FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aiken Corporation Announces Plans for Aiken Commons, a Nonprofit Village in Downtown Aiken

Amentum serves as a key community partner; NetPlanner joins as audio visual and security partner; Suds in a Bucket provides janitorial services and student training; Aiken’s Teen After School Center joins as an occupant and workforce training partner; additional corporate partnerships and sponsorships sought to help nonprofits access workspace at low cost

AIKEN, S.C. — Aiken Corporation is introducing Aiken Commons, a proposed nonprofit village that would bring independent nonprofit organizations together under one roof in downtown Aiken while creating opportunities for students to gain practical workplace experience.

Planned for the first floor of the Amentum building at 106 Newberry Street SW, Aiken Commons would offer affordable workspace and shared amenities designed to help nonprofits reduce occupancy costs and dedicate more resources to the people they serve.

Each participating organization would maintain its own mission and identity while becoming part of a connected workplace that encourages collaboration, referrals, and the exchange of ideas.

“Aiken’s nonprofits serve different needs, but their work often touches the same individuals and families,” said Megan Pruitt, Executive Director of Aiken Corporation. “Bringing these organizations together in the heart of downtown creates opportunities to build relationships, share resources, and connect people with support. Our vision for Aiken Commons is a place where everyday conversations lead to stronger partnerships and a more connected community.”

Amentum is serving as a key community partner in bringing Aiken Commons to life by providing all furnishings for the nonprofit space. This contribution will help participating organizations move into a furnished, professional workplace ready to support their operations from the first day of occupancy—reducing startup expenses and allowing them to focus their resources on serving the community.

“Amentum has proudly called downtown Aiken home for many years, and we continually look for opportunities to support the community in areas that provide the biggest impact,” said Amentum Energy & Environment President Mark Whitney. “We are thrilled to be able to help the Aiken Corporation as it establishes Aiken Commons. Providing the furnishings for this new nonprofit village is a natural extension of our longstanding dedication to Aiken, ensuring that as we continue our work at SRS, we are also helping local nonprofits maximize their resources and impact.”

NetPlanner is joining the initiative as an audio visual and security partner, supporting the technology and security needs of the shared nonprofit workplace. Its involvement will help create a professional environment where participating organizations can meet, collaborate, and conduct their daily work.

“Technology plays an important role in helping organizations connect, collaborate, and serve their communities,” said John Potts, President of NetPlanner. “We are proud to support the vision for Aiken Commons through audio visual and security solutions that help nonprofits focus on their missions. By supporting a shared workplace, we have an opportunity to extend the benefit of our expertise across multiple organizations and the people they serve.”

Suds in a Bucket, an Augusta-based business owned by Shannon Cook, will provide janitorial services for Aiken Commons and train students from Aiken’s Teen After School Center to carry out those services. The partnership connects an everyday building need with an opportunity for students to develop practical skills and experience in a professional setting.

Aiken’s Teen After-School Center will also occupy space in the building and provide hands-on, on-site training for students in tasks such as cleaning, reception services, and other workplace responsibilities. This approach would make Aiken Commons both a shared home for nonprofits and a place where young people can build confidence, practice job skills, and contribute to the daily operations of the space.

“Aiken Commons is an exciting opportunity for our organization because it connects our students with real work, real responsibilities, and people they can learn from,” said Christopher Emanuel, Executive Director of Aiken’s Teen After School Center. “Whether they are learning professional cleaning practices, welcoming visitors, or helping with daily operations, students will have opportunities to build confidence, develop workplace skills, and see the value of their contributions. Being surrounded by organizations serving our community can also introduce them to career paths and possibilities they may not have considered.”

“These partnerships show how one shared space can serve our community in several ways,” Pruitt said. “Our nonprofits gain the resources they need to do their work, local businesses put their expertise to use, and students gain hands-on experience in an active workplace. We want Aiken Commons to be a place where those connections create opportunities for everyone involved.”

The proposed layout includes single private offices, double private offices, and dedicated workstations. Plans also include two conference rooms, a kitchen and reception area, printing and storage areas, and a loading and delivery area. Shared amenities would give organizations access to professional resources without requiring each nonprofit to maintain those spaces independently.

Beyond providing workspace, Aiken Commons is intended to create a visible downtown hub for nonprofit activity. Bringing organizations into a shared setting could strengthen connections among service providers, make referrals easier, and bring more daily activity to downtown businesses.

Aiken Corporation is actively seeking additional corporate partnerships and sponsorships to offset workspace costs, with the goal of providing participating nonprofits with rent-free space. Until sufficient sponsorship funding is secured, organizations would pay the applicable rental rates.

Building on the support of its partners, Aiken Corporation welcomes financial contributions, technology and equipment donations, and donated or discounted professional services. Additional opportunities include HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, pest control, and other services that help maintain an affordable, professional workplace.

