News Archive 2009

Think Green Members of the Ann Pamela Cunningham Garden Club were looking ahead to spring when they planted a pink dogwood and dozens of daffodil bulbs at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce on December 10. The dogwood was part of a Palmetto Pride grant and the daffodils are an initiative of the Garden Clubs of South Carolina. The staff of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Development Corporation are looking forward to enjoying a colorful display next spring.

The Final Prize: The staff at Gore-Ramage Insurance in Clinton took the prize in the final week of Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Fridays. The weekly prize drawings were launched at the beginning of the campaign in May to promote the shop local initiative. Residents from across the county wore their campaign t-shirts every Friday through early December with dozens winning gift cards as a reward for their support. Watch for Phase Two of Shop Laurens County First in the spring.

SLCF Grand Prize Awards Phase One of the Shop Laurens County First campaign culminated December 3rd with a drawing for $5,000 in Laurens County "Bucks" awarded to seven lucky winners. The "bucks" can be exchanged for merchandise or services from nearly 90 participating businesses and organizations across Laurens County. Prior to the prize drawings, more than 130 monthly winners, business owners and guests were treated to a chicken stew supper cooked by Tommy Estes and hosted at The Overlook by the Clinton House Plantation. More than 170 area businesses and organizations participated in the local shopping initiative that kicked off May 1st. The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce plans to launch Phase Two of the campaign in the spring of 2010. Pictured above from the left with their prize amounts and location where they registered are Debbie Kinard, $1,000 (John Graham Store), Wayne Merchant and his daughter, Danielle Cox, $500 (Re/Max Property Professionals), Greg Alexander, president and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Gloria Wedman, $2,500 (Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority), Vicki Bryson, $250 (Carolina Stitches), and Kim Crews, $250 (AIM Mail Center). Not pictured, Joel Baynes, $250 (Firmin Ford), and Megan Cartee, $250 (Baldwin Automotive).

Persistance Pays Off Melissa Tilden of The Book Store in Laurens has been wearing her Shop Laurens County First t-shirt since the campaign began last May. With only two weeks left in the campaign, Tilden's persistence finally paid off when she won the weekly prize. Phase One of Shop Laurens County First culminates on December 3 with a drawing for $5,000 in shopping spree prizes.

Celebrates Expansion The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce joined Mike Weatherford and his staff at Little River Trading Company in Laurens on November 20 as they celebrated their 21st anniversary. The business hosted a hot lunch in celebration of their recent expansion which included construction of a new sales office.

Help My House Energy Makeover Completed
Eric Henking and Melissa Drummond’s home in Woodruff will use less energy and save more money thanks to Blue Ridge, Broad River, Laurens and Little River electric cooperatives. The couple received up to $10,000 in energy efficiency upgrades in the co-ops’ "Help My House" home energy efficiency contest. Read More Here

Lucky Friday Friday the 13th turned out to a lucky day for the staff at Founders Federal Credit Union in Laurens when they were "caught" wearing their Shop Laurens County First T-Shirts on November 13. Phase I of the shop local initiative will culminate on December 3 when $5,000 in shopping sprees are awarded to seven winners. Shoppers can register for the mega prize drawing at more than 175 participating businesses, schools and organization across Laurens County through November 30. The next phase of the shopping campaign will launch in the spring of 2010. Pictured above accepting their T-Shirt Friday prize are Founders employees, Ashley Rochester, right, and Sue Spoone.

T-Shirt Friday Winner at Bishop Tire Michelle Langston of Bishop Tire in Clinton won the Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday prize on November 6. The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce hands out the prize each week to a participating business who supports the "Keep It Local" shopping campaign by wearing their t-shirts each Friday. T-Shirt Fridays will continue through the end of the Phase I of the campaign in December.

Grand Opening A large group of well wishers joined DeLane Barnes for the grand opening and ribbon cutting for her new salon, Everything Made Beautiful on November 5. The shop is located at 101 Elm Street in Clinton. The ribbon cutting was coordinated by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.

Takes the Prize Susan Qualls of Clinton, third from left, was the winner of the Shop Laurens County First grand prize package for the month of October. Qualls registered at Stitches in downtown Laurens. The prize package included season tickets to the Laurens County Community Theater's 2010 season, tickets to the Laurens County Chorale performance, tickets to the Presbyterian College Christmas show, movie passes and dinner for two at the Capitol Theatre, tickets to the Laurens County Civic Ballet production of The Nutcracker, pool passes for the summer 2010 season at Magnolia RV Park and Campground, free Trolley Ride and use of the Little River Picnic Shelter from the City of Laurens, music and merchandise from Eleventy Seven, Outshyne and Days Off Screen, and a new cell phone and one year free service from PRTC. Pictured above are Rhonda Cruickshanks (WPCC Radio), Sharon O'Bryant (PRTC), Qualls, Kim Crews (Stitches) and Greg Alexander (Laurens County Chamber of Commerce).

