April 2009 - Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

Grand
670
strander Issue
April 2009
What’s
inside
T h e O f f i c i a l N e w s l e tt e r o f t h e M y r t l e B e a c h A r e a C h a mb e r o f C o mm e r c e
Five
Chamber
6
MBACC awarded top accreditation by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded
the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce its five-star
accreditation for sound policies, effective organizational
procedures and positive
impact on the community.
Most recently, 17 chambers
were accredited, with only six
receiving the prestigious fivestar ranking. Local chambers
are accredited three stars,
four stars or five stars.
“As board chairman, I’m just as proud as I can be that the
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber was not only accredited on the
first attempt but also received top honors,” said Brant Branham.
“The application process took four months, and the submittal
was so comprehensive that it required multiple binders to
contain it. I commend the staff for all their hard work, not just
for the application but each and every day, which earned them
this distinction.”
Know Your Community
Gangs, crime prevention ...
do you know your community?
Of the 6,936 chambers in the
United States, 260 (less than
4 percent) of those are accredited.
Of those accredited, only 49
(19 percent) have earned the fivestar ranking. In South Carolina,
10 state and local chambers
are accredited, with four of those earning five stars. The
determination is made by the accrediting board, a committee
of U.S. Chamber board members.
Special
Section
Five Stars, See Page 5
Visitation Outlook
Research findings from
travel planning study.
No MBACC dues hike for FY 2009-2010
During these tough economic times, everyone is looking for a
way to save a buck or two. It’s all about pinching a penny and
stretching a dollar.
With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce is always looking for ways to help our members and
local businesses through these tough economic times. Even
during this challenging recession, MBACC board of directors is
confident that the chamber has built a strong foundation that
allows the organization to continue providing cost-effective
programs and services. And with this commitment, the board
has declared that MBACC membership dues remain at the
current level for the upcoming fiscal year 2009-2010.
“The current level of membership dues allows us to accomplish
our goals without diminishing member benefits and quality
performance in any way,” noted Brant Branham, chairman of
the MBACC board of directors. “During these tough economic
times, I am pleased to see the spirited can-do attitude of the
chamber’s members and staff remains strong.”
For more than 70 years, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce has been at the heart of the Grand Strand’s economic
development. The chamber has record membership, major
legislative accomplishments, and an outstanding level of service
to the business community.
“The chamber’s history of accomplishments is due to the
interest and participation of its members,” Branham said.
No Dues Hike, See Page 15
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
12
Incredible Customer Service
ICE Awards applaud
outstanding customer service.
14
Business Bulletin
Read about new hires,
accomplishments and more.
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Brant Branham
E. F. Hucks & Associates, Inc.
Immediate Past Chairman
Steve Chapman
Island Vista
Advertising/Publicity Committee Chair
Ross Martin
Coral Beach Resort
Vice Chairs
Woody Crosby
Jordan Properties
Phil Vassar
Captain’s Quarters Resort and Hotel Blue
Business Ethics & Standards Committee Chair
Frans Mustert
Oceana Resorts
Vice Chairs
Debbie Harwell
Adobe Palm Communications
Phil Vassar
Captain’s Quarters Resort and Hotel Blue
Convention Bureau Committee Chair
Bob Barenberg
Kingston Plantation
Vice Chair
Charlie Bradshaw
Alabama Theatre
Finance Review Committee Chair/Treasurer
Myers Rollins
Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority
Vice Chair
David DuRant
Prestwick Country Club
Fulfillment Committee Chair
Chris Shroff
Shroff Properties
Vice Chairs
Jason Anderson
Anderson Properties
Nate Anderson
Divine Dining Group
Frans Mustert
Oceana Resorts
Legislative Policy Council Chair
Franklin Daniels
Nexsen Pruet, LLC
Vice Chair
Buzz Freeman
Conway National Bank
Membership Committee Chair
Tony Cox
Burroughs & Chapin Co., Inc.
Vice Chairs
Debbie Harwell
Adobe Palm Communications
Berkley White
Classic Homes
North Strand Council Chair
Rick Elliott
Elliott Realty
Small Business Council Chair
Steve Kahn
FSA-Full Steam Ahead, Inc.
Vice Chair
Wayne Morris
The Printing Port
South Strand Council Chair
Elaine Carter
Wendy’s/Palmetto Restaurant Group
Technology-Based Marketing Committee Chair
Ryan Swaim
Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals
Vice Chair
Will McIntosh
Intellistrand
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Young Professionals Council Chair
Sara Boling
CENTURY 21 Boling & Associates, Inc.
Grand
What’s Online
Myr tleBeachAreaChamber.com
strander
Grand Strander Online
Search
For quick access to all of the great features mentioned below, just go to
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Grand Strander at the top of the page.
Chamber
Events
Education
Programs
4 1/2 Questions
“4 1/2 Questions” asks, “Why become
an ambassador?” This month we
checked in with Rita Gray with the
Cooper House Event Center. Read the
Grand Strander Online and find out
why Gray enjoys being an ambassador.
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 April, 138 members will be
celebrating their chamber anniversaries.
Read the Grand Strander Online and
discover which businesses have been
chamber members for 29 years.
