strander strander - Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

M y r t l e B e a c h A re a C h a m b e r o f Co m m e rce
GRAND
STRANDER
Issue 708
June 2012
Member website
offers blueprint
to services
The virtual gate to your Myrtle Beach
Area Chamber of Commerce is through
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. The
goal of the site is to connect with
members and ensure the site is a strong
member benefit. It provides referrals
to members and serves as an efficient
communications tool for accessing
information about programs
What’s Inside?
LGS Graduates • 11
Class of XXXII ready to take the lead.
CVB Insider
and events. It is the largest source for
MBACC benefit information. (The 2011
member survey reported 41.4 percent
of membership visited the site at least
once a week.)
Member Website, See Page 9
Employee rights and other
workplace poster requirements
by Gary Auld, intern with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
and HGTC student
As employers, we all know that trying
to meet federal guidelines for various
workplace rules is an ever challenging
and ongoing effort. We know that our
employees deserve to be protected,
because without them, we wouldn’t
be able to run our businesses and be
as successful as we are. But, with all
of the different federal requirements,
Employee Rights, See Page 8
Quiet forecast for
2012 hurricane season
by Christine Lacey, intern with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
and 2012 CCU graduate
Thanks to El Nino, the 2012 Atlantic
hurricane season may turn out to be
on the quiet side. The Colorado State
University team of Drs. William Gray
and Philip Klotzbach has predicted a
less active season with a total of 10
named storms.
Hurricane Season, See Page 19
Canadian office sending more
visitors to the Grand Strand.
Every Penny Counts • 13
Money-saving programs exclusively
for MBACC members.
Connect to Local Market
Let Myrtle Beach Area Chamber
help you market your
business to local residents.
See Back Cover
Visit GrandStrandEvents.com
• Start planning your
summer weekends.
Visit MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com
• How do we look? Check out this
summer’s destination ads.
Follow MBACC on
What’s Online?
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
4 1/2 Questions
Loretta Thompson Photography,
265 Venice Way, Unit 1103,
Myrtle Beach, (843) 360-0574,
lorettathompsonphotography.com.
Loretta Thompson Photography
covers the full gamut of life –
pregnancy, birth to senior and
prom, engagements, weddings,
families, and event photography.
See more ribbon-cutting photos in
the June Grand Strander Online.
“Why become an ambassador?”
This month we checked in with
Carolyn Pittman, executive director
of the Long Bay Symphony. An
ambassador for four years, Pittman
says that being an ambassador
allows her to interact with other
chamber members and get to
know them better. Check out the
June Grand Strander Online for her
story.
Member of the Month
Member Anniversaries
What’s the secret to long-term
success in the business community?
Establishing lasting and personal
relationships with other professionals
through membership in the Myrtle
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
During June, 176 members will
be celebrating their chamber
anniversaries. Read the June Grand
Strander Online and discover which
businesses have been chamber
members for 37 years.
One Source Media
Meg Perrino, Executive Accounts
70 Live Oak Rd., Surfside Beach, SC 29575
(843) 333-3068 onesourcesolutions1.com
#1 Business Goal
My goal is to provide businesses with a better way to reach customers to grow their
business through our interactive advertisements and to save business owners money
every month on their merchant services processing charges by assessing their rates.
30-Second Commercial
One Source Media offers a variety of products and value-added services in the areas
of credit/debit card and check processing and full service ATMs. Whether you are a
nationwide chain or a single location merchant, One Source has the experience and
technology to customize a focused solution to fit your company’s individual needs
and the flexibility to service any new needs your company may have in the future.
2011-2012 Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Richard Singleton
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate
Immediate Past Chairman
Franklin Daniels
Nexsen Pruet, LLC
Jim Apple
Burroughs & Chapin Co.
Tommy Bouchette
BNC Bank
Shannon Detzler
The Jackson Companies
Ted Fortenberry
WMBF News
Mike Hagg
HTC Communications
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Terrance Herriott
Conway National Bank
Greg McCollum
M. Gregory McCollum, PA
Mil Servant
Surfside Realty Co. Inc
Suzanne Hinde
Sheraton Myrtle Beach
Convention Center Hotel
Bill McGonigal
Best Western Ocean Sands Resort
Chris Shroff
Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts
Ken McKelvey
Defender Resorts Inc.
John Springs
Caledonia & True Blue Golf Courses
George Mims
Grubbs & Ellis I Wilson Kibler
Jordan Watkins
Gilmore Entertainment
Billy Huggins
WPDE NewsChannel 15
Bob Jewell
Brookgreen Gardens
Eileen Kim
Edward Jones
Mike LaPier
Myrtle Beach International Airport
Mark Lazarus
Wild Water & Wheels
Jay Patrick
Boardwalk Beach Resort
Pete Pearce
Myrtle Beach National
Ebbie Phillips
Tyson Sign Co.
Chamber Events
Discover more networking events at
All employees of a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce member business
are invited and encouraged to participate in all chamber events.
June 7, 4:30-7 p.m.
June 28, 5-8 p.m.
Business Aer Hours
Golf Academy of America – Carolinas
Planet Fitness
3268 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach
1145 Seaboard St., Myrtle Beach
Southern hospitality and world-class golf can all be found
right here in Myrtle Beach ... not to mention a world-class
golf school: Golf Academy of America. Learn about Myrtle
Beach’s top sport – golf – while networking with chamber
members and enjoying tasty appetizers and refreshing spirits.
See the newest fitness center in the area while networking
with chamber members, enjoying tasty appetizers and
refreshing spirits. Tour the facility, sign up for great door
prizes, and receive a free T-shirt and bumper sticker.
Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership
Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Registration Deadline: June 5
June 14, 2-4 p.m.
Behind the Scenes
Karma Tattoos
July 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Behind the Scenes
The X Sports
568 George Bishop Pkwy., Myrtle Beach
700-H Seaboard St., Myrtle Beach
Have you ever been curious to go Behind the Scenes in a
tattoo parlor? Or watch in person someone getting a tattoo?
Join us at Karma Tattoos and learn how a tattoo is created in
their clean, safe, sterile environment. Receive 10 percent off
tatttoos the day of the event.
June 26, 3 p.m./July 31, 9 a.m.
Chamber Access – Member Orientation
Your All Access Pass to the Chamber
MBACC Boardroom
1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
If you are a new member or a new
employee, sign up for Chamber Access to get the inside scoop
on your chamber benefits. And for members who have not
been active, attending Chamber Access is the perfect way to
get reacquainted and updated on all the new benefits!
The X Sports is a 200,000-square-foot sports and
entertainment complex for all ages. The X offers open sports,
a gym, cardio classes, Zumba and so much more! Stop by and
learn the benefits of staying healthy.
Registration Deadline: July 16
July 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Goldfinch Funeral Home
1528 Hwy. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet
This event will take place in the beautiful Goldfinch
Reception Center, a spacious, yet comfortable environment
where families can gather for fellowship and to remember
their loved ones. Network with fellow chamber members
and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and refreshing spirits.
Registration Deadline: July 24
Register at ChamberAcademy.com
Grand Strander
3
Get connected to MBACC
So far more than 100 people have downloaded the new
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce free mobile
app to their smartphones. At absolutely no cost to you,
you are being exposed to the fastest growing segment
of Web/telecommunications in history.
The mobile app for Android, iPhone, iPad, iTouch and
Blackberry is an exciting new tool to connect our members
and help your business reach new customers. You can
download our mobile app by visiting
http://web.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/mobile
on your smartphone or mobile device.
Every chamber member has a free listing in the business
directory (just like the print and online directories). The
MBACC mobile app also includes:
Catapult your
business success
Jason Ross, owner and founder of the
e-commerce site Jackthreads.com, started
his company as a one-man operation
in his bedroom. Now it’s a multimillion
dollar business that sells apparel, shoes
and accessories from top-tier streetwear
and contemporary fashion brands at
discounted prices. On StartupNation.com,
Ross tells the five things that catapulted
his business into major success! Read his
advice at startupnation.com/businessarticles/9772/1/5-necessities-catapultcompany-to-sucess.html.
Want more ideas on how to grow your
business? Check out the Small Business Buzz
library at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com,
click on Small Business Center.
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Direct Call – Users can
take advantage of one touch
dialing to call each business
member.
Search – Users can search by
category, type of business or
business name.
Deals – Users can find out
about chamber businesses
that offer coupons to the
public and exclusive discounts
to chamber members.
Events – Learn where and
when your nearest chamber
event is happening right from
your phone! You can also instantly register for events.
News – Stay up-to-date on the latest chamber news!
The app also features a link to our Twitter and Facebook
accounts.
Focus on ...
Marketing Council
The Marketing Council is established
to set policy to guide activities, which
relate to marketing of the Myrtle Beach
area. The committee is responsible for
recommending to the chamber board the
annual marketing plan and any related
activities as approved by the chamber’s
respective committees. The council is
made up of board members and Myrtle
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s
president/CEO. The council works with
the executive vice president of marketing
and staff.
responsibility for all of those who serve
on the Marketing Council. “We are
entrusted by the chamber members
to verify that the dollars invested in
advertising are just that ... invested,”
Huggins noted. “We work to make sure
that every campaign, regardless of the
media, has a preset goal for a return on
the dollars invested. We must review
and verify that in fact it was achieved.
This is a never ending process where we
continually challenge staff to meet and
exceed our goals.’’
According to Marketing Council
Chairman Billy Huggins with WPDE
NewsChannel 15, it is a tremendous
Learn more about the Marketing Council
at MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com/
committees.html.
Marketing Council
Billy Huggins ............................................................... Chair, WPDE NewsChannel 15
Brad Dean................................................ Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Ted Fortenberry ........................................................................................WMBF News
Suzanne Hinde ............................. Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Bob Jewell ..................................................................................... Brookgreen Gardens
Michael LaPier .................................................... Myrtle Beach International Airport
Mark Lazarus ............................................................................ Wild Water & Wheels
Bill McGonigal ................................................................... Best Western Ocean Sands
Ken McKelvey ................................................................................... Defender Resorts
Jay Patrick .............................................................................. Boardwalk Beach Resort
Mil Servant ...................................................................................... Surfside Realty Co.
Chris Shroff................................................................... Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts
Richard Singleton ............................................. Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate
Jordan Watkins ....................................................................... Gilmore Entertainment
EMAIL US
AND WE’LL
EMAIL YOU
Want another way to receive
up-to-date information from
Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce?
Join our e-newsletter lists.
MBACC’s e-newsletter updates
provide a quick way to
communicate with members.
Simply go to
and click on eNews Sign Up.
