From the Chairman …
  Lakesha Jeffries

I am excited and humbled to be writing in the capacity as Chairman of your Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce. This January marks six years that my family and I have proudly called Orangeburg County our home.  The love and devotion for community and the importance of doing business within the community here is like none other I have experienced elsewhere.  The unique treasures of this area as found within the natural resources, and most importantly, the beautiful people who call this County home, make it a force to be reckoned with. I am proud to be a part of this community. I am especially proud to raise my children here.  I am equally proud to do business in Orangeburg County.

If you attended the November annual banquet you may recall that I referenced the new 2011 Chamber decals which will reflect the slogan: “The Time is Now, the Place is Orangeburg County.”  Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you all, the following questions: What better time than now, the start of the new year, to put your plans for excellence in action?  What better place than here, Orangeburg County, to bear witness to the fruits of your labor? I asked that each of you prominently display your decals at your respective places of business so that your patrons would know that they are in the right place for the right type of service.  It is my hope, that our decal serves as a reminder that we are all ambassadors of Orangeburg County.  We are all charged with the duty to promote excellence in everything.

Excellence in everything is a state of mind.  A state of mind becomes a habit. We are creatures of habit.  Those in the same community who share in the same habit, shape the culture.  When values and beliefs are shared by a group of people, they become a forceful set of understood rules that guide everyday decisions and dealings.  Everyday I am drawn closer in to the culture of excellence here in Orangeburg County.  The Community of Character, which helps strengthen our community by promoting excellence through highlighting the six pillars of character:  trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship is but one example of the unique quality of excellence in everything here in Orangeburg County. 

At the Chamber, we are looking forward to another year of excellence. We plan to continue those programs which provide a forum for area merchants to showcase their talents and promote networking opportunities. Likewise, we will continue those programs which provide leadership training and educational forums for our members. We understand that the culture of excellence in everything helps create a launching pad for new initiatives aimed at improving existing industry and attracting new businesses. 

Here is to a healthy, sound, and prosperous new year to you and your respective business families.  Indeed, the time is now and the place is Orangeburg County.  We look forward to working with you all in continuing to enhance Orangeburg County as a place to live, work, and play. We value your membership and commitment to our community. 
Onward Orangeburg County.

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