EventsMembership Meeting

What a great night in our Little Golden Town!

After Hours Membership Meeting Recap

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2026 with a strong start at our recent After Hours Membership Meeting, held at C3 Coffee.

The evening brought together Chamber members, local business owners, and community members for a time of connection, reflection, and forward-thinking conversation. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed, after-hours setting while networking and engaging in meaningful discussions about the future of business in Aynor.

During the meeting, we highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishments from 2025, including membership growth, community involvement, and successful events that helped strengthen our local business community. We also shared our vision and goals for 2026, focusing on continued growth, increased engagement, and new opportunities for our members.

One of the most valuable parts of the evening was the open forum, where attendees had the opportunity to share ideas, feedback, and suggestions. These conversations are essential as we continue to build a Chamber that reflects and supports the needs of our business community.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Aynor Family Dental for sponsoring the event and providing coffee and hors d’oeuvres. Their support helped create a welcoming environment for everyone in attendance, and we are grateful for their continued investment in our community.

The Chamber looks forward to building on this momentum throughout 2026 and continuing to create opportunities for connection, education, and growth in our Little Golden Town.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Missed it? No Problem! Watch it Now!

aynorareachamberofcommerce April 5, 2026 0

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News

A New Voice for Aynor: Congratulations to Wyatt McCrackin

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to join the community in welcoming Wyatt McCrackin to the Town of Aynor Town Council! 🎉

Stepping into a role like Town Council is no small task—it’s a commitment to serve, listen, and help shape the future of our Little Golden Town. Wyatt brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to lead, and we’re excited to see the impact he will make for residents, businesses, and our growing community.

Strong leadership at the local level plays a vital role in keeping Aynor moving forward, and we’re confident Wyatt will approach this position with dedication, integrity, and a heart for service.

👏 Congratulations, Wyatt

We congratulate Wyatt McCrackin on this achievement and look forward to the perspective and energy he will bring to the Town Council. As Aynor continues to grow, moments like this remind us that progress is driven by those who choose to lead.

Here’s to what’s ahead for Aynor—and to continued collaboration, growth, and community spirit.

aynorareachamberofcommerce April 2, 2026 0

Member Spotlight

Membership Spotlight: 501 Nutrition

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to shine this week’s Membership Spotlight on a business that has quickly become a favorite stop in our Little Golden Town — 501 Nutrition.

Located at 2604 US-501 Unit A in Aynor, 501 Nutrition is more than a smoothie and juice bar. It’s a place where community, encouragement, and good conversation are served right alongside protein shakes, loaded tea bombs, coffee, açaí bowls, and energizing drinks.

Behind the counter are Jason Coates and his team, who have poured their hearts into building something special for Aynor. What started as a small business has grown into a welcoming space where customers become friends and everyone is greeted like family.

For the team at 501 Nutrition, the mission goes beyond what’s in the cup. Their story is built on consistency, faith, and showing up — even on the hard days. That dedication is part of why the shop has become such a beloved part of the community in just its first year.

Step inside and you’ll quickly notice the energy. The team is passionate about creating a positive environment where people can start their day with a healthy boost, discover new monthly drink flavors, and connect with neighbors and friends.

But ask Jason what makes 501 Nutrition truly special, and the answer isn’t the menu — it’s the people.

From their incredible team to their loyal customers and the supportive small-town community, 501 Nutrition is a reminder of what local businesses are all about: bringing people together.

Whether you’re stopping in for your favorite loaded tea bomb, grabbing a protein shake after a workout, or trying something new from their rotating flavors, 501 Nutrition is a place where the community gathers.

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate 501 Nutrition for their commitment to our community and their passion for creating a welcoming space right here in Aynor.

📍 501 Nutrition
2604 US 501 Unit A
Aynor, SC 29511
📞 843-358-0158

Mon–Fri: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Be sure to stop by, try one of their signature drinks, and experience the positive energy that’s made this shop such a special part of our town.

aynorareachamberofcommerce March 30, 2026 0

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Ability Beyond Barriers

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight one of our impactful community members — Ability Beyond Barriers.

Ability Beyond Barriers is dedicated to helping individuals live fuller, more independent lives by providing services and support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain or spinal cord injuries. Their work focuses on opening doors to opportunity, independence, and meaningful community connections.

Through programs like residential support, day services, case management, and employment coaching, their team helps individuals build life skills, gain independence, and find success in the workplace and the community.

