Jason Rabun speaks to ETV on AYP

Business After Hours/AYP Third Thursday, January19th, will open your eyes to medicine and young professionals.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers (ARMC) will open 2012 with a marvelous Business After Hours at the Aiken Center for the Arts (122 Laurens Street, SW).

• Meet ARMC executives and new physicians, and mingle with key medical staff.
• This is a joint Business After Hours with the Aiken Young Professionals
• Hob-nob with Aiken's movers and shakers while enjoying fabulous art in the gallery.
• Use power networking to your advantage --- bring plenty of business cards and come prepared to make a new contact.
• You may renew your AYP membership for 2012 at the event (The big kick-off for AYP will be in February.)
• We'll see you at the Aiken Center for the Arts from 5-7 PM on January 19.

RSVP TODAY by Clicking Here or call 803-649-1200 x 300

Power networking. What a way to begin 2012!

AYP Holiday Gala and Awards

Thursday, December 15, 201
16 – 8 pm at Newberry Hall

Delicious Food ♦ Open Bar ♦ Holiday Fun

Announcement of AYP Awards & Sponsor Recognition

Who: Current AYP members and a guest

Click Here before 5 pm on Tuesday to RSVP and avoid the naughty list!
(It's hard for the elves to plan a party with all this awesomeness without a head count)

Remember, we will be collecting office supplies for the Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County. Their wish list is as follows: sticky notes, small paper clips, magic tape refill rolls, packing tape, Bic Wite Out quick dry or correction tape, #2 pencils, cap erasers, black ink pens, white ¼" hole reinforcers, copy paper, 9x12 clasp envelopes, legal size privacy envelopes, stamps, Avery easy peel labels #5160, and lined note pads both 8 ½ x 11 ¾" and 8 x 5". They are definitely on Santa's nice list. Find out why by visiting their website at http://cmcaiken.org/

Cot Campbell, President, Dogwood Stable (and Aiken's #1 Ambassador), has asked that I invite the Aiken Young Professionals (with spouse/guest) to a very special reception at the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame on November 11 from 5-7 PM. (from Aiken Chamber President/CEO David Jameson)

• Dogwood Stable was recently presented with a gold tray by Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky.
• This is a unique award that goes to a stable that has won eight graded stakes races at that race track through the years.
• Dogwood Stable's horse Aikenite, name for this city, won the eighth stakes race last spring.
• No RSVP is required. Plan to attend and enjoy the celebration.

AYP members had a great time networking at The Stables Restaurant & Bar at Rose Hill Estate on October 20th. The chilly weather was warmed by the great brats and drinks provided!

AYP enjoyed a great afternoon of Polo on October 23rd at historice Whitney Field. The day was filled with great weather, great networking, and lots of action!

Renew you AYP membership today!!!

Membership with AYP is a unique and valuable tool for all young professionals in the Aiken Area. This year we are focusing on putting value in your membership. We will be focusing on tools and benefits that will allow you to grow socially and professionally with: Social and Business Networking Events throughout the year, Membership Benefits at local retailers, Lunch & Learn Topics that you will not want to miss, Community Outreach and Involvement, and many other value added benefits. A prospective member must be an employed professional between the ages of 22 and 39. The embership rate is $50 per year for an individual employed by an Aiken Chamber of Commerce member and $75 per year for an individual employed by an entity that is not a member of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce.

Click Here for a Membership Application!
Click Here to Renew and Pay Now Online!

A List of locations that AYP Members receive discounts is coming soon!! Just show your membership card at checkout to receive the following dicounts at Aiken establishments

• Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins. Both Aiken Locations
  • 10% off purchase
• Lionel Smith Ltd.
  • 10% off all non sale in stock items
• Unique Expressions (No Logo)
  • 10% off all non sale in stock items.
• Eqwine Bar and Grill
  • 10% off purchases.
• Chick-fil-A (Aiken Mall Location)
  • 10% off food purchases
• Outback Steakhouse
  • 10% discount on an entrée of $9.99 or more on food only. Alcohol is not included in this discount.
• O'Charleys
  • 10% off food purchases. Excludes Alcohol.
• Trophies Unlimited
  • 10% off total purchase
    
• Harvard's Wine and Beverage
  • 5% off total purchase (only good for non-discounted items)
    

Our August networking event was at The Griffin Irisih Pub in The Alley. Members enjoyed a fun filled night of Irish themed networking games!!

Our 3rd Quarter Lunch 'n Learn was held on Friday August 12th, 2011, at The BBQ Barn on University Parkway. “obbie Yarborough spoke on "The Benefits of Networking & Building Valuable Business Relationships”

Our June networking event was at Davor's in The Alley . Everyone who attended had a great time networking on the back patio while enjoying some wonderful weather.

