Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce - 2019 Annual Report

Cultivating Growth and Progress

annual report

2019 The Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce is an active, volunteer-led organization empowered by its investors to cultivate economic growth and community development.

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP

2019 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD VAN TAYLOR LANDER UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT & CEO ANGELLE LABORDE, CCE Thank you for your continued support and investment as a member of the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the past year, your Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff worked to fulfill our mission of serving as the unified voice to promote economic growth and build community.

We are pleased to present the 2019 Annual Report summarizing our year. Many of our advocacy initiatives, awards presentations and programs are featured. Also, our largest event, the SC Festival of Flowers, produced an economic impact of over $4 million!

Moreover, the Chamber strengthened our relationships with government officials, provided diverse programming, and ended the year with positive net revenue over expenses.

Your investment in the Chamber is sincerely appreciated. It is truly an honor and a privilege to partner with and represent you as the collective voice of business in Greenwood County.

CHAMBER / FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

3.5%

Revenues

7.3%

scfof

coc

total

-

$219, 690.46

$219, 690.46

$151,249.00

$259,532.86

$410,781.86

$37,249.06

$14,006.70

$51,255.76

-

$24,633.95

$24,633.95

$188,498.06

$517,863.97

$706,362.03

scfof

coc

total

Management & General

$58,984.88

$342,283.23

$401,268.11

Programs & Events

$71,924.61

$116,247.25

$188,171.86

Advertising & Marketing

$47,955.02

$19,121.42

$67,076.44

-

$19,409.20

$19,409.20

Total Expenses

$178,864.51

$497,061.10

$675,925.61

Net Income

$9,633.55

$20,802.87

$30,436.42

Membership Dues 31.1%

Programs & Events Advertising & Marketing

58.2%

Other Total Revenues

2.9%

Expenses

9.9%

27.8%

59.4%

Membership Benefits & Services

Chamber Staff

2

DAVID DOUGHERTY

FIELY NOVILLA

AUSTIN WALKER

Vice President Investor Relations

Director of Finance & Operations

Coordinator Programs & Festival

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TRISH BUIS

SUSAN JACKSON

​JEFF

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN

GREENWOOD COUNTY

JEFF DUNCAN

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

HEATHER SIMMONS JONES*

ROLAND SNELLING, JR.

GREENWOOD PARTNERSHIP

VELUX GREENWOOD, LLC

TOBY CHAPPELL GREENWOOD COUNTY KEN COFFEY SELF REGIONAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION BONNIE CORBITT G. F. RUSSELL TECHNOLOGY CENTER MAX CRAWFORD WCFIBER, LLC LOIS EUSTACE CLARK EUSTACE WAGNER, PA DANIELLE FIELDS COUNTYBANK COURTNEY FURMAN FURMAN ARCHITECTS, INC. GREG GURLEY , WINGARD S PHARMACY JASON HOMME CARQUEST AUTO PARTS

ALLIANCE MATT REYNOLDS* HERALD OFFICE SOLUTIONS ​ J. DAVID McALLISTER, JR. MANLEY GARVIN, LLC JIMMY PEDEN* CONNECT LAKE GREENWOOD LISA SANDERS FIRST CITIZENS BANK MARY SCHOCH BRIAN SCHOCH STATE FARM AGENCY SARA SEARS SELF REGIONAL HEALTHCARE BRANDON SMITH LAW OFFICES OF BRANDON A. SMITH, LLC

SMITH

ERIC TAYLOR CONNIE MAXWELL CHILDREN'S HOME VAN TAYLOR 2019 CHAIR LANDER UNIVERSITY RICHARD THOMASON* COUNTYBANK CASEY TOMPKINS DAVIS & FLOYD, INC. PAMELA VAUGHN FUJIFILM MANUFACTURING U.S.A. INC. DEBBIE WALLING LONZA JULIE WILKIE CITY OF GREENWOOD *EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS

INCOMING 2020 BOARD MEMBERS

2019 Chair Van Taylor welcomed three new directors at the annual Board Retreat.

RUSTY DENNING

ROBERT GREER

KRISTIN MANSKE

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PARDA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

GREENWOOD REGIONAL REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

2019 Annual Report

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3

% 110 GIVERS 1st Franklin Financial Corp.

