2025 Chamber Opportunities Guide

Newberry County Chamber of Commerce

2025 OPPORTUNITIES GUIDE Building Business l Connecting Community

1209 Caldwell Street, PO Box 396, Newberry, SC 29108 803.276.4274 NewberryCountyChamber.com

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ABOUT US

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BENEFITS

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GET INVOLVED

13 EVENTS & PROGRAMS 21 TOURISM 22 INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE

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ABOUT US

At the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, we understand that real progress—both in business and in our broader community—requires partnerships. Together, our Chamber members serve as the driving force behind the programs and events that not only strengthen today’s businesses but help build a thriving community for the future by fostering leadership and encouraging growth.

An investment in the Chamber—whether through sponsorship, membership, or active involvement—helps shape the future of our region.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

To promote a positive business environment and to enhance the quality of life in Newberry County by supporting the state and county economic development efforts while meeting the needs of our communities and members.

Our vision is to create a community where every citizen, individual and corporate, can reach their full potential and become a positive contributor to Newberry County's economic well-being and quality of life.

OUR STAFF

OUR BOARD

Michelle Long, CEO michelle@newberrycounty.org

Kimberly Kitchens, Chair Servpro of Newberry and Laurens Counties

Liz MacDonald, Administrator liz@newberrycounty.org

Hunter Perry-Gallinger, Vice-Chair Newberry College George Franklin, Treasurer Franklin-Summer Insurance, Inc. Stephanie Sullivan, Secretary Newberry Electric Coop., Inc. John Covington EXIT Real Estate Consultants Alan Davis Living Hope Foundation Tia Devette Laila’s Place Bakery & Cafe’ Theo Lane Duke Energy Karen Livingston Town of Prosperity Mike Meadow Friend of the Chamber Mike Meetze Meetze Tree Farm 4

The voice of Newberry County’s business community.

ADVOCATING. CONNECTING. LEADING. DEVELOPING. ACCESS & ADVOCACY The Newberry County Chamber of Commerce advocates for business by serving as the unified voice for local enterprises, representing their interests at the local, state, and national levels.

We work to influence policies, foster a pro-business environment, and reduce barriers to growth. Through active engagement with government officials, strategic partnerships, and community leadership, we champion initiatives that support economic development, promote fair regulations, and ensure that the business community’s needs are clearly represented.

CONNECT & GROW We connect businesses and communities by fostering relationships, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for engagement. Through events, programs, and partnerships, we build bridges between local businesses, residents, and community leaders. This strong network fuels economic activity, supports local initiatives, and leads to sustainable, positive growth for the entire region.

LEADING & DEVELOPING We help shape the future of people and communities by offering programs and opportunities that inspire growth, leadership, and learning. From youth leadership and workforce development to professional networking and mentorship, the Chamber invests in individuals at every stage. These efforts strengthen the local talent pool, empower future leaders, and build a thriving, resilient community for years to come.

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FOUR AMAZING BENEFITS OF CHAMBER SPONSORSHIP As you plan your promotions and advertising budget, consider sponsoring a Newberry County Chamber of Commerce event or program. We offer several each year that are beneficial to both our membership and the general public, and sponsoring either has several benefits for your business: Brand Visibility: Put your brand in front of large audiences! You can increase 1. Increase your brand visibility through sponsor benefits, which include: Recognition on event signage.

Recognition on pre & post-event marketing/communication materials.

Recognition at the event.

Exposure through Community Involvement: Customers and clients trust brands 2. Business that care about investing in their community. Community involvement will set your business apart, and create an incentive for the community to support your business over the competition.

Your Business Relationships: Grow your network connections through sponsor 3. Grow benefits which may include: Opportunity to introduce keynote or invited speakers.

Opportunity to moderate or present a panel discussion.

Opportunity to have your name or logo displayed as part of marketing materials and/or at the event or program.

Opportunity to provide promotional products and/or brochures detailing your business to attendees.

Generate New Leads: Not only do Chamber events connect you with a 4. Efficiently compatible customer base, they also give you the opportunity to show the "human side" of your business. By sponsoring and attending, you can interact with potential customers, learn about their needs, promote your products, and build a stronger contact list.

HAVE QUESTIONS? Our staff is here to help! Give us a call at 803-276-4274, email us at chamber@newberrycounty.org, or stop by the Chamber office and say hello!

