December - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY
A monthly publication of the
Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
December 2010
2 Taste of the
season
Get Your Tickets Today
3 GET DOWN TO BUSINESS IN 2011
Business Expo
4 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Shop Local
6 ON THE MENU
Restaurant Week
Taste of the Season
WINE DINE ENJOY
TASTE OF THE SEASON:
EVENT OF THE YEAR!
Wine, dine and enjoy award-winning cuisine at Taste of the Season, the holiday event of the year! Taste of the Season offers
culinary samplings from more than 35 of your favorite restaurants.
Don’t miss Taste of the Season, presented by
the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber
of Commerce.
Get holiday inspiration and experience
the innovative cuisine of top chefs as they
compete for the honor of “Best Cuisine.”
Mark The Date!
Friday, December 3 - this is a holiday
event you won’t want to miss.
New V.I.P
Preview Party
Exclusive early entry for special
pre-tasting event with the chefs!
New Venue:
Hilton Head Marriott
Resort & Spa
Cake Design
Showcase &
Silent Auction
Get a headstart on holiday shopping
with great silent auction items and
fabulous get-aways
2 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010
LET’S DO SOME BUSINESS: BIZ EXPO 2011
From emerging entrepreneurs to our region’s largest employers,
Business EXPO covers the full spectrum of our regional business
community. Reserve your booth now.
With over 2,000 attendees, Business EXPO 2011 is the largest
business networking event in the Lowcountry.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
EXPO After Hours Sponsors:
This year Business EXPO takes a turn down green street, featuring
environmentally friendly businesses, services and LEED-certified
products.
Internet / Electricity Sponsors:
Technology street, a new offering this year is just around the
corner, highlighting the innovative business solutions, products
and services that abound in the Lowcountry.
January 19 – 20
Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa
Register online at www.hiltonheadchamber.org
For more information: (843) 785-3673
Bill Head, Vicki Head of H&H Auto and Patricia Owen of FACES DaySpa
enjoy last year’s EXPO After Hours.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010 3
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY
SEASON
Shop locally and everyone benefits by keeping dollars close to
home. The chamber is once again partnering with The Island
Packet to encourage businesses and consumers to “Shop Local”
this holiday season. Join the campaign by displaying a “Shop
Local” poster and make the commitment to spend your dollars at
other member establishments.
This holiday season gives us more reasons than ever to shop
locally, and with so many great options to choose from, it’s
certainly more fun to take the personal approach. From Main
Street Village to Tanger Outlets, there’s something for everyone
on your list to be found locally.
“Buying local is one of the best ways to support your community,
especially as our economy recovers,” said Chamber president
and CEO Bill Miles.
For more information about the buy local campaign, supported by the chamber’s Small and Minority Business Council,
contact Janie Treon at [email protected]. Posters are available at chamber headquarters and The Island Packet.
3 Easy Ways to Shop Online Locally
1. The Upside.com: offers valuable discounts from area retailers and service providers.
2. Membership Directory Online: Shop local without leaving home! Find member links at www.hiltonheadchamber.org
3. Locally Owned E-tailers: Many locally owned shops and companies host online catalogs. Shop online and still
“Shop Local.”
Holiday Sales Trends
The good news is U.S. shoppers plan to increase spending
compared to last year, according to reports from the USA National
Retail Foundation.
Top 5 Holiday Shopping Trends
1. Shoppers plan to increase spending overall.
2. Shoppers plan to spend more on ‘wants’ like jewelry and pamper
products, than ‘needs’ like basic clothing and small appliances
(crock pots, blenders) compared to last year. But clothing and gift cards will
remain strong.
3. Shoppers plan to spend more on ‘non-gift items’ (i.e. stuff for themselves) this year. Gen Y shoppers more than any other segment.
4. Sales and discounts are still the most important factor in where to shop but it’s down
slightly on last year. Also important: service and merchandise quality.
5. 25% of shoppers will use a smart phone to aid with Christmas shopping this year, to research
products, compare prices, find nearby locations or purchase directly online.
4 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010
BON APPETIT: CULINARY MAP
Features the LOWCOUNTRY
“The bounty of the sea and
Lowcountry traditions influence
my creative style.” Leslie Rohland,
chef/baker/owner of The Cottage,
just over the bridge in Old Town
Bluffton.
