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Aiken Chamber Participates in South Carolina Small Business Day

News Summary

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce participated in South Carolina’s annual Small Business Day, emphasizing the importance of small businesses. Members engaged in discussions about relevant legislation affecting small enterprises and networked with state leaders to advocate for their interests. The event featured a panel with lawmakers and culminated in a proclamation from Governor Henry McMaster, declaring April 29 as Small Business Day in South Carolina. The day highlighted the critical role small businesses play in the economy and showcased innovative marketing strategies.

South Carolina – The Aiken Chamber of Commerce marked its presence at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s annual Small Business Day on April 29, 2025. Approximately 30 members from the Aiken area participated in the event held at the Statehouse in Columbia, underscoring the significance of small businesses in the region and across the state.

The Aiken group departed on a charter bus at around 8 a.m. and arrived in Columbia shortly before 9 a.m. Jim Tunison, the President of the Aiken Chamber, noted that 85% of their members are small businesses, each employing 10 or fewer individuals. The diverse representation included participants like Jignesh Desai, the owner of the HoneyBaked Ham franchise, and Hetal Acharekar, who runs PerformanceAbove and Tee It Up Ladies.

Acharekar highlighted the critical role of small businesses in the U.S. economy, stating they account for 55% to 60% of businesses in the country. This statistic reinforces the importance of their collective voice in discussions regarding legislation that impacts their operations.

During the event, attendees engaged in a panel discussion at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Offices, which was moderated by government affairs officer Will Frierson. The panel featured South Carolina Senators Josh Kimbrell and Ed Sutton, along with Representative Fawn Pedalino. They addressed key issues such as tort reform and proposed changes to the state’s income tax system, critical topics for business owners navigating the legislative landscape.

After the panel discussion, the Aiken group participated in a significant event on the steps of the Statehouse at 10 a.m. This gathering featured notable state leaders including Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Senate President Thomas Alexander, and House Speaker Murrell Smith Jr. Lt. Gov. Evette, who established Quality Business Solutions, elaborated on the unique challenges faced by small business owners and reaffirmed her commitment to support their growth and sustainability.

As part of the day’s formal activities, a proclamation was signed by Governor Henry McMaster declaring April 29 as Small Business Day in South Carolina. House Speaker Murrell Smith also took to social media to emphasize the vital role of small businesses in the state’s economy and community development.

Following the Statehouse event, the Aiken group had the opportunity to meet with South Carolina Senator Tom Young Jr. This interaction allowed local business owners to discuss their concerns and share their insights on fostering a more conducive environment for small businesses.

Additional presentations during Small Business Day included insights from economist Joey Von Nesson, who assigned a B+ grade to South Carolina’s economy while cautioning about potential inflation risks linked to tariffs. Cheryl Richards, CEO of Catapult Employers Association, discussed challenges that small businesses might face due to a declining labor market participation rate.

Furthermore, attendees learned about innovative marketing strategies through a discussion led by Goodwin and LaMance. They shared insights about leveraging platforms like TikTok for business promotions, with Goodwin reporting that her business generates 98% of its orders via the social media platform. This highlights the evolving landscape of marketing and its significant impact on small business outreach.

The commitment and engagement demonstrated by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce members during Small Business Day reflects a robust effort to advocate for the interests of small businesses and promote economic growth in South Carolina.