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ADDITIONAL BENEFITS E-NEWSLETTER Our weekly e-newsletter includes information about Chamber events and programs, member business information, and community interest events.

Anyone may subscribe to our e-news; however, information inclusion is exclusively for members. You will receive our weekly e-newsletter and reminders of other pertinent Chamber events and programs.

MEMBERSHIP MONDAY FEATURE TELL YOUR STORY

You and your business can be featured in the Membership Monday e-news edition.

Submit your logo, up to three photos, and up to 250 words describing your business. This description can include your services, your “why” you are in your business, what sets you apart, any awards, etc. It’s your opportunity to tell your story.

The information also runs in the same week’s e-newsletter.

Contact Liz MacDonald with your preferred date. First come, first served.

VISITORS CENTER Located in the center of historic downtown Newberry, the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce also serves as the Visitors Center for Newberry County and is one of the first places residents and visitors think of when locating resources. From must-see attractions and upcoming events to dining, shopping, and essential services, we connect them with the people and places they need.

We proudly promote businesses, community organizations, and service providers online, via phone and email, and through brochures, maps, digital displays, and personal recommendations.

Let us help you get seen by partnering with us, and put your business on the map.

NEWBERRY AREA COMMUNITY GUIDE We are working with Summer Media to publish an updated Newberry Community Guide.

Chamber members receive exclusive advertising space in this publication that is distributed throughout Newberry County, surrounding areas, and Welcome Centers.

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WEBSITE PRESENCE Every Chamber member is listed on our website under a business category of your choice. Company name, address, phone number, and a website link are complementary. Business listings appear in alphabetical order under each category.

Enhanced business listings are available on an annual basis as below: $25 Business information is listed under an additional category. $50 Forgo alphabetical order and move your business listing to the top of a category. $250 Add a logo to your business listing. $300 moves your logo and listing to the top of the category.

WEBSITE BANNER ADS The Chamber and Visitors Center website is often the first place visitors and residents visit when searching for information about the area, a needed service, or how to get involved in their community. Banner ads can link to a site of your choosing and showcases your message.

OPPORTUNITIES The page of your choice, on a first come basis. $150 Per page per month. $400 3 months – you can change the webpage per month if you wish. $750 6 months – you can change the webpage per month if you wish. $1000 9 months – you can change the webpage per month if you wish. $1200 1 year / 12 months – you can change the webpage per month if you wish.

You submit your banner ad to us with your preferred link, or we can design the ad for you for $50.

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GET INVOLVED COMMITTEES AMBASSADOR Our volunteer ambassadors help promote general membership services and foster positive relationships between the Chamber and area businesses, communities, and the public.

WHO ARE CHAMBER AMBASSADORS? Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as the Chamber’s primary liaison to new Chamber members. Considered the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassador committee plays an essential role in member communication and retention. Each Ambassador is charged with conveying member needs, questions and concerns to Chamber staff, and keeping our Chamber in line with our members’ desires.

Upon their appointment, each Ambassador makes a commitment to build lasting relationships with the Chamber membership in order to build a loyal, committed membership base that will continue to support, participate in, and invest in the Chamber.

Qualities of an Ambassador: Good listener, Positive Attitude, Dependable/Trustworthy, Polite, Attention to detail, Respectful, Makes others feel good about themselves.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Ambassadors actively promote membership in the Chamber, facilitate networking among members and encourage meaningful participation and involvement in Chamber programs in order to enhance the membership benefits received by each member, strengthen member commitment and increase long-term member retention.

The Ambassador program is a sub-committee of the Membership Committee, and the program is coordinated by the Chamber’s Member Services Manager. Ambassadors will each receive monthly new member assignments.

AMBASSADOR RESPONSIBILITIES: • Accept new member assignments and conduct new member interviews (quality contacts), reporting relevant information from these interviews to Chamber staff.

• Attend and volunteer at Chamber events to greet and build relationships with new members, as well as to facilitate introductions and foster direct connections for new members.

• Facilitate group discussions at New Member Receptions.

• Attend member ribbon cuttings, grand openings, ground breakings and networking events.

• Maintain monthly contact via e-mail or phone with new member assignments.

• When asked, be prepared to participate in special projects.

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COMMITTEES - cont.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The committee's purpose is to focus on the relationship between education and the business community.

Career Showcase of Newberry & Laurens Counties - Highlighting the exciting & diverse career opportunities to 8th graders in both counties.

