Chamber Neighbors

Chamber Neighbors

By Daniel Rendelman & Paul SadlerSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
Download on the App Store

Chamber Neighbors episodes

  • Labor Day Weekend!

    AHOY Sailors!

    It's a Pirate's Life for the Town of Chapin this year!

    Mark your calendars for the 2023 Festival year- Saturday, August 26-  Monday, September 4

    If you have questions, please contact [email protected] 


    • Taste of Chapin- Restaurant Week featuring special deals and menu items from your favorite Chapin eateries such as our sponsor, Chophouse of Chapin, as well as Bart's Crazy Good Coffee, Bakon, Catch 22, The Coffee Shelf, Doza Rizen Cafe', and Lazy Creek Taphouse! 
      • Justin Pepper 5K: Walk, Run, Ruck! begins at 7:00am at Crooked Creek Park.
        • Latin Night offers authentic authentic Venezuelan food from Arepa Chef, a food drive benefiting Chapin We Care Center, salsa dancing, and Latin music. 7:00pm-10:00pm on Beaufort St.
          • "Boots on Beaufort" Concert on Beaufort Street featuring local musicians starting at 7pm featuring openers Johnny Meetze and Griffin Schelble as well as Spare Parts!
            • Bring your lawn chairs, but no coolers allowed
              • Labor Day Parade begins at 9:30 am (Streets close at 9 am)
              • Classic Car Show in the parking lot of Mt. Horeb Church Parking Lot.
              • Labor Day Festival on Beaufort Street, Clark Street, and Lexington Avenue will take place from 9:00am-3:00pm and features local food, vendors, and music from Marcus Gullen!
              • The Children's Carnival will take place in front of the Beaufort Street buildings and will feature popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, and bounce houses! 
              • There will be a book sale taking place in the Community Room of Town Hall during the festival!
              • American Legion Post 193 is hosting a train museum during the festival at their building on Lexington Ave.


                • Returning to the Chapin Labor Day festivities for this year is the Taste of Chapin, Chapin's version of Restaurant Week. Taste of Chapin is produced and hosted in partnership by the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Chapin, with the goals of increasing consumption, fostering innovation and inspiring consumer confidence in our restaurant members.

                To find out more information or to participate contact Dylan Francis at [email protected] or Paul Sadler at [email protected].


                16 min
              • Meet Mr. Ed Davis - Principal Chapin High School

                Meet the new principal of Chapin High School - Mr. Ed Davis.

                Superintendent Akil E. Ross Sr. said “Mr. Davis is a passionate and well-respected administrator in the School District Five community with a wealth of experience. “Mr. Davis is student-focused and has an understanding of the Chapin Community, both staff and families. I am confident he will continue to foster a nurturing and supportive learning environment where our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally”

                Mr. Davis has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Social Studies Teaching Certification from the University of Michigan. In 2013, he joined the staff of the newly opened Spring Hill High School, where he also served as the Assistant Principal. He also served as principal of Harbison West Elementary School from 2016-2019.


                https://www.lexrich5.org/chs

                23 min
              • Meet Coach Gentry - Chapin High Football

                Meet Justin Gentry, the varsity coach for Chapin High School. He's been with the school for 14 years and knows football. In this episode, you'll learn about Coach Gentry's vision for the football team and his impressive past.

                https://chapinsports.com/






                19 min
              • Meet James Burns - Eagle Club

                Meet Chapin's James Burns of the Eagle Club!

                James is an experienced litigator in the areas of consumer financial services litigation, FINRA broker-dealer litigation, and business litigation. A chief of staff to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a past chairman of the State Ethics Commission, James has counseled and represented clients in administrative law matters before state governmental bodies and in state attorney general investigations. James is a 24-year veteran of the United States Navy Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps, having served overseas in and at the Pentagon.

                James graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law, JD, cum laude (2002) and from the Citadel, BA, Political Science (1996).