Before you know it, you will
be in the know on the latest
events, promotional information,
sponsorship opportunities,
education classes and more.
2012 Grand Strand
Business Startup Grant
If you know someone who wants to
start a small business, then encourage
them to apply for the 2012 Grand Strand
Business Startup Grant. “The grant is
open to people in Horry and Georgetown
counties who are planning a new start-up
business,” said Robert Goroski of Grand
Strand SCORE. Applicants must include a
business plan summary with a description
of the proposed business, financial
projections, marketing plan, and how the
grant money would be used. Application
deadline is Sept. 1, 2012. The business
must be scheduled to open by
Jan. 1, 2013. For more information
about the grant and to learn about free
workshops on how to start a business,
visit mbscore.org.
Grand Strander
5
Message to Our Members
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy drew worldwide
attention when he alerted Americans that our nation faced
“a new era of danger and uncertainty, amidst the creative
energy of America.” Ironically, the same could be said
today, nearly half a century later, with one basic difference:
In 1961, the enemy was in faraway places, like Russia and
Cuba, whereas today the enemy is firmly planted in our
nation’s capital. The rising tide of government bureaucracy
that targets small businesses throughout our nation
presents a constant threat to job creation and economic
growth in America.
There’s no denying the unprecedented wave of creative
energy that flows through our nation. Apple Computers
nearly dies, fires its founder, then re-establishes itself and
surges to market dominance. Facebook begins as an
open-source network for a few college students and in less
than a decade grows to nearly 1 billion users (if it were a
nation, it would be the 3rd largest nation in the world).
We’ve become accustomed to wireless phones and similar
devices, but scientists are amazingly close to developing
wireless heart monitors to allow doctors to monitor
patients’ vital signs remotely. Fieen years ago, 80 percent
of all vacations to the Grand Strand were booked well in
advance using printed materials; today, 71 percent of all
vacations to the Grand Strand will be booked online and
nearly half will be booked within 60 days of travel.
Yet despite leading the world in innovation, we’ve
also invented the world’s largest, most out-of-control
regulatory monster that suffocates small business and
stifles innovation. Call it what you want – red tape,
bureaucracy, over-regulation, etc. Most just call it B-A-D:
bad for business, investors, entrepreneurs, employees
and our local citizens.
We need not look far to see examples of this
unprecedented assault on area businesses:
• Despite successfully using pool enclosures with zero
problems for nearly 30 years, local hotels are told by the
federal government they can no longer enclose their
swimming pools during the winter months. Why? Because
the law does not say they can do so (never mind the fact
that the law does not say they cannot do so).
• The federal government puts local fisherman out of
business by enforcing monopolistic tendencies on a free
market economy, despite a federal agency knowingly
violating congressional intent by using incorrect data to
regulate fisheries. The result? Our local fishermen lose
6
Regulatory Monster
their earnings and local restaurants import the very
fish we won’t allow our fishermen to haul in.
• The ADA law of 1990 is updated with the noble
intention of enhancing disabled citizens access to
recreational facilities. But instead of allowing hotels to
utilize well-maintained portable pool lis and ensure a
safe alternative for their patrons, the federal government
unilaterally mandates that hotels must permanently install
one or more lis around every body of water, including hot
tubs, lazy rivers, wading pools, etc.
“Bureaucracy is the art of making
the possible impossible.”
– Javier P. Salcedo
We understand the necessity of rules for the sake of order
vs. chaos, law vs. lawlessness. We can imagine the chaos
that would ensue if the flight attendant did not announce
“stay seated until we have taxied to the gate.” We don’t
endorse yelling “fire” in a crowded theater. And, to be clear,
we don’t condone unsafe building standards, overfishing of
our oceans or unfair treatment of disabled Americans.
But hasn’t this era of red tape gone just a tad too far?
When did common sense die and bureaucratic intent
take reign? More specifically, who ceded control of our
economy to unelected bureaucrats more concerned with
protecting their agency turf than sustaining economic
growth and prosperity? In every example of overregulation cited in this article, the ultimate decision-maker
was not an elected official but, rather, a government
bureaucrat. In business, innovation and inventions deliver
economic prosperity and create jobs. Yet lately, it seems
these very businesses are the target of a governmental
assault that appears to be getting worse.
Thankfully, there are a few principled leaders who
continue to battle the bureaucrats as best they can.
Rep. Nelson Hardwick (R-SC) said “No” to a one-sizefits-all regulatory measure impacting restaurants,
instead favoring legislation that incentivizes recycling
and encourages innovation. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC)
said “No” to bureaucrats and “Yes” to allowing hotels
to choose between permanent and portable pool lis.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) and
Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC) said “No” on outlawing temporary
pool enclosures, instead proposing a common-sense
measure of using enclosures during non-hurricane months.
Nearly every member of our congressional delegation,
supported by our state delegation, said
“No” to mismanagement of our regional
fisheries by the federal government.
Despite these leaders’ best efforts,
every day brings new efforts to curtail
innovation and economic prosperity,
placing a chokehold on America’s small
businesses. Our nation’s system of
commerce depends upon a vibrant small
business sector that successfully competes
in a global economy. And while many of
these current issues could be resolved by
President Obama and his administration,
it’s only fair to note that the laws cited
were passed by Republicans. When it
comes to over-regulation and bureaucratic
indifference, there are no innocent parties
in Washington, D.C.
We recognize that this regulatory
environment makes it difficult for you
to operate your business successfully.
Advocacy of pro-business public policy
was the No. 1 priority for our members
in the past three membership surveys.
Likewise, the U.S. Chamber recently
released a study which revealed that
52 percent of small businesses citing
overregulation as a top threat to business.
This is why we dedicate so much of our
time to advocate for pro-business public
policy at the local, state and federal levels.
You can do your part, too. When you enter
the voting booth to select local, state and
national leaders this month, consider who
is best-suited to help lead this effort to end
over-regulation and nurture innovation.
It’s time for real change, the kind of
change that brings new customers,
new businesses and new jobs. We must
end this regulatory nightmare and free
entrepreneurs to do what they do best.
It’s clear that our federal government has
become the American problem, and your
business is part of the solution.
Brad Dean
President & CEO
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Grand Strander
7
Employee rights, Continued From Cover
depending on the type of business, how does an employer
know what to post, what to hand out, and what they have
to adhere to?
Case in point was a ruling by the Department of Labor,
under the National Labor Relations Act, stating that
employers were required to display a new poster about
Employee Rights in the workplace beginning May 1, 2012.
The poster outlines very specific guidelines regarding
employee rights and mandates that every employer covered
by the NLRA post a 11-by-17-inch notice of employees’
rights at “conspicuous places ... readily seen by employees,
including all places where notices to employees ... are
customarily posted” and any employer that “customarily
communicates” via intranet or Internet with its employees
as to “personnel rules or policies” must display an exact copy
of the notice on such site(s), or a link to the NLRB’s website
which reads, “Employee Rights Under the National Labor
Relations Act.”
businesses that are required by law. For more information,
or for copies, call (803) 896-7665. Three other state agencies
also require employment postings: Employment Security
Commission’s “Workers Pay No Part of the Cost for Job
Insurance” (UCI 104) and “If You Become Unemployed
(UCI 105); Workers’ Compensation Commission’s “Workers
Comp Works For You”; and Human Affairs Commission’s
“Equal Opportunity is the Law.”
How to get copies for your business
Copies of the poster can be obtained from the Department
of Labor website at dol.gov/olms/regs/compliance/
EmployeeRightsPoster11x17_Final.pdf. When you post
this new requirement, you might also want to take a look
at other posters that you have on your walls and ensure
that you have the most current and the appropriate posters
for your business. Some of the statutes and regulations
enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor require that
notices be provided to employees and/or posted in the
workplace. DOL provides free electronic and printed copies
of these required posters.
There is an easy way to determine which ones pertain
to your type of business. The elaws Poster Advisor
(dol.gov/elaws/posters.htm) can be used to determine
which poster(s) employers are required to display at their
place(s) of business, with the most current dates of those
posters. Posters, available in English and other languages,
may be downloaded and printed directly from the Advisor
free of charge.
Don’t forget South Carolina requirements
Employers in South Carolina are also required to post two
employment notices from the South Carolina Department
of Labor, Licensing and Regulation in a place or places
where employees can see them. These posters are OSHA
(Occupational Safety and Health) and the Labor Law
Abstract (Payment of Wages, Child Labor, Right-to-Work).
LLR’s OSHA Office distributes recordkeeping materials to
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eachAreaChamber.com
Currently, the following agencies are still printing the
posters in an all-in-one format:
• S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce,
(803) 737-3075, www.dew.sc.gov
• S.C. Human Affairs, (803) 737-7800 or 1-800-521-0725,
www.state.sc.us/schac
• S.C. Workers’ Compensation Commission,
(803) 737-5700, www.wcc.sc.gov
Editor’s note: As the Grand Strander was going to press,
the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily enjoined the
NLRB’s rule requiring the posting of Employee Rights under
the National Labor Relations Act. The rule will not take
effect until the legal issues are resolved. There is no new
deadline for the posting requirement at this time.
Member website, Continued From Cover
The main navigational toolbar is
broken down into five categories:
Chamber Events – Networking opportunities, including
Business Aer Hours and B-to-B Connects, along with
upcoming events.
Marketing Strategies – Provides a variety of ways to
market your business to visitors and locals. Advertising
opportunities range from co-ops and chamber publications
to Web links and sponsorships.
Member Benefits – Information on chamber benefits and
services, including money-saving tips, ambassador program
and a comprehensive list of all your benefits.
Business Search – The chamber’s online Business Directory
lets you easily get in touch and do business with any of the
2,400 trusted members of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber
of Commerce.
Small Business Center – Providing programs and services
that encourage professional development and help small
businesses thrive.
The sidebar includes links to relocation/real estate
information, government relations, media center, research
and statistics, nonprofit resource center and general
information about the chamber and Myrtle Beach area.
Online visitors also will discover easy access to Leadership
Grand Strand, conservation tips, new member information,
an enewsletter sign-up form and a member application.
“The gem of the site is the Business Directory, which
is featured on every page,” noted Diana Greene, IOM,
executive vice president of Membership Programs &
Services. “For ease of use, site visitors can search the
directory by keyword, business name or member category.
“We want members to use this website to help them get
the most out of their chamber membership. We encourage
members to visit the site regularly since it is continuously
being updated and provides one-click access to chamber
and member news, benefits and services, event information
and business resources,” Greene continued.
