Volunteer

(Chairman: Jay Peay Vice Chairman: John Topping) Advancing economic prosperity requires a strong partnership between the business community and educational leaders. This committee will help bridge the gap between education & business, ensuring a more qualified, ready-to-work employee base. The 2007 focus is on EEDA. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Laurens County Higher Education Center 663 Medical Park Rd.

(Chairman: Rich D'Alberto Vice Chairman: Scott Tollison) Our mission: Acting as a strong advocate for our business community is a core function of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber multiplies the voice of its almost 500 members even further by joining with other business advocacy organizations to propose, advocate on behalf of and support government policies and procedures that enhance our businesses’ ability to succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape. The Regional Government Affairs Approach of the Laurens, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg, and Greer Chambers of Commerce issues an annual Legislative Report Card that tracks and reports on South Carolina legislators' support for business-supported legislation. Before each legislative session the committee proposes a legislative agenda that represents our members' business, job creation/retention, and economic development goals. This agenda is approved by the respective Laurens County Chambers' boards of directors and is presented to our elected state representatives. During session the joint committee lobbies on behalf of bills deemed important for business and tracks how legislators vote on those bills. The Report Card, issued at the close of each legislative session, summarizes that activity and progress toward our goals.

(Chairman: Jim Firmin Vice Chairman: Jonathon Irick) The purpose of this Committee is to promote the 30th Anniversary of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and to serve as liaison to plan the events for the 2008 year. The committee works cooperatively with the entire county and community. Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 291 Professional Park.

(Chairman: Jim Firmin Vice Chairman: Syrissa Hartsell) Bringing visitors who stay in our lodging facilities, eat in our restaurants, tour our attractions and purchase retail goods and services is the purpose of this committee. Tourism is a key industry sector in our area, and this committee helps ensure its successful growth. Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. at The Hampton Inn of Clinton, 201 East Corporate Drive.

(Chairman: Steve Lamb Vice Chairman: McLean Hicklin) The backbone of our economy is small business. This committee works to bring programs and services of greatest importance to helping small businesses grow and prosper. One of its new initiatives is to foster a positive environment for entrepreneurial activity. Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 8:30-9:30 a.m. location varies from month to month.

(Chairman: Sue Tinney Vice Chairman: Rhonda Cruickshanks) This high-energy group is a goodwill arm that reaches out to all Chamber members to seek input on Chamber performance, how the organization can better meet their needs and providing outreach to new members. Oversees ambassadors and recruitment. Participation on this committee is an excellent way to make new business contacts. Meets the 1st Thursday of the month from 8-9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 291 Professional Park Road.

Meeting every-other Friday during football season, this group gathers for lunch. A well-known sports personality is also on hand for an interesting presentation. Player of the week honors also go to local high school and college performers. An annual dinner recognizes Players of the Year.

This group of Chamber members serves as a good will and retention service group for the Chamber. They voluntarily make calls and visit Chamber members to strengthen the communication between the Chamber and its members.

This club concentrates on economic development in Laurens County. They have monthly meetings to discuss important economic issues affecting Laurens County. Membership in this club is an additional $100 to your Chamber membership.

The Chamber honors small businesses in Laurens County during Small Business Appreciation Week, held in conjunction with the State Chamber of Commerce. Since more than 90% of the Chamber's membership is small business, a full week of activities are planned. Typically, a cookout and appreciation dinner, business after hours, and small business seminar are held during this time.

This annual business expo held each spring gives Chamber members a chance to promote their business to more than 500 people in just one day! It also gives them the chance to meet and network with other exhibitors.

Held during Industry Appreciation Week in September, this event draws business professionals and corporations from all over the region. The tournament includes lunch, refreshments on the golf course, a post-tournament cook-out, prizes, and awards.

These a social mixers are sponsored by the Chamber and hosted by Chamber members at their place of business. Between 80 and 100 business professionals from Chamber member businesses attend these events to enjoy food and refreshments, make business contacts, and try their luck at winning a door prize.