T-Shirt Friday Winner at Radio Shack Radio Shack in Laurens has been a faithful supporter of the Shop Laurens County First t-shirt campaign. The staff members were wearing their shirts and Friday, October 30th and won the weekly prize. Lindsay Taylor of Radio Shack is pictured accepting their gift card.

Retiring the Debt Members of the Rosemont Preservation Society's board of directors hosted a mortgage burning celebration on October 25 at Antiques The Vance House in Owings. The society was formed to preserve the site of Rosemont Plantation on the banks of Lake Greenwood in western Laurens County. Rosemont was the home of the Cunningham family and birthplace of Ann Pamela Cunningham who led the campaign to purchase and preserve Mount Vernon, home of President George Washington in the 1850s. The manor house stood at Rosemont from the late 1700s until it was destroyed by fire in 1930. Remnants of the once grand gardens at the home remain today and the site is marked by a historical marker erected in 1959. Plans are to preserve the site to tell the story of its national historical significance and the role the plantation and the Cunningham family played in weaving the American story. The 4.5 acre site was purchased through generous cooperation from the current owners, the Niles Clark, Sr. family, and with a sizable grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank.

Another T-Shirt Friday Winner Persistence always pays off. Just ask Dr. Peggy Prescott of Piedmont Technical College-Laurens County Higher Education Center in Clinton. Dr. Prescott has faithfully worn her Shop Laurens County First t-shirt for T-Shirt Fridays since the campaign kicked off in early May. On October 23, Piedmont Technical College was drawn from the pool of campaign participants and she won the weekly gift card.

The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of South Carolina Trading Post Antique Mall on October 19. The mall, located at 311 North Harper Street in downtown Laurens, attracted visitors from as far away as Michigan during its first few weeks in business thanks to its close proximity to Interstate 385.

Smashing Success The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Carolina-Clemson Fan Challenge Oyster Roast on October 15. Presented by the Laurens County Health Care System, the event saw phenomenal growth with attendance rising from 280 in 2008 to nearly 600 this year. The huge crowd enjoyed steamed oysters, lowcountry boil and chicken gumbo while being entertained by a number of celebrities including former Clemson head coach Danny Ford, Heisman award winner George Rogers, Clemson's Tiger and Carolina's Cocky. A number of exciting door prizes were awarded and the evening was capped off by a fireworks display sponsored by Agnew Development.

October T-Shirt Winner Barbara Mitchum of Mansfield Park Campground on Lake Greenwood was the lucky winner of the Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday prize on October 9.

October T-Shirt Winner Shop Laurens County First's T-Shirt Friday took a bit of a twist during the annual Squealin' on the Square Barbecue Festival in downtown Laurens. Anyone wearing their campaign t-shirt was eligible to register for the weekly gift card prize. Connie Parker of USC-Union's Laurens County campus was the lucky winner.

October Ribbon Cuttings A large group of supporters were on hand for the ribbon cuttings and grand openings of Carter's Jewelers and Radio Shack in Laurens on October 1. Both businesses recently relocated to the new Shoppes on Main on East Main Street.

Ambassadors Meeting The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors met for a luncheon on September 30 at The Village Cup in Laurens. The volunteer group works to support the Chamber's mission by assisting with membership recruitment and retention as well special events hosted by the Chamber. To become a member of the group, call the Chamber office at 864.833.2716.

SLCF Sept. Grand Prize Winner Winner Lynn Williams, center, was the lucky winner of Shop Laurens County First's Diner's Delight prize package for the month of September. Williams received free food coupons from over 30 restaurants across Laurens County. She registered at Baldwin Buick in Laurens, one of nearly 180 Shop Laurens County First participating businesses. Pictured with Williams are, left, Kathy Baldwin of Baldwin Buick, and Greg Alexander, president and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.

Friday T-Shirt Winner Kim Kimball of Salon 407 on North Adair Street in Clinton won the Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday gift card on September 25.

Whiteford's Ribbon Cutting The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand reopening of Whiteford's Giant Burger in Laurens on September 21. The newly remodeled restaurants sports a new dining area, free wireless internet and a totally smoke free environment. Whiteford's has been serving customers in Laurens County since 1957.

