aiken, who made the journey from Florida to participate. Another notable attendee, Hetal Acharekar, who runs PerformanceAbove and Tee It Up Ladies, pointed out that small businesses account for 55% to 60% of all businesses in the United States, thus underscoring the significance of their representation in discussions pertinent to business policy and legislation.

Event Highlights and Discussions

The Aiken group arrived in Columbia shortly before 9 a.m. to commence their day with a panel discussion held at the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Offices. The discussion was moderated by Will Frierson, the chamber’s government affairs officer and featured prominent panelists from the South Carolina legislature, including Senators Josh Kimbrell and Ed Sutton, along with Representative Fawn Pedalino. The panel focused largely on pertinent issues such as tort reform and proposed changes to income tax.

Following the panel discussion, the Aiken attendees gathered at the steps of the Statehouse for a notable event featuring Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and House Speaker Murrell Smith Jr. During this event, Lt. Gov. Evette stressed the necessity for elected officials to be supportive of small businesses in order to foster growth and success within this sector. On this occasion, Evette also read a proclamation from Governor Henry McMaster declaring April 29 as Small Business Day in South Carolina, an acknowledgment of the vital contributions small businesses make to the overall economy of the state.

Meeting with Legislators and Economic Insights

Later in the day, the group met with S.C. Senator Tom Young Jr. in the Senate chamber, providing another opportunity for small business owners to engage directly with their representatives. Additionally, presentations were held by economist Joey Von Nesson and Cheryl Richards, CEO of Catapult Employers Association, who offered insights into the current economic climate. Von Nesson rated the state’s economy as a B+ but cautioned attendees about inflationary pressures related to tariffs that could pose challenges ahead.

Innovative strategies for business growth were also a focus of the discussions, particularly in utilizing social media platforms such as TikTok. Business owners Callie Goodwin and Logan LaMance shared their success stories, highlighting that a staggering 98% of Goodwin’s orders originated from TikTok. These insights appeared to resonant well with attendees, reinforcing the idea that small businesses need to embrace the evolving digital landscape and adapt successfully to changes within the labor market.

Conclusion

The Small Business Day event not only provided an essential platform for networking between local business owners and legislators but also served as a reminder of the critical role that small businesses play in shaping the economic future of South Carolina. With 85% of the Aiken Chamber’s membership represented by small businesses, the ongoing advocacy and dialogue surrounding their needs remain a priority for the Chamber as it champions the interests of local entrepreneurs.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken Kicks Off Summer with Pool Opening and Community Events
Spotlight on Greenville’s Small Business Resilience
Community Events and Activities in Aiken This May
Aiken City Council and Taj Aiken Owner Discuss Future Development
Weekend Festivals and Events in Aiken and North Augusta
North Augusta Bids Farewell to Bistro 55 After Two Years
Rep. Melissa Oremus Returns to USC Aiken to Inspire Students
Charleston’s Liquor Liability Insurance Crisis
Aiken Faces Health Care Crisis Amid Rapid Population Growth
Aiken High School’s Hire Summit Links Students and Employers

Aiken Chamber Advocates for Small Businesses at Statehouse