Cynthia (Cindy) Hopkins has been selected by the Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to serve as the next President of the Easley Chamber. Hopkins comes to the Easley Chamber after serving the last 10 years as the Executive Vice President of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce (Anderson, SC). She has also held management positions with the United Way of Anderson County and has previous experience in the banking industry.

In her role as Executive Vice President with the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, Hopkins was responsible for day-to-day operations of the chamber, membership development and retention, as well as serving as the lead facilitator for numerous committees and boards that were sponsored by the Chamber. She was instrumental in the Anderson Chamber being selected as a nominee for Chamber of the Year by the American Association of Chambers of Commerce in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Currently, the Anderson Chamber is a finalist for National Chamber of the Year. Hopkins served on numerous boards including: Leadership Anderson, Align SC (a community partnership between the public schools and area industry) and board chair of the American Red Cross. She is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, The Riley Institute of Furman University, and the Institute of Organizational Management of the United States Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

“We had some huge shoes to fill with the retirement of Kent Dykes. To say we hit a homerun with Cindy’s selection is an understatement.” said Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman. “Simply put, we’ve hit a grand slam. We wanted someone with proven chamber experience, who knew how to run a chamber and understood the needs of business, we have definitely found that.” said Swords.

According to Swords, the Board of Directors was looking for someone with a proven track record as a leader within a successful chamber. In addition, their criteria called for someone that understood and knew how to collaborate with business, industry, and government.

“We wanted someone with that understanding of how all of the pieces fit together- small business, industry, government and the community, and Cindy possesses that. The thing that stood out to our board was her proven ability to bring those different components together. We are very excited to have someone with her energy and drive for the Chamber.”

Hopkins, is slated to begin her role with the Easley Chamber on July 2nd.

On May 5th Rock Springs enjoyed “We Love Easley Day” as members joined together to share God’s love to Easley by doing projects for local schools, agencies and businesses.  The members spread mulch, provided landscaping, and delivered baskets of baked goods, and visited nursing homes to serve the Easley community.

Through recreation ministry Rock Springs offers opportunities for fun and fellowship through sports for all ages. The worship services are led by the Sounds of Praise choir and orchestra prior to pastor Dr. David Gallamore’s message.  All age groups enjoy special ministries from our nursery and preschool in Joyland, Kidztown for grade school, and the student center for Middle school, High School and College students.

Rock Springs Baptist Church is located at 201 Dayton School Roadacross from the Easley Town Center on highway 123.  See www.rockspringsbaptist.com to learn more about Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Kent Dykes, Easley Chamber of Commerce President, announced his intention to retire effective June 29, 2012.   The announcement was made at the Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday (May 15).

Dykes joined the Easley Chamber in 2003, when he retired from Milliken Corporation to accept the position of Membership Director for the Easley Chamber.   During his time as Membership Director, the chamber expanded by over 135 members.    In 2004, he was selected as President of the Chamber, and has since seen a steady increase in membership.   During the recent economic downturn, Dykes was credited for his ability to maintain the organizations stability.

“It’s been a pleasure to have served the Easley area as the Chamber President.   I can’t imagine a better job to have, than to be able to interact with folks in the community and serve as an advocate for the area businesses and industry.   Easley has seen steady growth, and it is my hope that the Chamber will continue to play a large role in continued growth.” stated Dykes.

Dykes lives in Easley and is heavily involved in numerous community agencies, including the Boy Scouts, Leadership Pickens County, Pickens County Vision 2025, and Sassafras Mountain  Improvement.

The Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will begin a search for Dykes replacement immediately.

“Kent is leaving some mighty big shoes to fill.” stated Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Chamber Board Chairman.   “Kent has been a good friend to many, and a very stable figure at the Chamber for many years, and we are very thankful for his eight years of dedication and service to the community.”

The Chamber Board plans to celebrate Dykes’ years of service with a special luncheon planned for late June.   An announcement regarding the luncheon will be forthcoming in a few weeks.

Katherine Brackett (City of Pickens), Missy Gray (Tri-County Technical College), Marlo Raymark (National Council on Electrical Engineering) Back Row: Mike VanDaele (King Asphalt), Andy Sevic (Easley Combine Utilities), Sean Thornton (Kudzu Staffing), Will Jones (Kudzu Staffing), Steve Lambright (Pickens Co. United Way), Josh Black (Pickens Co Board of Disabilities and Special Needs), Tim Tollison (City of Easley)

Leadership Pickens County class was a great success with 15 participants making the 2012 class. The class consisted of 10 months of programs, including: Community Services, Education, Local and State government, tourism, healthcare, economic development and communications. The class started this year with an all-day orientation session that included SC Congressman Jeff Duncan challenging each participant to embrace leadership possibilities in their local community. The class concluded in May with a graduation ceremony in which SC Senator Larry Martin gave the keynote speech.

The class chose the Easley area community garden as their service project. Participants constructed planting boxes that will be used to plant various crops.

“This year, participants felt that hunger in Pickens County was a problem they wanted to address” Stated Leadership Pickens County Chairperson, Dr. Brian Swords. “Their project was a great success, and it will really help out the community garden initiative in the area.”