Business After Hours Events Offer Fun, Food and Networking Members of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce can enjoy a minimum of ten Business After Hours events each year. The social hours are hosted by members of the Chamber in order to highlight the products or services offered by the host business. Typically held the third Thursday of each month with the exception of the November and December holiday schedules, Business After Hours averages 135 in attendance. The record attendance stands at 623 for the grand opening of the Hampton Inn and Suites in Clinton.

Agape Senior in Laurens hosted a great Business After Hours event in September 2009. Members enjoyed a pleasant evening on the patio complete with a wonderful assortment of food and beverages. Tours of the facility were offered and local celebrity, Nancy Welch, was a special guest. Pictured above, enjoying the event, are from the left, Suzanne Tarrant (Agape Senior Regional President-Midlands Region), Kim Rushton (Administrator of Agape Senior Lexington) and Mary Addison Morgan (Administrator of Agape Senior Laurens).

Any Chamber member interested in hosting a Business After Hours in 2010 should contact Randall Frye (864.833.2716) for date availability.

Annual Golf Tournament a Huge Success Carolina blue skies and beautiful weather greeted the sixteen teams of golfers who participated in the annual Laurens County Chamber Challenge golf tournament on September 11 at Grand Harbor Golf Club on Lake Greenwood. The tournament continues to be a major fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce. Platinum sponsors were Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority, Laurens Electric Cooperative and Piedmont Rural Telephone Cooperative. Laurens County Health Care System was a gold sponsor. Food sponsor was Fatz Café of Clinton. Budweiser of Spartanburg and Coco Cola Bottling Company of Spartanburg were the beverage sponsors.

Barrett Featured at Annual Congressional Luncheon
More than 150 Chamber members filled the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Laurens to hear U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett at the annual Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon on September 3. The event, sponsored by the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission, offered members the opportunity to hear a report from Washington and to comment on or express their concerns with current legislation moving through Congress. Healthcare reform, huge federal deficits, high unemployment, and the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq were the hot topics of discussion at the luncheon. Barrett will not seek re-election to another term in Congress, but has announced he plans to run for governor of South Carolina in 2010.

Proud Peacocks Alvin and Elaine Ray of Peacock's Flowers and Gifts in Clinton won the Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday gift cards on September 18. The prize patrol leaves the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce each Friday morning in search of a participating business or organization that is sporting their campaign t-shirts. The shop local campaign continues through the holiday shopping season in December. For more information on the campaign, call the Chamber at 833-2716.

Ralph Nader invited to speak at Presbyterian College One of the county's leading social critics and its most influential consumer advocate has been invited to speak next month at Presbyterian College. Former presidential candidate Ralph Nader will kick off the college's Russell Lecture Series on Media, Technology, and Society at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Belk Auditorium. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Read More Here

Friday T-shirt Winner: Greg Alexander, President and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, congratulates Cindy Strange of the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission who won the T-Shirt Friday gift card on September 11th. The weekly prize presentation is designed to bring awareness to the Chamber's Shop Laurens County First initiative. Participating campaign businesses and organizations are encouraged to wear their campaign t-shirts each Friday for a chance to win gifts cards. T-Shirt Fridays will continue through December.

Presbyterian College welcomes leading economist as part of new BB&T Program for the Study of Capitalism Economist and historian Robert Higgs will speak at Presbyterian College this month as part of the college’s new BB&T Program on the Study of Capitalism. The senior fellow in political economy for the Independent Institute, Higgs will lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at PC’s Edmunds Hall. Read More Here

Presbyterian College presents awards during 130th Opening Convocation; College president announces new scholarship for Clinton High Science Olympians Presbyterian College honored its heritage of service and scholarship this week during the school’s 130th Opening Convocation ceremonies on Sept. 8. Two of Clinton’s most dedicated civic leaders were awarded honors during the program held on PC’s campus in Belk Auditorium. Read More Here

Amazing Vacation Margie Martin of Clinton was the winner of the Shop Laurens County First Amazing Vacation Getaway Package. The prize showcases the many getaway options available locally. The grand prize includes a two nights’ stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Clinton, dinner for two at Fatz Café in Clinton, a one night stay at the Farmhouse at Bush River Bed and Breakfast in Clinton complete with a gourmet breakfast, a one hour massage at Spa West in Laurens and a reflexoloy session, body polish and body wrap at Be Well in downtown Laurens. Pictured at the prize presentation on September 9 is, front row from the left, prize winner Margie Martin and Michelle Compton of Spa West; back row, Charlie Smith of SwaimBrown where Martin registered for the prize, Greg Alexander of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Janet and Greg Henley of the Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, and Debra Canupp of the Hampton Inn and Suites.

