With the departure of Dr. Maria Pharr, Shane Fraser, owner of SNA Today, stepped into the role of Chair of the Union County Chamber Board of Directors.
Shane has been an active Chamber member for over 10 years and is a well-respected member of the community with a passion for entrepreneurship and community service.
YOUR Chamber spoke with Shane about his business, his family, and his vision for his time as Chair.
How did you end up in Union County and in YOUR Chamber?
After getting married in 2012, my wife, Elise, and I were searching for the perfect place to build our life and business. We found our home in Waxhaw and instantly fell in love with Union County’s charm and small-town community feel.
Right before we made the big move south, we launched SNA Today, our social media marketing agency and our move to Union County naturally led me to discover the Union County Chamber in hopes of building our business. At the time, I had never heard of the Chamber of Commerce, but I was eager to get involved and see what it had to offer. I joined and quickly realized the incredible value it provided.
By 2014, just a year into my membership, I applied to become an Ambassador, and by 2016, I was honored to serve as the Chair of the Ambassadors, becoming a passionate advocate for the Chamber’s mission.
Along the way, I also had the opportunity to be a co-founder for the Young Professionals of Union County, now known as Emerging Leaders, and served as the program’s Chair in 2017. Most recently, in 2022, I partnered with Chamber President/CEO Pat Kahle to launch the Small Business Roundtable, a group dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth among local small business owners.
The Chamber of Commerce has played an integral role in not only helping my business thrive and succeed, but also has been instrumental in creating connection and community for my family.
You have a passion for supporting small businesses. What drives that, and how do you see leveraging that passion in your role as Board Chair?
Entrepreneurship runs deep in my family—it’s in my blood. From a young age, I was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that surrounded me: my great-grandfather owned a small grocery store, my grandfather ran a local pharmacy, and my grandmother and mother managed numerous rental properties. When I founded SNA Today, I was carrying forward this legacy of entrepreneurship.
I truly believe that small businesses are the backbone of our community, creating connection and economic opportunities all around us. As Board Chair, my goal is to use the services and programs developed by the Chamber to bring everyone together, ensuring that our focus remains on Union County and that we work collaboratively to strengthen and support our local businesses. I am excited for all that is to come and hope to use my experience and love for entrepreneurship to encourage further progress in this new role.
What are your top priorities for your tenure as Chair?
As Chair, my top priorities align with the Chamber’s Strategic Plan, which centers on three key focus areas: delivering value to our members, catalyzing business growth, and building organizational capacity. My vision is to ensure that every business, regardless of size, location, or industry, finds a meaningful place within the Chamber.
I’m committed to furthering an environment where all members can thrive, knowing they are supported and valued. Under the leadership of Pat Kahle and our Chamber team, I believe we can drive impactful change, expand opportunities for our members, and strengthen the economic fabric of Union County.
You’re well-known for your active involvement in community service. Can you share some of the key initiatives you are part of?
My family and I are deeply committed to community service, regularly organizing our own food and supply drives, volunteering, and attending local fundraising events. Community service has become a part of our life that brings joy and purpose as we have learned more about the needs of our community.
In a professional capacity, in 2020, I had the privilege of joining the board for the Community Shelter of Union County, where I currently serve as the Governance Committee Chair. In this capacity, I help to update bylaws, identify and recruit new board members, and guide the organization through a comprehensive three-year strategic plan, all aimed at enhancing our impact on those we serve.
In 2022, I proudly joined the Board of the Union County Community Foundation, a role that allows me to support and empower local organizations that are making a real difference in our community. This position is incredibly rewarding as it gives me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that uplift Union County.
Additionally, I have been an Elder at Forest Hill Church for the past two years, a role that deepens my connection to our faith community and its mission to serve others.
I am always looking for ways to deepen my commitment to our community through service and am often with my family doing so. If you see me at a community event, please don’t hesitate to come over and introduce yourself—I’m always eager to connect and collaborate with others who are passionate about making a difference
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
When Elise and I first moved to Union County twelve years ago, we didn’t know a single person, and our business was just a dream without a single opportunity on the horizon. Fast forward to today, and we can confidently say that Union County has become our true home. We’ve found a community that we deeply love and are passionate about supporting—whether it’s local businesses, nonprofits, or simply enjoying the fun local parks with our kids. Raising our family here, surrounded by people that truly care for us, daily reinforces that Union County is the best place to live, work, and play. We’re grateful for the connections we’ve made and are committed to giving back to the community that has given us so much.
Last modified: August 30, 2024