Those interested in participating in the Leadership Pickens County class of 2013 should contact their local chambers of commerce in Easley, Pickens, or Clemson.

After the ribbon cutting on May 10,2012, Clemson Eye hosted a Business After Hours with 32 chamber members attending. A drawing for a pair of Nike sunglasses was won by chamber member and ambassador Janice Perry shown in photo with her new glasses. She is joined by Clemson Eye director and technicians.

The 19^th Annual Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and Business Expo was May 1 at Smithfields Country Club.    Lunch was provided by Applebee’s and dinner was provided by Outback Steak House.

Twenty teams participated in the event.

A photo was made with each team accompanied by Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce, Miss Easley Lauren Lytle, and Miss Easley Teen Allison Hale.

Presenting sponsors Best Chevrolet and Best Kia provided a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic and a 2012 Kia Optima for the hole in one prize on holes 8 and 17 at Smithfields.

 “It is still the best organized golf tournament in Pickens County.”  As quoted by golf participant Mike Kingsmore of Palmetto Finishing Company.

 Sponsors were:

Presenting Sponsors:   Best Chevrolet, Best Kia

Platinum sponsors:  King Asphalt, Great Clips, Walmart, DunBurks Premier Events, Garrison Business and Tax Service, Sulzer Process Pumps, McNair Law Firm,TriCountyTechnicalCollege, Benson Ford Nissan, Kudzu Staffing, City ofEasley

Gold sponsors:  CPM Federal Credit Union, Certus Bank, Michael Dent- Allstate Insurance, Dominion Signs, Costco, BB&T

Awards were presented to the First Place team, 2^nd award to 7^th Place Team, and the 3^rd award to the 13^th Place team.  An award was also given to the longest drive and the closest to the pin.

Prior to the tournament, the Michael Dent Insurance Agency held a “break the windshield contest” at the Smithfields Driving range.

Teresa Wood, Diane Sentell, Terry Garrison, Shelley Riddle –associates with Garrison Business and Tax Services

Garrison Business and Tax Service hosted a Chamber Business after Hours with over 200 attendees on 4/24 at DunBurks Premier Events. Terry Garrison is celebrating his 40th year in business in our area and many of his clients, Rotary friends, and Chamber friends attended this event. Miss Easley, Miss Easley Teen, and Miss Powdersville attended the business after hours and the group was entertained with a guitar voice from Miss Easley Teen. Many door prizes were given by a random number drawing. The top prize was $100 given to Barbara Stuckey.

Leonard Williams, directors of the Career and Technology Center

Pickens County Career and Technology Center Hosts joint Chambers and Manufacturer’s luncheon

The Easley Chamber of Commerce, Pickens Chamber of Commerce, and the Manufacturer’s Council of the Easley Chamber held a joint luncheon meeting at the Pickens County Career and Technology Center, 900 Chastain Road, near Liberty. Over eighty (80) were in attendance at this new facility which opened August 2011. Dr. Leonard Williams, director of the center, spoke on the many courses available to the 1100 students it serves.

A demonstration was given by students on robotics. The culinary department students provided the luncheon meal. The flower centerpieces on the tables were made by students in the horticulture department.

After the program Dr. Williams and staff members provided tours of the different career and technology departments for attendees.

Session Information:  During this month’s session, you will discover ….

• Why company values and objectives are so important and so often overlooked
• How productive are you and your team?
• How to determine levels of engagement ?
• What system are you using to hold yourself and others accountable?

Presenter Information: Kyle Pertuis is the President and Founder of Mind Fit Coaching, a professional coaching firm empowering entrepreneurs, executives and athletes to accomplish their goals. With over 20 years of experience working with organizations and entrepreneurs on the operational side of business, Kyle has turned his focus to what he believes is the true key to success – developing and improving the mindset of each individual on the team.

Kyle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Organizational Behavior. Pertuis earned his Certified Professional Coach designation as well as his Master Practitioner Certification for the Energy Leadership Index, through the highly intensive and internationally recognized training program offered by the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

Kyle is Co-Founder of the South Carolina Coaches Consortium and serves on the Board of Directors for The Einstein Academy, a local school in Greenville, SC for children with learning challenges as well as the Board of Directors for The Defenders for Children organization, a local group focused on ending the cycle of child abuse.

Kyle lives in Greenville, is married and the proud father of a 3 year old daughter and 6 year old son. He is an avid half marathoner and enjoys snow skiing, jazz and gourmet cooking.

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For more information on this and other Easley Chamber events please contact the Chamber office at tel: 864-859-2693.

Professional Speaker and Author Steve Edwards speaks to Powdersville Business Council

Performance Expert, author, pilot, and family man Steve Edwards gave a high energy presentation to the Powdersville Business Council at its March 22 meeting in the Powdersville Library.

He is a national recognized corporate, college, and organizational speaker who has shared the stage with personalities like Glenn Beck.  Steve Edwards shared personal stories that have made him a successful businessman.   He spoke on the “missing element” in the world of networking and connecting with others – always have the mindset to learn about the person with whom you are dealing.

At the conclusion of the luncheon Steve Edwards signed his book Who’s in charge of You for interested attendees.