Brian Tucker's West Avenue office is still a bit stark after a month on the job. The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce president doesn't have photos or prints on walls yet, and his desk holds only items needed for the task at hand.
But the lack of articles in his office is a sign he's busy in the community pushing the chamber's mission to members and nonmembers, he said.
"I'm taking care of business already," he said. "I'm here and I want to come in and have an even more direct impact on what the chamber is doing than in the past."
After accepting the job Dec. 1, Tucker sent e-mails to members outlining his vision for the coming year. His plans include offering more member-to-member incentives, discussing the impact on the community of the state's Blue Laws, and increasing membership.
"I want to give members what they need -- a tangible return on an investment," he said. "The thing that makes us successful is the members."
Tucker would like to see the current membership of 370 increase to 500.
"There are 2,200 business licenses in North Augusta. We're here to represent those businesses, and the more we have, the more we can offer."
Tucker hopes to tie a business's investment into more than just being a chamber member. Through showing that the community must come together to create successful neighborhoods, Tucker wants to have conversations about improving North Augusta as a whole, not just a member's bottom line.
"Economic development is about the general population and understanding that even the quality of local education has an impact on commerce," Tucker said. "Employees need to be able to think for themselves, and we have to create learning opportunities before our students enter the work force."
Other educational initiatives will also focus on the business owner. Tucker hopes to offer seminars and workshops on effective operations, practical cost-cutting measures, real estate and the economy.
"There's no shortage of what to talk about," Tucker said.
Tucker's long-term vision for the city includes a self-sufficient North Augusta.
Because of state Blue Laws that restrict the hours businesses can operate and the products they can sell on Sundays, North Augusta is being bypassed by shoppers and potential employers, Tucker said.
"I want our citizens to have an option to do everything in North Augusta," he said. "And I want a business-friendly environment."
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com.
BRIAN TUCKER REVEALED
FAMILY: Wife, Margaret, and two daughters, Margaret Ann, 7, and Lily, 4
EDUCATION: B.S. in financial management from Clemson University
RESIDENT: Since 1999
WHY HE APPLIED FOR THE JOB: "I liked the idea of being able to help folks. I just want to be involved."
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS: "It was exhausting. I started poking around in early August. The more I thought about it, I knew it was a good fit. I started talking with the (chamber) board and understood what they were looking for and what they expected."
THE GOOD-NEWS CALL: Tucker found out he got the job at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 when the news was announced to the rest of the community. Immediately after the announcement, Tucker headed over to the North Augusta Christmas tree lighting and a North Augusta City Council meeting. He said there's been no celebration yet because there's been no time.
THE FIRST DAY: "It was very overwhelming. My plan was to do some official things, but (the office staff) was tied up in day-to-day activities. I just let them do what they've always been doing. I started reconnecting with members and picking their brains about their concerns and our weaknesses, and what they needed. The communication was positive and there hasn't really been anything overly critical said yet."
HEAR TUCKER: At the next Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce A.M. Connection on Jan. 28. The 7:15 a.m. breakfast will be held at the North Augusta Community Center. Call (803) 279-2323 for more information.
