I enjoy industry visits where I get to see how things are made. I like being able to see how many, or a few, smaller parts turn into a larger product, or visa versa. Have you ever learned about a business that left you thinking, “Oh, I never thought about that being a business opportunity?”
Not long ago, I visited Newberry resident Scott Bellows at his place of business, Palmetto Commerce International, Inc., located behind Oakland Mill in Newberry at 135 Oakland Mill Drive. In an unassuming building, he houses a business that packages cleaning cloths made from recycled clothing. The various fabric types are delivered in large bales weighing many tons and are then sorted and packaged into 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 lb. bags. The various cloth types are suitable for different cleaning uses (automotive, machine shop, painting, custodial, staining, etc.) The method of this repackaging is most interesting, and you can see it all in action on Thursday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m. when he holds his Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening. Another interesting part of his business is that 100 percent of his workforce are from the PRIDE Center right here in Newberry County. Additionally, arrive early, and at 11:00 a.m., you can meet and talk with SC Department of Commerce Existing Industry Manager Ray Davidson about how they can work with your business.
On April 24 from 7:30-9:00 a.m., we will host a breakfast upstairs of Community Hall. The topic will center on the county’s economic development efforts. Reservations are required, so call us to claim your spot. Stokes-Trainor is sponsoring this event. There is a $10 charge per person.
Last week we enjoyed a beautiful late afternoon at Newberry College’s Smith Road complex when Whitaker Floor Coverings sponsored Business at the Ballpark. Attendees enjoyed grilled hot dogs with all the fixings and beverages served tailgate-style while cheering on the Wolves baseball team.
This week, we have not seen the fabulous spring weather to which we are accustomed to experiencing this time of year; however, the nicer temperatures will return, and we will be able to take advantage of the season.
Although June sounds distant, we are planning for our second year of participation in the SC Ag+Art Tour. The Tour through Newberry County has been scheduled for June 23 and 24, along with our neighbors Union and Spartanburg. We have also set the date for the Farm to Table Dinner for June 21 at The Farm in Newberry. We are currently taking sponsorships for this event, so definitely look for more information on this event that celebrates our agriculture and local artisans.
We are also taking vendor applications for the Grow Newberry Farmers Market. It will be held each Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Newberry. Contact us for further information.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, where we share events and news that we think you will enjoy and from which you will benefit. We also email a weekly newsletter where you can glean important chamber, business, and community events and offerings. Contact us, or visit our website NewberryCountyChamber.com, if you would like to be a recipient.
We welcome you to visit us on the first floor of Community Hall in downtown Newberry, located at 1209 Caldwell Street. You may also contact us at 803-276-4274 or chamber@newberrycounty.org.