With residential homes located throughout Horry County and day programs based in Conway and Loris, Ability Beyond Barriers provides hands-on support that helps people thrive where it matters most — in their homes, jobs, and communities.

But their mission goes beyond services. Ability Beyond Barriers is about advocacy, empowerment, and believing in every person’s potential. Their team works alongside families and community partners to ensure individuals have the tools and opportunities they need to live meaningful, connected lives.

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate Ability Beyond Barriers for the difference they make every day in Horry County.

Visit their website for more information: https://abbsc.org/

aynorareachamberofcommerce March 23, 2026 0

ChatGPTContinuing Education

How to Use ChatGPT to Grow Your Business

Simple ways local businesses can work smarter, save time, and reach more customers.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just for big tech companies anymore. Tools like ChatGPT are helping small businesses save time, create better marketing, and improve customer communication — often in just a few minutes.

Whether you run a boutique, farm, construction company, restaurant, or professional service, ChatGPT can become a powerful assistant for your business.

The key isn’t replacing your expertise — it’s using AI to help you work faster and smarter.

Here are some practical ways Aynor business owners can start using ChatGPT today.

1. Create Social Media Posts in Seconds

Many business owners struggle to keep up with social media. ChatGPT can help generate posts quickly so your business stays visible online.

You can ask it things like:

- “Write a Facebook post promoting my spring sale.”
- “Create an Instagram caption for a new product.”
- “Write a fun post encouraging customers to visit my store this weekend.”

It can also help create:

- Hashtags
- Event promotions
- Customer appreciation posts
- Holiday marketing ideas

Instead of staring at a blank screen, you start with a strong draft you can tweak to match your voice.

2. Write Website Content

If your website needs updating, ChatGPT can help generate:

- Service descriptions
- “About Us” pages
- Blog posts
- Product descriptions
- Event announcements

Clear website content helps customers understand what you offer and helps search engines find your business online.

3. Improve Marketing Emails

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for small businesses. ChatGPT can help you write:

- Newsletter content
- Promotional emails
- Event invitations
- Customer follow-ups
- Seasonal campaigns

Instead of struggling with what to say, you can quickly create professional messages that encourage customers to engage with your business.

4. Brainstorm Business Ideas

Sometimes the hardest part of running a business is coming up with new ideas. ChatGPT can act like a brainstorming partner.

Try asking:

- “Give me 10 ideas for promoting my boutique this summer.”
- “What events could a small town coffee shop host?”
- “How can a landscaping company attract new customers in spring?”

Even if you don’t use every idea, it can help spark creative thinking.

5. Create Better Customer Communication

ChatGPT can help draft messages such as:

- Customer service responses
- Appointment confirmations
- Thank-you messages
- Review responses
- Frequently asked questions

This helps you communicate clearly and professionally while saving valuable time.

6. Generate Marketing Campaigns

If you want to promote a new product, service, or event, ChatGPT can help plan an entire campaign.

You can ask for:

- Social media series ideas
- Promotional taglines
- Event marketing plans
- Seasonal promotions
- Advertising headlines

It’s like having a marketing assistant available anytime you need one.

7. Simplify Everyday Business Tasks

ChatGPT can also help with many behind-the-scenes tasks, such as:

- Writing job descriptions
- Creating employee training outlines
- Drafting policies or procedures
- Organizing ideas for new services
- Summarizing research

This frees up more time for what matters most — running your business.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

The secret to using ChatGPT effectively is being specific.

Instead of saying:

“Write a social media post.”

Try:

“Write a friendly Facebook post promoting a weekend sale for a small-town boutique in Aynor, South Carolina.”

The more details you provide, the better the results will be.

A Tool for Businesses of Every Size

ChatGPT isn’t about replacing people — it’s about giving small businesses access to tools that used to require an entire marketing team.

For entrepreneurs in communities like Aynor, it can help level the playing field by making professional marketing and communication faster and easier.

Used wisely, it can help your business:

- Save time
- Improve marketing
- Communicate better with customers
- Generate new ideas
- Stay competitive in a digital world

The Bottom Line

Running a business requires wearing many hats. ChatGPT can help lighten the load by acting as a writing assistant, marketing helper, and brainstorming partner.

If you haven’t tried it yet, spend a few minutes experimenting with it. You might be surprised how quickly it becomes one of the most useful tools in your business toolkit.

Because when local businesses work smarter, our entire community grows stronger.

Ready to take your business one more level?