Persistence Pays Off Amanda Munyan and her staff at Pixie Dust on the historic court house square in downtown Laurens have faithfully donned their Shop Laurens County First t-shirts every Friday since the campaigned was launched in early May. Their persistence paid off on September 4th when they were randomly chosen in the weekly t-shirt prize drawing. Their reward was a gift card to be spent locally. The T-Shirt Friday prize patrol will continue to hand out gift cards to winning participating businesses through December.

Dedicate New Shelter The Open Door Christian Ministry dedicated their new Home of Hope Female Shelter on Gary Street in Clinton on September 1st. A large crowd was on hand for the service and enjoyed a tour of the newly remodeled shelter. The home will serve as a safe haven for women in crisis in the community. The ministry owns adjoining property and plans to renovate it when funds become available.

Grand Opening The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Assisting Angels on September 1st. Assisting Angels provides personal care, companion care and homemaker services to seniors, the disabled, those recovering from surgery, and others. The office is located on the historic Court House Square in downtown Laurens.

Presbyterian College to celebrate 130th academic year during Sept. 7 Opening Convocation Presbyterian College will officially open the 2009-10 academic year during its annual Opening Convocation on Sept. 7. The annual opening ceremony will celebrate not only the college’s senior class but also the lifetime accomplishments of two distinguished Clinton residents, Russ Emerson and Bob Strock. Read More Here

Sporting the Colors Not even a busy late lunch crowd on a Friday afternoon can deter Ashton and Elaine Barrington from supporting the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday campaign. The couple was wearing their campaign t-shirts when visited at their business, Elaine’s Gifts and Jitter’s Café, in downtown Clinton on August 28. They won two gift cards for sporting their colors. T-Shirt Friday’s began in early May and will continue through December to promote the Chamber’s “Keep It Local” initiative aimed at keeping shopping dollars in Laurens County.

Celebrating the Martial Arts The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at the grand opening of Elite Martial Arts and Fitness Center on Old Airport Road in Laurens on August 25th. Owners George and Andrea Creasy, center, cut the ribbon prior to the open house. The center offers after-school and evening martial arts training in submission grappling, Juijitsu, Hapkido, self-defense and tournament club. For more information on classes and schedules, call 682-2110.

New Dental Practice Dr. Scott Rogers, center, cuts the ribbon to officially open his dental office, Laurens Dentistry, located in the new Shoppes on Main on East Main Street in Laurens. Friends and associates enjoyed tours of the new state-of-the-art office and an assortment of refreshments. A number of community leaders were on hand to offer their good wishes. The August 27th event was coordinated by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.

Presbyterian College receives $1 million challenge grant for new School of Pharmacy Presbyterian College has received a $1 million challenge grant from a friend of the college for the new Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy. The foundation gift will be used for construction and start-up costs associated with the new pharmacy school. Renovations began in May at the former Mary Musgrove Hotel in Clinton where the school will be housed. Read More Here

Presbyterian College awarded $275,000 gift for School of Pharmacy The J M Smith Foundation of Spartanburg has donated $275,000 to the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy. Associated with the J M Smith Corporation, the philanthropic foundation has provided $250,000 in funding towards the pharmacy school, while also establishing the J M Smith Scholarship Fund with a $25,000 gift. Read More Here

Celebrate Relocation The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce joined city and county officials in celebrating the relocation of the GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission's Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) offices. The CSBG is now located at 221-A West Laurens Street in downtown Laurens. The new location offers more space and a convenient location for the population served by the commission. The event was celebrated with a ribbon cutting, tours and refreshments.

Takes the Prize Kayla Staton of Valvoline Express Care in Laurens is the latest gift card winner in the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt Friday contest. Kayla was wearing her campaign t-shirt when the prize patrol visited on August 21. T-Shirt Friday is designed to market the shop local campaign which runs through the holiday shopping season in December. Winners are chosen at random each week. To purchase a t-shirt or to learn more about participating in the campaign, call the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716.