Brochure racks and
Business Card Displays
Thousands of chamber members and
visitors stop by the Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce Oak Street and
South Strand Welcome Centers looking
for information on products and
services offered in the area. Market your
business through the brochure racks and
business card displays located in the
Welcome Centers. It’s a free benefit of
chamber membership. Due to limited
storage space and brochure rack size,
Marketing
Strategies
members are encouraged to submit
brochures that are 4” in width and 9”
in height. By displaying literature at this
recommended size, your chamber will
be able to distribute more member
brochures and better meet our visitors’
vacation planning needs.
Ribbon cuttings
All Year Landscaping, along with two
other businesses, recently celebrated
ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Check out
the photos in the Grand Strander
Online.
Grand Strand Living
hot off the press
The chamber’s updated Grand Strand
Living® is a 112-page guide that contains
information on real estate, health care,
arts and culture, local government,
education and much more. A benefit
of your chamber membership includes
two listings in Grand Strand Living, an
alphabetical listing in the Membership
Directory, and a category/service listing
Member
Resources
Government
Relations
in the Business Guide. Published both
in print (35,000 copies) and online at
GrandStrandLiving.com, the guide is
not only an indispensable resource for
anyone planning to relocate, but Grand
Strand Living is often requested by
local residents who are looking for a
trusted chamber member for products
and services. Order your copy at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/member/
member_guide_request.html.
Test Your knowledge
Test your knowledge of chamber
benefits and win a free membership list
($100 value). Read this issue of the
Grand Strander, discover the answer to
the question below (either in this hard
copy or the online newsletter) and then
go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
and enter your response. While the
rules state one entry per person, it is
unlimited entries per business. So pass
the newsletter on to your employees.
Test your knowledge ...
This April 20 event spotlights food, food
and more food. Name the event. Go to
and enter by April 30 to win a free
membership list ($100 value) Winner
will be notified May 5. Congratulations
to February’s winner, Brian Stefan
with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, who
won two free tickets to the ICE Awards.
Grand
strander
Discover more networking events at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
April 28
3 p.m.
CHamber Access
Your All Access Pass
to the Chamber
MBACC Boardroom, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership
Register at ChamberAcademy.com
Registration Deadline: April 27
Questions? Call (843) 916-7232
April 29
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Business Before
Hours
Business Before Hours at
Cinzia The Spa at North Beach Plantation
719 N. Beach Blvd., North Myrtle Beach
Enjoy a cup of coffee as you network with fellow chamber members
during Business Before Hours. It’s a great way to rise and help your
business shine.
Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Registration Deadline: May 12
May 28
4:15-7 p.m.
Business After Hours
Premier Resorts@Barefoot Resort
2200 Premier Resorts Blvd., North Myrtle Beach
Business AFter Hours
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
BB&T Coastal Field, 1251 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
Take me out to the ball game! Grab your mitt and head to
BB&T Coastal Field for an evening of baseball, beverages, game
food, and of course, plenty of networking. Sit under the palm
trees with your feet up in lounge chairs in the Pelicans Beach section.
Along with enjoying Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
watch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans take on the Lynchburg Hillcats
starting at 7:05 p.m. It’s also Star Trek night at the game
featuring a costume contest – the “best dressed” prizes are
movie passes to see the new Star Trek movie this summer.
Overlooking the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, Premier Resorts@
Barefoot Resort is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing
Business After Hours. As always, there will be plenty of networking,
refreshments and door prizes.
Are you a new member of the chamber? Are you new at your
company? Or perhaps you are a longstanding member that needs
an update on all your benefits. Then make plans to attend the next
Chamber Access at your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
It’s a great way to break the ice within the first year of your chamber
membership. You’ll learn first-hand the benefits that your chamber
membership brings – at every stage of your business’ growth.
Learn how to take advantage of your membership through
Chamber Access – Your All Access Pass to the Chamber.
May 14
7:30-9 a.m.
Apri l- M ay Events
Registration Deadline: May 24
Registration Deadline: April 27
33
PR Hotspot
Grand
strander
Myrtle Beach area receives accolades
by Kimberly Miles, public relations manager
The new year starts and the accolades keep pouring
in. Congratulations on the following Myrtle Beach area
accolades in January and February.
THE GREAT TOWNS OF AMERICA (2009)
In 2009, authors David and Joan Vokac included
Myrtle Beach in their book that highlights the top 100
Great Towns of America. In fact, Myrtle Beach is the
only locale in the state of South Carolina to be included
in the book.
TRIPADVISOR.COM
“2009 Top Aquariums” (2009)
TripAdvisor.com travel enthusiasts named Ripley’s
Aquarium in Myrtle Beach to the site’s Top Aquariums
list, ranking the aquarium in the top five.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
GOLF COURSE OWNERS
Grande Dunes Resort Club –
“2009 National Golf Course of the Year”
Presented annually by the National Golf Course
Owners Association, Grande Dunes Resort Club is
the second Myrtle Beach area course to receive the
national honor.
SOUTHERN LIVING
“Favorite Beach” (2009)
“Favorite Family Destination” (2009)
“Favorite Weekend Getaway” (2009)
The Myrtle Beach area was again named a “Favorite
Beach” and a “Favorite Destination for Family
Vacations” in the January 2009 issue of Southern
Living. The Grand Strand has topped the magazine’s
best beaches list every year since 1995, when the
Readers’ Choice Awards were first instituted.