                The purpose of the Chapin Eagle Club shall be to actively support and enrich all athletic programs of Chapin High School by providing human, material and financial resources. The Club cooperates with school authorities in promoting the best interest of the programs and athletes to foster a sense of school and community pride through premier athletic programs. The board is comprised of volunteers within the Chapin community that donate their time and talent to enhance the athletic programs of Chapin High School.

                Learn more at...

                https://chapinsports.com


                27 min
              • Meet Dr. Akil Ross - Superintendent of Lexington-Richland District 5 Schools

                Meet Lexington-Richland School District Superintendent Dr. Akil Ross.

                “He flunked the third grade. Now he’s the best high school principal in the nation.” This was the headline from the local newspaper after he was announced the National Principal of the Year.  Dr. Akil Ross’ story is a testimony of the power a community has to transform a struggling student into a high performing student.  Akil grew up in Washington, DC during the height of a drug and crime wave that claimed the potential of many young people in his community.  In the midst of these conditions, transformational elements were made available that empowered him to maximize his potential. He credits his home, his elementary school and a recreational center for teaching him how to face adversity and overcome obstacles early in his life.  As a result of the high expectations set in his home, school and on the playing field, Akil was able to earn a full scholarship to Duke University.

                Upon graduation from Duke University, Akil moved to South Carolina, where he taught Social Studies for three years at Eau Claire High School in Columbia, SC. In 2005, he obtained his M.Ed. in Secondary Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina and joined Chapin High School as an assistant principal in July of 2005.  After 5 years as an assistant principal, he was named principal in July of 2010. In July of 2012, he earned doctorate degree in Curriculum Studies from the University of South Carolina.

                Chapin High School received many awards and recognitions under Akil’s leadership such the Palmetto’s Finest Award, Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Award, several national rankings in academics from Newsweek, Niche, Washington Post and US News & World Report. His school earned 20 State Championships in 8 Years (14 State Championships in Athletics, 4 State Championships in Marching Band and 2 NJROTC State Championship including 1 National Championship). As principal of Chapin High School, Dr. Ross was named the 2017 SC Secondary Principal of the Year and the 2018 NASSP National Principal of the Year.

                He has received numerous professional recognitions and accomplishments during his career including: the 2017 South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Secondary Principal of the Year and the 2018 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Principal of the Year. He was featured in The State Newspaper, 20 under 40, Class of 2017, Principal Leadership Magazine, The Rotarian Magazine and Columbia Business Monthly, 50 Most Influential, 2018. Dr. Ross was named the 2020 UofSC College of Education Adjunct Professor of the Year.

                In 2018, he left Chapin High School to serve as the Director of Secondary Education for the district. Dr. Ross is also an author and Affiliate Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of South Carolina (UofSC). He left School District Five in 2018 to start HeartED, LLC, an educational consulting firm, to share lessons and strategies to further his vision of a future where every community empowers every child. He was named Superintendent in School District Five on February of 2022.

                He and his wife Jocelyn live in Columbia, SC and have two children, Alyssa and Akil Jr. “AJ.".


                You can reach Dr. Akil E. Ross at 803-476-8169 or [email protected].

                Learn more about this podcast and how community and commerce merge with the Chamber Neighbors - www.chapinchamber.com.


                31 min
              • Meet Modern Roofing - James & Jessie Reedy
                Meet this local couple - James & Jessie Reedy - who are passionate about helping people in our community with their roofing needs. This engaging interview weaves in personal stories and insights into the roofing industry. You'll discover how it's smart to have your roof inspected about twice a year. And you'll find out that Modern Roofing does free inspections AND often can work with homeowners for no out of pocket expenses. Imagine a brand new roof on your home for no cost to you and you'll begin to understand how Modern Roofing Works.
                Female owned and operated, and with 15+ years experience, Modern Roofing is determined to provide high quality work, fair prices, and the professionalism every customer deserves. Servicing residential areas in the Midlands as well as the upstate South Carolina . This means there’s no home out of our reach.  Like you, Modern Roofing, takes pride in our commitment to ensure your investments are protected from the elements. Our proven process delivers unparalleled results, high quality materials, and outstanding customer service to storm damaged homes. 
                Modern Roofing stands with our customers to help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. We fight for our customers to ensure you receive the maximum coverage to protect your home for many years to come.
                Learn more by calling James at 803-743-2404
                Or clicking on modernroofingsc.com
                19 min
              • Meet Gabriel Penfield - Relational Wealth Management