A few highlights of
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com:
Video TourBooks – The chamber’s Video TourBooks are
brief segments, filmed on-site, highlighting our unique
chamber and community strengths that are most likely to
drive business, tourism and population growth to the area.
Check out the six videos located on the home page
(bottom right side) of your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber
of Commerce’s website.
Learn More, Ask Me Now – Myrtle Beach Area Chamber
of Commerce has a ‘’human element’’ on its website.
Ms. Avatar greets visitors and helps them navigate around
the site. She provides great information on benefits,
festivals, marketing, research, relocation and more. You can
find Ms. Avatar on the lower right side of the home page.
Go ahead, ask her a question.
Going Into Business – Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Going Into Business guide is for people
interested in learning more about starting a business along
the Grand Strand. This business development resource was
the idea of the MBACC Small Business Council, who led the
charge in getting the most relevant and recent information
together for those looking to open a business. The resource
for prospective business owners includes business license
and permitting information, tax information, maps and
additional local small business resources.
Preferred Customer
10% Discount
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5
Liquor, Wine and Mixers
Tobacco and Beer
Visit us on Facebook
BeachDiscountBeverages.com
(843) 916-9542
2 2 0 4 N . K i n g s H w y. , M y r tl e Be a ch, SC 29577
Grand Strander
9
Dr. Debbie Conner receives
2012 Ann DeBock Leadership Award
Leadership Grand Strand presented the 2012 Ann DeBock
Leadership Award to Dr. Debbie Conner of Coastal Carolina
University during the Leadership Grand Strand Class XXXII
graduation ceremony on May 6 at Pine Lakes Country Club.
Each year, the Leadership Grand
Strand class honors one alumnus who
has exhibited outstanding leadership
and service. To receive this award, the
recipient must volunteer in service or
civic roles, serve on appointed boards
or commissions, and exhibit an overall
demonstration of effective leadership
skills.
The 2012 award winner was born
in Houston, Texas, moved to North
Carolina at a young age and attended
A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville,
N.C. Conner then attended Converse
College where she earned her Bachelor
of Arts degree as a double major in
psychology and secondary education.
In 1994, she moved to the Myrtle
Beach area and joined the staff
of Coastal Carolina University as
coordinator in the Department of
Student Affairs.
In the years that followed, Conner
continued her education while she
worked for Coastal Carolina University
as the director of student activities; director of community
relations, special events and stewardship; and assistant vice
president for University Relations. She earned her master’s
in student personnel from the University of South Carolina
in 1996, followed by her Doctor of philosophy degree in
educational leadership from Clemson University in 2005.
Currently, Conner serves as the associate vice president of
University Relations at CCU.
In addition to her many academic and professional
accomplishments, Conner also stays busy raising her
17-year-old daughter Kayla with her husband, Tracy, who
works in the golf industry. According to those she knows
and has worked with, Conner has always been a good
example for young women seeking a healthy work-family
balance.
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MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.c
“She is a tremendous inspiration for all young women
who aspire to be successful in a career and successful in a
marriage and family. She has a tremendous ability to assume
responsibility and to handle all her duties with a cheerful
attitude and a winning spirit,” said Tommy Brittain of
The Brittain Law Firm, P.A.
Conner also spends a great
deal of her time volunteering.
She has worked with several
organizations along the Grand
Strand including the Street
Reach Ministries, Coastal
Carolina YMCA, Myrtle Beach
Area Chamber of Commerce,
Converse College Alumnae
Board, Waccamaw Area Heart
Association and more.
Currently, Conner serves
as the vice president and
conference committee logistics
chair of the CCU Women in
Philanthropy and Leadership
organization, president of the
Brittain Fellowship Class at First
Methodist Church in Myrtle
Beach, co-chair of the Bi-Lo
American Red Cross Christmas
Dinner, a member of the Rotary
Club of Carolina Forest Sunrise
and much more.
The Ann DeBock Leadership Award was commissioned
and started by Class XIX in memory of Ann DeBock,
the executive director of Leadership Grand Strand from
its inception in 1979 until her death in 1998. The other
nominees for this year’s award were Vern Hearl of LHWH,
Shannon Detzler of The Jackson Companies, and Cindy Ott
of Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
For more information, visit LeadershipGrandStrand.com
or call (843) 916-7222.
Leadership Grand Strand Class XXXII
celebrates graduation
Aer long hours of community service and months
of educational sessions, tours and conversations with
community leaders, Leadership Grand Strand Class XXXII
graduated with a new understanding of the community.
Leadership Grand Strand is now accepting applications
for Class XXXIII. Applications, which require three letters
of reference, must be typed and are due by June 30, 2012.
Applications are available at LeadershipGrandStrand.com.
Tuition costs are $890 per person.
The 23 participants of Class XXXII accepted their certificates
during a ceremony at Pine Lakes Country Club along with a
reception sponsored by Santee Cooper.
For class participants to graduate, they must complete
a nine-month program and a minimum of 100 hours of
community service. This year, participants assisted the
Salvation Army Angel Tree project, Youth Leadership
Academy and the Adopt-A-Highway program.
LGS names new board members
The Leadership Grand Strand executive committee
announced the following new officers for 2012-13: John
Sawyer, chairman (LGS XXVI ); O’Neil McCoy, chair-elect
(LGS 30 ); Jeffrey Wisniewski, secretary (LGS XXXII); Brent
Musick, treasurer (LGS 30); and Julie Kopnicky (LGS XXVIII)
will serve as an at-large board member for three years.
Leadership Grand Strand also is accepting community
service project proposals for the upcoming class. Interested
organizations can find a copy of the request for proposal by
going to LeadershipGrandStrand.com and clicking on the
LGS Projects link.
Graduates of Leadership Grand Strand Class 32
• Brandi H. Barnhill ............................... Barnhill’s Plumbing
• Christopher Kavanagh ......Watermark Real Estate Group
and Port-A-John’s
• Victoria Levy ... State Farm Insurance-Wade Davis Agent
• Stephanie Burgess ...................................... Santee Cooper
• Nancy Redden Livesay.....Horry County Solicitor’s Office
• Whitney R. Cromer ................ Coastal Carolina University
• Greg Mitchell .......... Horry-Georgetown Technical College
• Jan Dobr ..............................................Martin’s Restaurant
• Rebecca Kleinbach Murphy ...... Myrtle Beach Travel Park
• Tracy G. DuRant ........................BB&T Puckett, Scheetz &
• Annie Obuchowski............ Raycom Media, WMBF News
Hogan Insurance
• Rusty Ray ......................................... WBTW, DT News 13
• Kristin Free ................ Carolina Creations Landscapes, Inc.
• John D. Rutenberg ............................................... TD Bank
• Jay Herring .........................Watermark Real Estate Group
• Alicia L. Sanders ...Horry County Emergency Management
• Johanna S. Hodge ................................ Myrtle Beach Area
• Gladys A. Velasco ............................................ Mercy Care
Chamber of Commerce
• Diane White .................... The Long Bay Symphony Guild
• Jenna Leigh Hottel ................. Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday
• Edward Lenorris Williams ....................Williams Painting
• Paul L. Kaufman .......................... Prestwick Country Club
• Janet Wood .......................................City of Myrtle Beach
Grand Strander
11
PR Hotspot
How Facebook changes the game for brands
by Kelly Malone, account supervisor with Fahlgren Mortine
Hopefully by now you’ve noticed the migration to Facebook
timeline, a more visual and chronological representation of
the social platform. Whether you’re a fan of the new format
or not, here are some basics on the new format and what it
means for brands.
First, you may have discovered that – seemingly overnight –
your page is now visually more appealing, allowing for a more
branded look throughout the page. On the new timeline, a
cover image will be very important in telling your brand story.
However, they cannot include any call to action, URL, offer
or arrow pointing to other features.
This means you have to make your content do the work!
Hopefully you’ve been doing that all along, but the brands
with the most engaging content will be the ones that
continue to garner the most traffic.
Custom applications now don’t have as much real estate,
making you work harder to promote them. You’ll now find
them in a row under the cover photo. Be sure to put the most
prominent ones in the top spots since users may not click the
down arrow to see the others. Keep in mind, though, that
“photos” will always appear first in the apps list (under the
cover photo). The other app placements can be shied.
You can promote custom tabs to fans with a direct URL
(just click on the app and you’ll find it in the navigation bar)
or by “pinning” a story about the promotion/application to
the top of timeline. This is denoted with a yellow ribbon and
will remain in the top spot for seven days. Also, remember
that welcome tabs with like-gates are useless since anyone
can see your page content without liking it.
“Pinning” can also be used to draw attention to a particular
story. Some examples of posts you may want to pin include
a big announcement, a photo of the week or a fan spotlight.
Popular stories can also be “highlighted,” which makes the
post twice as wide.
Brands can now add milestones, which stand out in timeline
with a much larger photo. Brands with a rich history will
really benefit from this. Check out the New York Times’
page (facebook.com/nytimes) for a great example.
A big improvement from the customer service side is the
ability to respond to inbound private messages from users
through the admin panel. However, you cannot proactively
reach out to users. Page admins won’t see posts about their
12
mber.com
page that people haven’t shared publicly, even though
people visiting the page might see them if they’re part
of the audience the post was shared with.
Another big improvement: If you’ve been stuck with a page
name you no longer desire, rejoice because you can finally
request a name change through the admin panel.
This is certainly not the entire list, but if you’d like to dig in
to other changes and learn best practices for showing up in
news feeds, check out Fahlgren Mortine’s PowerPoint deck on
Scribd (scribd.com) or view a list of pertinent articles through
the Fahlgren Mortine Delicious account (delicious.com).
What would you like to learn or see in a future PR Hotspot?
Want to be involved in this area’s public relations efforts?
Have a PR related question? You can reach anyone on the
PR team at the CVB’s PR agency of record, Fahlgren Mortine,
by emailing [email protected].
Print and Online Publicity Values
Type
Internet
Print
Broadcast
Total for April
April 2012
Impressions Ad Value
Equivalency
93,573,261
$835,869
17,897,794 $178,290
57,894,890
$492,852
169,365,945 $1,507,011
Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
INSIDER
June 2012
OH CANADA, EH!
Canadian office sending more visitors to the Grand Strand
by Kimberly Hartley, Canadian account manager, Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Myrtle Beach area continues to love Canadians,
and Canadians continue to have a love affair with the
Grand Strand. They are in love with the beaches, the
warm weather, the accommodations, the attractions, the
golf, the shopping, and everything the area has to offer.