4
TRAVEL + LEISURE
“2009 Top 500 World’s Best Hotels”
Travel and Leisure editors named the Myrtle Beach
Marriot Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes to their 2009
rankings of the Top 500 World’s Best Hotels.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RV PARKS AND
CAMPGROUNDS (ARVC)
“National RV Park of the Year:
Oceanlakes Family Campground” (2008-2009)
AOL.COM
“Top Five Domestic Travel Destinations
in the United States”
D.K. SHIFFLET & ASSOCIATES
“Top 10 Value City for Couples”
Favorite Quote
“On this afternoon, pristine beaches glisten in the sun,
a fisherman snoozes behind his rod stuck in the sand,
and youngsters work on their moated castle. It is a
Norman Rockwell portrayal of The American Summer
Vacation, long ago when life moved at a gentler pace.
And yet this too is part of the fabulous Grand Strand.”
- Pam Hobbs, Good Times Magazine
(Canada) article “The Beach That Goes On and On:
South Carolinas Myrtle Beach is a perfect nesting
ground for Canadian snowbirds” January 2009
Print and Online Publicity Values
January 2009
39
Newspaper Articles
75
Nondaily Newspaper Articles
GOLF TIPS
“Close to Home: Top Destinations
You can Visit by Car”
9
Consumer Magazine Articles
2
Trade Magazine Articles
241
Web Articles
TRAVELOCITY
“Top Eight Value Destinations for Spring Break”
82,087,026
Total Circulation
$2,752,625
Publicity Value
COURIER-POST
“8 Great Escapes for Under $1,500”
Year-to-Date Ad Value for
Myrtle Beach Travel News
$6,341,819
What would you like to learn or see in a future
PR Hotspot? Want to be involved in this area’s PR
efforts? Have a PR related question? You can reach
Kimberly Miles at (843) 916-7218 or Kimberly.Miles@
VisitMyrtleBeach.com.
February 2009
42
Newspaper Articles
8
Nondaily Newspaper Articles
5
Consumer Magazine Articles
4
Trade Magazine Articles
208
Web Articles
166,311,159
Total Circulation
$3,589,194
Publicity Value
Grand
Festival Vendor
strander
applications online
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications from
arts/crafts, food and business vendors for its 58th annual Sun Fun Festival
June 5-6 and 4th annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival Sept. 4-5. Both events
will take place at Grand Park at Market Common (located on the former
Air Force Base).
Last year, more than 35,000 people attended the Sun Fun Festival and more
than 45,000 attended the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival. Don’t miss this great
opportunity to get in front of all these potential customers.
Applications for food vendors, business vendors and merchandise vendors
for both these events can be found at SunFunFestival.com under Business &
Vendor Info. Deadline is April 15.
Sun Fun Festival sponsorships available
Would you like to sponsor an event scheduled during the 58th Annual Sun
Fun Festival? Would you like to sponsor the Summer Long Concert Series? If
interested in a sponsorship package, e-mail Julie Sluss, festivals & special events
manager, at [email protected] or fax to (843) 916-7284.
Five Stars
Continued From Cover
“Accreditation recognizes chambers for their high standards of practice, full accountability to members and
steadfast commitment to community,” said Thomas Donahue, president and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“We applaud these organizations for advancing these principles of free enterprise.”
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures
and community involvement. To receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations
and programs, demonstrating competency in nine core areas: governance, finance, human resources, government
affairs, program development, communications, technology, facilities and benchmarking.
February 2009
The festivals feature live entertainment, games and rides for the kids. Sun Fun
includes celebrity meet and greets, a National Jet Ski Racing Championship and
a Sun Fun Beach Run 5K. Beach, Boogie & BBQ boasts the Wheelz at the Beach
car show and serves up award-winning barbecue.
Top Five States for
Relocation Inquiries
1.
New York
2.
Pennsylvania
3.
North Carolina
4.
New Jersey
5.
Ohio
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than 3 million
businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
55
Grand
c hambe r Academy
strander
Register for classes at ChamberAcademy.com
Classes for the Chamber Academy are held in the boardroom (unless otherwise noted) at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle
Beach. Register at ChamberAcademy.com. Payment due at time of registration. No refunds or rescheduling. To learn more, contact Blakely Jenkins, education
and small business programs manager, [email protected] or (843) 916-7232. Discover more educational opportunities by signing up for the
Education Updates e-newsletter at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Sign up for eNews.
04.07
Series
Topic
Business Series
U.S. Postal Service
Rate Change
Presented by
U.S. Postal Service
Date/time
Cost
April 7
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free for members and
nonmembers
Sign up by
04/06
Description: This presentation will provide you with the most up-to-date information on: May 11, 2009, Price Change for Mailing Services ~ Move Update – update
on charges for noncompliance and general overview ~ Intelligent Mail Barcodes – overview and feedback session ~ Flat-Size Mail Address Standard Changes (effective
March 29, 2009). As part of the Intelligent Mail Barcode presentation, feedback will be sought on your preparedness to implement the Intelligent Mail Barcode (Basic or
Full Service option) and whether you have access to the various electronic means of submitting postage statements and documentation.
04.09
Series
Topic
Presented by
Date/time
Cost
Sign up by
Business Series
Recession Marketing
Mona McGraw of NuRelm Inc.
April 9
9-11 a.m.
Free for members
$40 for nonmembers
04/08
Description: This session will discuss effective low-cost marketing strategies that motivate people to buy products and services in a down economy. The class covers
general marketing; it does not focus solely on Internet marketing strategies. Learn how to build a comprehensive marketing plan that will help your businesses survive
and thrive in the current recession. During this economic downturn, Recession Marketing has been a hit across the Eastern United States.