July Grand Prize Winner Amber Green, shown front row with her husband, Jordan, was the winner of the Shop Laurens County First campaign July grand prize valued at over $1,500. As part of the prize, she will receive two season passes to all home football, basketball and other sports games at Clinton High School, Laurens Academy, Laurens District 55 High School and Presbyterian College. The prize package also includes reserved parking and merchandise from all four schools. Also pictured, from the top, are Greg Alexander, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Mike Smith, associate director of athletics at Presbyterian College, Sandra Alexander, chamber, Carter Gault, owner of the Gray House Frame Shop in Clinton, where Green registered; Rhonda Cruickshanks, president of the Clinton High School Athletic Booster Club, Marlene Owings, chamber; and Travis Plowden, Laurens Academy assistant football coach.

Mail Center Grand Opening Members of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce joined Dan Fehr on August 14 for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Aim Mail Center located at 909-C East Main Street (Highway 76) in Laurens. Aim offers first class business services including printing, shipping, freight and notary documentation. Personal mail boxes are also available at the Laurens location.

Takes the Prize Hospice Thrift Shop in Laurens won the T-Shirt Friday gift cards on August 14 as part of the Shop Laurens County First campaign that launched in May. The campaign encourages area residents to keep their shopping dollars in Laurens County. In addition to weekly gift card prizes, a monthly grand prize is awarded. Shoppers can register at more than 160 participating businesses across the county to be eligible for the grand prize drawings. Pictured above are Maria Gaffney, left, and Phyllis Templeton of the Hospice Thrift Store.

Chronicle Winners The staff at The Clinton Chronicle were "caught" wearing their Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirts on August 7 and won gift cards to redeem at local businesses. Each week, the prize patrol from the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce hits the streets across the county in search of a campaign participating business whose employees are wearing their shirts on T-Shirt Fridays. The push to shop local has been very successful and will continue through the holiday shopping season in December.

Picture a Winner Debbie Kinard of Picture This Frame Shop in Laurens was the winner of a $15 gift card for wearing her Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirt on July 31. T-Shirt Friday prizes are awarded weekly to participants who are "caught" supporting the Laurens County shopping drive coordinated by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the campaign or to purchase t-shirts, call the Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716.

Sharing the Message The entire sales and support team at Baldwin Automotive in Laurens were wearing their Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirts when visited by a staff member from the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce on July 24. Each Friday, the Chamber staff draws five names from the pool of more than 160 participating businesses and sets out to find someone wearing their campaign t-shirts. The Baldwin team won gifts cards for showing their support. To learn more about Shop Laurens County First, call the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716.

Luck of the Draw Hill's Service Company in Laurens was the lucky winner of the Shop Laurens County First T-Shirt campaign on July 17. The business was one of five drawn from the pool of campaign participants and were wearing their t-shirts when a staff member from the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce paid them a visit. The staff won gift cards for showing their "keep it local" spirit. In addition to their t-shirts, Hill's Service Center also sports a campaign banner made locally by #1 Sign Design. To purchase your campaign t-shirt or to learn more about a banner for your business, call the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716. Pictured above, from the left, are Julie Alexander, Lisa Payne, Andrea Hill and Robbie Hill.

Wins Weekly T-Shirt Prize Janet Henley, right, owner of The Farmhouse at Bush River Bed and Breakfast in Clinton accepts a gift card from Randall Frye of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. Henley's name was one of five participating businesses drawn for the for the weekly t-shirt competition and was wearing her campaign t-shirt when the Shop Laurens County First Prize Patrol visited her business. The weekly prize drawing will continue each Friday through December. To purchase your Shop Laurens County First t-shirt, call the Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716.

Celebrates Open House Kim Kimball, center, owner and stylist at Salon 407, cuts the ribbon at the open house celebrating the remodeling of her salon at 407 North Adair Street in Clinton. Salon 407 is an active member of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and the Shop Laurens County First campaign. The business is also taking advantage of the shop local campaign organized by Presbyterian College geared welcome the college's freshman class and expose the students to the Laurens County business community.

Local Women Takes the Crown(s) It was "Laurens County Night" at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Saturday (July 4) as two local beauties took both statewide titles up for grabs. Kelly Sloan, a 24 year-old Gray Court resident was crowned Miss South Carolina 2009 while Ali Rogers, Miss Laurens County Teen, was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen 2009. Rogers is a 17 year-old rising senior at Laurens District High School. Sloan represented the Miss Hartsville pageant in the competition. Read More Here