More and more travel agents are selling the destination,
more consumers are visiting, and more articles are being
written about the Myrtle Beach area.
to consumers, with the message that the Myrtle Beach
area is the premier destination in the United States. As
the popularity rises, visitor travel increases.
MBA Beach Bash event held in Toronto, Ontario, in
partnership with chamber members. (Le) Sabrina Israel,
Palace Theatre; Kimberly Hartley, Canadian account
manager, MBACVB; Jessica Grella, Sands Resorts; Lindsey
Dowling, Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande
Dunes; and Kelly Pratt, Oceana Resorts.
Radio station contestant finalist promotion held at the
Limeridge Mall in Hamilton, Ontario.
The annual Canadian-American Days Festival in March
keeps drawing attention by welcoming visitors with
special events and amazing offers. As the summer
and fall seasons approach, plans are being finalized to
focus on select trade and consumer shows, educational
familiarization tours, trade conferences, promotional
events, and media efforts in Eastern Canada. These
efforts will showcase the Myrtle Beach area as an
affordable, valuable and accessible vacation and
corporate destination.
As we pass the halfway mark of our third year, the
Canadian office of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention
& Visitors Bureau gains recognition with a very strong
market presence. The Myrtle Beach area brand is
promoted to Canadian travel agents and other referral
sources, trade and consumer media, as well as directly
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
The Grand Strand has welcomed a growing number of
Canadians each year. In 2011, Porter Airlines launched
its first fall air service offering two flights per week
from September to November, increasing visitation
numbers from Canada by targeting consumers from
all demographics. Recently, Porter Airlines has added
additional air service to Myrtle Beach flying nonstop
from Toronto February to May and has also announced
a new wholesale division, Porter Escapes, which plans
to offer land and air packages to Myrtle Beach. Spirit
Airlines continues to fly nonstop from Detroit, serving
the Southwestern region of Ontario. Last year, Spirit
Airlines moved into the Southern Ontario and Southern
Quebec markets by adding seasonal flights from Niagara
Falls, New York and Plattsburgh, New York. Spirit will
offer these flights again providing Canadians with more
choice when flying to the Myrtle Beach area, reinforcing
the commitment and support for this market by our
partners.
Oh Canada, See Insider Back Cover
June 2012
HORRY COUNTY ADMISSIONS TAX
14.5%
$1,700,000
$1,500,000
$750,000
Percentages
Shown Are
Percent Change
From Previous
Year
-0.1%
3.1%
14.8%
$1,200,000
7.4%
-6.2%
9.7%
13.1%
1.6%
$450,000
23.5%
33.0%
2.3%
$0
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$593,991
$1,020,181
$668,014
$1,206,382
$1,673,151
$1,250,676
$648,313
$649,615
$465,210
$440,412
$221,208
$403,337
-11.5%
50.2%
GEORGETOWN COUNTY ADMISSIONS TAX
-2.4%
$150,000
$120,000
7.8%
-2.8%
-2.7%
$90,000
20.3%
26.4%
14.9%
-17.5%
Convention & Visitors Bureau
$50,000
-11.0%
-19.0%
$0
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$95,139
$138,930
$102,536
$64,305
$55,482
$44,549
$66,075
$94,586
$51,906
$44,083
$25,144
$36,393
HORRY COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTION
4.9%
$4,200,000
2.1%
$3,200,000
$2,200,000
$1,200,000
29.4%
Percentages
Shown Are
Percent Change
From Previous
Year
1.9%
7.1%
8.9%
15.6%
5.2%
-4.4%
$0
14.2%
57.4%
14.9%
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$759,711
$1,295,854
$1,303,728
$2,543,607
$3,924,032
$2,468,061
$1,366,211
$739,320
$458,454
$307,676
$267,848
$641,812
47.7%
4.7%
GEORGETOWN COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTION
1.6%
$420,000
$320,000
9.3%
0.0%
$220,000
$120,000
$0
18.4%
44.8%
2.2%
1.2%
-4.4%
15.1%
14.2%
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$48,551
$88,749
$100,850
$252,603
$404,842
$253,945
$122,165
$62,300
$38,756
$23,651
$18,229
$23,591
HORRY COUNTY GROSS RETAIL SALES
$1,100,000,000
$850,000,000
1.6%
18.0%
$650,000,000
4.2%
-7.7%
7.8%
-4.6%
-8.3%
-16.3%
0.6%
-31.7%
-6.9%
-9.4%
$450,000,000
$0
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$748,376,097
$459,419,208
$688,160,544
$872,199,417
$1,014,810,293
$851,606,942
$801,891,704
$617,471,174
$554,726,964
$622,177,947
$485,036,510
$557,380,926
Percentages
Shown Are
Percent
Change From
Previous Year
GEORGETOWN COUNTY GROSS RETAIL SALES
$130,000,000
20.6%
-6.1%
1.8%
5.5%
7.3%
-5.2%
$100,000,000
5.7%
-2.0%
-19.5%
-10.2%
-36.3%
$75,000,000
-2.1%
$35,000,000
$0
Mar 11
Apr 11
May 11
Jun 11
Jul 11
Aug 11
Sep 11
Oct 11
Nov 11
Dec 11
Jan 12
Feb 12
$116,056,855
$66,138,052
$103,917,745
$126,681,554
$128,995,594
$113,227,615
$105,045,379
$98,930,809
$89,532,305
$100,504,560
$79,245,544
$87,611,215
For more information regarding additional research conducted by the chamber, contact Wendy Bernstein at [email protected].
Sources: S.C. Departments of PRT and Revenue
June 2012
UNIQUE User Sessions
ADVERTISER Referrals
1,000,000
2011
1,200,000
2011
800,000
2012
1,000,000
2012
600,000
YTD Referral
Click % Change*
600,000
Category
400,000
400,000
200,000
0
200,000
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
0
Jan
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Feb
Mar
Apr
% Change
33.56%
Jan
32.19%
45.59%
37.06%
2012
641,377
777,006
963,847
846,503
2011
480,220
Jul
587,796
662,043
Aug
Sep
May
Jun
617,618
754,977
1,009,894
Oct
Nov
Dec
% Change
Feb
Mar
Apr
20.03%
17.38%
May
Jun
% Change
17.20%
25.57%
2012
600,449
708,807
939,597
804,326
2011
512,349
564,459
782,796
685,224
812,265
1,198,706
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
+17.83%
Amusements
+19.41%
Theaters
+18.22%
Dining
+24.16%
Shopping
+12.44%
Watersports
+28.21%
Weddings
+42.39%
Golf
% Change
-7.56%
Addt’l Services
+26.77%
Fishing
+30.28%
2012
2011
% Change
Lodging
*Jan. 1-Apr. 30, 2012
1,146,291 627,023
337,084
219,592
169,846 199,230
2012
2011
1,003,473
697,852
439,696
369,014
290,808
336,994
For more information, contact: [email protected]
OCCUPANCY PERCENT PER ROOM WEEK*
AVERAGE DAILY RATE PER ROOM WEEK*
(Mar. 17, 2012 - Apr. 28, 2012)
(Mar. 17, 2012 - Apr. 28, 2012)
100%
0%
$150
$100
54.10%
$96.43
$89.12
58.00%
DOLLARS
PERCENT
75%
5%
50%
0%
25%
5%
$75
$50
$25
0%
$0
2011
2012
Apr
2011
Jan
Feb
Mar
2012
21.2%
33.4%
52.4%
May
2011
20.1%
33.6%
46.2%
59.6%
52.0%
2010
21.4%
29.6%
44.9%
54.2%
47.4%
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
2012
Jan
Feb
Mar
2012
$50.83
$55.09
$77.18
73.6%
2011
$50.90
$54.65
$68.29
77.4%
2010
$46.31
$54.26
$69.84
Jul
Aug
Sep
Jun
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
Jun
$87.64
$100.62
$129.45
$85.48
$90.29
$121.07
Oct
Nov
Dec
2012
2012
2011
88.0%
73.3%
59.2%
45.1%
31.7%
22.8%
2011
$162.14
$125.97
$86.22
$69.99
$57.82
$53.17
2010
91.5%
76.1%
59.8%
43.6%
31.6%
19.7%
2010
$147.28
$120.79
$85.73
$71.18
$57.68
$53.11
MARCH AIRPORT ARRIVALS**
120,000
0
*Dr. Taylor Damonte, Director
Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism
Coastal Carolina University
[email protected]
0
100,000
A R R I VA L S
0
80,000
**Source: Horry County Department of Airports
0
60,000
0
40,000
HELP US HELP YOU
0
20,000
Provide data to CCU
0
2011
Arrivals
2012
2011
2012
Change
65,986
63,406
-3.9%
By sending in your weekly numbers, you will be providing valuable data that
helps us to keep updated information. For more information, please contact
Dr. Taylor Damonte, director of Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism at
Coastal Carolina University, [email protected].
June 2012
YEAR OVER YEAR
800,000
OH CANADA
Continued From Insider Cover
In addition to our airline support from Canada,
wholesalers provide land only packages for travel agents
to sell directly to their clients, including Alio, Simply
Escape and Total Vacations. Stay and play golf packages are
sold, with or without air transportation, by Golf the World
Vacations, Merit Ultimate Golf Vacations, and Gryphon
Golf Vacations, all based in Canada servicing Canadian
visitors.
Last fall and winter seasons were busy raising awareness
and promoting the Myrtle Beach brand in Ontario and
Quebec markets. We participated in several trade and
consumer shows, media relations events, and travel
industry expos. In the last six months, through our
combined efforts, this office has reached out to
236,138 consumers, 87,113 travel agents, 17 wholesalers,
19 meeting group planners and 64 trade and consumer
travel writers.
The message is quite clear, Visit the Myrtle Beach area,
truly offers something for everyone. The “Wow” factor
continues to amaze the travel industry and the consumer.
Visitation to the United States keeps breaking records,
up 11 percent in 2010, with forecasts of continued annual
growth year over year to 2016. The Canadian market is
proving to be economically strong and stable.
With a comprehensive fall sales and marketing plan in
place, our CVB is sure to garner many of these Canadian
visitors, in partnership with our members and our industry
suppliers. We welcome you to fall in love with Canada,
be part of our efforts, and share the wealth and welcome
Canadians. The love affair between Canada and the Myrtle
Beach area has been long lived and will continue year aer
year.
June 4-8, 2012
June 19-21, 2012
June 27-28, 2012
Travel
Alliance
Partnership
The Americas
Meeting
& Events
Exhibition
Destinations
Showcase
Chicago
Shreveport, LA
Baltimore, MD
Chicago, IL
CVB-Group Sales is busy this month welcoming
12 groups with 1,045 attendees.