04.28
Series
Leadership Series
Topic
Presented by
Date/time
Cost
Sign up by
Maximize Your
Leadership Opportunities
Eileen Soisson from
The Meeting Institute
April 28
9-11 a.m.
$10 for members
$40 for nonmembers
04/27
Description: This interactive session will define leadership through current day leader examples, the phases of leadership and group activity. Seven winning traits of
leaders are being a producer, mentor, innovator, team player, motivator, servant and go-getter. Participants will do a self analysis test to see where they currently rate.
Check out this session to see how you can maximize your own leadership opportunities within your organization and/or business.
Chamber Academy announces new series ’Know Your Community’
by Blakely Jenkins, education and small business programs manager
Earlier this year, Officer Sean Fay, Myrtle Beach
Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, came
and spoke to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce’s Small Business Council on preventing
crime in your business. The session was so
informative and the feedback so positive, the
chamber decided to see if there were other topics
that could be presented to our entire membership.
6
Since then the “Know Your Community” series
was born. Through this series, the chamber
partnered with the Myrtle Beach Police
Department to bring our members topics of
interest that would better let them know their
community. The first series was held March 19,
“Homelessness in Myrtle Beach.” Before it was
even publicized the class began to fill. Topics such
as where do the homeless live, where do they get
their money and how you can help were covered
in this two-hour session.
Other issues the series will cover are “Gangs in
Myrtle Beach,” “Crime and Prevention,” and
“How to Protect Yourself.” We encourage you
to let us know of any topics you would like to
see presented. Contact Blakely Jenkins, education
and small business programs manager, at
[email protected] with
any suggestions. Visit ChamberAcademy.com
for dates and listings of upcoming sessions.
Grand
strander
Growing air service
F rom My Desk
essential to Grand Strand’s future
The Grand Strand has always been a drive-to
market. More than 90 percent of our visitors
arrive here by driving their personal vehicle. But
14 percent of travelers say they will not drive any
longer than eight hours for a five to seven day
vacation. More notable is this finding: 22 percent
say they will not drive any longer than six hours for
a three to four day getaway. By growing air service
into our destination, we can effectively penetrate
new markets, ultimately attracting more first-time
visitors. Increased air service also provides an opportunity
to attract more groups, meetings and conventions.
The lack of affordable, convenient air service is
our biggest impediment to growing this segment
of business. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau closely tracks the reasons why
groups choose not to visit our destination, and the
most common reason, given 62 percent of the time,
is inadequate air service.
A side benefit of increased air service is increased
competition, which can lead to lower fares. By
adding more flights and more origin markets, airline
routes become increasingly competitive. Airlines
respond by cutting fares and increasing promotion.
For example, we have consistently observed when
startups like Hooters Air or Myrtle Beach Direct Air
enter a market, the fares charged by existing carriers
fall quickly.
Beyond tourists, increased air service will benefit
local businesses needing convenient flights to other
destinations, or seeking to bring their employees
and clients here. Too often, we hear local businesses
comment how they choose to use other regional
airports due to price or availability. By expanding
air service into the Grand Strand, we can greatly
increase the number of departures out of our local
airport.
How do we grow air service into the Myrtle
Beach area? First, we must have the necessary
infrastructure. We fully support the current
expansion plan underway at Myrtle Beach
International Airport, a sensible approach that will
not require an increase in the fees charged to airlines.
While the funding is not finalized, we believe this
expansion plan is important and necessary.
Marketing air service is equally important. While
our marketing budget in 2009 has declined, we
continue to dedicate as much as we can afford to
promote the destination in markets where we have
current or emerging direct air service. We also
benefit from our marketing partnership with Myrtle
Beach Golf Holiday. During the past two years, we
have made several joint trips to meet with airlines
serving our community, as well as other airlines not
currently serving our community. These efforts have
paid off in 2009, with a new airline and new routes
being added.
2009 is a challenging year for each of us. Growing
air service has never been easy, and it won’t get
any easier this year. But we recognize this is a high
priority for Grand Strand businesses, so it remains a
high priority for the chamber. If you have ideas on
how we can grow our air service, feel free to contact
us. And if you are interested in serving on our Air
Service Task Force, a joint team effort between
the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, please join us. Together,
we can make a difference.
Brad Dean
President & CEO
Airport Arrivals
Arrivals
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
766,268
781,088
716,484
839,450
782,021
In recent years, we have made increased air service
a top priority in both our marketing plan and
legislative efforts. We believe growing air service is
essential to our future, as the Grand Strand is poised
to be a national tourist destination. But the growth
of air service is far more than a short-term strategy
to boost tourism.
77
Grand
strander
Leadership that stretches beyond the mold
LGS now in its 30th year
Have you ever been a part of something greater than
the individuals involved? Was it meaningful? Did you
stay bonded with those sharing your experience even
after it ended? While a lot of people will answer “yes”
and recall a birth of a child or another personal event,
a growing number of local residents reminiscence
about their time spent in Leadership Grand Strand.
“Leadership Grand Strand is absolutely the best
experience for anyone who is interested in learning
more about the Grand Strand or becoming more
involved as a volunteer,” said Debbie Conner, Ph.D.,
who graduated from Class XXI and is associate vice
president of university relations at Coastal Carolina
University. “The memories and the friendships made
during the program are unforgettable.”