Hospice Employees Take T-Shirt Prize Staff members at Hospice of Laurens County were wearing their Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirts on July 2 when visited by a Laurens County Chamber of Commerce staff member and won the weekly gift card prize. From left, above: Kristie Gault, Linda Brown, and Missy Whelchel. Chamber staff members randomly draw several names from a pool of participating campaign businesses and organizations each week then set out to find someone at those businesses wearing their t-shirts. A weekly prize will be awarded through the end of the campaign in December.
Small Business Honored Precept Staffing in Laurens was honored as the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Quarter for the second quarter. Owner and operator, Brenda Ligon, center, accepted the honor from Jay Peay, left, chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors, and Greg Alexander, the Chamber's president and CEO. Precept Staffing specializes in employment placement and drug testing. The business joins first quarter honoree Pixie Dust in eligibility for the Robert M. Vance Small Business of the Year award to be presented at the Chamber's annual membership dinner in January.
Hospice Open House The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce participated in the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Harmony Care Hospice office in Clinton on June 25. A large crowd was on hand to enjoy refreshments, tours, and to learn more about the organization. Stephanie Owens, clinical director, center, prepares to cut the ribbon as Greg Alexander, left, CEO of the Chamber, and Daniel Burton, right, CEO of Harmony Care Hospice, look on.
Gault is Weekly T-Shirt Winner Carter Gault of Gray House Frame Shop in Clinton was the weekly winner of the Shop Laurens County First t-shirt contest on June 26. Each week, several names are drawn from the pool of participating SLCF businesses and organizations. A staff member then visits these businesses until an owner or employee is "caught" wearing their campaign t-shirt. Gault won a gift card for wearing his shirt on T-Shirt Friday. The campaign continues through the holiday shopping season in December. Shop Laurens County First t-shirts are available to the general public at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce office. Next week's drawing will be held on Thursday, July 2 due to the three-day holiday weekend.
State Farm Strikes Again The Joe Kirby State Farm Insurance agency in Laurens became the second State Farm agency in less than a month to win the Shop Laurens County First Friday t-shirt contest. The agency's name was drawn on June 19 and employees were wearing their campaign t-shirts when visited by a staff member from the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. The agency staff won two gift cards for sporting their t-shirts. T-Shirt Fridays continue through December.
And the Winner Is... The staff of Harmony Care Hospice in Clinton were wearing their Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirts on Friday, June 12, and won gift cards presented by the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. Each Friday morning, the Chamber staff draws five businesses at random from the more than 150 Shop Laurens County First participating businesses and organizations. A staff member then hits the streets visiting each business in the order they were drawn until a winner is found. At least one staff person must be wearing their campaign t-shirt in order to win a gift card. Non-winners are returned to the drawing each week. T-Shirt Fridays will continue through the end of the campaign in December. Shop Laurens County First t-shirts are available to Chamber members and the general public at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce office.
Open New Location The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce participated in the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the newest Hospice of Laurens County Thrift Store in Whitmire on June 11. The new store is located in the Piggly Wiggly Plaza on the Union-Carlisle Highway. With other locations in Clinton and Laurens, the Hospice thrift stores are a major funding source for Hospice of Laurens County and their new multi-million dollar Hospice House.
Friday T-Shirt Winner Mary Windsor, owner of Twill Do Antiques and Design in downtown Clinton, was "caught" wearing her Shop Laurens County First t-shirt on June 5 and won a $15 gift card from the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. T-shirt Fridays are part of the local shopping campaign that runs through December. Each Friday, the Chamber staff canvases the county in search of participants who are wearing their campaign t-shirt. T-shirts are available for sale at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, located at 291 Professional Park Road, just behind the Laurens County Hospital. More than 150 businesses and organizations are participating in the campaign. To sign up your business, call the Chamber at 833-2716 for more details.
First Grand Prize Winner Helen Short of Laurens won a 52” Sanyo LCD HDTV as part of the first grand prize drawing of the Shop Laurens County First campaign on May 29. Mrs. Short registered for the grand prize at the Laurens County Higher Education Center. The shop local campaign continues through December with grand prizes awarded each month. Shoppers can register at any of more than 150 participating businesses and organizations across Laurens County. There is no limit on how often a shopper can register. Shoppers are encouraged to register for the drawing each time they visit a participating businesses, school or organization. A winner is selected at each business on the last Thursday of each month with those winners entered in the drawing for the grand prize. The June grand prize is a total wellness program sponsored by the Laurens County Health Care System. Pictured above at the May grand prize presentation are, front row from the left, Connie Parker of USC-Union at Laurens, Helen Short, Rev. Charlie Short, Dr. Peggy Prescott of Piedmont Technical College; second row, Rhonda Cruickshanks of WPCC Radio in Clinton, Marlene Owings and Sandra Alexander of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ken Alexander of Laurens County Lifelong Learning and Adult Education; back row, Greg Alexander and Randall Frye of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce.