Newberry HIRES - Roundtable for Human Resource Managers.

PUBLIC POLICY Monitors national, state, and local issues of importance to the business community and keeps membership updated on important governmental and legislative issues.

Is open to Chamber members interested in the legislative process at the local, state, and federal levels of government and, more specifically, how legislation often impacts business.

Keeps members informed on pending legislation and serves as a good opportunity for members to develop relationships with elected officials.

This committee meets when the Legislature is in session to discuss current legislative activities.

SPECIAL EVENTS This committee's purpose is to review current Chamber events to ensure they fulfill the mission of the Chamber and make recommendations to the Board for future events.

INTERNAL COMMITTEES FINANCE The committee's purpose is to assist the Executive Director in reviewing the current budget, develop the following year's budget, and make recommendations to the Board regarding a CPA for the purpose of a financial review or audit.

GOVERNANCE Periodically review the bylaws and policies and make any recommendations to the board for any changes.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS Are you opening a new business, relocating, or expanding? If so, congratulations! You may want to take the opportunity to showcase your business to the community with a Ribbon Cutting and/or Grand Opening. We would appreciate the opportunity to assist and hope the following information is helpful to you.

WHAT IS A RIBBON CUTTING? Our Ribbon Cutting event gives you the opportunity to publicize your opening, re-opening, or relocation.

The size of the event is up to you: It could be as simple as setting a date and time for a photo opportunity that will be published in The Newberry Observer. If the occasion is an initial business opening, newspaper staff will also include a brief story about your business.

It could be a set time during a scheduled Grand Opening event you are hosting.

These events are typically held during a weekday at a time determined through conversation with Chamber staff.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A RIBBON CUTTING? By hosting a Ribbon Cutting, you can: Introduce Chamber members to your business.

Publicize your business within the local community.

Gain name recognition through listings on the Chamber’s website, calendar, social media, weekly e-newsletter, etc.

Familiarize Chamber members and the community with your products/services.

Provide an opportunity for Chamber members and the community to visit your physical location.

Grow your customer base.

Generate possible leads and sales from attendees and those who heard about it.

WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO FOR A RIBBON CUTTING? Invites the Chamber Board, local radio and newspaper, and general membership to attend.

Lists your event on the Chamber’s website, calendar, weekly e-newsletter, and on Facebook – featuring your logo and/or graphics.

Provides you with a list of caterers, upon request.

WHAT IS THE COST TO HOST A RIBBON CUTTING? There is no fee to host. Expenses associated with any food & beverage are at the discretion and cost of the host and can be as simple or elaborate as you desire.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR RIBBON CUTTING? We ask you to consider: YOUR REMARKS OR SPEECH: This is typically done after you have cut the ribbon. The host’s time is around three to five minutes and may include highlighting the service(s) you offer, your story of how you came to be, or recognizing your employees. It is your time to shine.

CREATING A UNIQUE EVENT: Some businesses choose to include a door prize or party favor; however, it is not expected. Hosting a drawing may help you gather business cards to add to your database.

SPECIAL INVITATIONS: The Chamber automatically includes an invitation with your logo via our weekly e-newsletter and creates a Facebook event requesting your business as a cohost. If you wish to design your own invitation and provide it to us in a digital format, please let us know. You are welcome to additionally extend an invitation to your customers or other special guests.

WHO WILL ATTEND: All subscribers to the Chamber’s e-newsletter will receive the invite, including our Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and local elected officials; however, we cannot guarantee any particular person’s attendance. Typically, three to ten people associated with the Chamber attend the event.

We look forward to working with you should you choose to host a Ribbon Cutting.

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EVENTS & PROGRAMS ANNUAL MEETING Each January, the Chamber conducts a business meeting when we recognize outgoing board members, elect new board members, recap highlights of the previous year and kick off the new one. It is also the event where we recognize Chamber standouts.

The format of this event is subject to change from year to year.

2025 ANNUAL MEETING Thursday, January 30, 2025 6:00 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Annual Meeting Center for Teacher Education at Newberry College 1121 Speers St. Newberry, SC 29108 Dress is business casual. $25 per person.

The Newberry County Young Professional 4 Under 40 awards will be presented.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $500 Sponsor Business logo will appear in the newsletter as a sponsor of the event, business logo prominently displayed at the event, business logo on each table, recognition at the event, and a designated round table for you and five guests. $250 Sponsor Business name displayed at the event and recognition at the event. Includes two tickets. $50 Sponsor Business/Individual Name displayed at the event.