“Leadership Grand Strand takes 30 class members
through a life-changing experience impacting them
on a professional and personal level,” said Class XXV
graduate Diana Greene, IOM, executive director of
Leadership Grand Strand and executive vice president
of membership programs & services. “LGS graduates
walk away with a comprehensive knowledge of the
Myrtle Beach area and a whole new group of friends.”
With an alumni roster of more than 800 individuals,
including Georgetown and Horry counties solicitor
J. Gregory Hembree (Class XVI), and Mary Jeffcoat,
owner of Long Bay Computer Services, previous
8
member of the Myrtle Beach City Council (1983-1991)
and a graduate of LGS Class I, this program has proven
to be an asset to the community and society.
“If you look at our impressive list of graduates, you will
find most of them have taken on leadership roles in
the community or have risen to the top in their careers.
Either way, they are having a positive impact within
the community,” noted Class XXI graduate Shannon
Camp, chairwoman of the LGS board of regents, and
systems and information analyst with The Jackson
Companies.
Are you up for the challenge?
Leadership Grand Strand is now accepting applications
for its 30th class year. Commitment to participating
in LGS centers on involvement. Those who choose to
apply should realize the significant time commitment
involved. Participation involves a mandatory
orientation in August, an overnight retreat in
September, one full-day (8 hours) session per month
from October to May, and 100 hours of community
service projects. Applicants must be able to fulfill
program attendance requirements in order to graduate.
The selection committee seeks diversity in the makeup of the LGS class in regard to age, ethnicity, gender,
socio-economic factors and business. Candidates
should exhibit an interest in civic involvement and
have a history of voluntary leadership.
LGS Class XXIX learns the history of
Brookgreen Gardens during one of its
monthly excursions.
LGS application online
Applications for the 2009-2010 Leadership
Grand Strand program are available online at
LeadershipGrandStrand.com. Tuition is $890 with
two $445 scholarships available. Application
deadline is June 30. For more information, visit
LeadershipGrandStrand.com or contact Greene at
[email protected] or (843) 916-7222.
Leadership Grand Strand is sponsored by the
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
Grand
strander
Takin g Care of Business
Programs and services to help small businesses grow and succeed. Page Compliments of DSL Marketing.
Web site R.I.P. Knowing when it’s time to redesign that old Web site
As I’ve always written, a Web site is the foundation of any lasting online presence,
so I applaud those of you who currently have Web sites. But like every marketing
effort, there comes a time for change, and that time is when your audience and
market changes.
As for functionality, Web surfers expect more and more out of Web products,
especially Web sites. Videos are all the craze, flash design, the ability to purchase
(e-commerce), photo galleries, forums, blogs and other Web 2.0 elements … these
are just the beginning. Many of these were recently “invented” and implemented,
and all of them are continually improved upon. Your Web site should upgrade with
the times.
As for compatibility, put it this way: All the major Internet browsers come out
with quarterly updates and yearly upgrades. Each new element and version of a
browser could negatively affect the way your Web site renders or formats in that
browser. This doesn’t even take into account the fact that new browsers (enter
Chrome) are created that your original Web site didn’t even take into account.
And browsers aren’t the only products that have standards. Don’t forget about
the fact that the search engines have quality guidelines that continually change …
making your Web site’s level of optimization relative to those changes.
Despite the fact that your Web site had all the bells and whistles for a mid-nineties
design – like an intro, animated gifs, and a classy soundtrack set on repeat … on
every page – those same bells and whistles might not be wowing the crowds like
they used to. In fact, they might be leaving your Web site in droves; just check
your bounce rate. (Don’t know what this is? Read below.)
First of all, understand that redesign does not simply mean making your Web site
look better. Aesthetic value is relative, so the look of your Web site shouldn’t be the
only deciding factor when considering a redesign. Rather, the two most important
elements to consider are functionality and compatibility. Functionality is a measure
of what your users expect, and compatibility is the percentage of likelihood that
your Web site will format correctly.
The list goes on.
Bottom line, if your Web site is working for your company (capturing leads and
creating sales) and you know for a fact that your Web site formats just fine in all
the browsers, the code structure is in line with search engine quality guidelines,
and you’ve periodically added those functional elements that your audience loves
and expects … then don’t redesign it. But that’s a tall order.
R.I.P., See Page 10
99
Grand
Hurricane Preparedness
Conference and Expo
The 4th Annual Hurricane Preparedness Conference and Expo will be held June 1 at the Sheraton Myrtle
Beach Convention Center Hotel. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Horry County
Emergency Management are kicking off hurricane season with an expo that focuses on “Preparedness
Begins With YOU.”
The event is free. The first 300 people to register will receive a complimentary lunch courtesy of
Santee Cooper. Go online to ChamberAcademy.com for a full description of sessions and to register.
Agenda
8-9 a.m. Registration, Vendor Booths and Complimentary Continental Breakfast
9-9:15 a.m. Welcome ~ Brad Dean, President and CEO, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and
Paul Whitten, Director, Horry County Public Safety
9:15-10:15 a.m. General Session ~ Steve Pfaff, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, SKYWARN® Storm
Spotters, National Weather Service
10:15-10:45 a.m. Break ~ Hall of Fame Area ~ Vendor Booths
10:30-11:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Preparing Your Pets
Local veterinarians explain what you can do to prepare your pets for
emergency evacuation.
