About the Chamber

Government Relations

The Chamber understands the importance of developing relationships with local, county, state and federal government entities. Advocacy is the key to a Chambers success, which is why we play a key role in the Oconee Pickens Chamber Coalition. The Coalition is made up of the 7 Chambers of Commerce in Oconee and Pickens Counties.

The Coalition meets monthly on the third Thursday of every month to discuss issues facing the business community, whether that is on a local, county, state or federal level. The Coalition then makes recommendations on how the Chambers of Commerce should proceed with ensuring our local business community's voices are heard. For more information about the Oconee Pickens Chamber Coalition please call Chris Hardy at 864-654-1200 or email chris@clemsonchamber.org

The Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce is also a member of the Upstate Coalition. The Upstate Coalition is an advocacy organization that is made up of Chambers of Commerce's in Upstate South Carolina. The Coalition represents those Chambers on a local and state level regarding issues facing the business community. The Coalition also is the liaison for the Chambers in working with local and state elected officials by ensuring the issues facing Upstate businesses are addressed.For more information on the Upstate Coalition please call Chris Hardy at 864-654-1200 or email chris@clemsonchamber.org

The 2010 Oconee Pickens Chamber Coalition Legislative Agenda is now available for download. Click here to download the agenda or call Chris Hardy at 654-1200 and a copy will be emailed to you.

Ambassadors

The Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are a group of individuals that come together for a common cause. They have made a commitment toward helping other members get involved in Chamber events and programs and in introducing them to the business community.

Being an Ambassador means....

Mentoring new members
Sharing positive personal business experiences
Resource of Information
Helping retain existing members
Encourage interaction with members
Increasing visibility of YOUR business

For more information about the Chambers Ambassador program please call Ruthie Millar at 864-654-1200 or email ruthie@clemsonchamber.org

Women in Business

Are you a woman business owner or company representative who would like to grow your business and meet new people? Would you like to have useful information on business resources, training and networking opportunities? If so, you came to the right place. The Chambers Women in Business Association (WIB) will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

The Association provides information, network opportunities and helps them receive the available support services that will enhance their business planning and growth. Our Association aspires to be the choice for the advancement of women in business.

The Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes that women in business are a vital resource to our community and a thriving force in the Upstate of South Carolina.

For more information about the WIB and the services and opportunities that are offered, please call Ruthie Millar at 864-654-1200 or email ruthie@clemsonchamber.org

President's Message

On behalf of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to our web site. Whether you are looking for business information relevant to our community, economic development, technology industry or workforce, you can easily find it through the cooperative efforts of the Clemson Area Chamber and Alliance Pickens.

Along with the availability of comprehensive business information, the Chamber is also proud to be at the forefront of business news and developments in our community. Our home page offers visitors the chance to stay up-to-date on business news. As a visitor to our site, we hope you take the time to look at our Business Directory for information about products and services offered in our community. If you are interested in relocating or just learning more about the Clemson Area, visit the community section and learn about local government, K-12 and Higher Education as well as our online Church Directory. You will see why our area has so much to offer and why we are one of the fastest growing areas in the state.

While you are looking at our site, it is our hope that you find as much inspiration from the strength of our business community as we have. We invite you to browse through our programs and events section, membership section and about us sections to learn more about the Chamber and why we are one of the most successful Chambers of Commerce in Upstate South Carolina.

Since 1981, the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce has been a strong advocate for the area's business and professional community through a sharp focus on critical issues and initiatives that aid growth and prosperity. The Chamber provides a forum to strengthen businesses via a wide range of member services including networking and marketing opportunities, advisory committees, community involvement and advocacy. With a membership of 500+ and growing, the Chamber can accomplish collectively what no one business can do alone.

Chris Hardy

President & CEO

Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce

Letter from the Chairman

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce as its Chairman during the 2009-2010 year. I follow a long line of distinguished leaders who have led the Chamber for almost 30 years. They have built this organization into one of the region's premier business organizations, recognized as the "Voice of Business in the Central, Clemson, Pendleton & Six Mile areas."

The past Chairman Jeremy Wright led us through some exceptional times with optimism, grace and vision. We all owe him our gratitude for his countless hours and dedication.

Our area has been fortunate to have a strong business base that has helped make this region a great place to do business, work, live, raise a family, and enjoy the many activities available to everyone. We must work together to keep this community vital and growing.

We must strive to continue building business relationships among our members. We must continue working with our government partners to continue the pro-business policies that have encouraged new businesses to relocate here. We must continue to engage our members and provide value to them. By working together, we will ensure that our area remains the envy of many.

As your Chairman, I will work to honor the trust you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Greg Scarbrough
CFO, Oconee Medical Center

Chamber Staff

The staff of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce is here to assist our members, local businesses as well as the general public.

The following is a brief introduction to our staff and their primary areas of responsibility.

Executive Committee

Greg Scarbrough - Chairman / Oconee Medical Center

Will Gregory - Incoming Chair / Palmetto Insurance

Jeremy Wright - Immediate Past Chair / Wachovia Bank

Linda Cowart - Treasurer / Trehel Corporation

Trent Allen - Chair, Clemson Area Council / Allen's Creations

Neil Monaghan - Chair, Central Area Council / Monaghan Real Estate

Jean Vegod - Chair, Pendleton Area Council / Timeless Tours and Travel

Will Huss - At Large / Trehel Corporation

Rob Green - At Large / Wal-Mart

Isabel Candela - Gregg, Willis, Long & Associates

Sue Herb - Retired

Board of Directors

Bill Caruthers - Government Relations & Public Policy / Retired

Rick Cotton - City of Clemson / Ex-Officio

Frank Lamson-Scribner - BASF

Jeff Martin - Clemson University, Conference Center & Inn

Christine Hill - Vice Chair, Women in Business / Trehel Corporation

Diane Bitzer - City of Clemson

Janelle Beamer - Southern Wesleyan University

Dan Crosby - Metrocon, Inc.

Garland Graveley - Archadek

John Ducworth - First Citizens Bank

John Lummus - Tri County Technical College

Mark Catoe - Forevergreen Services

Jim Hill - Edward Jones Investments

Area Council Concept

The Area Council structure of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce is the delivery system for Chamber programs and services. The area councils are designed to be the "eyes and ears" of the respective communities served by the Area Chamber. The area councils represent the business interests of the Central, Clemson and Pendleton communities. Each area council is governed by a board of directors and meets and operates in their own community.

The following are some of the functions of the area councils:

Provide area leadership with the training, advice, and support for that community.
Support the umbrella organization for the betterment of the region, allowing the sharing and combining the services and skills of people from all areas of the Central, Clemson, Pendleton and Six-Mile area.
Identify the leadership in the area who can make outstanding contributions to the Area Chamber and area government committees and commissions.
Provide a local network of business people, programs and services.

For more information about the Central, Clemson and Pendleton Area Councils please call the Chamber at 864-654-1200.

Mission Statement

As an advocacy organization, the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the unified business voice for our members and as the local Tourism Center for promoting economic vitality and a favorable business climate while protecting and improving the region's quality of life.