Co-op Corner
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce advertising
co-ops provide an opportunity to take advantage of
negotiated discounted rates in order to stretch ad budgets.
The range of co-ops available include a variety of online
promotions, email blasts, magazines and newspaper
inserts. Also, the chamber will provide online creative
support if needed by participants.
To learn more about these opportunities, contact Lynne
Boykin, The Brandon Agency, at (843) 916-2000 or
[email protected]. For a complete list of
co-ops, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on
Marketing Strategies. Space is limited for each co-op and
will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure
the discounted rates, each co-op must sell out in order for
it to run. Note: In order to participate, chamber members
must also be CVB members or advertisers.
NTA Courier Magazine
September South Carolina Issue
The National Tour Association is the preferred trade
organization of thousands of tourism professionals involved
in the growth and development of the packaged travel
industry. NTA tour operators rated Courier as the #1 valued
travel trade publication and is the official publication of the
NTA travel trade association.
Deadline for Space: June 24
Deadline for Materials: June 29
Circulation: 6,000
Member Cost: 1/4 page; $995
Ad Specs: 3.75’’ x 4.5’’
Disclaimer: In order for this ad to run there must have a
minimum of four advertisers.
Payment Terms: Payment due immediately upon receiving
invoice from chamber. All sales are final.
Where
in the
world is
the CVB?
Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Insider is published monthly by the
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
If you have story ideas or questions, contact Jason McCoy, CVB customer service manager, at [email protected].
Printed by Inlet Printing Co.
June 2012
Make
Every
Count!
Exclusive cost-savings benefits
for MBACC members
Leveraging the buying power of MBACC’s membership base helps members save on everything from office supplies to
health insurance. As a MBACC member, you’re eligible for the programs listed below – all designed to put dollars back
into your bottom line. Use these programs to offset expenses and your membership can pay for itself. Learn more at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Member Benefits/Save Money.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Sam’s Club
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Business True Blue SM offers MBACC
members flexible options to build a
health care plan that works for you.
Both individual and group health
insurance plans are available. For
details about True Blue, contact your
local BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
office at (843) 444-9068.
MBACC members receive a
$25 or $10 gi card when you
sign up for a new Sam’s Club
membership or renew an existing
membership. Learn more at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com,
click on Member Benefits/Save Money.
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Office Depot
Receive unbeatable
discounts on your
office supplies, office furniture, technology, copy/print,
and much more at Office Depot. To enroll, contact your
local Office Depot representative, Chris Trimby, at
(704) 969-4752, ext. 5027.
Fisher Recycling – Grand Strand
Fisher Recycling – Grand Strand
offers MBACC and
MBAHA/Hospitality
Partnership members
complimentary on-site waste
audits to create a customized recycling program for your
business. With a one-year Recycling Service Contract,
Fisher Recycling – Grand Strand offers members one free
pick up and one month of free recycling containers/bins.
To learn about recycling services, contact Kira Roff, owner/
president, at (843) 543-9811.
Member-to-Member Discounts
Designed to enhance your membership value, the
Member-to-Member Discounts program encourages
members to buy from other members to save money,
increase visibility and promote new business for their
companies. Learn more at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
As a member of the Myrtle
Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce you can enjoy
free electronic access to the South Carolina Chamber of
Commerce statewide grassroots lobbying and information
networks. To learn more about the program, call the
S.C. Chamber of Commerce at (803) 799-4601.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
As a small business member
of the Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce, you
receive complimentary membership
in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The
U.S. Chamber serves as another voice
for your business. Learn more at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on
Member Benefits/U.S. Chamber.
Hospitality Partnership Services
Need training resources?
Interested in “Green Clean
Safe” certification? Have a
question about identity the?
Visit HospitalityPartnership.com
for more information.
Grand Strander
13
So far so good in 2012
by Dr. Taylor Damonte, director, Clay Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism, and Gary Lous, director, BB&T Center for
Economic and Community Development, E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, Coastal Carolina University
During the first 18 full weeks of 2012 along the Grand
Strand, revenue per available room (RevPAR) for the Brittain
Center’s sample of hotels, condo-hotels, and campsites
(HC-HCs) improved by 6 percent compared to the
equivalent period of 2011, and by 14.9 percent compared
with the equivalent period of 2010. In a resort destination
area like the Grand Strand month-over-month or even-yearover-year comparative performance numbers can frequently
be misleading for a number of reasons. Chief among these
is the differing number of weeks or weekends in the study
period. For example, in 2012 the month of March contained
five weekend periods, compared to four weekend periods
during March, 2011. In order to reduce that potential for
bias we compared lodging industry performance during
the period Jan. 1-May 5, 2012, with the period
Jan. 2-May 7, 2011, and Jan. 3-May 8, 2010 (see table
below). With 2012 being a leap year, all of these date
ranges yield 18 weekend periods containing the same
national and religious holidays. Consequently, forecasters
can be reasonably confident that the comparison of
performance across these date ranges is a valid estimate
of the current level of change in lodging demand for this
group of properties.
We have long contended that the relative change in demand
for transient lodging rentals results from a change in the
relative demand for all Myrtle Beach area tourist experiences
combined. With lodging supply relatively stable, we believe
that the change in average percent occupancy (APO),
multiplied by the change in average daily rate (ADR),
or revenue per available room (RevPAR) is our best
indicator of the
relative change
in demand for
tourist experiences
area-wide. For
example, in an
absolute sense, of
the 14.9 percent
increase in RevPAR
for the Center’s
sample of hotels,
condo-hotels, and
campsites in the
Myrtle Beach
14
area from 2010-2012, 5.2 percent resulted from an increase
in ADR and 9.2 percent from an increase in APO. Of course,
in order to understand the real increase in local demand
we have to discount the change in local ADR by the rate
of inflation in lodging prices nationally. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for all
lodging away from home in the United States also increased
by 5.2 percent during the period March, 2010-March, 2012.
Nevertheless, since local ADR appears to have kept up
with inflation from 2010-2012, and local APO increased by
9.2 percent during approximately the same period, we can
say that demand for tourist experiences in the Myrtle Beach
area appears to have increased by 9.2 percent.
There are many factors that impact demand for tourist
experiences in any one destination, including the relative
appeal of the area’s natural and built tourist attractions,
the effectiveness of the area’s marketing communications
strategies, and the relative change in the purchasing power
of travelers. The tourism economy in any destination also
grows only within the bounds of the host community’s
hospitality. Many would say that historically the Grand
Strand has had an abundance of that. With so many
economic indicators being flat or negative, including
consumer confidence and a stubbornly high rate of
unemployment nationally, it seems remarkable that demand
for leisure experiences in the Myrtle Beach area is actually
increasing at the rate indicated above. This suggests to us
that so far in 2012, Myrtle Beach area planners, investors
and marketers seem to have found a workable and perhaps
even a winning partnership.
&
Up Close
l
a
n
o
Pers
by Nora Battle,
media communications
manager
Ted Fortenberry
Ted Fortenberry and family (le)
son, Grice; wife, Candace; daughter,
Anna; and dog, Daisy.
Vice President and General Manager of
WMBF News and Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce Board Member
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tylertown, Miss. It’s a small town in Southern
Mississippi about an hour and a half north of New Orleans.
It is an agricultural, farming community. If you travel inland
from Myrtle Beach about 20 miles, it looks just like the area
where I grew up.
What is your favorite thing about living in the
Myrtle Beach area?
My favorite things about the Myrtle Beach area are the
weather, people and water.
Describe your perfect weekend.
A perfect weekend for me is when nothing is on the
schedule. I’ll go for a nice run, enjoy time with family and
friends – preferably on the water – and wrap up with
dinner on the grill, a cold beer or a glass of wine ... or both.
What do you consider your greatest personal
accomplishment?
My greatest personal accomplishment is being a father.
What is one of your greatest strengths?
One of my greatest strengths is my determination
and a consistent drive to succeed and win.
What is one of your greatest weaknesses?
One of my greatest weaknesses is impatience.
What is your favorite quote?
“Failure is merely the opportunity to begin again more
intelligently.” – Henry Ford
What do you consider to be the best part of your job?
First, building a state-of-the-art (and possibly the first in
the country) high definition TV station from the ground
up was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Looking at today,
I couldn’t name just one thing: I love working with such
an awesome team, helping our clients grow their
businesses, keeping our viewers informed and helping
to make our area a better community.
What motivates you to do your best?
What motivates me to do my best is knowing that
anything is possible and not wanting to disappoint
myself ... or anyone else.
Where is your favorite place to vacation and why?
My favorite place to vacation is anywhere I can relax and
enjoy the outdoors, preferably somewhere near the water.
Are you noticing a trend?
Are you a dog or a cat person?
A dog person.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
I have many favorite movies. “Shawshank Redemption”
would definitely be near the top.
If a movie were made about your life, who would you
cast to play yourself?
I would cast Matthew McConaughey.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I’m a morning person.
What cartoon character best describes you? Why?
Taz, the Tasmanian devil. I have a lot of energy, move
quickly and have little patience for complaining and
excuses.
What was the last book that you read?
“Eat that Frog” by Brian Tracy.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superhero
name and power?
I would be the ‘TedMan.’ I would take the best abilities of
Captain America, Aquaman, the Invisible Man, Superman
and the Incredible Hulk, and I would be a Heinz 57
superhero mutt.
Grand Strander
15
&
Up Close
l
a
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o
Pers
Nora Battle (second from right) with her family
(le) sister, Ellen; brother, John; mother, Renee;
father, Greg; and husband, James.
Nora Battle
Media Communications Manager
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Columbia, S.C., but we moved to North
Myrtle Beach when I was young. I went to North Myrtle
Beach schools and my family now lives in Little River.
What is your favorite thing about living in the
Myrtle Beach area?
It’s where my family is, both my family and my husband’s
family.
Who is your role model and why?
There are many strong women I would consider excellent
role models, but I always gravitate toward thoughtful (and
thought provoking) creative women in history when I’m
looking for life inspiration. Female historical figures like
Eliza Pinckney, world leaders like Eva Peron, writers like
Edith Wharton and artists like Frida Kahlo or Lee Miller all
get you thinking. I admire that.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only
have three things with you, what would they be?
Sunscreen, a fabulous hat and my husband, James.
What do you consider your greatest personal
accomplishment?
I don’t believe I’ve quite had it yet, but I’m looking
forward to it. I’m sure it will be very exciting.
If you won the lottery today, what would be your
first purchase?
I would buy the mint green house on the corner of 38th
Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. It
has considerable character, and last time I checked, it was
for sale. My second purchase would be an apartment in
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, and my third would be a simple
black Chanel suit.
