ASCEND is Here…The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce released its premiere publication, ASCEND. The magazine showcases businesses large and small and addresses how South Carolina is staying competitive in domestic and international business. The 2017 ASCEND features our 2016 Business Leader of the Year and our Public Servant of the Year, the “South Carolina 100,” a list of the top 100 private companies in our state based on revenue, and a list of South Carolina Power Players. To view the magazine, click here. If you would like a hard copy of ASCEND, email Kate Bondurant.
Time to Shop… the economy is calling! According to the National Retail Federation, the holiday shopping season is crucial for the economy because about 30% of annual retail sales occur between Black Friday and Christmas. Last year more than 102 million Americans hit the stores on Black Friday and, on average, spent about $300 each. Forbes.com is predicting this will be the biggest Black Friday ever with sales expected to exceed $3 billion.
#SmallBizSat…Did you know 96% of the businesses in South Carolina are considered small businesses? In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration there are more than 384,000 small businesses in our state, and they need your dollars to be successful! That's why there's a social media campaign called Small Business Saturday, or #SmallBizSat, encouraging folks to spend this Saturday shopping in locally owned stores. So head to FivePoints in Columbia, Historic Bay Street in Beaufort, the West End shops in Greenville or your favorite locally owned store to enjoy all small businesses have to offer. For a great fact sheet from SBA on how important small businesses are to our state click here.
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce's Premiere Publication