Fun on Wheels The annual Main Street Laurens All Wheels Parade saw over forty participants in their kids event on Saturday, May 30, in downtown Laurens. The parade, which ran from the First United Methodist Church to the historic Court House Square, featured decorated bikes, strollers, golf carts, even a spiffed up wheelbarrow. The event was sponsored by Joe Kirby State Farm Insurance. Winning medallions were presented for first, second and third place, and each participant was eligible for a drawing for a new red wagon. Three year-old Pressley Osborne of Isle of Palms used the recent headline news as the inspiration for her "Swine Flew" entry. Pressley is the granddaughter of Mike and Debbie Kinard, owners of Picture This Frame Shop in Laurens. For more pictures of the event, visit our photo gallery.
Congressman Visits County Third District Congressman Gresham Barrett visited Laurens County on May 29. Several dozen members of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce enjoyed "Coffee with the Congressman" and discussed issues important to the local economy. Issues discussed included healthcare, agriculture, alternative energy, education and the economic stimulus package. The congressman, who recently announced he will run for governor of South Carolina in 2010, will be back in August for the Chamber's annual Congressional Luncheon.
Caught in the Act The team at Angela Marlett State Farm Insurance in Laurens were "caught" wearing their Shop Laurens County First campaign t-shirts on T-Shirt Friday (May 29). The team was awarded gift cards as a thank you for supporting the campaign. Each Friday the Chamber staff draw several names of participating businesses and go in search of someone wearing their campaign t-shirt. To purchase t-shirts or learn more about the Shop Laurens County First Campaign, call the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716. Previous winners were Jim Adair of Adair's Men Shop and Rhonda Cruickshanks of WPCC Radio. T-Shirt Fridays will continue through the end of the campaign in December.
And the Winner Is... Marlene Owings, left, of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, and Theresa Gille of the Laurens County Development Corporation drew the winning name Friday afternoon (May 29) in the first grand prize drawing of the Shop Laurens County First campaign. Helen Short of Laurens was the winner of a 52 inch SANYO LCD HDTV. Mrs. Short registered at the Laurens County Higher Education Center. A grand prize drawing will be held during each month of the campaign which runs through December. More than 150 businesses and organizations are participating in the campaign. Shoppers can register at any participating business. Businesses interested in signing up for the campaign should contact the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce at 833-2716 for more details.
New Restaurant Opens Earline's Upstate Cuisine, Laurens County's newest restaurant, opened for business May 19 on the Historic Court House Square in downtown Laurens. The restaurant menu includes seafood, steak, chicken, sandwiches, soups and salads. A full service bar and extensive wine list are also available. The restaurant location offers patrons a unique dining experience complete with a beautiful view of some of the county's most historic landmarks. To learn more about the restaurant, visit their web site at www.earlinesupstate.com.
First Winner Jim Adair was "caught" wearing his Shop Laurens County First t-shirt on May 15 during a surprise visit from a member of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce staff and won the first gift card of the Friday t-shirt contest. Participants of the Shop Laurens County First campaign are encouraged to wear their campaign t-shirts each Friday through December. Chamber staff members will visit participating businesses and organizations with a gift card being awarded to the first business found wearing their t-shirts. Campaign t-shirts are available for purchase at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. Call 864-833-2716 for more information.
Meeting of the Minds An enthusiastic group of small business owners met May 14 for the newly formed Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable. County Council Chairman Jim Coleman along with Clinton Mayor Randy Randall and Laurens Mayor Sharon Brownlee were guests speakers for the evening. After the formal presentations, the group had a discussion period that addressed challenges and concerns facing local small business owners.
Laurens Idol Announces Top 20 Finalists After two rounds of auditions, the Top 20 finalists for the 2009 Laurens Idol have been named and those contestants will take to the stage for the first time on Thursday, June 4 at the Little River Amphitheater. Read More.
Celebrating a New Location The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and local leaders gathered at Allstate-Hart Insurance Agency on East Main Street in Laurens on April 21 to celebrate the opening of their new location. The group enjoyed refreshments and a tour of the office prior to the official ribbon cutting.
Miss Laurens County Teen takes the lead against Underage Drinking Newly crowned Miss Laurens County Teen, Ali Rogers, has hit the ground running in Laurens County to promote her platform. Rogers, whose platform is "Teens Against Underage Drinking," has met with the Boards of School Districts 55 & 56, the Laurens County Council and Sheriff Ricky Chastain to discuss her issues and the need for a united front to reduce underage drinking here in Laurens County. Read More.
Laurens County Health Care Foundation Donates $10,000 to Hospital JOINT CAMP You might think camp is just for kids. Well, not anymore! Laurens County Health Care System has started a fun and beneficial rehabilitation program: the LCHCS JOINT CAMP. Unlike the typical hospital unit, LCHCS Joint Camp is for patients who want to take a proactive approach to regaining full mobility following orthopedic surgical procedures. Through a host of activities and exercises tailored to individual “campers” full range of motion can be achieved. The result: Independence, and a feeling of youthful vitality in a short period of time. The Hospital Foundation donated the equipment for Joint Camp.