Culinary tourism is a hot trend
in travel. In the Lowcountry,
we’re not only catching
succulent seafood, we’re home
to first-rate chefs with fresh
local ingredients and our taste
for great food and wine. Our
easy-to-reach sea island has more than 250 restaurants, offering
everything from creative southern dishes to four-star fare.
That’s why we’re featured in Bon Appetit’s December issue.
Reaching over a half million subscribers, the three-issue BonAppetit promotion places Hilton Head Island and neighboring
Bluffton on the culinary tourism map.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Magic Marketing USA executes high performance SEO, web design,
and social media campaigns using platforms like Facebook and
Twitter to reach customers quickly and effectively. Magic Marketing
USA has successfully launched business startups and helped
amplify growth for businesses seeking to jump to the next level of
brand exposure, customer outreach, or sales. “Businesses call us to
evaluate their current marketing because they are not getting results.
Many are ready to give up on their social media efforts,” notes Diana
Bourgeois, president and CEO.
The most successful case study is the company’s Networking in High
Heels, started 9 months ago as a social media and networking group.
“NiHH has exploded,” said Bourgeois. NiHH, featured in online
Business Pundit magazine, enjoys a strong social media following and
anticipates opening chapters across the country. “Social media helps
businesses work smarter…not harder…to get their word out,” added
Bourgeois.
Whether you’re building a new house or renovating an existing home,
clean burning natural gas is your environmentally friendly energy
choice. Natural gas appliances not only make everyday life better,
they’re cost-effective to operate, generally last longer and require
little maintenance. In addition to the actual environmental benefits
of lower emissions, plus high-energy efficiency, more than 80% of
the natural gas used in the U.S. is domestically produced.
A home with natural gas reduces your impact on the environment
without sacrificing comfort and convenience. If you want to make
your home a little greener, while enjoying the comforts of home,
ask for natural gas. To learn more, call Parks Moss at 843-815-8808
or Melanie Bullman at 843-815-8818.
Natural Gas
www.comfortableresponsible.org
www.sceg.com/value
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010 5
ON THE MENU:
RESTAURANT WEEK
Save the Date!
Restaurant Week returns to the Lowcountry,
Saturday, January 15 through Saturday,
January 22.
October Business After Hours attendees enjoy networking beachside at JP’s Beach Cafe.
Left to Right: Mary Doyle, Katie Manley, Janet Perry and Anna Ruby.
Restaurant Week has become one of the
Lowcountry’s most popular times for dining
out and trying out new restaurants. Restaurant
Week features more than 50 member
restaurants setting special prix fixe, or fixed
price, multi-course menus.
The best thing about Chamber Restaurant
Week is that it’s a win-win for both diners and
restaurants. Get ready to enjoy a taste of the
Lowcountry!
Fodor’s Choice:
Hilton Head
Island
Shellie West-Hodges gets a hand at The Bluffton Business Club’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
Pictured left to right: Ray Deal, chamber controller, State Representative Bill Herbkersman,
Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, West-Hodges, her father Randy West and Erin Black.
Hilton Head Island
made national news in
Fodor’s: “Hilton Head
Island is a unique and
incredibly beautiful
resort
town
that
anchors the southern
tip of South Carolina’s
coastline. What makes
this semi-tropical barrier island so unique?
At the top of the list is the fact that visitors
won’t see splashy billboards. What they
will see is an island where the environment
takes center stage.”
– Fodor’s, October, 2010
6 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010
Linda Gilson owner of The Oilerie Hilton Head Island cuts the ribbon at the shop’s grand
opening.
C HA M B E R
E V EN T S
HOLIDAY NETWORKING
AT ITS MERRIEST
DECEMBER
Good cheer and goodwill is the theme for December’s
Business After Hours at the Old Oyster Factory on
Thursday, December 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Always a popular holiday event, over 200 attendees gathered for last year’s
festivities. Enjoy wonderful seafood and fabulous fare prepared by the
Old Oyster Factory chefs along with complimentary beer, wine and other
beverages.
The chamber’s monthly networking social is a great opportunity to get
together with business colleagues and spread some holiday cheer.
“Holiday Hope Toy Collection”
is the event charity partner in
partnership with WSAV and
Walmart and attendees are
encouraged to bring a new,
unwrapped toy to donate to
families in need.
3
Taste of the Season
6:30-9:30 p.m.
