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.
