BizChair
From the Cherokee Office of Economic Development – March 2011
Belnick Inc., also known as Bizchair.com, has certainly made a mark on Cherokee County as one of its most successful businesses. The company began in 2001 and has grown significantly over the last decade. They are currently expanding their walls to include an additional 149,000 square-feet in one of the most ‘stand-out’ buildings the county has to offer. The architectural integrity of the building will remain as warehouse space is added.
BizChair moved to Cherokee County in 2007 into the award winning former Herman Miller building. At inception in 2001 the company operated in a mere 20,000 square-feet compared to the 327,000 square-feet in which they are currently operating. The expansion, soon to be complete in the spring of 2011, will increase their facility size to a total of 476,000 square-feet.
Sean Belnick, CEO of Bizchair.com commented that the expansion is coming along very well. Though there have been set backs due to the ice and snow over the winter months. They estimate they have lost about 10 weeks on the timeline, but plan to be finished by this spring.
“Luckily our business is very strong and our sales continue to grow,” says Belnick. But luck has very little to do with the company’s success. BizChair.com offers a large range of office products; from office, stack, and folding chairs, recliners, home furnishings and more, all imported from China at a competitive price. They have cut out the middle man and pass the savings along to the consumer. And with this most recent expansion they will also be offering banquet tables and restaurant chairs.
Noted as one of the nation’s fastest growing companies by Inc. 500, BizChair.com has seen steady growth both architecturally and monetarily over the years. In 2010 the company saw a 30% increase in sales and projects about a 20% increase for 2011. With a higher work volume, the company has already hired 25 new employees and plans to hire another 10-15 within the next year.
Misti Martin, president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (CoED), is glad to see existing industries grow within the county. The Cherokee County Development Authority offers incentives for existing industries that have been operating in the county for more than three (3) years. “It’s reassuring to see growing business in the county, and I’m pleased we can offer an incentive to retain these type companies.”
BizChair.com is one of several companies that have expanded within Cherokee County in 2010. CoED reported that in 2010 over $16 million was invested through new and existing industries and 135 jobs created. Marshall Day, Chairman of the CoED Board of Directors stated, “While we focus is on recruiting new business, it is even more important that we work on maintaining our relationships with our existing industries and help them in any way we can to be successful.”