AYP will be involved in two Habitat for Humanity community service events.
Volunteers each day will be limited to the first 10 who sign up, so please RSVP quickly to cbradford82@gmail.com with the day you would prefer.

• June 25: Habitat for Humanity Build (Location to be announced)
  8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, lunch will be provided
  We will be painting and installing vinyl siding.
  
  
• July 23: Habitat for Humanity Build (Location to be announced)
  8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, lunch will be provided
  We will be probably be painting and installing floors.
  
  Come out, bring your tools, and learn some skills you can use around the house!

Our last networking event was at Eqwine.bar & grill on May 19th from 6-8pm. There of course was Networking, Complimentary Keg beer and Wine (while it lasts), Finger foods, and Bocce Ball on Eqwine's 4 beautiful bocce courts!!
This is a beautiful 8-10 minute drive you will enjoy after a long day at work.

 

Our 2nd Quarter Lunch 'n Learn was held on Friday May 20th, 2011, at The BBQ Barn on University Parkway. AXA Financial Advisor and AYP member Russell Padgett spoke on "Smart People Finish Rich: Financial Planning for Young Professionals."

AYP will have our 1st Annual Family Day/Kite Festival on May 21st, 2011 from 10am to 2pm at Citizens Park. Along with a great day to fly kites, there will be contests, remote controlled plane demonstrations, food vendors, inflatables,($1 per ticket or $10 for unlimited use), a climbing wall, face painting, a motorcycle cruise in, and more! Bring a new or used children's book for the Palmetto Kiwanis Club "Paws for Reading" program. This program takes dogs into the schools so children can read to them and gain confidence in their reading ability in a safe and nurturing environment. The dogs are specially trained to never correct pronunciation or laugh at the children. HOW COOL IS THAT! This will be an all ages event, so come out and enjoy some fun in the sun! AYP will have a tent with cornhole and other activities setup. Please RSVP Mandy Collins at 803-641-1111 or mcollins@aikenchamber.net. See you there! Click Here for an enlarged brochure. Check Aiken PRT's rain-out line at 643-4661 on Saturday for weather updates on the Kite Festival.

May 13th 9am-6pm and 14th 10am-7pm. ACTS (Area Churches Together Serving) is a nonprofit group that provides services to needy families and individuals in the area. Lowe's in Aiken has partnered with ACTS to provide fans (purchased by customers) to ACTS clients. It will be another hot summer in SC, and this is a great service. We will be accepting fans from customers, handing out tax receipts, and loading them up for shipment.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to Caroline at cbradford82@gmail.com, with the day you want, morning or afternoon, and if you would like to volunteer with up to 3 friends. I will get back to you with your 2 hour shift.

AYP defeated The YPs of Augusta in the 2nd annual Ronal McDonald House Plane Pull, finishing 2nd overall (by .04 seconds)! Congrats to the team!

Our Master's month event on April 21st was at Houndslake Country Club. Nathan Vought won the putting competition and AYP members enjoyed networking with complimentary beer, wine, and food.

For our 1st Quarter Lunch 'n Learn on Friday April 1st, 2011, Aiken City Manager Richard Pearce spoke to a sold out crowd at The Willcox about “How Can AYP Shape the Future of Aiken”. Please RSVP Mandy Collins at 803-641-1111 or mcollins@aikenchamber.net today!

Our next Third Thursday Business and Social Networking Event is March 17th at the Hotel Aiken. Celebrate St. Patty's Day and the kickoff of March Madness in front of the 22 foot projections screen in the back courtyard of Hotel Aiken! Food and beverages will be provided, as well as our traditional free door prizes! Please RSVP Mandy Collins at 803-641-1111 or mcollins@aikenchamber.net. See you there!

Our first AYP Third Thursday Event of the year was a great succes, as around 120 people turned out to enjoy the entertainment of Jon Rooks, free food and drinks, as well as ample networking opportunities at the Hilton Garden Inn. We had over 80 new members sign up in addition to our roster in 2010. We are still renewing memberships, and are also still offering sponsorship opportunities which include complimentary memberships. So if you or your company would like to be a sponsor of AYP, please email aikenyoungpros@gmail.com with your name and company information.

AYP Rising Star Year-End Gala

The AYP Rising Star Year-End Gala was a blast with around 125 people attending the event. The networking was great, as well as the food and drinks provided by Newberry Hall! Congratulations to Scott Truitt for winning the "Ugly Sweater Contest" and to Rebecca Brannon for winning the nice raffle from Plum Pudding! We were also able to collect lots of gifts and stocking stuffers for the teenagers at Helping Hand's. Thanks to everyone who donated a gift!

Our November event was a combined event with the Aiken Chamber's Business After Hours at the Aiken Design Center at the Village at Woodside. Our members were able to mingle with other business men and women who are regular chamber members, representing much of the business ventures in the Aiken area. We appreciate the Chamber allowing us to diversify our networking opportunities!