What is one of your greatest strengths?
One of my greatest strengths is the ability to keep cool
under pressure and to perform well in stressful situations.
What is one of your greatest weaknesses?
Sometimes I struggle maintaining focus when it comes to
long-term projects ... like writing the thank-you notes from
my wedding. I still haven’t finished them.
What is your favorite quote?
“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”
What do you consider to be the best part of your job?
Having the opportunity to meet so many different people.
When you love to people watch, a job like mine can be
second to none.
What motivates you to do your best?
I’m fairly competitive, and when I’m challenged is when I
typically do my best work in all aspects of life. As much as
I hate to admit it, when others let me know I’m doing a
good job it motivates me as well. It’s a typical symptom of
being a first-born child. My parents could probably tell you
all about it.
Where is your favorite place to vacation and why?
My husband and I love Puerto Rico. Our honeymoon was
our second stay in Old San Juan and we’ve had great trips
both times. However, I’ve always wanted to visit Havana,
so I’ll say Cuba is my favorite place to vacation in hopes
that I’ll get there soon.
Are you a dog or a cat person?
I’m an animal person – dog, cat, horse, pig, cow, parakeet. ...
You name it; I’ll probably try to cuddle with and/or tame it.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
I have so many ‘all-time’ favorites. A couple I’ve thought
about lately would include “Lost in Translation” and
“The Constant Gardener” (also a favorite book).
If a movie were made about your life, who would
you cast to play yourself?
The both earthy and ethereal Rachel Weisz might be
my pick. She’s got it going on. Or maybe crazy Helena
Bonham-Carter ... we have the same hair and she’s
incredibly interesting to watch.
What qualities do you value most in others?
There are so many qualities I value (and envy) in others.
My younger sister (and best friend) possesses many of
them. I suppose I value originality above all else, followed
closely by a sense of humor, creativity, intelligence and the
ability to speak candidly with grace.
More Up Close & Personal With Nora Battle, See Page 23
16
Economic Indicators
R E S I D E N T I A L CO N S T RU C T I O N PE R M I T S F E B RUA RY 2012
LOCATION
Single Family Units
Single Family Units Cost
Multi-Family Bldgs.
Multi-Family Units
Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost
Myrtle Beach
Unincorporated
15
$4,249,400
2
15
$1,245,066
73
$10,161,623
6
44
$3,355,664
North
Myrtle Beach
13
$3,106,237
1
8
$1,751,606
Surfside
Beach
6
$1,272,640
0
0
$0
Georgetown
County
11
$2,333,241
0
0
$0
R E S I D E N T I A L C O N S T R U C T I O N P E R M I T S F E B R U A R Y 2 0 11
LOCATION
Myrtle Beach
Unincorporated
North
Myrtle Beach
Surfside
Beach
Georgetown
County
Single Family Units
Single Family Units Cost
Multi-Family Bldgs.
Multi-Family Units
Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost
30
$6,482,535
0
0
$0
55
$8,067,049
0
0
$0
12
$1,782,640
1
14
$3,120,283
0
$0
0
0
$0
8
$2,182,446
0
0
$0
ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC INDIC ATOR S
Monthly statistics for the following economic indicators can be found in the CVB Insider special section of the Grand Strander:
Accommodations Tax Collections • Admissions Tax • Airport Activity • Gross Retail Sales
Sources: Bureau of the Census, S.C. Employment Commission
Grand Strander
17
New members
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce encourages members to do business with other chamber members.
Please consider these new members the next time you have a need for products/services. New Member Referral?
Contact Pam Wright, North Strand sales manager, (843) 916-7220, [email protected].
Georgeanne Rice, Realtor
Dockside Realty Co.
Real Estate-Exclusive Buyer’s Agency
Georgeanne Rice
415 79th Ave. N.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
(843) 450-1711
georgeannerice.com
Prescription Golf, LLP
Golf-Entertainment Packages
Charles Froehlich
2100 Sea Mountain Hwy.
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 798-7943
(888) 479-4301
golravelinsider.com
Gordon Mooneyhan Photography
Photographers
Gordon Mooneyhan
2100 Hwy. 15, #25
(843) 467-3461
gordon-mooneyhan.artistwebsites.com
SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown Co.
Disaster Restoration/Fire/Water/Mold
Don Shupe
418 Bradley Cir.
(843) 236-6278
servpro.com
Horry County Literacy Council
Organizations/Clubs
Patricia Bush
3101 Oak St.
(843) 839-1695
literacyhc.org
South Carolina Maritime Museum
Museums
Susan Sanders
729 Front St.
Georgetown, SC 29440
(843) 520-0111
scmaritimemuseum.org
Huffman Helicopters, Inc.
Attractions
Celeste Rubbo
3000 S. Kings Hwy.
(843) 946-0022
huffmanhelicopters.com
The Spoiled Pet
Pet-Food/Supplies
Robert Mills
3820 S. Kings Hwy.
(843) 450-6990
thespoiledpet.com
Driver’s Choice Low Cost
Auto Insurance
Insurance
Eileen Dubroff
1345 N. Kings Hwy.
(877) 772-4642
driverschoiceinsurance.com
MAP Destinations, LLC
Travel-Agencies
JJ Allen
9622 N. Kings Hwy.
(843) 712-2469
mapdestinationsonline.com
Surfside Storage Plus
Self Storage
Mary Bennies
1104 Spring St.
(843) 282-7722
surfsidestorageplus.com
EGBE (Family) Kilimanjaro
Entertainers/Disc Jockeys
Leon Jackson
464 Player St.
(843) 546-7555
Night Fever Retro Party Club, LLC
Night Clubs
Scott Coyte
9714 N. Kings Hwy., Ste. 122
(843) 808-9542
Executive Helijet Charters, LLC
Airports
Celeste Rubbo
3231 Victory St.
(843) 333-1626
Phillips Realty, Inc.
Real Estate-Company
Linda Phillips
1500 Hwy. 17 N., Ste. 203
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
(843) 238-8664
phillipsrealty.com
Thoroughbreds Chophouse
& Seafood Grille
Restaurant-Fine Dining
David Amend
9706 N. Kings Hwy.
(843) 497-2636
thoroughbredsrestaurant.com
Aerotek
Employment-Agencies
Todd Brannon
5165 Core Rd., Ste. 621
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 746-5800
aerotek.com
Beach Family and Urgent Care
Physicians & Surgeons - MD
Ron Reynolds
1311 N. Kings Hwy.
(843) 626-2273
beachfamilyandurgentcare.com
Beach Urgent Care
Physicians & Surgeons - MD
Ron Reynolds
9672 N. Kings Hwy.
(843) 497-2273
beachurgentcare.com
Coastal Canine Dog Sports
Pet-Care
Sue Vickery
3254 Holmestown Rd.
(843) 421-4857
coastalcaninedogsports.com
Farlo’s Burrito Bar
Restaurant-Southwestern
John Farrelly
815 Main St.
(843) 222-3072
18
MyrtleBeachA
Business
Connecting members
Business Bulletin
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors are
a group of dedicated volunteers from various businesses
throughout the Myrtle Beach community. Ambassadors
serve as a liaison between MBACC and our members. Their
mission is to welcome, nurture and recruit new chamber
members, act as goodwill representatives at various
chamber functions, and aid in the support of members.
If you want to make new friends and contacts, gain
business exposure and share the benefits of chamber
membership, it’s easy to become an ambassador. Visit
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Member Benefits/
Ambassador Program and complete the short application.
To learn more about the program, visit the website or
contact Pat Creed, membership services manager, at
(843) 916-7225 or [email protected].
APRIL
Ambassadors of the Month
Rhett Fowler with
Canterbury Apartment
Homes earned
Ambassador of the
Month for April.
Fowler is serving
his first year as an
ambassador.
Kathy Keene with
Regenerating PBS
Wristband earned the
second highest total
points for April. Keene is
serving her third year as
an ambassador.
Hurricane season, Continued From Cover
Of those 10 storm systems predicted for this upcoming
season, only four have the potential to become hurricanes
with two becoming major hurricanes. This is due to
El Nino replacing La Nina. La Nina was prevalent the
last two hurricane seasons allowing more hurricanes to
form. The past two years each brought 19 named storms
up the Atlantic Coast.
While La Nina brought lower than normal surface water
temperatures, El Nino is predicted to bring warmer than
normal surface water conditions resulting in the anticipated
reduced tropical storm activity. The lower Atlantic water
temperatures make it more difficult for storms to form,
as does higher air pressure.
of the Gulf of Mexico and affect us,” said Craig Gilman,
professor of atmospheric science at Coastal Carolina
University.
Gilman said residents should be reminded that the last
two major hurricanes to hit the Myrtle Beach area were
Hurricane Hugo in 1989, as well as Hurricane Hazel in
1954, which was a direct hit to Myrtle Beach. In 1999,
the Myrtle Beach area also was evacuated for Hurricane
Floyd and suffered significant flood damage. Gilman noted
that the most important thing that you can do is to be
informed and prepared. Disaster prevention includes both
being prepared as well as reducing damages (mitigation).
How can the chamber help?
We still need to take precaution
“Myrtle Beach probably gets hit with a tropical system
every 5 to 6 years. Usually a tropical storm will come out
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a website
(MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/member/hurricane)
packed full of information regarding hurricanes. Included
on this site are tips on preparing for an approaching storm,
important telephone numbers in the area, a list of storm
shelters, as well as evacuation routes out of the Myrtle
Beach area. Also in the chamber’s hurricane section,
you will find a Post Hurricane Business Survey. Aer a
hurricane, send this survey back to us so we can pass along
the status of your business to those who inquire. And don’t
miss StormFest 2012 on June 9 (see Page 4). Local agencies
will be on hand to explain what they do before, during and
aer a storm to assist residents, visitors and businesses.
Grand Strander
19
gsSCENE
www.gsSCENE.com
Ashley Smith named
Ambassador of the Year
gsSCENE ambassadors are members of gsSCENE who
assist in retention of long-standing gsSCENE members and
welcome new gsSCENE members through engagement and
communication. They contact new and existing members
throughout the year to encourage involvement in programs
and ensure the organization is meeting their needs.
The gsSCENE Ambassador Program is a one-year
commitment. Throughout the year, each ambassador
can earn points based on members contacted, events
worked and other responsibilities. This year, gsSCENE
recognizes Ashley P. Smith as the 2011-2012 Ambassador of
the Year!