Aflac - Ronda Williams Aging With Flair, LLC The Alcoves Alexander Remington International Associates, Inc. Always Best Care of Greenwood - Anderson American Services, Inc. American Termapest, Inc. Andersen, Kristen Arc3 Gases Aromas Village Coffee Ascend Performance Materials Ashley Place Auto Care, Inc. Collision Center Ayers, Smithdeal, & Bettis, P.C. B&E Landscaping Solutions Barbie Dunlap, Make-up Artist Bath Fitter The Bayberry Retirement Inn Baymont Inn & Suites Beckman Center for Mental Health Services Belk Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Cambridge Realty Birth Connection, LLC The Blood Connection Blyth Funeral Home Boggero’s Services Bowers-Rodgers Home

Cokesbury Recreational & Historical Comm.

Combined Insurance Dennis & Associates Comfort Inn & Suites Community Initiatives, Inc. Connie Maxwell Children’s Home

Greenwood Aerial Video

Keep Greenwood County Beautiful

Ninety Six School District 52

The Stoddard Funderburk Law Firm LLC

Kids First Dental & Braces

NW White & Co.

Greenwood Area Small Business Development Greenwood Army Navy

Kinard Animal Hospital

Greenwood Community Theatre

Lake Homes Realty, LLC

Greenwood County

Cox Accounting Solutions, LLC

Greenwood County Community Foundation

Lakelands Master Gardeners / Clemson Extension

Craven Consulting Group LLC

Greenwood Eye Clinic, PA

Lakelands Overhead Door, LLC

CrossRoads Pregnancy Center

Greenwood Fabricating & Plating, LLC

Lakelands Realty, LLC

Cullum Electric & Mechanical, Inc.

Greenwood Family Dentistry

Custom Audio and Lighting

Greenwood Lions Club, Inc.

Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission

Greenwood Locksmith, Inc.

Law Offices of Brandon Smith

Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union

Lee’s Barbecue & Catering Service

Greenwood Pathway House.

Liberty Storage Solutions of Greenwood

CORA Physical Therapy Cowart Awards, Inc.

David A. Crotts & Associates, Inc. David Lindsey Clothier ll, LLC Davis & Floyd, Inc. Davis, Ben

Greenwood Performing Arts

Suntrust Mortgage Superior Roofing

Old Main Catering

Surgery Center of the Lakelands

Omni Group, LLC Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Sweet Teas Children’s Boutique

Ouzts-Tinney Chiropractic & Spinal Rehab

Swindell, George Synergy Counseling of Greenwood, LLC

Palmetto Stem Cell, LLC Papa John’s Pizza

T&J Kitchen and Bath, Inc.

Park Seed Company

Team Roark

Pediatric Dentistry of Greenwood

Tech Systems, Inc.

Piedmont Area Human Resource Association

Technesis

Piedmont Family Dentistry, PA

Think Tank on Main

Piedmont Tech Foundation

Thomas Concrete

Piedmont Technical College

Thompson, Chris

Pioneer Construction, Inc.

Tinsley & Adams LLP

Pope, Smith, Brown & King

TLC Real Estate

Premier Surgical Services, PA

Town & Country Construction of SC, Inc.

Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc.

Greenwood Regional Rehabilitation Hospital

Lloyd Roofing Co., Inc.

Digestive Disease Group, PA

LNinnovations

Duke Energy Carolinas

Greenwood Rental Agency, Inc.

Long, Ted, Realtor

Eaton Corporation, Hydraulics Group

Greenwood Rotary Club

Lonza

Greenwood Soup Kitchen Ministry, Inc.

Lowery, John L.

Emerald City Animal Hospital, Inc.

H. H. Turner Jewelers

Mabry-Sanders Agency, Inc.

Quality Chrysler of Greenwood

Emerald Farm

Hancock & Associates

Main & Maxwell, LLC

Quality Inn

Triangle Construction

Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites

R.T. Bailey Construction, Inc.

