Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2025

Aynor Chamber of Commerce
Board Meeting Minutes
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Location: Aynor Town Hall

Attendees:

Board: Sandy Davis, Emily Griffin, Ryan Graham, David Dorman

Guest: Samantha Norris (Loris Chamber of Commerce)

1. Presentation: Ideas from Samantha Norris – Loris Chamber of Commerce

Marketing & Engagement Initiatives:

• Feature local businesses through Business Spotlights on Facebook and the Chamber website.
• Encourage live video content to boost visibility and engagement.
• Expand the Chamber’s use of social media platforms for promotion and outreach.

Meetings & Events:

• Establish a consistent schedule for Monthly Membership Meetings.
• Plan Quarterly Membership Events modeled after Loris Chamber’s successful lunch and “coffee connections” gatherings.
• Begin planning for an Annual Meeting/Banquet.
• Finalize and refine upcoming membership meeting plans.

2. Funding & Financial Opportunities

A-Tax and Hospitality Funding:

• Hospitality funds may be routed through the Town of Aynor.
• Appropriate uses include advertising via billboards, print media, TV, and digital media (e.g., 963 Film Group).
• Myrtle Beach Chamber is open to matching funds for advertising efforts.
  • MB Chamber currently promotes Loris events via monthly emails; Aynor could benefit similarly.
  • Goal: Secure $30,000 in A-Tax and a $30,000 match from MB Chamber.

City Support:

• Additional hospitality funds may be available through the City.
• Explore sponsorships as a vital funding avenue.

County Support:

• Investigate access to Horry County Government’s Community Benefit Fund.
  • AI Allen mentioned as having unused rollover funds.

Business Feedback:

• Feedback from a Loris business highlighted a lack of nightlife in town.

Community Ideas:

• Discussed launching downtown food truck events to boost community engagement and evening activity.

3. Upcoming May 13th Membership Meeting Planning

Discussion Points:

• Collect feedback from members to understand their motivations for joining.
• Present ideas to drive engagement and spark meaningful discussion.
• Consider organizing family-friendly community events to increase participation.
• Include an educational segment differentiating 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) designations.

Educational Briefing Content:

501(c)(3) – Charitable Organizations:

• Focus: Religious, charitable, or educational missions.
• Donations are tax-deductible.
• Cannot engage in political activity.
• Examples: Food banks, schools, animal shelters.

501(c)(6) – Business Leagues:

• Focus: Promotion of business interests and industry groups.
• Donations are not tax-deductible.
• Permitted to participate in some lobbying.
• Examples: Chambers of commerce, trade associations.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 PM.