Since becoming an ambassador more than one year ago,
Smith has contacted numerous members and taken over the
role of the ambassador tracking system. She also completes
the new member profile each month for the gsSCENE
newsletter.
the gsSCENE organization.
Her enthusiasm and
energy she has for her role
show through to our new
members and makes them
feel welcomed and want
to get involved!”
Smith was recognized
at the 4th birthday
celebration for gsSCENE
Party at the Pier. She
received a one-year
complimentary
membership to gsSCENE,
gi card and certificate of
appreciation.
If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, visit
www.gsSCENE.com and click on the About Us section.
Madeleine Winstead, gsSCENE Steering Committee member
and chair of ambassadors, says, “Ashley is a great asset to
gsSCENE Events
Register at www.gsSCENE.com
June 7 • 4:30-7 p.m.
June 14 • 12-1:30 p.m.
Golf Academy of America – Carolinas
Location: 3268 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach
How to Work With the Local Media
Location: MBACC Boardroom
1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
gsSCENE members are invited to join the members of
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for a hole-in-one
networking event at the Golf Academy of America. Learn
about Myrtle Beach’s top sport – golf – while enjoying
tasty appetizers and refreshing spirits.
During this lunch and learn, you’ll discover how to work
with the local media to help your business grow. WMBF
News anchorman Michael Maely will share with attendees
the art of interviewing, what gets your press release
noticed and much more!
20
Business Bulletin
Applause, Applause
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate
has received Five Star recognition
from the Cartus Broker Network. The
award is accorded to brokers who met
or exceeded their individual objectives
related to outgoing broker-to-broker
referral closings during 2011.
The Briarcliffe office of Coldwell
Banker Chicora Real Estate announced
that Pam Role has been awarded
the Seniors Real Estate Specialist
designation by the Seniors Real Estate
Specialist Council of the National
Association of Realtors.
KingOne Properties recently held their
annual awards banquet and presented
the following awards: Brandon
Brookshire received a Throne Award
for Top Sales Professional; and Mark
Hardee picked up two Crown Awards
for Top Listing Professional and Most
Number of Transactions.
RE/MAX Ocean Forest announced
that Tracy Turner was in the top 10
RE/MAX agents of South Carolina for
2011. He also received the RE/MAX
Lifetime Achievement award, only one
of three Grand Strand agents to reach
that goal in their career.
Radha Herring, owner and brokerin-charge of Myrtle Beach area firm
Watermark Real Estate Group, is the
Small Business Administration’s 2012
South Carolina Small Business Person
of the Year. The SBA selected Herring
based on her growth in sales, financial
performance, response to adversity and
community involvement.
Inside Tracks
Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union
announced the following new
employees: Sabrina Beall joined as
a member service representative;
Jennifer Reed is a new titles/insurance
coordinator; and Carole Wilson joined
as a mortgage loan processor.
Grand Strand Technology Council
announced its recent hire of Andre
Pope as vice president. GSTC also
reported the appointments of Ashley
Gasperson of the Horry County School
District and Cameron Parker of Castles
Engineering to the board of directors.
Indigo Therapy Specialists, a
physical, occupational and hand
therapy practice, continues its growth
welcoming Physical Therapist Nicole
Lampo, DPT to the team!
Santee Cooper Credit Union welcomed
Kathy Hane as the newest team
member of the branch located at
507 21st Ave. North in Myrtle Beach.
Members in the News
To find out more about the
highlighted businesses, click
on the Business Search link at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
Share Your News
Business Bulletin recognizes new
employees, staff promotions,
relocations and expansions, awards,
class and convention attendance,
new websites, and year-end
accomplishments for top real
estate producers/sales. Send
updates (under 75 words) by
the 5th of each month to
[email protected]
fax – (843) 626-0009.
South Atlantic Bank (630 29th Ave.
N., Myrtle Beach) announced that
Tiffany Hunt has been promoted to
banking officer and assistant manager
and Carol Vaci has been promoted to
customer service representative.
Closing the Deal
Chalet High Homeowners Association
recently selected SPM Resorts,
a professional timeshare resort
management company, to manage
their 76-unit timeshare resort located
in Basye, Va.
On the Air
HTC announced a new program called
‘‘Inside Out’’ airing Wednesdays at
8 p.m. on Channel 4. The program is
produced by Stages Video Productions
and hosted and produced by Diane
DeVaughn Stokes and directed by
Chuck Stokes. The show gives an indepth look at characters, personalities
and places in Horry and Georgetown
counties. The show also includes
agricultural interviews, food segments,
nonprofit interviews, and other
interesting highlights shot on location.
Grand Strander
21
MBHospitality.org
HospitalityPartnership.com
Hospitality Partnership
2012-2013 MBAHA board slate named
Trio Dinner
The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association’s board of
directors has approved the appointments of the following
members to its board of directors for fiscal year 2012-2013.
Executive Committee
Immediate Past Chairwoman
Suzanne Hinde ............................................................................
.....................Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Chairman
Eugene Silvestri .............................Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
Chairman-Elect
Jim Powalie ................................. Grande Dunes Operating Co.
Treasurer
Monty Morrow .............................................. Caribbean Resort
Secretary
Scott Martin .............................................Strand Development
Vice President Membership Relations
Kimberly Lewis ................................... MyrtleBeachHotels.com
Vice President Industry Relations
Steve Jones........................................... North Beach Plantation
Vice President Community Relations
Nora Mason......................................................................Costco
Lodging Directors – Term Expires 2015
Scott Martin .............................................Strand Development
Steve Jones .......................................... North Beach Plantation
Brendan England ... Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach
Theresa Koren....................................................Oceana Resorts
Don Singletary ..................................Springmaid Beach Resort
Ryan Hamilton .................. Courtyard by Marriott - Broadway
Hospitality Services Directors – Term Expires 2015
Thalia Sanderson ........................................................... Etcetera
Janice Duffy .......................................................Hard Rock Cafe
Kali Karellas ..............................................Frank Entertainment
Kevin Warren ................................................................... WHCI
Jay Coyle ..................................................................Apache Pier
The winner of this year’s
Trio Dinner “Best Dish”
and “People’s Choice”
awards was (second
from le) Chef Casey
Blake of Drunken Jack’s
and students (le)
Luke Dowdy, Randie
McDonald and Alex
Pelas. The winning dish
was Blackened Grouper on a bed of wilted seasoned spinach with
roasted corn and crabmeat Parmesan risotto with a seafood cream
sauce with crisped candied applewood bacon. The Trio Dinner is
the culmination of a culinary arts mentorship program that pairs a
professional chef with high school and college students. Each group
showcases their unique cuisine at the event.
ONE
by Stephen Greene, MBAHA president
International Student
Guide now available
The Myrtle Beach Area 2012 International Student
Information Guide is now available for members. The
purpose of this guide is to provide a welcoming and
supportive outreach to the many student visitors to the
Grand Strand. The guide answers many of the questions
regarding their stay in the USA and the Myrtle Beach
area. It provides helpful guidance and answers the “What
do I do next” questions. The new guide is available at
MBHospitality.org.
As the business community prepares for the students
arrival, the International Student Task Force has
created an outreach program with a new website
(MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/internationalstudents)
and Facebook page to improve communications with
the students. Student welcome meetings will be held
from the end of May to the middle of July at the Myrtle
Beach Convention Center to orientate the students to the
community and discuss varied issues.
Hospitality Day at the Statehouse
Representatives of the Myrtle
Beach Area Hospitality Association
traveled to Columbia on April 18
to take part in a luncheon for
lawmakers. The 9th annual
Hospitality Day at the Statehouse
was a resounding success and
allowed Grand Strand industry
leaders the opportunity to thank
22
our local delegation for all of
their hard work and share issues
with legislators from around the
state. More than 1,600 people
attended this year’s “Taste of South
Carolina” legislative luncheon, which
according to numerous lawmakers
and others, is the best legislative
luncheon of the year.
Members of
MBAHA stand
outside the
state’s Capitol
for Hospitality
Day at the
Statehouse.
Calendar
Thru Oct .........................................
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo
Jun 5 ................................................
CVB-Group Sales Committee
2:30 p.m.
Hospitality All Access
Medieval Times Dinner &
Tournament • 5:30-8:30 p.m.
MBHospitality.org
Jun 7 ................................................
Small Business Council • 9 a.m.
Golf Academy of America Carolinas • 4:30-7 p.m.
Jun 12 ..............................................
Myrtle Beach Ambassadors • 8 a.m.
Jun 13 ..............................................
South Strand Ambassadors • 8 a.m.
Jun 14 ..............................................
gsSCENE
How to Work With the
Local Media • 12-1:30 p.m.
gsSCENE.com
Behind the Scenes
Karma Tattoos • 2-4 p.m.
Jun 19 ..............................................
Board of Directors Luncheon
12 p.m.
Finance Review Committee • 2 p.m.
Jun 26 ..............................................
Chamber Access • 3 p.m.
ChamberAcademy.com
Jun 28 ..............................................
Planet Fitness • 5-8 p.m.
Jul 10 ...............................................
Myrtle Beach Ambassadors • 8 a.m.
Jul 11 ...............................................
South Strand Ambassadors • 8 a.m.
Jul 17 ...............................................
Behind the Scenes
The X Sports • 4:30-6:30 p.m.
June & July
Jul 26 ...............................................
Goldfinch Funeral Home
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Jul 31 ...............................................
Chamber Access • 9 a.m.
ChamberAcademy.com
Mark your
calendar ...
for lip-smackin barbecue
at the 6th annual
Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival,
Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2012, at
Grand Park at The Market Common
More Up Close
& Personal With
Nora Battle
Continued From Page 16
Are you a morning person or
a night owl?
It depends on whether it is the
weekend or not.
Where do you see yourself
in 10 years?
I see my husband and me in a slightly
larger but equally as charming home
in downtown Conway with plenty of
good books to read, movies to watch
and wine to drink. I hope to have had
many wonderful dinner parties at
our home by this point in time and,
with any luck, I’ll have well-earned
some of my mother’s reputation as
a perfect hostess and exceptional
conversationalist. That would make
me very happy.
What were your favorite subjects
in school?
English, creative writing and current
events were my favorite subjects in
school.
What was the last book that
you read?
“A Moveable Feast” by
Ernest Hemingway.
If you weren’t in your current
job/career, what do you imagine
yourself doing?
I’m not sure, but because of my
competitive nature and interest in
politics and current events, I think
I would likely be working for a
candidate – or cause – I believed
in (other than my dad). Helping
operate a political campaign, either
through communications or in some
other fashion, would be very fulfilling
work for me.