Triangle True Value Hardware

Mathis Plumbing Heating Air

Rainbo Antiques

Trinity Photography

McAllisters Home Furnishings & More

RE/MAX Action Realty, Inc.

Uldrick Builders L.L.C.

Regency Park Luxury Apartments

United Community Bank

Diana Pet Food

Edward Jones & Company

Employee Benefit Advisors, Inc. Enchanted Acres, LLC Enviva Pellets Greenwood, LLC

Expo 300 Faith Home Fellowship Camp & Conference Center First Citizens Corp.

Flynn’s on Maxwell Uptown Wine & Beer

Frank’s Car Wash & Shell Rapid Lube

Capri’s Italian Restaurant

FSIoffice

Caris Healthcare

Furman Architects, Inc.

Carolina Health Centers, Inc.

Fusion Japanese & Thai

Carolina Medical Weight Management, PA

G. F. Russell Career Center

Carolina Pride Foods

George Ballentine Ford-Toyota

Carolina Prosthetics and Orthotics

GeoSeed

Hampton Inn of Greenwood Hardee’s Harley Funeral Home and Crematory

GLEAMNS Human Resources Grand Harbor Golf & Yacht Club Community Gray Marketing and PR Graybar Electric Company

Harris Flooring America

McCallum Orthodontics McCaslan’s Book Store

Town & Country Property Management, Inc. Town of Ninety Six

Upper Savannah Council of Governments

RL Enterprise - Recruiting & Staffing

McClary / McCartha Orthodontics

Heaner Design Group, LLC

McCormick County DSS

Robert’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service, LLC

Herald Office Solutions

McCravy, Newlon and Sturkie Law Firm, P.A

Rodgers Builders, Inc. Rodgers Well Drilling, Inc.

McGinn Construction Co., Inc.

Rush Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Greenwood Mall

MEG’s House

Holubek Photography

Memberfyi

Sanders Wealth Management, LLC Satterfield Construction Co.

Home Comfort Systems

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio & Day Spa

Seasons by the Lake

HopeSouth Credit Union

Metal Garage, Inc.

The Self Family Foundation

Western Piedmont Education Consortium

Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont

Mike Reeder & Associates

Self Regional Healthcare

Wiley, Tonya Realtor

Hospice Care of South Carolina

The Mill House Montague Eye Center, LLC

Self Regional Healthcare Auxilliary

Window World of the Upstate

Heritage Company of Greenwood, Inc.

Housing Authority of the City of Greenwood

Moore Pest Control Morningside of Greenwood

Humane Society of Greenwood

South Main St. Baptist Church

iHeartMedia Greenville

Neighbors United Credit Union

Southeastern Freight Lines The Spa on Maxwell

NeverSayCain’t Christian Life Coaching

Sparkle Express Greenwood

New Spring Church

Spirit Communications

Citizens Trust Company Clark Eustace Wagner, PA

Greater Greenwood

Johansen Precision Eye Care

J.E.S. Restaurant Equipment

Nexsen Pruet, LLC NHC Health Care Center

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8131 Wades on Waller Walker, Bea, Remax Action Realty Walmart Wesley Commons

Smith Dray Line

Nagoya Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar

Institute of Creative & Healing Arts

Velux Greenwood, LLC

The Skinner Company

The Museum

The Index-Journal Co.

V & R Consulting, LLC

Shealy Electrical Wholesalers

HTI Employment Solutions

Internetwork Engineering

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lowe’s of Greenwood

Preston Culbertson State Farm Agency

Health Related Home Care

Greater Greenwood Parks & Trails Foundation

4

Sugar Boutique

Oakbrook Memorial Park

Greenwood Place, Inc.

Cambridge Dental Associates

CINTAS

Lakelands Toros

Stoddard, Dr. Thomas B.

Northland Communications

Limestone College

Food Bank of Greenwood County

Chick-Fil-A Drive Thru

281 COMPANY SUPPORTERS Stockman Oil

Lakelands Homebuilders Association

Cambridge Academy, Inc.

Chandler Construction Services, Inc.

$12,989 CONTRIBUTIONS of Greenwood

Harvin, Bubba, Realtor

The Carolina Tavern

Greenwood County high school graduates.