Volunteer Organizations
Find out what volunteer organization do for hurricane preparedness and
what you can do to help.
Evacuation Education
What you need to know about evacuation zones and sheltering.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch provided by Santee Cooper.
Presentation: Up Close and Personal With Your Local Meteorologists
12:30-12:45 p.m. Break ~ Hall of Fame Area ~ Vendor Booths
12:45-2:15 p.m. General Session ~ Hurricane Katrina: The Untold Stories.
Presented by City of Gulfport, MS – Brent Warr, Mayor
2:15-2:25 p.m. Break ~ Hall of Fame Area ~ Vendor Booths
2:25-3 p.m. Wrap-up ~ Randall S. Webster, Director, Horry County Emergency Management
Sponsored by:
10
R.I.P.
Continued From Page 9
The trick is how do you know that your Web site
is working? Through Web analytics of course.
Using quality Web analytics software gives you
the ability to track the success of your Web site,
in terms of both functionality and compatibility.
From your Web analytics data, you can closely
monitor your visitors, their length of stay, the
number of pages they browsed, and their bounce
rate (if they came and left on the same page).
So before going through the investment of a
redesign, dive into your analytics, and use the
information to maximize your efforts. Analyzing
this data can be a daunting and time-consuming
task, so make sure you’re up for it. If you’re not,
you may want to contact a qualified interactive
company that can help lead the way.
Editor’s Note: Article courtesy of
DSL Marketing. For all marketing questions,
please visit DSLMarketing.com.
I N S I DER
Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
April 2009
2009 Myrtle Beach Visitation Outlook findings revealed
by Wendy Bernstein, MBACC research manager
On Feb. 11, 2009, the Myrtle Beach Area
Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a meeting
at the Island Vista Resort for all CVB members.
The members received a wealth of information to
assist them in their 2009 marketing efforts.
In January 2009, the chamber commissioned
Equation Research to conduct a study on
destination metrics and travel planning trends.
Equation Research Chairman John Pelletier
presented the CVB members with the results of
the study, highlighting several key points on how
to salvage something out of this year and this
economic turmoil.
In the survey, the participants were asked about
their leisure vacation plans in 2009. Half of the
participants (recent visitors) had visited the
Myrtle Beach area in the last two years while
the other half (prospective visitors) had visited
more than two years ago or never. Participants
viewed a list of U.S. vacation destinations and
were asked which three locations they would
like to visit most. The recent visitors ranked
Myrtle Beach as their No. 1 choice, while the
prospective visitors ranked Myrtle Beach as their
No. 3 choice. The participants were then asked
about any advertising they had seen in the last
six months. Myrtle Beach ranked at the top
amongst its competitors in advertising awareness.
Both groups also were asked how interested they
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
were in visiting the Myrtle Beach area. Ninty-one
percent of the recent visitors expressed interest in
visiting and 65 percent of the prospective visitors
expressed interest.
The survey participants were asked about any
negative factors that may impact their leisure
vacation plans in 2009. Not surprisingly, the
top five factors (in order of importance) were:
uncertainty of the economy/recession, a decrease
in disposable income, rising fuel prices, time
availability and uncertainty about job/job market.
These exact top five negative factors also were
given by travelers who stated they were cutting
back on their leisure travel plans in 2009. The
areas in which the traveler will cut back the
most are: spending during travel (eating out,
attractions, shopping), cutting back on the trips
or staying closer to home, and taking fewer trips
or staying in less expensive accommodations.
Ultimately what this means for the Myrtle Beach
area is a combination of good news and bad news.
The study shows that 9 out of 10 travelers are
open to visiting a new destination, which makes
the 65 percent of prospective travelers a great
pool to draw from. On the same token, it also
means that our 91 percent of recent visitors also
are open to visiting a new destination. Pelletier
noted that the only time a change in market share
occurs is during a down economy. Therefore, it is
not only important for the Myrtle Beach area to
The most powerful
incentives are a free night
stay, discounted travel
packages and discounted
airfare.
- 2009 Travel Planning Study
continue pursuing prospective visitors, but it is
also imperative that we pursue our repeat visitors
as well. Our competitors will be advertising as
much as possible to try and capture a portion of
the Myrtle Beach area’s current market share, and
if we loose market share now it could take up to
five years to regain it. Pelletier stated the window
of opportunity to capture that market share was
the next 90 days and the clock is ticking.
A complete copy of the Myrtle Beach 2009 Travel
Planning Study is available on the chamber’s Web
site at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com under the
heading Myrtle Beach 2009 Visitation Outlook.
You’ll also find a copy of a study conducted by
Dr. Don Schunk, research economist at Coastal
Carolina University, showing the effects a decrease
in tourism would have on the Grand Strand. The
presentation is titled “Tourism Recession and the
Implications for Grand Strand Tourism.”