                In this episode is a fascinating talk that weaves personal growth and professional development. Meet Gabriel Penfield!

                Gabriel Penfield is an entrepreneur and business leader in the Midlands. He has several pending projects for Chapin as he continues to provide value to the community. Relational Wealth is the platform from which Gabe has launched several other beloved businesses, including Tribal Coffee, Parking Lot King, and Maverick's Cigars, among others. Gabriel is a mentor and community connector who seeks to make a difference in lives through a consultative approach.

                He began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 and became licensed to sell securities in 2008. In these years, he has learned that many people are looking for more confidence when it comes to their financial lives, and in uncertain economic times, its wise to have a financial plan.

                Gabriel is also an AWMA® designee. To earn the AWMA® designation, individuals must complete a course of study encompassing wealth and risk management strategies and then pass an examination that tests their ability to synthesize concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. In his capacity as a LPL Financial Advisor, he is committed to understanding a client’s financial objectives.

                In addition to his professional career, Gabriel is committed to serving his community. He is an active member of Seacoast Church in Irmo, SC. Gabriel’s other interests include fishing, documentaries, and traveling. He lives in Irmo and has three children, Lauryn, Gabriel Jr. and Will.

                https://www.rwealth.co/team/gabriel-penfield



                24 min
              • Meet William Lynch - McAlister-Smith Funeral Home
                Meet William Lynch! William was born and raised in Sumter, SC, William began his career in funeral service in 2013. William attended Wilson Hall School growing up and graduated from Sumter Highschool in 2012. Following his graduation, he worked as a funeral assistant in the family owned and operated firm, Elmore-Cannon-Stephens, in his hometown.
                William moved to Columbia, SC in 2015 and worked as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer with Dunbar Funeral Home. He graduated from Piedmont Technical College with a degree in applied science in funeral services and became a licensed funeral director in early 2018. Additionally, William holds certifications as a crematory operator, a certified cremation services provider, and a South Carolina Pre-Need Insurance Provider. Most recently, William was the manager of Thompson Funeral Homes (Foundation Partners Group) in Lexington. After eight Years in corporate funeral service, William was ready to return to his roots of family owned, family operated, and family focused funeral service. He joined the McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation team in January of 2023 to lead the opening of its new West Columbia Location in the Landmark 200 State St. Building with John David Thompson.William serves his community away from work as well. He is an active volunteer firefighter with Dutch Fork Fire and Rescue where he coordinates the annual Santa Claus run for the neighborhoods of Irmo/Chapin. William is a member of the United Methodist Church and is active with the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. William is a former member of the Town of Chapin Planning Commission and is the public address announcer for the Chapin High School Football Team. William is very active in the State of South Carolina in veteran services. William has conducted numerous funerals for unclaimed and at-risk veterans and has worked tirelessly with the South Carolina Legislature to draft laws that protect veterans as the time of death in South Carolina.
                William is a recipient of the Jefferson Award, the State’s 2021 Top 20 under 40, The 2022 Lexington County Chronicle’s Top 20 under 40 and was named the Chapin Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year in 2021.
                Currently he serves as the Incoming Board Chairman for the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and is active with the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, where he previously served on the Executive Committee and as chairman of the Central Coastal Funeral Directors Group.
                William and his wife, Kelsey, a former kindergarten teacher, reside in Chapin with their three children.
                You can often find William and his family visiting their favorite places like Riverbanks Zoo and The State Museum. They also enjoy spending time on Lake Murray or traveling to Charleston to spend time with family and friends.
                William and his family see the funeral profession as his calling to serve every family with compassionate care during challenging times. They look forward to serving West Columbia and the surrounding areas of Richland, Lexington, and Calhoun counties for many years to come.
                26 min
              • Meet Holly Hayes of ISI Consulting
                In this show, we talk with Holly Hayes of ISI Consulting. ISI Consulting believes in creating unique, workable solutions to address individual needs, and then ensuring those solutions are implemented. They believe every voice should be heard and that your mission is essential to a stronger community.
                Above all, they work to cultivate a growth mindset that welcomes innovation and change, so you keep moving ideas into action. Holly is the spark that started it all. She brings passion and creative vision to everything we do. Holly has a unique ability to work with both academic and community-based groups to maximize their impact. She has established a strong track record of successful initiatives developed and sustained by staff and volunteers, and her efforts have ranged from small community organizations to multi-million dollar investments.
                She is our Action Generator.
                She is an organizational consultant and an internationally accredited facilitator and trainer. Her knowledge of community engagement, facilitation, continuous quality improvement, and strategic planning is wide-ranging. Holly’s work with businesses, non-profits, public agencies, and academic institutions gives her a unique insight into organizational development. She is passionate about moving ideas into action and has created engaging techniques to unlock each organization’s potential.
                Prior to launching ISI Consulting, Holly served as an evaluator, specializing in developmental and formative evaluation, at the University of South Carolina’s Core for Applied Research and Evaluation. In addition, Holly led the evaluation efforts of LiveWell Kershaw, a demonstration project focused on addressing the primary drivers of population health. She is committed to working with organizations and institutions devoted to creating and implementing positive changes in our communities.
                Learn more at www.sharpertogether.com.
                22 min
              • Meet Kendra Starnes of Cutting Edge Glass