“When organizations know one another and understand the resources available just down the hall, they are better positioned to work together for the people they serve,” Pruitt said. “Aiken Commons would give those connections a place to grow while establishing a shared home for nonprofit work in downtown Aiken.”

Aiken Corporation is currently welcoming expressions of interest from nonprofits and prospective partners. Opening dates, availability, final pricing, included services, sponsorship arrangements, student training activities, and agreement terms will be confirmed as the project develops. Inquiries do not reserve space or create a lease commitment.

To learn more, visit https://www.aikencorporation.org/aiken-commons or contact Megan Pruitt at megan@aikencorporation.org.

About Aiken Corporation

Aiken Corporation is a community-based, private nonprofit organization established in 1995 to support thoughtful economic development and long-term prosperity in Aiken. Through strategic investment and partnerships, the organization identifies community needs, advances practical solutions, and reinvests returns into initiatives that strengthen the community.

Media Contact
Megan Pruitt
Executive Director, Aiken Corporation
megan@aikencorporation.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aiken Corporation Invests to Advance Community-Wide Transportation Solutions

Partnership with the City of Aiken will evaluate microtransit options and position the community to pursue future implementation funding

AIKEN, S.C. — Thursday, September 10, 2026 — Aiken Corporation is investing $50,000 in partnership with the City of Aiken to fund a comprehensive microtransit feasibility study aimed at improving access to jobs, healthcare, education, shopping and other essential destinations throughout the community.

The study represents the first step toward determining whether an on-demand public transportation service could complement Aiken’s existing transportation network and expand mobility for residents in areas that are difficult to serve through traditional fixed-route transit.

Microtransit uses technology to connect passengers traveling in the same direction through shared, on-demand rides. Trips can typically be requested through a mobile application or by telephone, making the service accessible to residents who do not have a smartphone or reliable internet access.

City of Aiken Planning Director, Marya Moultrie has spent the past two and a half years working to bring this initiative forward and exploring how a modern, flexible transportation option could address mobility challenges within the community.

“Transportation affects nearly every aspect of a person’s life—from the ability to get to work and medical appointments to accessing education, groceries and other essential services,” said Moultrie. “After two and a half years of working to advance this initiative, I am grateful for Aiken Corporation’s investment and partnership. This study will allow us to engage the community, evaluate Aiken’s specific transportation needs and develop a data-driven plan that positions us to pursue the future funding needed for a community-wide rollout.”

The approximately six-month study will examine existing transportation services, demographic and employment patterns, gaps in mobility and areas with the greatest transportation needs. It will also include interviews, stakeholder meetings and public workshops to ensure that residents, businesses, community organizations and local government partners have opportunities to help shape potential service options.

Several possible microtransit service models and geographic areas will be developed and evaluated. Each alternative will be analyzed based on projected ridership, service coverage, wait times, vehicle requirements, operating costs, accessibility and its ability to connect residents with key destinations and emerging employment areas.

The final report will provide the City with actionable recommendations for implementation, including potential service areas, operating models, equipment needs, community engagement strategies and projected costs.

The $50,000 investment funds the planning and feasibility phase rather than the operation of a community-wide transportation service. Completing this work is a critical step toward implementation because it will provide the data, cost estimates and defined service plan commonly required when pursuing federal and state grants, philanthropic support, employer partnerships and other funding sources.

“Aiken Corporation is proud to support the work Marya has led on behalf of the City and our community,” said Megan Pruitt, Executive Director of Aiken Corporation. “Her persistence and vision brought this initiative to the point where we can now take a meaningful next step. This investment allows us to move beyond simply identifying transportation as a challenge and begin building a practical, fundable solution.”

Reliable transportation can strengthen the local economy by helping employers connect with a broader workforce while giving residents greater access to employment, medical care, education and other opportunities.

“This partnership is about building the foundation for a transportation solution that is practical, sustainable and designed around Aiken’s needs,” Pruitt added. “The study will give our community a clear roadmap and strengthen Aiken’s ability to secure future funding for a broader rollout.”

The study will evaluate microtransit as a potential complement to existing services, including the Best Friend Express fixed-route network and Dial-a-Ride paratransit service. No final service model or coverage area has been selected. Those recommendations will be informed by data analysis and community participation throughout the study.

Additional information about public engagement opportunities will be announced as the study progresses.

About Aiken Corporation

Aiken Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic development, community investment and initiatives that contribute to a stronger and more connected Aiken. Through strategic partnerships and purpose-driven investments, Aiken Corporation works to support opportunities that benefit residents, businesses and the broader community.

Media Contact:
Megan Pruitt
Executive Director
Aiken Corporation
Megan@aikencorporation.org

803-522-4728