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS You may want to take the opportunity to open your doors to showcase your business and host Chamber members! We appreciate the opportunity to drive new foot traffic to your location and hope the following information is helpful to you.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? Our Business After Hours event offers members, prospective members, customers, and guests the chance to network in an engaging, unique atmosphere.

These events are held during a weekday, typically Tuesday or Thursday, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

The host presents guests with an opportunity to converse with business community members in a casual manner over food and drink and discuss what they themselves have to offer as a business. These events are scheduled on a first come, first scheduled basis and typically at no more than one per month.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? By hosting a Business After Hours, you can: Introduce Chamber members to your business.

Publicize your business within the local community.

Gain name recognition through listings on the Chamber’s website, calendar, Facebook, Instagram, weekly e-newsletter, etc.

Familiarize Chamber members and business owners with your products/services.

Provide an opportunity for Chamber members and business owners to visit your physical location.

Grow your customer base.

Generate possible leads and sales from attendees and those who heard about it.

WHAT DOES THE CHAMBER DO FOR A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? Invites the Chamber Board, local radio and newspaper, and general membership to attend.

Lists your event on the Chamber’s website, calendar, weekly e-newsletter, and on Facebook – featuring your logo and/or graphics.

Provides you with a list of caterers, upon request.

Staffs a registration station, including nametags for guests and door prize slips, if applicable.

Briefly addresses guests as a group around 6:00 p.m., introducing you as the host.

Coordinates the door prize drawing, if applicable.

WHAT IS THE COST TO HOST A BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? There is no fee to host. Expenses associated with food & beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are at the discretion and cost of the host and can be as simple or elaborate as you desire.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS AFTER HOURS? We ask you to consider: YOUR REMARKS OR SPEECH: This is typically done after the Chamber representative has gathered the group’s attention and introduced you as the host. The host’s time is around three to five minutes and may include recognizing your employees or highlighting services you offer. It is your time to shine.

CREATING A UNIQUE EVENT: Some businesses choose to add a door prize or party favor; however, it is not expected. Hosting a drawing may help you gather business cards to add to your database.

SPECIAL INVITATIONS: The Chamber will design and include an invitation with your logo via our weekly e-newsletter and create a Facebook event requesting your business as a cohost. If you wish to design your own invitation and provide it to us in a digital format, please let us know. You are welcome to additionally extend an invitation to your customers or other special guests.

WHO WILL ATTEND: All subscribers to the Chamber’s e-newsletter will receive the invite, including our Board of Directors, Ambassadors, and local elected officials; however, we cannot guarantee any particular person’s attendance. Typically, 25-50 people attend the event.

We look forward to working with you should you choose to host a Chamber Business After Hours.

BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST ABOUT BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST Breakfast events are held throughout the year and feature timely topics of interest for the community. The two most popular are our Legislative Breakfast and Mayoral Breakfast.

Please contact us with topic of interest and if you are interested in sponsoring a breakfast event.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION Chamber Members: $15 General Admission: $20 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sponsor a Breakfast: $350 Breakfast sponsor receives recognition on all marketing materials, two reserved seats, and three minutes of microphone time at the beginning of the program.

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LUNCH & LEARN

Lunch

ABOUT LUNCH & LEARNS Lunch & Learn events are held throughout the year and feature timely topics of interest for businesses and the community.

Please contact us with topic of interest and if you are interested in sponsoring a Lunch & Learn event.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION Chamber Members: $15 General Admission: $20 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sponsor a Lunch & Learn - $250 Sponsors receive recognition on all marketing materials, two reserved seats, and three minutes of microphone time at the beginning of the program.

OTHER WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES Some topics of interest for businesses or the general community are best presented at times other than breakfast or lunch. We can assist in coordinating an event and creating a sponsorship package that best works with the topic.

Sponsorship opportunities and program participation fees are structured according to the inclusion of a meal and the projected number of attendees.

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Newberry County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Registration from 11:00 until 11:50 a.m.

Tee Time at noon.

Country Club of Newberry

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Presenting Sponsor ($3,000): Company Name Prominently Displayed at the Tournament and on the Advertising Brochure, 2 teams* in tournament, tent, recognition at tournament, and listing with your logo as presenting sponsor on all outgoing materials, including advertisements and releases.