April 2009
Horry County Admissions Tax
INSIDER
14.5%
22.1%
-14.2%
13.7%
-9.4%
30%
19.2%
-26.8%
15.7%
-4.5%
1.8%
-0.2%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$367,644
$390,470
$963,882
$1,020,330
$906,616
$1,252,890
$1,396,305
$1,458,563
$556,258
$617,133
$621,607
$366,849
Percentages Shown Are
Percent Change From
Previous Year
Georgetown County Admissions Tax
-2.3%
-18.1%
Convention & Visitors Bureau
-8.9%
4.5%
4.8%
43.4%
-16.4%
-38.5%
16.8%
19.9%
-27.2%
-25%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$48,748
$72,874
$137,010
$163,714
$117,158
$63,804
$44,241
$70,375
$61,920
$116,165
$76,208
$36,563
Horry County Accommodations Tax Collection
1.2%
5%
1.4%
28.8%
-16%
-1.3%
Percent Change From
Previous Year
13.5%
1.6%
-30.7%
-7.3%
-7.6%
-29.5%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$260,477
$483,866
$871,658
$1,109,237
$1,461,127
$2,592,125
$3,344,604
$2,658,074
$933,300
$669,689
$456,076
$256,469
Georgetown County Accommodations Tax Collection
-8.3%
-6.6%
-3.9%
25.1%
-8.0%
6.4%
-18.1%
-15.9%
-22.2%
9.5%
18.3%
110.2%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$20,492
$30,091
$55,457
$71,368
$107,792
$257,285
$324,617
$284,645
$91,491
$56,834
$40,974
$67,004
Horry County Gross Retail Sales
-1.4%
-11.8%
-5.1%
-9.3%
-12.2%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
$515,922,875
$577,862,905
$688,707,198
$766,145,587
$753,100,480
3.5%
0.2%
2.3%
-20.3%
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
$937,117,351 $1,094,705,034 $918,607,616
-11.3%
-9.9%
-16.2%
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$672,118,686
$563,572,991
$540,606,805
$562,613,878
Percent Change From
Previous Year
Georgetown County Gross Retail Sales
7.7%
April 2009
-8.1%
-3.4%
-6%
24.6%
9.2%
-2.6%
-18.3%
-9.8%
-0.1%
1.0%
-6.9%
Jan 08
Feb 08
Mar 08
Apr 08
May 08
Jun 08
Jul 08
Aug 08
Sep 08
Oct 08
Nov 08
Dec 08
$85,505,443
$97,356,306
$101,819,490
$122,014,295
$107,245,704
$158,176,300
$152,022,635
$124,347,100
$111,954,396
$97,503,863
$90,491,183
$93,967,746
For more information regarding additional
research conducted by the chamber,
contact Wendy Bernstein at
[email protected]
Source: S.C. Departments of
PRT and Revenue,
Percent of Referral Clicks vs. Total
Lodging
66.79%
69.29%
2009
Amusements
16.99%
12.42%
Theaters
4.45%
4.07%
Dining
2.94%
3.59%
Shopping
1.54%
1.73%
Watersports
0.67%
1.05%
Weddings
0.53%
0.45%
Golf
1.76%
1.75%
Additional Services
0.13%
0.18%
Other
4.20%
5.47%
2008
Jan
Feb
2009
269,285
283,597
FEBRUARY
January
FEBRUARY
2008
217,261
215,092
2009
2008
2009
January
2008
Change
23.95%
31.85%
2008
347,720
358,112
JAN
FEB
2009
406,873
459,712
Rate
17.01%
28.37%
* YTD - January 1 - February 28
Occupancy Percent per Room Week*
33.47%
2008
2009
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2007
34.01%
53.01%
64.18%
69.10%
60.85%
74.59%
2008
32.12%
49.96%
62.09%
60.00%
58.93%
72.96%
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
82.94%
75.78%
62.40% 54.25%
39.86%
24.74%
2008
83.39%
73.73%
52.17%
39.88%
25.22%
55.87%
*Dr. Taylor Damonte, Director • Clay Brittain, Jr.
Center for Resort Tourism • Coastal Carolina University
[email protected]
Source: Horry County Department of Airports
December Airport Arrivals
(Jan. 25, 2009 - March 7, 2009)
$52.99
$52.30
2008
2009
A rriva l s
36.07%
Average Daily Rate per room Week*
Do ll a r s
Pe rc e nt
(Jan. 25, 2009 - March 7, 2009)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
2007
$55.95
$71.90
$83.94
$98.29
$116.61
$144.34
2008
$58.54
$73.02
$88.87
$95.87
$111.84 $145.72
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
2007
$162.96
$129.77
$93.15
$76.80
$68.82
$59.20
2008
$159.59
$125.09
$83.14
$77.98
$69.80
$59.92
Help us Help you
Provide data to CCU
2007
2008
2007
Arrivals
2008
Change
46,552 39,023 -16.17%
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].
April 2009
INSIDER
Source: For more information, contact: [email protected]
Category Referrals
Advertiser Referrals
Unique User Sessions
Taking the show on the road
INSIDER
Co-op Corner
The 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, e-mail blasts, magazines and newspaper inserts. Also,
the chamber will provide online creative support if needed by participants.
To learn more about these opportunities and to find the right fit for your
marketing program, contact Lynne Boykin, Brandon Advertising and Public
Relations, 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 opportunity 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, members must contribute $1 per rented
room night for lodging members or a 1 percent “marketing fee” or a
nonparticipating advertising cost for activities and dining members.
Group Co-op
Going on Faith – June/July 2009
Going on Faith is published as a news and idea source for travel directors for
religious groups. Editorial includes coverage of destinations, special events and
sources of planning information.
Circulation: 6,000
Ad Size: 3”x4.6875”
Material Deadline: 05/01/2009
Ad Cost: $320, six spots available
Interactive Co-op
AAAJourneys.com – June 2009
AAA Journeys features articles on regional and world travel, area history, auto
safety, highway and transportation news, and consumer issues.