For the most current meeting/event dates and times, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and check out Events & Registration on the home page.
Follow MBACC on
Grand Strander
23
Meet your ambassadors
Carolyn Pittman
Ambassadors welcome current members and recruit new chamber members. Ambassadors serve as goodwill
representatives at various chamber functions and aid in the support of members. This month, the Grand Strander
took a moment to check in with Carolyn Pittman an ambassador with the chamber for four year, to find out why
she enjoys being an ambassador.
Q. What prompted you to volunteer as a chamber ambassador?
I like being involved with the chamber of commerce because it’s an integral
part of the community. Through the ambassador program I am able to meet
new people.
Q. What do you like most about being a chamber ambassador?
The interaction with other chamber members and getting to know them
better. At times I tend to be tied to the office and being an ambassador gets
me out.
Q. How has the investment of time as a chamber ambassador
advanced your career or business?
It has given me the opportunity to get the Long Bay Symphony in front of
potential patrons, donors and sponsors. Many people aren’t aware of all the
educational programs the symphony does for the community.
Carolyn Pittman
Long Bay Symphony
Executive Director
How long have you been an
ambassador? Four Years
Q. What is your best advice for making the most of chamber
membership?
Get involved and attend networking events. Be aware of all the chamber has
to offer.
Q. Give us your 30 second elevator speech about your business.
The Long Bay Symphony is the regions professional orchestra and the
largest performing arts organization. We provide quality musical programs
and performances that educate and entertain in addition to enhancing the
cultural and economic environment of the area.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce conducts ribbon-cutting ceremonies as a value added benefit
included in your membership investment. We bring the camera, oversized scissors and, of course, the ribbon. A grand
opening, an expansion, an anniversary or a move to a new facility is made more special with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your business to the community and fellow chamber members. If you’re a home-based
business, give us a call and we’ll hold a special ceremony here at the chamber just for you.
Kickoff a grand opening of your business by contacting Pat Creed, membership services manager, at (843) 916-7225 or by
email at [email protected].
Black Dog Running Company, LLC
515 Hwy. 501, Unit C
(843) 685-5637
blackdogrunning.com
Mead & Hunt, Inc.
1012 38th Ave. N., Ste. 301
(843) 839-1490
meadhunt.com
Ribbon-Cuttings, See Page 26
Grand Strander
25
Ribbon-Cuttings, Continued From Page 25
Rover Tours
715 Front St.
(843) 546-8822
roverboattours.com
Kinetico Water Systems
PO Box 638
Hampsted, NC 28443
(252) 269-0438
kinetico.com
Loretta Thompson Photography
265 Venice Way, Unit 1103
(843) 360-0574
lorettathompsonphotography.com
26
Myrtle Beach FC
4889 Hwy. 17 Bypass S.
(843) 410-8326
mysoccerusa.com
Myrtle Beach Speedway
455 Hospitality Ln.
(704) 886-2400
myrtlebeachspeedway.com
NASCAR Racing Experience
455 Hospitality Ln.
(704) 886-2400
Grand Strander
27
Member Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members celebrating membership
anniversaries in June.
37 Years
Compass Cove Resort
First Federal - Myrtle Beach
First Federal - North Myrtle Beach
First Federal - Surfside Beach
Myrtle Beach State Park
NextMedia Outdoor
PBV Conway Myrtle Beach, LLC
PirateLand Family Camping Resort
Polynesian Beach & Golf Resort
Sea Captain's House
Sea Dip Motel & Condo
Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort
Smith, Sapp, Bookhout,
Crumpler and Calliham
Spann Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.
Springmaid Pier
Waccamaw Brick
WEZV / WYEZ
Yahnis Coastal, Inc.
36 Years
Pelican Motel, Inc.
35 Years
Waccamaw Insurance Services, Inc. Myrtle Beach
34 Years
L & L Wings, Inc.
33 Years
Bank of America - Oak St.
BB&T - Sayebrook
Beachwood Golf Club
Belk - Coastal Grand Mall
Bellamy, Rutenberg, Copeland,
Epps, Gravely & Bowers, PA
Better Brands, Inc.
Boardwalk Beach Resort
The Breakers Resort Hotel
Brookgreen Gardens
Burroughs & Chapin Company
C.L. Benton & Sons
Cagney's Old Place
Capt. Dick's at the
Crazy Sister Marina
Caribbean Resort & Villas
28
Cayce Co.
Century 21 Broadhurst &
Associates, Inc.
Chick-fil-A - Seaboard Commons
Coastal Carolina Otolaryngology
Associates, PA
Coastal Engravers, Inc. - MB
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate Myrtle Beach
Conway National Bank Surfside Beach
Dargan Construction Co., Inc.
Dayton House Oceanfront Resort
Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals
Eastern Carolina Regional Eye Center
First Presbyterian Church
Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
Holiday Inn at the Pavilion
Hussey Motor Co., Inc.
Indigo Inn
Lakewood Camping Resort
Landmark Resort Hotel
Leonard, Call & Associates, Inc.
Longley Supply Co.
McMillan-Small Funeral Home
Midway Par 3
Myrtle Beach KOA Kampground
Roxanne Towers
Sand Dunes Resort & Spa
Sandcastle South Beach
Sandy Beach Resort
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.
Strand Orthopaedic Consultants
Time Warner Cable - Murrells Inlet
Woodbury & Company of S.C.
32 Years
McMillan Real Estate, Inc.
31 Years
Sexton Dental Clinic
Treasure Island Golf
30 Years
Red Tree Inn
29 Years
John T. Cook & Associates
28 Years
Arcadian Risk Managers
Coastal Carolina University
25 Years
Better Business Bureau of
Coastal Carolina, Inc.
Horry County Disabilities &
Special Needs
24 Years
Long Bay Symphony
22 Years
Bed Man, Inc.
HTC
20 Years
The Carolina Explorer Magazine
Sam's Club
19 Years
Swamp Fox Players, Inc.
18 Years
Jade Tree Cove
Orkin Pest Control
Prudential Financial
Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc.
17 Years
H.D. Supply
Windsurfer Hotel
16 Years
By The Sea
Coach - Hwy. 501
Inlet Medical Associates, PA
Marketing Strategies, Inc.
Mr. Store It
Ripley's Aquarium
15 Years
Monterey Bay Suites
The Myrtle Beach Diet
Myrtle Beach Water Sports
14 Years
Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf
13 Years
Darlington Raceway
12 Years
Carolina Coastal Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery
Hanser House Family
Owned Restaurant
Jungle Safari Golf
11 Years
Coastal Eye Group, PC
Time Warner Cable North Myrtle Beach
Tupelo Bay Golf
Waccamaw Lady
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at
Daddy Joe's
10 Years
Allgreen Tree Service
Lewis, Cooper & Jaskot, CPA's, LLC
Moore & Associates Insurance
of Surfside
Platinum Limousine
Times Printing
Waccamaw Community Hospital
9 Years
Bill Clark Homes of Myrtle Beach, LLC
Carolina Forest Family Medicine
Grande Dunes Golf Club
8 Years
Hawks Nest Mobile Home Community
James W. Watkins, CPA, PA
Logan's Roadhouse
Seaport Village
Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
Trade Show Express
7 Years
Bath Fitter
Club Regency Interval Owners
Association, Inc.
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate Carolina Forest
Grand Strand MAP & Coupons
Lifeway Christian Store
Mashburn Construction
Myrtle Beach Watersports Little River
Myrtle Beach Watersports Myrtle Beach
6 Years
Coastal Restoration Group, LLC
Island Vista
Watermark Real Estate Group
5 Years
Adeptis Consulting, Inc.
Autism Advocate Foundation
Barefoot Paradise Vacations
Keye Real Estate, Inc.
Sterling Homes
Thomas Outdoors Watersports
Ron Jon Surf Shop at
Broadway at the Beach
Store Smart Self-Storage
1 Year
Angelo's Steak & Pasta
Atlantic Webworks
City Electric Supply
The Hall at St. John's
Hucks Pool Company, Inc.
KRA Corporation
The Old Bull and Bush
Pirate Adventures of Myrtle Beach
RCS
Seacoast Artist Guild of SC, Inc.
South Strand Lions Club
Swansgate Apartments
4 Years
Duplicates INK Print & Communications
Enchanted Sailing Charters
3 Years
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Carolina Improv Company
Events on the Half Shell
Island Adventure Watersports
Market America Independent
Distributors
RR Donnelley
2 Years
Beach Discount Beverages
Blue Crab Festival, Inc.
BNC Bank - Myrtle Beach
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
The Center For Birds of Prey
Coastal Organization of
Human Resources
Cumulus Media, LLC
Goff Backa Alfera & Company
Grand Strand Health and Wellness
Grand Strand Tours, Inc.
Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant
Pizza & Hot Wings Express
Ron Jon Surf Shop at Barefoot Landing
Grand Strander
29
PERIODICALS
U.S. Postage
PAID
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Membership Division
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,
P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578-2115
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce/Convention & Visitors
Bureau offers members a variety
of ways to market their business
to locals and visitors. From marketing
your services through business card
and brochure racks in our Oak Street
and South Strand welcome centers
to sending out Member-to-Member
Emails, we have you covered. Visit
and click on Marketing Strategies/
Local Marketing Opportunities to
see how to get your business name
in front of thousands of potential
consumers.
USPS 124-490
Remember to pass along the Grand Strander
to your colleagues and friends!
Grand Strander Credits
Kori Hippe
Member Communications Manager
[email protected]
Diana Greene, IOM
Executive Vice President
Membership Programs & Services
Grand Strander Issue 708 June 2012 (ISSN 124-490) is published
12 times a year by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St.,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Periodical postage paid at Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership Division, Myrtle Beach
Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578-2115
Business Bulletin
Send updates by the 5th of each month for Business Bulletin to
[email protected], fax – (843) 626-0009.
Check us out on the Web
For more information about member benefits, upcoming events and
business updates, visit us at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
Advertising Inquiries
Reach more than 2,000 business leaders
by advertising in the Grand Strander.
Scott Head, advertising sales manager
(843) 916-7277 or [email protected]
Member Services
Area Code: (843)
General Information: 626-7444
Membership Sales: 916-7220 or 7234
Advertising Sales: 916-7277
Public Relations: 916-7218
Marketing: 916-7262
Research: 916-7217
Festivals & Events: 916-7276
Executive: 916-7296
CVB-Group Sales: 916-7260
gsSCENE: 916-7232
Leadership Grand Strand: 916-7222
Hospitality Partnership: 626-9668
Grand Strander is printed by Inlet Printing Co.

strander strander - Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

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