The Chamber has selected 3 individuals to serve on the 2010 Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The 3 individuals are: Denise Dyer with the City of Pickens, Bob Ward with Benefit Design Inc. and Tim Mays with Blue Ridge Electric. They join Sandy Foster, President Elect, Michael Thomas, Victor Whitworth, Amy Gantt and Amy Barrett on the Board. Through the leadership of these dedicated individuals the Chamber plans to move forward in the coming year to serve the Chamber membership and strengthen business.
One of the many roles of the Chamber is to work with organizations, community leaders and the business community to strengthen the economic environment in and around Pickens. The Chamber has partnered with the City and the business community to create a blue print for future economic growth. Working alongside the Pickens Planning Commission, a group has been formed to create a pathway for the City while maintaining the small-town flavor of Pickens. At the first meeting, Gerald Sweitzer with Pickens County Vision 2025 introduced the group to several ideas for Pickens. He also set the stage for the creation of a vision plan for the City of Pickens. A hallmark of the visioning process is that all citizens have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the directions of the future of Pickens.
The Chamber has also partnered with North Greenville University Marketing Department to look at a marketing strategy for the City. The students from North Greenville developed a systematic approach to strengthen the City’s appeal to enhance its economic future.
The Chamber continues to work with the S. C. State Chamber of Commerce to address key legislative issues. One of these issues is work force development. The State Chamber of Commerce supports:
- Creating a state Department of Workforce.
- Funding for key education initiatives, including Personal Pathways to Success (EEDA) and the endowed chairs program.
- Legislation to help achieve the business community’s 2020 Education goals.
- Full funding for ReadySC (formerly known as CATT)
- State-wide expansion of the piloted 4-K program.
- Continued regulatory relief for education, including higher education.
As we approach this Holiday Season, the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Board and I wish you and your family a safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mike Parrott, Executive Director