Nicholson, Senator Floyd

Etron Solutions, LLC

C. Rauch Wise, Attorney at Law

at both Lander University and Piedmont Technical College for

Justus Builders, LLC

Broomfield Broadcasting, Inc Fox Sports

C C & M Inc.

Greenwood area employers, the Chamber created scholarships

John H. Welborn-Surveyor

Brookdale Greenwood

Burton Center Foundation

Scholarship initiative. Desiring to foster a qualified workforce for

United Ministry

Harris Baptist Church

Burton Center for Disabilities & Special Needs

provided an additional 10% of their dues to support the Chamber’s

Greenwood Active Day

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection

Buck Stove, Pool & Spa

Special thanks to our 2019 Chamber investors who voluntarily

Speedway Car Care Center Steifle’s Appliances Stockman Lands, Inc.

2019 Annual Report

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE 128

Students

Equipped with 21st century leadership skills.

25

Business Leaders

Connected with students to share career advice.

4TH

Student Conference

Held at Lander University in partnership with Eaton Corporation, the SC Dept. of Commerce and Leadership Greenwood.

Fostering lifelong learning and development, the Chamber hosts the annual SC Student Leadership Conference. The conference offered 21st century leadership skills to Greenwood County high school students, providing them with a competitive advantage as they advance to college and careers.

The education and workforce development committee was led

by Debbie Walling of Lonza.

CONNECTING LOCAL TALENT Greenwood’s Hiring is a Chamber initiative, dedicated to connecting job seekers with area employers throughout Greenwood and the Lakelands region. This active facebook page has:

Reach

5,000

Engagements

1,000

Followers

2,200 The

Greenwood

SC

Chamber

featured

new

school

superintendent Dr. Steve Glenn as the guest speaker at its Morning Blend program. Dr. Glenn was named Greenwood School District 50’s new leader for the 2019-2020 school year.

2019 Annual Report

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

5

RECOGNIZING LEADERS

SIXTEEN AWARDS WERE PRESENTED IN 2019 TO OUTSTANDING LEADERS TO RECOGNIZE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY

GREENWOOD COUNTY HALL OF FAME

Since 1976 the Chamber has honored citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to the economic well-being and quality of life in Greenwood County.

1976

J. C. Self, Sr.

1988

R. B. Curry, Jr.

2002

Howard Lamar Burns

J. C. Self, Jr.

Dewey H. Johnson

2003

Dr. Lex D. Walters

William Jennings

1989

J. B. Harris, Sr.

2004

Dr. Roger E. Stevenson

Bryan Dorn

1990

Henderson Barnette

2005

William A. Klauber, Jr.

Jack Lawrence

Joe Patrick

2006

Sam Tolbert

1977

Dr. Boyce M. Grier

1991

John Drummond

2007

Lewis Harrison

1978

Julius W. (Pinky) Babb

C.Y. Thomason

2008

Dr. Jack Parham

1979

J. Ed Chaffin

1992

Larry Jackson

2009

Linda Dolny

1980

Samuel M. Smith

1993

Emmett I. Davis, Jr.

2010

Emmett F. Brooks

1981

John Benson Sloan

Charles J. Rogers

2011

Warren C. Schulze

Benjamin Sanders

1994

Dr. Stanley C. Baker, Jr.

2012

Ben Lawrence

1982

Major Walter W. Benson

1995

Thornwell Dunlap, Jr.

2013

Len Bornemann

1983

R. Frank Mundy

1996

William John Park

2014

Chuck Fox

1984

Henry Blohm

1997

William H. Harrison

2015

Joe Chandler

Col. Ernest Rosenburg

1998

Cecil Bruce

2016

A.C. “Bubba” Fennell

1985

William A. Barnette

Barksdale, Sr.

2017

A.T. Jamison

Robert L. Granger

1999

James Felton Burton

2017

Bill Stevens

1986

L. B. Adams

2000

Marion P. Carnell

2018

Floyd Nicholson

1987

F. E. Grier

2001

James E. McDonald

SENATOR FLOYD NICHOLSON Pictured with City of Greenwood staff members.

