As an operating partner and General Manager for O’Charley's Restaurant of North Charleston, the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce has given me an opportunity to grow my business and create visibility for my restaurant in the local community. It has also allowed me to meet with other business owners and professionals to network and exchange ideas. The help we give each other is invaluable. The chamber offers so many wonderful events that get me in front of the community and that help me to grow my restaurant. I am a member of Hospitality Council as well. Being a member of the Southeastern Chamber is definitely something every business owner should be a
part of.

As a first year small business owner, engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and developing ways to better serve my community is invaluable. The camaraderie and resources available through the Southeastern Chamber are par none.

Since joining the Southeastern Chamber, we have experienced an awesome group of business leaders that are serious about being a true regional connector. I have had the opportunities to hit the ground running by promoting the dealership locally, and regionally, which has impacted our sales and awareness. We even hosted a real cool event in the showroom that engaged the staff, and finally got to meet my business neighbors and form important relationships. Such a cool chamber! Definitely non-traditional!

It has been wonderful to be a part of the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce. As West Ashley continues to evolve and revitalize, they have been very diligent in introducing us to new businesses and concepts that would have an interest in growing here and have continued to host functions on our site as well as connect community leaders.

As a new member of the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce, I am already on the fast track to gaining valuable business insights and connections. Attending my first chamber event allowed me to network with other entrepreneurs, learn tips about business loans from a banking executive and get pointers from an expert sales coach. I'm looking forward to more opportunities for professional development and continuing to make strong connections to key players in the community to help grow my women's self-defense training company.

I have belonged to other chambers throughout my career and this one is, by far, my favorite. I have been aware of the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce since its inception and they orchestrated the ribbon cutting for my business when I moved into new offices. I would say that after 41 years in my practice, there are two main reasons why I choose this chamber above others.

First, the energetic appeal to diversity and inclusion at all levels of business is very attractive. There is no notion of exclusion and exclusivity like you sometimes encounter in very traditional circles. Yet, the professionalism that you want and expect is still there. The days of mega corporations being the only organizations that warrant support are over and the Southeastern Chamber is a front-runner in support for small and mid-size businesses, too.

Second, this chamber understands the importance of not only being keen on the economy and legislative issues, but also promoting social movement and mobility. The old dog-eat-dog way of doing things has to move to a 21st century spirit of collaboration if we are going to survive and thrive in business. The team at the Southeastern Chamber practices this better than most. Members are encouraged to find ways to work together, while still benefiting from chamber-sponsored educational and development opportunities to hone their competitive edge. It is the best of both worlds.

I want to thank the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce for holding such incredible events. The overall information and targeted insight I received at the very first one I attended was amazing. The space was unique and unexpected, the speakers and participants were supportive and interesting and the staff encouraged and helped me showcase my work to everyone who attended. Real partnerships have materialized and been strengthened from that one event and the resulting connections and collaborations are helping me to grow my business in a time when growth is not guaranteed. I’m really looking forward to other meetings and events with the chamber where more of these opportunities come to light.