Stronger Together: Manufacturing Roundtable & the Power of Local Partnership
How the Chamber and Founders Federal Credit Union Are Supporting Manufacturers and Small Businesses in the Clemson Area
Strengthening the Foundation: Reflecting on Our Manufacturing Roundtable and the Power of Partnership
In the Clemson area, we know that our community is only as strong as the businesses that support it. Recently, the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce and Founders Federal Credit Union teamed up with a specific goal in mind: to host a "Manufacturing Roundtable."
The vision was simple but ambitious—bring our local manufacturers together in one room to discuss the unique challenges they face and brainstorm how we, as community partners, can better serve them and their employees.
Lessons from the Table
While we’ll be the first to admit the turnout wasn't quite what we hoped for, we believe that "success" isn't always measured by a packed room. It’s measured by the effort to listen and the willingness to show up for our industry partners.
We want to extend a massive thank you to Founders Federal Credit Union. Their commitment to this initiative never wavered. Founders isn't just a place to park a paycheck; they are a true "Visionary Stakeholder" in our region. Their team spent weeks preparing resources and insights specifically for our local workforce, and that dedication speaks volumes about their character as a community pillar.
How the Chamber and Founders Can Serve You
The roundtable was just one conversation in a much larger mission. Whether you are a large-scale manufacturer or a small business owner on Tiger Blvd, the partnership between the Chamber and Founders is designed to help you and your employees thrive.
For Your Business:
- Networking and Advocacy: The Chamber acts as your "voice" in local government, protecting your interests while connecting you to other business leaders who have navigated the same hurdles you’re facing now.
- Customized Financial Solutions: Through Founders, businesses can access commercial loans, lines of credit, and merchant services with the "Founders Difference"—meaning local decisions, lower fees, and a relationship-based approach.
For Your Employees:
- Financial Wellness: Founders offers robust financial education programs. They can come to your job site to teach your team about budgeting, credit scores, and path-to-homeownership—a huge value-add for employee retention.
- Exclusive Benefits:Â Many of our local "Business Partners" qualify for special programs at Founders, such as the College Employee Choice Mortgage Program, which offers up to 95% financing and no origination fees for faculty and staff of our higher-ed partners.
- Professional Development: Through Chamber programs like Clemson Young Professionals and Leadership Pickens, we help you grow your "bench strength" by turning your best employees into the region's next great leaders.
We Want to Hear from You
Just because the first roundtable was quiet doesn't mean the conversation is over. We are still listening.
- Manufacturers:Â What is the one thing keeping you up at night? Is it workforce housing? Skills gaps? Supply chain logistics?
- Small Businesses:Â How can we make it easier for you to grow in 2026?
The Chamber and Founders remain "All In" for Clemson. We are ready to roll up our sleeves whenever you're ready to talk.
Would you like to schedule a brief call or coffee chat between you and a Chamber representative to discuss your specific business needs?
