Chamber News

Perseverance, hard work, and customer service were the common theme of three CSRA business leaders honored as Trailblazers at the 114th annual Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce meeting on Feb. 23. The Chamber hosted a panel discussion of three entrepreneurs who started iconic CSRA businesses: Larry Jones, founder of Universal Plumbing; Vera Stewart, founder of the Very Vera cooking empire; and Ray Carnes, founder of recteq grills. WJBF News Channel 6 anchor, Brad Means moderated the discussion about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Jones went from growing

You may not know exactly what imposter syndrome is, but you’re probably familiar with its symptoms, which include feelings of unworthiness that plague you, despite the praise you receive from others. That was the topic of this month’s Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Program, which took place yesterday. The guest speaker was Triyoko Boatwright, senior talent management and diversity, inclusion, and belonging specialist with Textron Specialized Vehicles, who discussed “Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace.” Boatwright defines imposter syndrome as “chronic feelings of fraudulence, self-doubt, and inadequacy.” She

As an entrepreneur, Alex Myers understands the value of preparation in running a business. Myers co-owns two local IHOP franchise locations: one on Peach Orchard Road in south Augusta, and the other on Washington Road in Evans. “You can never be too prepared for the inevitable things that happen in business,” he said. Yesterday, Myers was one of several CSRA business leaders who attended this month’s Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Business Builder event. The speaker was Ed Enoch, an attorney with the Enoch Tarver Law Firm in

Any business owner would agree that organization, keeping detailed records, consistency, and providing great service are keys to building a business. So is networking. LinkedIn, a social media network for professionals, describes networking as the best way to produce opportunities. Their advice is to think of networking as a way to find client leads, partnerships, and more. The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce is scheduling a series of Master Classes to help grow area businesses. The first is Networking scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

If you want to learn, grow, and thrive in your business, mark your calendar for the North Augusta Chamber event that can help you score in those categories. The SE Regional Vice President of SCORE, Catherine Walton, is heading to the CSRA from Memphis on Thursday, February 9, as the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s Learn, Grown, Thrive, and SCORE for the Life of your Business event. Walton has served in her position with the SCORE nonprofit for 17 years. She has also run a successful midsouth business since 2007

Small business owners face a host of challenges every day, but the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce wants to help. The Chamber will host its monthly Small Business Roundtable Discussion tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at its office located at 406 West Ave. The free event is held the fourth Wednesday of each month and is open to all small business owners, not just those in North Augusta, according to the Chamber’s President and CEO, Terra Carroll. Carroll said previous topics have included time management, business taxes, and

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is giving you the opportunity to meet business leaders and learn more about their achievements. The Chamber will celebrate its 18th Annual Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown. The event will include a business showcase, an awards presentation, and a guest speaker, Mike Goodwin, the Bowtie Comedian. “Elevate is the theme for the Chamber’s Annual Banquet,” said President and CEO, Russell Lahodny. “This is a great opportunity to get to know

It’s been a tough couple of years for many businesses. Period. Maybe it’s time for a laugh or three. Mike Goodwin, the Bowtie Comedian can probably deliver. What’s more, he knows your leadership pain. The Camden, SC native will make you laugh, and he is also in business. Goodwin holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina, is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and is a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to