Gold Sponsor ($1500): Company Name Prominently Displayed at the Tournament and on the Advertising Brochure, 1 team* in tournament, and recognition at tournament.

Silver Sponsor ($500): 1 team* in tournament and recognition at tournament.

Team ($300): 1 Team* in tournament (Does not include recognition at tournament) Single Player* Entry Fee ($75): If you don’t have a team, we will pair up single players to make teams. *Two (2) Mulligans, lunch, and dinner are included for each player.

Don’t play golf but still want to participate? See these options!

Dinner Sponsor ($1000): Sponsor the dinner enjoyed by all golfers after the tournament.

(One (1) Sponsorship Available) Lunch Sponsor ($500): Sponsor the lunch enjoyed by all golfers prior to the tournament.

(One (1) Sponsorship Available) Golf Cart Sponsor ($500): Gain exposure to all the players throughout the tournament, as your logo will be placed on the window of each golf cart in use at the tournament.

(One (1) Sponsorship Available) Beverage Cart Sponsor ($300): Beverage Cart Sponsor will have company name on the beverage cart.

(One (1) Sponsorship Available) Beverage Sponsor ($300): Beverage sponsor will have company name at the four beverage stations.

Contest Package Sponsor ($200): Gain recognition as the sponsor of the four contest packages offered for the “Closest to the Pin” on all Par 3s.

(One (1) Sponsorship Available) Tent Sponsor ($200): Promote your company on the course by setting up your tent or table with your company information. Your representative will have the opportunity to network with everyone on the course face-to-face. (1st sponsor, 1st choice of hole) Hole Sponsor ($100): Company sign at one hole on the course (1st sponsor, 1st choice of hole)

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City of Newberry Mayor, Foster Senn, began a Junior Leadership Program a few years ago for juniors and seniors within the city.

Clemson Extension of Newberry County and the Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Senn in 2019 to bring this program to all of Newberry County. For the 2023-2024 program, the City of Newberry, Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, and Westview Behavioral Health Services became the coordinators.

There are approximately 40 participants each year at no cost to the student.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY $250 helps cover lunch for one of the meeting dates.

LEADERSHIP NEWBERRY COUNTY Leadership Newberry County is designed for the leader who is dedicated to making a difference in the community. It is an immersive learning experience that focuses each month on topics including Agriculture, Arts, Communities, Economic Development, Education, Government, Infrastructure, Law Enforcement, Health and Human Services, Recreation, and Tourism. This is an experiencebased program and is designed to help participants understand the assets and challenges of Newberry County, elevate their leadership, and further engage in the community. The intensive examination of these issues gives the candidates the information and confidence to make a positive change in our community.

Participants will expand upon their personal and professional networks as they work together one day for each of nine months, and the program will culminate in the proposal of a class project.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION $350 includes two meals on meeting dates and a celebration meal at the conclusion of the program.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $350 sponsors a participant in the program. This person can be from your business or organization or can be a scholarship to someone who may not otherwise be able to participate. $250 sponsors one of the program days.

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NEWBERRY COUNTY

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS A group for young professionals, ages 21-40, that live and/or work in Newberry County who work to promote and enhance leadership, civic responsibility, and professional development.

Philanthropy H.U.G.S. DRIVE

An annual drive to collect Hats, Underwear, Gloves, and Socks for our k-12 students in the Newberry County School District. This drive takes place from October through December each year.

Little Free Pantry (LFP)

This project began in 2021. The first pantry was placed in the Mollohon community at Summer Memorial Lutheran Church, across from Mollohon Park, followed by a pantry placed in Dr. Grant Park to serve the Vincent Street community. Another is under construction at the Newberry County Career Center and is set to be placed to serve the West End Community at O'Neal Street United Methodist Church.

The community is invited to, "Take what you need. Give what you can." Help us keep the pantries stocked with non-perishable food items and hygiene products.

Events Monthly Socials and Dinners across the county.

Access to Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

Annual Disc Golf Tournament.

Annual Holiday Party.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION $30 per year.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $250 per event with logo recognition on promotion of the event. $30 sponsors a participant for a year.

4 UNDER 40 AWARDS This prestigious recognition celebrates the outstanding contributions of young professionals who, through their leadership and dedication, are making Newberry County a better place to live, work, and thrive.