LinkedIn Learning is an online platform with expert-led courses designed to help you build real-world business and professional skills—quickly and on your own schedule. Curious how ChatGPT actually works—and how to use it in your business? This short "How ChatGPT Works" video breaks it down in a simple, practical way so you can start using AI to save time, create content, and work smarter. 👉 Watch this video and get ready to take your business one more level. ( May need to create a Linkedin account).

aynorareachamberofcommerce March 16, 2026 0

News

The Ferry Market Announces New Location & Grand Re-Opening

A fresh chapter has begun for The Ferry Market, a proud member of the Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce, as the beloved boutique officially celebrates its move to a new home in the heart of Aynor.

The Ferry Market has relocated to:
834 N. Main St., Aynor, SC 29511

Known for its charming atmosphere and thoughtfully curated collection of home décor, unique gifts, jewelry, apparel, and seasonal treasures, The Ferry Market has become a favorite destination for shoppers searching for something special in our Little Golden Town.

Grand Re-Opening Celebration

The boutique hosted its Grand Re-Opening celebration on Sunday, March 8, 2026, welcoming a strong crowd of shoppers and community supporters who stopped by to explore the new space. Guests were greeted by The Ferry Market team, easily spotted in their signature Ferry Market blue t-shirts, ready to help customers browse the shop’s latest finds.

The new location brings several exciting upgrades that the previous space simply didn’t have. Shoppers can now enjoy:

- - A large, beautiful bathroom and changing room
  - A comfortable chair for husbands to relax while you shop
  - A huge open shopping floor that makes browsing easier
  - A larger checkout counter with more space for gift wrapping
  - A front display window highlighting the shop’s hottest items

The expanded space allows The Ferry Market to showcase even more of the carefully selected products customers have come to love while creating a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience.

With its new home on Main Street, The Ferry Market continues to add charm, style, and a little extra sparkle to Aynor’s growing small business community.

Supporting local businesses like The Ferry Market strengthens our community and keeps Aynor thriving. The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate this milestone and encourages everyone to shop local and show their support.

aynorareachamberofcommerce March 2, 2026 0

NewsTown Of Aynor

Town of Aynor Special Election Set for March 31, 2026

The Town of Aynor will hold a Special Election on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to fill one (1) vacant seat on Town Council.

This election is nonpartisan, meaning candidates are not running under political party affiliations. All candidate applications have been officially filed and the ballot is now set.

Candidates for Town Council

Voters will choose between the following candidates:

- Andrew Brown
- Wyatt McCrackin

Both candidates have completed the filing process and will appear on the March 31 ballot.

What This Means for Our Community

Town Council members play an important role in shaping local policies, guiding growth, supporting infrastructure decisions, and representing the interests of residents and businesses throughout Aynor. This special election provides voters the opportunity to help determine the direction of leadership for our community.

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to stay informed and participate in the election process. Local leadership decisions impact economic development, business climate, and the overall future of our Little Golden Town.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and make your voice heard.

aynorareachamberofcommerce March 2, 2026 0

Business Milestone

Celebrating 20 Years of Service: Palmetto Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

On March 4 at 5:00 PM, the community is invited to celebrate a major milestone — 20 Years in Business for Palmetto Insurance & Financial Services, LLC, located at 501 8th Ave, Aynor, SC 29511.

Founded in 2005 by two locally home-grown entrepreneurs, Scott Johnson and Jimmy Dyson, the agency was built from the ground up with one simple but powerful goal: serve the insurance needs of clients throughout Horry and Marion Counties with unmatched customer service.

From day one, both partners believed that great customer service would be the key to long-term success — and twenty plus years later, that commitment has proven true. The agency’s longevity is a testament to the relationships they’ve built and the trust they’ve earned in the community.

A few years after opening, Scott Johnson purchased Jimmy Dyson’s share of the business and continued to grow the agency while maintaining the same customer-first philosophy. With 30 years of experience in insurance, Scott began his career in 1995 working with his family’s business in Mullins before deciding to build something of his own here in Aynor.

Through growth, economic shifts, and changes across the region, one thing has never changed:

“Insurance Today – Peace of Mind Tomorrow.”

That motto continues to guide everything they do.

A Full-Service Insurance Agency

Palmetto Insurance & Financial Services is a full-service agency offering both personal and commercial insurance solutions, including:

Personal Insurance Coverage

✅ Home Insurance

✅ Auto Insurance

✅ Renters Insurance

✅ Life Insurance

✅ Boat Insurance

✅ Pet Insurance

Commercial Insurance Solutions

✅ General Liability Insurance

✅ Commercial Property Insurance

✅ Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

✅ Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Their team works diligently to help families protect what matters most and to help business owners operate with confidence.

