On September 18, the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce organized its monthly Business After Hours event at Manion & Associates, located within Keller Williams Realty at 60 Walker St., Columbus. The gathering provided a platform for local professionals to network, foster community spirit, and promote their businesses.
Michelle Manion, owner of Manion & Associates, expressed her excitement about hosting the event. “It really helps us network with other professionals in the area and get our name out there,” she noted. “We’re newer to the community, so it allows people to know that we’re here and that we service both North and South Carolina. We live locally and are really trying to get as involved in the community as possible.”
Manion & Associates has actively engaged with local initiatives, sponsoring events such as the Landrum Farmers Market and concerts at FENCE, as well as the upcoming Frightfest, organized by the Chamber. “We love our current space, and it’s really helped us get more entwined with Columbus as well,” Manion added. “There’s a very warm, small-town feel here.”
New member Allison Reynolds, representing WNCSource, emphasized the value of joining the Chamber. “Since I work with enrollment and recruitment for Head Start and children’s services, it’s a good way to reconnect with some groups and local folks to get the word out,” Reynolds explained.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
In addition to the successful networking event, the Chamber announced the upcoming “Thrive Talks” session featuring local contractor and outdoor sustainability advocate Greg Junge. This event is scheduled for September 23, from 08:00 to 09:00 at 188 Industrial Drive, Unit A. It aims to provide valuable insights to local businesses and community members.
Moreover, the Chamber is currently seeking sponsors for the much-anticipated Frightfest, set to take place on October 23, 24, and 25. This festive event will include movies on the lawn, food trucks, and various activities, further enhancing community engagement.
The Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated to supporting businesses across Tryon, Landrum, Columbus, and Saluda. For further information regarding membership and upcoming events, interested parties can visit the Chamber’s official website at carolinafoothillschamber.com.