                In this show we get to know Kendra Starnes and learn about Cutting Edge Glass. She and her husband Andrew operate this local business and have a passion for helping others with their glass needs. You'll discover some myths about the industry and why choosing local matters.

                Cutting Edge Glass, LLC is a local, family owned, small business located in Chapin, SC that services the Midlands of South Carolina.  We specialize in auto, residential, commercial and equipment glass replacement. We are certified in auto glass with 10+ years of experience in all categories of glass replacement.  We accept all forms of insurance for auto glass claims and free estimates for all other glass replacement needs.  We make it a personal goal to ensure each customer is assisted in a timely manner without lacking quality.  Customer service is extremely important to us as well as price points.  No matter if you have a cracked windshield/window, need a new mirror or shower, have a storefront that needs repaired or a piece of equipment holding up a job, we've got you covered!
                About us:  Andrew started working in the glass industry in 2012 as a helper to a glazier.  At that time, he traveled a lot and replaced windows in train equipment but also did work in town building commercial structures as well as smaller jobs such as house windows and showers.  He became certified in auto glass and began to do windshields shortly after he started his career.  After working for a few glass companies in Columbia, he decided he wanted to venture out and start his own business to bring the community another option when needing glass replacement.  His wife, Kendra, has been in the auto industry for 8 years and has recently left her full time job to work alongside Andrew assisting with the every day ends and outs of being a business owner.  Andrew and Kendra's goal is to add another successful business to Chapin that will allow them to give back to the community by providing jobs opportunities as well as another sponsor for local events, etc.
                Call them at 803.932.8687

                http://sccuttingedgeglass.com/

                15 min

              About Chamber Neighbors

              From the publisher's feed

              Chamber Neighbors connects the community and commerce by featuring insightful interviews of what makes Chapin a wonderful place. This platform, hosted by Paul Sadler of the Greater Chapin Chamber of…