Accepting award with 2018 Chair Chip Stockman & Jon Scott of Wesley Commons.

CENTENNIAL RECOGNITION

Members of the SC Legislative Delegation presented The Index-Journal with a proclamation honoring them for 100 years in business.

SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR An individual whose dedication to their business has had a profound impact on the progress and growth experienced in our county.

HOWARD CORLEY , Howard s on Main

6

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Recognizing the unique leadership influence of women, each recipient is outstanding in her profession and is a committed champion for the Greenwood community.

BETTIE ROSE HORNE, PH.D. South Carolina Higher Education Commission

DONNA FOSTER, PH.D. Piedmont Technical College

ROSSIE L. CORWON Kleinschmidt Associates

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS WLC

recognized

several

women

with

Achievement Awards for their personal achievements and community impact in serving others in Greenwood.

AMY FENNELL

ALINE BARNES

DEBRA COLEMAN

Achievement Award

Champion Award

Go Girl! Award

CONNECT YP GREENWOOD UNDER 40 STARS

This recognition supports and salutes young professionals in the community. Each honoree is an emerging leader who

strives toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, excels in their profession, strives to be engaged in their community, and serves as a role model for other young professionals.

HOLLY BROWN

MARY LYLE CATHCART

CAROLINE CHAPPELL

WELLS DUNLAP, V

Lonza

Self Regional Healthcare

Piedmont Technical College

Countybank

LESLEY LANE

LUCAS MCMILLAN

GEOFF RHYNE

Greenwood Communities & Resorts

Lander University

Wesley Commons

2019 Annual Report

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

7

ADVOCACY CONNECTING MEMBER BUSINESSES VIA EDUCATIONAL BRIEFINGS FOR PERSONALIZED AND ONGOING INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS. AWARENESS & EDUCATION The Chamber’s State of the City / County luncheon provided business leaders with access to city and county officials and provides information about issues, government operations, and future challenges. Government officials provided the business community with an update on the revenue projections of the Capital Project Sales Tax, which was ratified by voters in 2016.

Additionally the Chamber hosts an annual Legislative Breakfast gathering of Greenwood’s legislative delegation.

STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIPS As a unified voice of business at the Statehouse in Columbia, the Greenwood SC Chamber is an active participant of the Upstate Chamber Coalition and the SC Chamber of Commerce.

TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT The Upstate Chamber Coalition co-hosted a Listening Tour with Laurens County and Greenwood chambers featuring legislative advocate, Jason Zacher.

South Carolina Chamber CEO Ted Pitts was the featured speaker at the SC Grassroots breakfast held at Lander University.

Representatives of the Upstate Chamber Coalition met in Greenville for a leadership briefing.

A transportation summit was held in Greenwood, hosted by Ten at the Top, an Upstate regional convener, which focuses on five key areas:

Community Vibrancy, Human Potential,

Sustainable Growth, Natural Beauty & Resources, and Economic & Entrepreneurial Vitality.

11 Chambers

Ten at the Top fosters trust and collaboration through partnerships

Working together to serve as the voice of Upstate business and is devoted to improving our region’s business climate.

and cooperation that impact economic vitality and quality of life across Upstate South Carolina, specifically within the following ten Upstate counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg and Union.

For more information, visit tenatthetop.org.

8,000 Businesses

Represented by two lobbyists in Columbia working to prevent anti-business legislation and advocating for the interest of business.

300,000 Employees

Are the reason we work so hard to create jobs, raise per capita income, and improve our region’s quality of life.

8

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report

SMALL BUSINESS

SERVING AS AN ADVOCATE FOR SMALL

85%

SMALL

BUSINESSES THROUGH EDUCATION,

Businesses

NETWORKING, AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Make up the majority of our Membership

RECOGNIZING Led by Mary Schoch of Brian Schoch State Farm Agency, the Chamber hosted its second annual Small Business Week and partnered with The Index-Journal to publish a supplemental guide. A week full of events highlighted this important segment of our community and an appreciation breakfast at the Inn on the Square was held to show small business owners how much we value their economic and civic engagement.

