Cynthia (Cindy) Hopkins has been selected by the Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to serve as the next President of the Easley Chamber. Hopkins comes to the Easley Chamber after serving the last 10 years as the Executive Vice President of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce (Anderson, SC). She has also held management positions with the United Way of Anderson County and has previous experience in the banking industry.

In her role as Executive Vice President with the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, Hopkins was responsible for day-to-day operations of the chamber, membership development and retention, as well as serving as the lead facilitator for numerous committees and boards that were sponsored by the Chamber. She was instrumental in the Anderson Chamber being selected as a nominee for Chamber of the Year by the American Association of Chambers of Commerce in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Currently, the Anderson Chamber is a finalist for National Chamber of the Year. Hopkins served on numerous boards including: Leadership Anderson, Align SC (a community partnership between the public schools and area industry) and board chair of the American Red Cross. She is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, The Riley Institute of Furman University, and the Institute of Organizational Management of the United States Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Clemson University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

“We had some huge shoes to fill with the retirement of Kent Dykes. To say we hit a homerun with Cindy’s selection is an understatement.” said Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman. “Simply put, we’ve hit a grand slam. We wanted someone with proven chamber experience, who knew how to run a chamber and understood the needs of business, we have definitely found that.” said Swords.

According to Swords, the Board of Directors was looking for someone with a proven track record as a leader within a successful chamber. In addition, their criteria called for someone that understood and knew how to collaborate with business, industry, and government.

“We wanted someone with that understanding of how all of the pieces fit together- small business, industry, government and the community, and Cindy possesses that. The thing that stood out to our board was her proven ability to bring those different components together. We are very excited to have someone with her energy and drive for the Chamber.”

Hopkins, is slated to begin her role with the Easley Chamber on July 2nd.

On May 5th Rock Springs enjoyed “We Love Easley Day” as members joined together to share God’s love to Easley by doing projects for local schools, agencies and businesses.  The members spread mulch, provided landscaping, and delivered baskets of baked goods, and visited nursing homes to serve the Easley community.

Through recreation ministry Rock Springs offers opportunities for fun and fellowship through sports for all ages. The worship services are led by the Sounds of Praise choir and orchestra prior to pastor Dr. David Gallamore’s message.  All age groups enjoy special ministries from our nursery and preschool in Joyland, Kidztown for grade school, and the student center for Middle school, High School and College students.

Rock Springs Baptist Church is located at 201 Dayton School Roadacross from the Easley Town Center on highway 123.  See www.rockspringsbaptist.com to learn more about Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Kent Dykes, Easley Chamber of Commerce President, announced his intention to retire effective June 29, 2012.   The announcement was made at the Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday (May 15).

Dykes joined the Easley Chamber in 2003, when he retired from Milliken Corporation to accept the position of Membership Director for the Easley Chamber.   During his time as Membership Director, the chamber expanded by over 135 members.    In 2004, he was selected as President of the Chamber, and has since seen a steady increase in membership.   During the recent economic downturn, Dykes was credited for his ability to maintain the organizations stability.

“It’s been a pleasure to have served the Easley area as the Chamber President.   I can’t imagine a better job to have, than to be able to interact with folks in the community and serve as an advocate for the area businesses and industry.   Easley has seen steady growth, and it is my hope that the Chamber will continue to play a large role in continued growth.” stated Dykes.

Dykes lives in Easley and is heavily involved in numerous community agencies, including the Boy Scouts, Leadership Pickens County, Pickens County Vision 2025, and Sassafras Mountain  Improvement.

The Easley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will begin a search for Dykes replacement immediately.

“Kent is leaving some mighty big shoes to fill.” stated Dr. Brian Swords, Easley Chamber Board Chairman.   “Kent has been a good friend to many, and a very stable figure at the Chamber for many years, and we are very thankful for his eight years of dedication and service to the community.”

The Chamber Board plans to celebrate Dykes’ years of service with a special luncheon planned for late June.   An announcement regarding the luncheon will be forthcoming in a few weeks.

Katherine Brackett (City of Pickens), Missy Gray (Tri-County Technical College), Marlo Raymark (National Council on Electrical Engineering) Back Row: Mike VanDaele (King Asphalt), Andy Sevic (Easley Combine Utilities), Sean Thornton (Kudzu Staffing), Will Jones (Kudzu Staffing), Steve Lambright (Pickens Co. United Way), Josh Black (Pickens Co Board of Disabilities and Special Needs), Tim Tollison (City of Easley)

Leadership Pickens County class was a great success with 15 participants making the 2012 class. The class consisted of 10 months of programs, including: Community Services, Education, Local and State government, tourism, healthcare, economic development and communications. The class started this year with an all-day orientation session that included SC Congressman Jeff Duncan challenging each participant to embrace leadership possibilities in their local community. The class concluded in May with a graduation ceremony in which SC Senator Larry Martin gave the keynote speech.

The class chose the Easley area community garden as their service project. Participants constructed planting boxes that will be used to plant various crops.

“This year, participants felt that hunger in Pickens County was a problem they wanted to address” Stated Leadership Pickens County Chairperson, Dr. Brian Swords. “Their project was a great success, and it will really help out the community garden initiative in the area.”

Those interested in participating in the Leadership Pickens County class of 2013 should contact their local chambers of commerce in Easley, Pickens, or Clemson.

After the ribbon cutting on May 10,2012, Clemson Eye hosted a Business After Hours with 32 chamber members attending. A drawing for a pair of Nike sunglasses was won by chamber member and ambassador Janice Perry shown in photo with her new glasses. She is joined by Clemson Eye director and technicians.