Join the Celebration

Twenty years in business is no small accomplishment — especially for a company built locally and sustained by community trust.

📅 March 4
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 501 8th Ave, Aynor, SC 29511

Come out, congratulate the team, and help celebrate two decades of dedication, service, and peace of mind for our community.

Here’s to 20 years strong — and many more to come!

aynorareachamberofcommerce February 24, 2026 0

Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: The Ferry Market

The Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine the spotlight on The Ferry Market — a charming boutique bringing elegant-inspired décor and unique gifts to our Little Golden Town.

Conveniently located just off Hwy 501 in Aynor, The Ferry Market is a beautifully curated destination for farmhouse-style home décor, thoughtful gifts, stylish jewelry, apparel, and seasonal finds. Whether you’re refreshing your home or searching for the perfect present, you’ll find something special waiting inside.

A Local Business with Heart

Owned and operated by Beverly Dorman and Britt Shelley, The Ferry Market was created with a vision to bring high-quality, timeless décor pieces to the Aynor community — items often only found online or in larger cities. Their passion for design and hospitality is evident the moment you walk through the door.

They are committed to offering:
• Beautiful, elegant décor inspired by faith and excellence
• A welcoming and personalized shopping experience
• Carefully selected pieces that help make a house feel like home

What You’ll Discover

From lighting, rugs, and decorative accents to kitchen goods, jewelry, clothing, and seasonal décor — The Ferry Market offers a thoughtfully curated inventory that changes often, making each visit fresh and inspiring.

Proud Chamber Member

As a valued member of the Aynor Area Chamber of Commerce, The Ferry Market embodies the spirit of local entrepreneurship and community pride. Supporting businesses like The Ferry Market helps strengthen Aynor’s local economy and keeps our town thriving.

📍 834 North Main Street, Aynor, SC 29511
📞 (843) 358-0488

www.theferrymarketsc.com/

Be sure to stop by, browse their beautiful collections, and show your support for this wonderful local business!

aynorareachamberofcommerce February 19, 2026 0

Carolina Sales of Aynor membership spotlight

Member Spotlight

Membership Spotlight – Carolinas Sales Of Aynor

Carolina Sales of Aynor: Your Premier Area Provider for Quality Storage, Garage, and Insulation Solutions

When it comes to dependable, high-quality structures and energy-efficient insulation, Carolina Sales of Aynor has become a trusted name across Horry County and beyond.

Founded in 2016 by Hal Sarvis, Carolina Sales began as a small, family-owned business right here in Aynor, South Carolina. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, honest service, and community support, what started as a single location has grown into two thriving sites proudly serving families and businesses throughout the Grand Strand region.

Quality Structures Built to Last

Whether you’re looking to protect your vehicle, expand your workspace, or add extra storage, Carolina Sales offers a wide range of wood and metal structures designed to meet your needs. Their product lineup includes:

- Carports and garages for everyday vehicle protection
- RV and boat covers to safeguard your recreational investments
- Storage buildings to keep your tools, equipment, and personal items secure
- Barns and lean-to’s perfect for agricultural or hobby use

Each structure is built with care and durability in mind—helping customers protect what matters most.

Energy-Saving Spray Foam Insulation

In addition to top-quality structures, Carolina Sales of Aynor is also a leading provider of professional spray foam insulation services. Their insulation solutions help homeowners and business owners improve comfort, lower energy bills, and extend the lifespan of their buildings. Whether you’re insulating a new metal structure or upgrading an existing property, their expert team delivers reliable results that make a lasting difference.

Local Values, Lasting Quality

As a proud local provider of metal structures, portable sheds, and spray foam insulation, Carolina Sales is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and pride. They believe in quality craftsmanship, personalized service, and supporting the growth of Aynor’s local economy.

If you’re looking to upgrade your property with a new building or enhance its efficiency with spray foam insulation, Carolina Sales of Aynor is your trusted partner for dependable products and exceptional service.

Contact them today for current discounts and to learn more about their full line of buildings and insulation options.

Contact Carolina Sale of Aynor

+1 843-331-3337

1205 US Hwy 501, Conway, SC, United States, 29526

www.carolina-sales.com
carolinasalessc@gmail.com