The highlight of the week was the 30th annual Small Business Awards Luncheon, where Howard Corley was recognized. As one of the first entrepreneurs to invest in the Uptown district when it was revitalized, Mr. Corley played a vital role in creating new special events and entertainment options to attract more residents to Uptown.

EDUCATING The Chamber offered many forums throughout the year, but during this special week they co-hosted a digital marketing and social media workshop with the Greenwood Area Small Business Development Center.

EXPANDING Supporting a thriving small business community, the Chamber was proud to host numerous ribbon cuttings for new and growing businesses.

Recognizing that networking with other small businesses can be a key contributor to growth, three locally owned businesses worked together to host an expanded Business After Hours at the Uptown Market. They included Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Fatz Café, and Rush Heating & Cooling, Inc.

PROMOTING AND ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE OF LAKE LIFE

4TH ANNUAL

LIFE ON THE LAKE SUMMIT 525

PEOPLE ATTENDED

2019 Annual Report

29

EXHIBITORS

20

SPONSORS

5TH ANNUAL

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE 10,000 PEOPLE

BY LAKE AND BY BOAT

21

SPONSORS

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

9

LEADERSHIP GREENWOOD NEW PERSPECTIVES

A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY

For the past 36 years, the Chamber has sponsored the Leadership

EDUCATION THROUGH

Greenwood program, offering new perspectives and nurturing

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

future community leaders.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Members of the Class of 2019 volunteered at numerous Chamber

WHILE EXPLORING KEY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE GREENWOOD COMMUNITY.

events, including the SC Festival of Flowers, Lakelands Business Expo, and the Grape Stomp Wine Walk.

They also volunteered with the local Rotary Club at their Rise Against Hunger meal packing event and at the Pints for Polio fundraiser.

BOARD ENGAGEMENT

CLASS OF

After graduation, several members were recruited to serve on local 32 Graduates boards of directors and have become more engaged in civic affairs.

10

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019

ALUMNI 386 Engaged & Dedicated Civic Leaders

2019 Annual Report

, WOMEN S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WOMEN TO GROW PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY, AND

TO BUILD THEIR INFLUENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Led by Trish Buis of Piedmont Technical College, the award-winning Women’s Leadership Council continues to be relevant and meaningful to the women they serve.

, WOMEN S LEADERSHIP UPSTATE CONFERENCE The fifth Women’s Leadership Upstate Conference attracted more than 275 women from throughout the Lakelands. The conference, led by co-chairs Sara Sears and Dr. Donna Foster, included two keynote addresses, three breakout sessions, exhibitors, as well as lunch and a closing networking reception.

PURPOSEFUL NETWORKING WLC networked with female elected officials, offered professional development training, and sponsored two Suits & Salads events for female job seekers.

MENTORING FEMALE SCHOLARS The WLC Leadership Scholars program provides a year-round initiative to build a stronger culture of leadership for female students by providing them with mentorship and leadership development training and experiences. Proceeds from the Women’s Conference fund leadership training and programming. Community partners who supported the initiative include FUJIFILM Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc, Greenwood Women Care, and the Rotary Club of Greenwood.

Six women were honored during the 10th annual Women of Excellence Awards.

These women improve our community, mentor other women and youth, and foster leadership opportunities.

2019 Annual Report

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

11

NON-PROFIT COUNCIL

SERVE, SUPPORT, AND STRENGTHEN THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR THROUGH CAPACITY-BUILDING, COLLABORATION, AND ADVOCACY FOR A BETTER GREENWOOD. Led by Jeff Smith of the Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF), the NonProfit Council provided targeted programs to help non-profit staff and their volunteers develop leadership skills.

ENRICHING PROGRAMS “Energizing Your Volunteers Into Agency Advocates” was presented by Heather Lother, CVA, Senior Director of Engagement at United Way of the Piedmont.

Bi-Monthly Resource Connection gatherings gave non-profit leaders an opportunity to share resources and discuss ways in which to collaborate.

POVERTY SIMULATION Coordinated by SC Thrive, a poverty stimulation experience showcased the struggles people living in poverty face.