A selection committee including representatives from the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, local media, previous award recipients, and local business leaders select the honorees from a pool of exceptional individuals, aged 21 to 40, based on their remarkable community and professional achievements.

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Collaboration & partnerships are the driving forces behind this career showcase. Several entities from Laurens & Newberry Counties host this event, designed to expose 8th graders to various career opportunities within our region’s major employment sectors.

Students are able to interact with company representatives in a variety of career areas to begin learning what decisions they can make now to begin acquiring the skill sets needed to make them more marketable in the future.

This career showcase is a great opportunity to discover: • Great paying careers.

• What different jobs are like.

• What companies in my community do.

• How to prepare now for future employment.

Held in the fall of each year. Piedmont Technical College campuses in Laurens Co. and Newberry Co. alternate hosting this event.

Newberry HIRES is a roundtable connecting Human Resource leaders for the purpose of building a stronger workforce with programs on timely topics, promoting the exchange of ideas and strategies and collaborating regarding trends and best practices.

Meets four (4) times per year.

PARTICIPATION FEE Chamber Members: $25 per session General Admission: $35 per session SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $250 per session.

Sponsor receives recognition on all marketing materials, two seats, and three minutes of microphone time at the beginning of the program.

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TOURISM In addition to being the official Visitors Center for Newberry County and helping promote the many events and recreational opportunities in our communities, we coordinate:

Christmas Tour of Homes

Held annually on the second Saturday of December from 4 until 8 p.m., this self-guided tour consists of three or four private homes and a church, all decorated for the holidays!

There is also a wine and cheese reception. ​ After your purchase, ticket(s) and details, including location addresses and history information, will be made available to you via your selected method of either office pick-up or mail.

All locations will be open during the designated hours, so you may begin at any location and travel at your own pace and in any order. $40 per person.

CELEBRATING OUR AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is a free, selfguided tour of farms and markets featuring local artisans at every stop! During the tour visitors have the opportunity to see first-hand where their food comes from, watch artists in action and purchase their works, enjoy the melodies of local musicians, and learn more about rural life. The tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation with over 150,000 visitors participating since 2012.

Held each summer throughout counties in South Carolina.

participating

Coordinated statewide through Clemson Extension.

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INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE

The resounding words within the mission of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce is to be an organization that promotes, enhances, supports, and meets the needs of its community as a whole. We came to realize that in order to better do all of those things, we needed a 501c3 arm to be able to pursue grants, private donations, and other funding not readily available to a 501c6 organization.

FIVE PILLARS OF IMPACT AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS Newberry County has a rich agricultural history. Through our programs, we are able to celebrate the past while promoting the efforts and innovations of today's farmers.

BUILDING COMMUNITY We provide opportunities for residents to be informed about their communities and how to make a difference.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Newberry County is home to businesses of many sectors. We collaborate with the local schools and businesses and partner with entities focusing on similar goals to provide opportunities for success. Newberry County is a designated Digital Economy Ecosystem

LEADERSHIP Our programs give participants the information to better understand their communities, help elevate their leadership skills, and further engage in the community, while expanding their personal and professional networks.

MENTORSHIP We help strengthen the business, social, and cultural community through mentorships in the schools, workplace, and the community.

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Beginning in 2022, a team of leaders throughout Newberry County collaborated for over a year to develop the Newberry County Digital Economy Ecosystem (DEE). The project was made possible through funding from the South Carolina Office of Rural Health (SCORH) via the US Dept. of Agriculture’s Rural Business Development Grant (USDA RBDG).

Communities were selected based on available technology, local interest + investment, and different social determinants of health. SCORH’s goal is to show that when a community has what it needs for quality of life, it is truly healthy.

Other counties involved in the DEE initiative: Barnwell, Orangeburg, Williamsburg, Greenwood, Pickens, and Oconee

SPARKHIVE SPARKHIVE is one of the goals of the resulting Roadmap, or strategic plan. It will be the innovation, co-working, and training center where we will offer digital skills training programs, launch a networking group, and begin entrepreneurial support efforts.

It will be a designated space where people can discover opportunities to grow their digital & tech skills, position themselves for higher-paying local or remote jobs, and find inspiration for creating a new business or launching a new venture, and establish a community presence for an existing small business.

HAVE QUESTIONS? Our staff is here to help! Give us a call at 803-276-4274, email us at chamber@newberrycounty.org, or stop by the Chamber office and say hello!

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