Above right, Forrest Adair, Foundation Chairman, Robbie Strickland, Foundation Treasurer, Robin Hornberger,COTA/L, Lindy Beaver MSN RN Clinical Nurse Specialist, Renea Crase RN, Jennifer Gregory, Nurse Manager, Paula Andrews, RN, Sharon O’Bryant, Foundation Secretary, Pam Boling RN

Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy to locate at Frampton Hall in downtown Clinton, S.C.The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy continues to advance towards its projected Fall 2010 opening date. The School of Pharmacy will locate in downtown Clinton at Frampton Hall, formerly a hotel that was later converted into an assisted-living facility. Read More.
Randy Harrison Named Chairman of SLED Security Advisory Committee American Services, Inc. is proud to announce that Randy Harrison, President of American Security Division, has been named Chairman of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Security Advisory Committee. The Security Advisory Committee meets with SLED and other Private Security groups to address pertinent issues concerning the security industry. This committee includes SLED, Private Security, Proprietor Security, Hospital Security, College Security and Nuclear Security. More

SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism requests Community Input for State Tourism Development Marketing Plan The SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is asking for statewide support and participation from each of the 46 counties to assist in the development of its new Tourism Development Marketing Plan. Greenwood and Laurens will be participating in the public forum and site visit portion of the process January 27, 2009 at the Lake Greenwood State Recreation area conference facility, the Drummond Center. More.

YMCA Activate America | Laurens County: Focus on Workplace and Congregational Health
As we look forward to Activate South Carolina 2009, the opportunities we have with workplace/congregational health is significant and exciting! The changes in the website should help facilitate even more corporate and group participation and encourage overall program retention. These changes are minor and require minimal preparation for the new program year. On January 1st, all data is participants begin anew. There is no need to re-register, if the participant is currently enrolled.

The official launch date for Activate 2009 is Thursday, January 15th. We will begin weigh ins on that day and then routinely for the next six Fridays, beginning January 23rd through February 27th. And for the rest of the year, we’ll continue weigh-ins every third Friday beginning March 20th. The new website will allow participants to enter their own weight anytime during the 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks of each month - beginning the week of March 23rd. Participants will not be able to enter their weight during the 3rd week of each month because we want to encourage them to report to established weigh-in sites for their standard weigh-in/accountability.
Read More Here
Kimura Inc. (KI) is pleased to announce the following change effective January 1, 2009, as part of our continuing growth in the internal logistics, material handling, and steel container industries.

Congratulations to Deborah Rodgers on her promotion to Vice President – Operations.

Kimura Inc. provides standard-sized and custom-designed steel containers, pallets, racks, and bins as a long-term, cost-effective, and recyclable option to other less durable materials. The company also offers internal logistics services to customers in North America, providing on-site material handling options.

Greg Alexander Named New President and CEO Greg Alexander, the new president and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, is flanked by his wife, Julie, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jim Firmin. Read More Here
BB&T awards $500,000 grant for study of capitalism at PC Presbyterian College has received a $500,000 grant from BB&T Foundation to establish the BB&T Program for the Study of Capitalism. The program will emphasize both the moral and ethical foundations of capitalism, as well as the practical functioning of a capitalist economy. More.
Preserve America Community Recognizes Fountain Inn Established on Christmas Eve in 1886, Fountain Inn (population just over 7,000) began as a crossroads for Native Americans, then later was a stagecoach stop between Columbia and Asheville for travelers seeking its cool Piedmont springs. It has been a destination within coastal-mountain transportation and trade routes. Fountain Inn’s unique name comes from an inn that featured a fountain built from one of the area’s many springs. The community has many Victorian-era homes, transitional neighborhoods, modern residential areas, and a downtown. Read More Here
PC awarded Confucius Institute to promote Chinese language and culture in South Carolina Presbyterian College has been selected to host a program that will teach and promote Chinese language and culture in South Carolina. More.