Over 75 people participated, developing a multi-dimensional understanding of poverty through experiential learning.

The experience benefits everyone, from policy makers to local community leaders. Participants role played as different families encountering the day-to-day realities of navigating the complex systems low-income families interact with daily.

A grant from Greenwood County Community Foundation was awarded to provide board governance training in 2020.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The Chamber is proud to support several community initiatives. Whether the Chamber is convening leaders, building the capacity of community

Creating a vibrant community where families can live, work

problem solvers, educating and reporting to the community, or conducting

and play for generations to come.

economic research, we stand ready to solve community problems and create opportunities for a stronger Greenwood County.

Supported the efforts of Keep Greenwood County Beautiful through: Lake Greenwood Clean Up, Shred Days, and the Team Up to Clean Up Initiative.

Provided a contribution to The Greenwood Promise to support their educational initiatives.

Partnered with Greenwood in Bloom’s unique volunteer-led effort to promote civic pride and inspire community involvement in the beautification of Greenwood.

12

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report

CONNECT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO BECOME LEADERS BY PROVIDING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

Led by Matt Reynolds of Herald Office Solutions, CYP held its signature service project, the 3rd annual “Ales for Trails” 5K run in March. The group was able to attract more than 125 runners and supporters and provided a $3,500 contribution to members of the Greater Greenwood Parks & Trails Foundation board of directors.

FOCUSED GATHERINGS CYP hosted several Monthly Mingle gatherings featuring area professionals who shared their career

success

stories

and

leadership

tips.

Additionally, they convened for socials and service projects, and held the second annual Next Level Young Professionals Summit in the fall.

The group ended the year by recognizing seven outstanding “Greenwood Under 40 Stars.”

2019 Annual Report

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

13

SC FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

SHOWCASING GREENWOOD AS A DESTINATION FOR FLOWERS, FAMILIES & FUN!

Special thanks to the Festival’s corporate and Topiary sponsors for their commitment to this community-wide celebration. The Festival is proud to have a wonderful partner in the City of Greenwood and owes a debt of gratitude to the Public Works and Horticulture Staff as well as the topiary volunteers and master gardeners.

44 Topiaries

Large and small works of

90k Attendees All ages, from near and far

FEELING THE FUN, IN RAIN & SHINE! For the past 52 years, the Chamber has organized and coordinated the Festival.

Rooted in tradition, the SC Festival of Flowers

art, showcased Uptown

produces the largest economic impact within the County and is like no other.

33 Events

Across the month of June

$4.2 Million

Economic Impact

Led by Richard Thomason for the second year, the Festival experienced a huge rain washout for the first time in over a decade!

Our leadership adapted and several events were moved indoors.

AWARD WINNING International Festivals & Events Association Silver TV Promotion Bronze Misc. Clothing (Baseball tee) Southeast Festivals & Events Association Silver Best Program Bronze Best Merchandise (Baseball tee) South Carolina Festival and Event Association Best Digital Media Marketing Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event L. Ruple Harley, Jr. Named as the 2018 SFEA Volunteer of the Year 14

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Greenwood SC Chamber hosts a variety of business, social, and sporting events to meet the needs of our members and to generate non-dues revenue for the organization. Collectively, these events attract over a thousand attendees and provide visibility and exposure for corporate sponsors.

105

th

A N N UA L MEETING GET THE SCOOP

2019 Annual Report

LAKELANDS RUN YOUR

MEETING

ICE OFF

BUSINESS EXPO

304 Attendees

229 Runners & Walkers

800 Attendees 53 Exhibitors

ANNUAL

GOLF CLASSIC

RAFFLE

52 Golfers

150 Tickets Sold

SUPER

GRAPE STOMP / BEER GARDEN 470 Attendees 15 Wine Stops

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

15

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE

110 Phoenix Street Greenwood, SC 29646 www.GreenwoodSCchamber.org

GREENWOOD SC

(864) 223-8431 info@GreenwoodSCchamber.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CREDITS: LNINNOVATIONS, TRINITY PHOTOGRAPHY

16

GREENWOOD SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Annual Report