Greater Lexington Chamber Welcomes New Chair

Submitted by Aida Rogers, visitors and information coordinator for the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce.

A growing membership, solid retention, and fun are among Brian Dodge’s goals as the new chairman of the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

“I want to keep the chamber exciting and show that being a member does come with benefits, when utilized,” said Dodge, 41. “I want to be able to keep the chamber members up-to-date with new ideas and current affairs. And more importantly, to have fun with the members we have.”

Dodge was elected to the chamber board in 2007. In 2011, he was elected treasurer, the same year he received the Chamber’s A.L. Harman award for his volunteer work to promote and serve Lexington’s business community. He ascended to vice chair and chair-elect in successive years.  

A native of Lexington, Ky., Dodge has lived in Lexington, S.C., since 1997. After almost 20 years in management positions with Kmart and Walmart in Kentucky and South Carolina, he opened his own company, BRD Curbing, LLC, in May. He says he’s made his home in Lexington.

“I like what Lexington has to offer,” he said, citing friendly people, Lake Murray, and a rural environment close to an airport, major interstates, restaurants, and shopping. “I could see the growth and development that has taken place here and how clean Lexington remains.”

Dodge has repaid his adopted hometown through various volunteer projects — helping Habitat for Humanity, Kid’s Day of Lexington, and serving on the Lexington County Sheriff Department’s Policy Advisory Committee. He also worked with Volunteerism Always Pays, a Walmart program that raised $5,000 for White Knoll High School’s Going Green environmental program.

“Brian’s enthusiasm and leadership skills are terrific attributes for this Chamber,” said Randy Halfacre, president and CEO of the chamber. “Now that he’s started his own company, he will really appreciate the networking opportunities and support the chamber provides for business growth and development.”

Dodge earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with a minor in health education from the University of Kentucky. In 1997 he earned a Serve Safe food certification from the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, a requirement for those in the food industry in South Carolina.