V.I.P. Preview Party
5:30-6:30
Hilton Head Marriott
Resort & Spa
9
Business After Hours
5:30-7:00 p.m. " The Old
Oyster Factory
JANUARY
19-20
Business EXPO
Westin Hilton Head
Resort & Spa
WSAV will be live at the event’s
toy campaign effort and a good
time will be had by all.
15-22
Chamber Restaurant Week
The cost to attend Business After
Hours is $10 for members and $20
for non-members.. To RSVP visit
Attendees at the Old Oyster Factory’s 2009 hiltonheadchamber.org and click
after hours enjoyed holiday camaraderie.
on “News and Events.”
FEBRUARY
5
Chamber Ball
Hilton Head Marriott
Resort & Spa
17 Business After Hours
5:30-7:00 p.m. " Old Town
Dispensary
Pretty Woman Day Spa owner Gwen Santos cuts the ribbon at the spa’s grand opening, joined
by Ray Deal, chamber controller and Lisa Braun, massage therapist.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010 7
WHO’S WHO AND WHO’S WHERE
Mary Blaney has
been named clinical
director of THA Group,
Richmond Hill branch.
Blaney formerly served
as clinical director of
the Curtis and Elizabeth
Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial
Health University Medical Center.
Sarah Smith joins
THA Group as manager
of communications,
marketing, and public
relations. Smith formerly
served as director of
marketing research at
The Networks of 11 Alive in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Geoff Christman
has joined Palmetto
Athletic Club as general
manager. Originally from
Raleigh, NC, Christman
brings seven years of
experience working in
medical-based fitness centers.
Gary T. Bezilla has been appointed
managing director of investments for
Wells Fargo Advisors Hilton Head. Bezilla
and his team from The Bezilla Kinney
Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo
Advisors have recently joined the Hilton
Head branch.
Jonathan Hagins, has
been named executive
chef of KingfisherSeafood,
Pasta and Steakhouse.
Hagins graduated from
the Culinary Institute
of America in Hyde
Park, NY. His culinary career includes
The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, GA, and
Antonio’s on Hilton Head Island.
Brandy Adams has
joined the team at Custom
Security Specialists, Inc.
as a customer service
representative. Adams
brings ten years of
experience as a retail
store manager.
Nicole
Bruce has
been promoted to Lasik
consultant for the offices
of Dr. Michael Campbell.
Bruce previously held the
position of receptionist
and technical assistant.
Alan D. Kinney has been named
senior vice president of investments for
Wells Fargo Advisors Hilton Head. Kinney
formerly worked with The Bezilla Kinney
Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo
Advisors which recently joined the Hilton
Head branch.
Dr. Christopher
LeBlanc joins
Bluffton-Okatie Primary
Care, specializing in
family medicine. LeBlanc
attended medical school
at the University of New
England, College of Osteopathic Medicine
in Biddeford, ME and completed his
residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in
Allentown, PA. He is board certified by the
American College of Osteopathic Family
Physicians.
Katherine Cuppia Phifer joins
Wells Fargo Advisors Hilton Head as
financial consultant. Phifer formerly
worked with The Bezilla Kinney Wealth
Management Group of Wells Fargo
Advisors.
To submit a photo, please email:
[email protected]
8 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010
NEW MEMBER
HIGHLIGHTS
ByTheNet Publishing
Donald F. Cuniff, Ed.D.
4 Indigo Run Drive #3610
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
www.hiltonheadstar.com
ByTheNet Publishing has created a website
to serve Hilton Head Island and save its
storied history. Offering free calendars to
non-profits, directory listings, publicity
services to artists and accepting submitted
memoirs. The firm provides professional
development for adults and online
accredited K-12 programs for students.
Witmer-Jones-Keefer, Ltd.
Dan Keefer
14A Palmetto Way
Bluffton, SC 29910
www.wjkltd.com
Witmer-Jones-Keefer, Ltd. is a land
planning/landscape architecture design
firm located in Bluffton, SC. The firm
strives to create great sustainable places.
Creative Wedding Ceremonies
Donna L. Jones
60 Club Course Drive
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Creative Wedding Ceremonies works with
the bride and groom to create a creative
and customized wedding ceremony.
Donna L. Jones, ordained minister and
notary, will conduct the ceremony and
complete the requirements for validating
and filing marriage licenses in the state of
South Carolina.
Goodwill Industries of Lower
South Carolina
Tina Marshall
2150 Eagle Drive
North Charleston, SC 29406
www.palmettogoodwill.org
The organization provides job training
and employment services for people
with disabilities and other barriers to
employment. Over 90 cents of every
dollar earned goes back into programs and
services for the community.