For our fourth quarter Lunch 'n Learn, Aiken Public Safety Officers spoke to members about how to Avoid the HEAT this Holiday Season in the Willcox Hunt Room.

With over 2000 people attending the Friday Night Family Event downtown, and over 80 people participating in the 1st Annual Aiken Dirt Road Race, the concluding event of AYP's involvement in Celebrate Aiken went well. Come back soon for the winner's! T-Shirts are still for sale; Contact Mandy Collins today at 803-641-1111 or mcollins@aikenchamber.net!

October's Event was held at Aiken Golf Club. Josh Booth and Stephanie O'Brien fought off the field and tied to win the putting contest! Members enjoyed the great weather and one of the best sunsets in Aiken on the patio and deck. Thanks again to Aiken Golf Club and Plum Pudding for donating the nice raffle prizes to the event!

Members had a great time at September's Social Event at Hilton Garden Inn. Thanks again for giving us a great venue to for socializing and businsess networking!

Thanks again to Mr. Owen Clary who gave an interesting and enlightening presentation about Aiken's history on September 8th at The Willcox!

August's third thursday was held August 19th from 6-8pm at The Willcox' beautiful pool and courtyard in downtown Aiken. This business networking event featured interesting facts about Aiken and various AYP members, as well as great food by The Willcox and several door prizes. The Willcox is also offering AYP members dicounted drinks during their Friday Evening Acoustic Sessions featuring Kenny George from 6:30-8:30pm. In addition to the evening sessions, The Willcox offers Sunday BBQ with volleyball tournaments from 4-7pm every Sunday. All are welcome and you do not have to be an AYP member to participate. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and currently around 15 teams of 5 are participating.

July's Third Thursday was held at Soiree in The Alley. AYP packed the restaurant and enjoyed great food, happy hour specials, as well as the Miller Lite and Absolut Vodka Girls, who provided free samples, giveaways, and more. Door prizes were given by Kent's Korner, Security Federal Bank, and Miller Lite!  

Thunderstorms rained out the pool, but not the fun as around 80 AYP members attended the event at Woodside Clubhouse on June 17th. Thanks again to Wooside for the venue, free food, beer, wine, and the great raffles! We currently have 198 members!!!!

Thanks again to The Westside Bowery for putting on a great event in their patio on May 20th. Lots of new members joined and enjoyed the great food, drinks, and doorprizes!

Click Here for the Event Poster!
Thanks to everyone who attended Celebrity Waiter Night benefiting Children's Place, Inc. I know all of the members who participated had a great time, as well as the customers who were able to take a few friendly shots at Aiken Public Safety's finest in the dunking booth outside Soiree. AYP raised a total of $1801 for the charity (finishing 6th out of 14 restaurants), and the event topped at $84,000, well over last year's mark of $62,000. Check back in a couple of days for pictures from the event! We're already looking forward to participating again in May 2011!

From the Aiken Standard (8/24/09) "Celebrity Waiter Night is the largest fundraiser of the year for Children's Place, a United Way agency that provides daycare for at-risk children from throughout Aiken County. Besides meals and a caring environment, the agency also provides speech, occupational, behavioral and play therapy tailored to each child's needs and parental and caregiver training and advice. Celebrity Waiter Night donations are used to support those therapeutic activities. The Children's Place staff cares for approximately 100 children each day and each year serves approximately 35,000 meals, makes approximately 1,500 home visits and provides more than 1,200 hours of therapy."

Another organized business networking event went off with a blast at Travinia Italian Kitchen, on Thursday, April 15th.  Around 80-100 people were able to socialize, meet friends, and make business contacts on TAX night. Thanks again to Traviana's for all of the great food and accomadations!

Click here for previous events!

The Young Professionals Initiative

In 2008 the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce launched the Young Professionals Initiative, aimed at attracting residents between the ages of 22 and 39, in order to illustrate that Aiken is not only a nationally renowned community for retires, but also is a "Southern Dream Town" with ample opportunities for business and pleasure for younger generations. Formerly chaired by Paivi Nettamo and Tom Young, the Young Professionals Initiative sponsored 4 events in 2008 with resounding success! It's been a great way for young professionals in the community to interact with one another, from sharing business cards and developing relationships with people new to our community to catching up with old friends returning to Aiken.

Led by Josh Stewart, the new steering committee, represents a wide variety of professional capacities in the Aiken area, and hopes to continue the success of 2008 with a bevy of new events in the coming year. Included will be quarterly after hour social events and lunch-and-learns, as well as other special occasions with further details to come.

Current Sponsors include:

(Gold, Bronze, and Scholar Sponsors are listed above)

2011 Host Sponsors

2011 Membership Card Sponsors

2011 AYP Partner for Progress

Sponsorship Information