THE CHAMBER BALL: AN EVENING OF DISTINCTION
Join the chamber for the 2011 Chamber Ball, an evening of
elegance where you are the guest of honor. Enjoy fine dining,
dancing and more as we gather with friends and colleagues
to recognize important contributors to our community.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 5 for a fabulous
gala at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa, as we
honor the outstanding individuals and organizations that
make a difference through their good citizenship and civic
contributions to the Lowcountry.
Help us recognize those who through their efforts help
make the Lowcountry such a special place for us all. The
chamber is seeking nominations for three prestigious
annual awards. The Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship
Award, the Outstanding Organization of the Year Award and
the Small Business of the Year Award will be announced at
the Chamber Ball.
Completed nomination forms will be accepted through
Friday, December 17, 2010. Forms are available online at www.hiltonheadchamber.org and at the chamber.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW:
Tickets go on sale this month! Corporate Platinum Sponsors can get preferred seating for ten for $3,500. Corporate Gold Sponsorship is
a table for ten at $2,300. A Patron Sponsor is two tickets for $650 with program notation.
For couples, the cost is $320, with an Early Bird rate of $300. Individuals are $160 or $150 for the Early Bird rate. Early Bird rates apply
until January 14.
For more information on the ball, contact Connie Killmar at (843) 341-8372 or email [email protected].
THANK YOU!
We Couldn’t Have Done It
Without You...
Thank you State of the Region, presenting
sponsor Savannah/Hilton Head Island Airport,
supporting sponsors PURE Insurance and
Republic Waste Services of Hilton Head Island,
contributors The Greenery, Paul Hart at the
Disney Resort and The Westin Hilton Head
Island Resort & Spa staff.
Thank you to HHI VCB Meeting Co-op’s
Concours d’Elegance FAM Partners: Hilton
Head Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Oceanfront
Resort, The Sea Pines Resort, The Westin
Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Savannah/
Hilton Head International Airport, Island
Travel, The Jazz Corner, Kelly Tours, Outside
Hilton Head and Waddell Mariculture Center.
For our member appreciation Pork in the
Parking Lot luncheon: Smokehouse for
catering, Sam’s Club for sponsorship and Vicki
and Bill Head for decorations.
Thank you Fall Select Service Tour contributors:
Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort, Arts Center
of Coastal Carolina, Advanced Sail, Inc., ASE
Gullah Education, Crazy Crab Associates,
Discover Tours, Coastal Discovery Museum
at Honey Horn, One Hot Mamas, Celebration
& Events, The Heyward House, Jim N Nicks,
Swept Away Tours and the Select Service Coop.
Thank you to The Sea Pines Resort, Red Fish
restaurant and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront
Resort for contributions to the publications
media tour reaching the Northeast, Midwest
and Canada.
Thank you Hilton Head Marriot Resort & Spa
for hosting writers covering the Concours
d’Elegance & Motoring Festival from Road &
Track, Bimmer and AutoWeek totaling more than
1 million in circulation.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010 9
MEMBERS MAKING NEWS
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Savannah Hardscapes has announced its participation
Spa has received the 2 Tree Award of Green from the State of in the ABC reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” being
South Carolina. The resort is the second green certified hotel on
the island.
filmed in Savannah.
$4981.94 through the BCSD Foundation for Educational Excellence
Committee fund. The mini-grants ranged from language software
to materials to build robots and a readers’ theatre.
residing or vacationing in the Beaufort County area and
partnerships with schools and corporations.
that the Art League of Hilton Head will take residence in the Walter
Greer Gallery for a three-year lease.
promote the economic development of Daufuskie Island.
the number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress for 2010
according to the South Carolina Department of Education. The 16
schools meeting AYP is a substantial increase over 12 schools in
2009 and four schools in 2008.
employee-screening services and electronic outsourcing.
Guardian Angels Sitting Service, LLC referral
The Community Foundation of the agency recently expanded and is offering pet sitting and senior
Lowcountry recently awarded teacher grants totaling companionship in addition to babysitting services for families
The Binyah Foundation has sponsored the formation
The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina announced of the Daufuskie Island Merchants and Tourism Association to
Island Photo and Camera has been appointed exclusive
The Beaufort County School District increased area agent for Fieldprint fingerprint services which provides
Merchant Service Center recently donated $1,000
to Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity on behalf of
Swipe4Charity. Swipe4Charity is a non-profit service that swipes
pennies from the credit card processing Merchant Service Center
and donates funds to local non-profits.
Beach Properties of Hilton Head recently
announced the grand prize winner of their first annual catalog
cover photo contest. Ashlea Parks from Lexington, Kentucky won
a three-night stay in an oceanfront Sea Crest Resort villa. Beach
Properties received over 2,000 contest submissions.
The Law Office of Jay A. Mullinax, LLC
announced that Mullinax successfully completed two year service
on the South Carolina Probate and Trust Code Revision Committee
of the South Carolina Bar Association.
Sun City Hilton Head Community Association
announced that Kimberly Milam Burgess, association controller
has earned the Association Management Specialist designation
from the Community Associations Institute.
Hilton Head Hospital has been recognized by the
American Heart Association as a 2010 Start! Fit-Friendly company
for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace.
PORK IN THE PARKING LOT:
MEMBER APPRECIATION LUNCH AT THE CHAMBER
It was a beautiful fall day in the Lowcountry as
more than 250 chamber members enjoyed the
Small Business Day “Pork in the Parking Lot”
lunch at the chamber.
The member appreciation barbecue lunch was
sponsored by Sam’s Club and The Smokehouse.
Attendees enjoyed the member appreciation barbecue lunch sponsored by
Smokehouse and Sam’s Club.
10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010
membership renewals: Thank You!
Did You Know… The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest chamber member retention
rates in the nation.
20-29 YEARS
Sandbox: A Hilton Head Area Children’s Museum
new members
Cypress of Hilton Head Island
Savannah Bank
Dr. Martin Pauls/Dr. Robert Savarese
Goode Vacation Rentals
Savannah’s Talking Tours on CD &
Cassette with Map
Bear Foot Sports
Hilton Head National Golf Club
University of Phoenix
Bluestone Strategies LLC
LINKS Magazine
Wholly Cow Ice Creams & Coffee Beans
Bright Choice Medical Equipment
Schembra Real Estate Group
15-19 YEARS
Avalon Rentals & Sales, Inc.
1-3 YEARS
Atlantic Pension Planning Corp.
ByTheNet Publishing
Cardiovascular Concepts, LLC
Carolina Engineering
Community Services Associates, Inc.
Barbers of The Low Country
Furniture Direct
Biomedical Precision, Inc.
Hilton Head Accommodations
Candlewood Suites
delisheeeYo
SunTrust Bank
Dan Robinson Hair Stylist
Friends of Fort Fremont
10-14 YEARS
Jazz Corner
John Brackett Photography
Dataw Island
Green Thumb
Le Bistro Mediterranean, Inc.
Daufuskie Community Farm
Grasschoppers
Key Engineering
Lang’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Main Street Village Merchants
Association
Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry
NHC Healthcare Bluffton
Multiple Listing Service of HHI, Inc.
Porcupine
R. H. Realty & Rentals
Outback Steakhouse
RE/MAX Island Realty
Reliant Cooling & Heating, LLC
Ward Edwards, Inc.
Shelco, Inc.
4-9 YEARS
Sunbelt Business Brokers
Luciana Boutique
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Southeastern Orthopedic Center
Sustainable Solutions, LLC
The Bug Guy
Beaufort County Black Chamber of
Tidewater Hospice
Commerce
The Storybook Shoppe
Vacation Comfort Rentals
Claude & Uli’s Signature Bistro
Walmart #2832
Witmer Jones Keefer
Clifford Allen Associates
WiseGuys
CoastalStates Bank
Zonta Club of Bluffton
Doctor’s Care
Fresh Air Business Promotions
H.E. McCracken Middle School
Harbour Town Yacht Basin
Hilton Head Golf Vacations
Island Travel
Low Country Nature Tours
LPA Group Incorporated
Magic of Gary Maurer
May River Montessori
Okatie Pharmacy
One Hot Mama’s American Grille
Palmetto Pediatrics of the Lowcountry
Rabbi Dr. Arthur & Ellen Segal Family
Charitable Trust for the Arts, Cultural
Diversity & Health Care
Hilton Head International Baccalaureate Elementary School Principal Jill McAden greets
Lowcountry Regional Career Specialist Dave Walker at the Chamber’s reception for area
principals.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | December 2010 11