Added Value: Click-thru to Web site or splash page. Inclusion in a 1,000 word
story. One photograph placed within story. 25,000 impressions per participant.
Circulation: Connecticut, Southwestern Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Kansas and
West Virginia
Ad Size: 125x350 pixels
Material Deadline: 05/01/2009
by Danna Lilly, CMP
Myrtle Beach Area CVB director of sales
For group business, the Myrtle Beach area is one of those destinations
that fit into the “Seeing is Truly Believing” philosophy. And with
time restraints that so many group planners fall under, there’s not
always time to take two or three days out of the office to research a
destination. So, the group division of your CVB has been doing the
next best thing ... taking the show on the road to planners.
Between mid-January and mid-March, your Myrtle Beach Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau has hosted five events for groups
of planners in Atlanta, Ga., Charlotte, N.C., and Washington, D.C.
During each event, the CVB staff addressed each group, educated
them on the value of Myrtle Beach and shared a fabulous destination
video. When we hear the “Wow, I had no idea that Myrtle Beach
had so much to offer,” then we know that we had made an
impression. From there, it’s further conversation, follow up and
more follow up – leading to the hopeful end result of bringing the
planner to the Myrtle Beach area with a group of visitors
Several CVB members have joined us for these successful events
where we personally “touched” approximately 1,500 industry
professionals. If you would like to learn how your business can help
take the Myrtle Beach area show on the road, contact Danna Lilly,
CMP, Myrtle Beach Area CVB director of sales, at Danna.Lilly@
VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) 916-7261.
Where in the world is the CVB?
April 1-2
Affordable Meetings
Mid-America
Chicago, IL
April 4-8
Travel South
Kissimmee, FL
April 16
Greater Washington Society of
Association Executives
Washington, D.C.
April 21-23
National Association of
Sports Commissions
Denver, CO
The CVB is busy this month welcoming
eight groups with 901 attendees.
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, please contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager
and CVB member liaison, at [email protected] or (843) 916-7225. Printed by Inlet Printing Co.
April 2009
Grand
Hire Legal ... it’s the law
After lengthy debate and much public pressure,
the general assembly passed the South Carolina
Illegal Immigration Reform Act last May and it
was signed into law by Gov. Mark Sanford on
June 4, 2008. This new set of laws, intended
to curb the practice of employing illegal
immigrants, impacts all private employers in
South Carolina. These new requirements are
in addition to, and not in place of, the existing
federal requirements.
be able to legally employ workers in our state.
The existing federal statutes, which require
completion of the I-9 form, remain in effect
and do not change. In addition to meeting
the federal requirements, private employers
in South Carolina can either:
(A) Register to use the E-Verify work
authorization program which enables an
employer to verify work status of each
new employee within five business days
after hiring the employee. When using this
system, employers are provisionally hiring
each new employee until his/her work
authorization has been verified, and must
submit each new employee’s name and
information for verification; or
(B) Employ only workers who possess a valid
S.C. drivers license or state-issued ID card or
What Makes an ambassador
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
ambassadors are volunteers who enjoy
meeting new people and spending time with
other professionals. Ambassadors act as the
official goodwill greeters between the chamber
and our current and prospective members.
Their responsibilities include one-on-one
visitations with chamber businesses, event
networking and support of various community
projects.
Why become a chamber ambassador?
As an ambassador, you will gain business
exposure by being the first to meet chamber
members and put your company’s name in
the forefront. By volunteering at chamber
events and attending the monthly ambassador
meetings, your business is kept current on
what is going on within the chamber and
community.
As an added bonus, you and your company
are eligible for monthly and yearly award
recognition.
Do you have what it takes?
If you meet the criteria mentioned above
and are interested in becoming a chamber
ambassador, contact Pat Creed, membership
programs manager, at (843) 916-7225 or
[email protected].
are eligible to receive such. Exceptions are
made for employees who have relocated from
other states to South Carolina.
Employers are encouraged to adopt the
new procedures as soon as possible; larger
businesses with 100+ employees must comply
with these new requirements by July 2009;
smaller employers have an additional
12 months to comply.
For more information, contact the Employment
Security Commission (SCES.org) or a labor law
attorney for more information. While most
businesses never intend to hire illegal employees,
the penalties for doing so are far more strict and
severe than in the past. It is imperative that you,
as a business, seek to comply with these new
statutes.
Ambassador of the Month
Congratulations to
David Powers with Ocean
Breeze Awnings & More, who
earned Ambassador of the
Month for February. Powers
is serving his first year as an
ambassador.
Beginning July 1, 2009, private employers
doing business in South Carolina will be
assigned a South Carolina employment
license, authorizing the employer to
employ individuals in South Carolina.
The new law requires employers to comply
with all requirements set forth by the new
legislation, otherwise their employment
license will be revoked and they will no longer
strander
Applause to Laurie Dobis
with Innovative Hiring
Technology (IHT)/Grand
Strand Inc., who earned
the second highest points
for February. Dobis is
serving her first year as
an ambassador.
1111
Grand
Winners announced
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has
announced the winners for its third annual Incredible
Customer Experience (ICE) Awards. Awards were
presented during an elegant celebration at The Palace
Theatre.
strander
for Incredible Customer Experience Awards
Amusement/Entertainment
Business: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Individual: Mary Williams, House of Blues Communications
Business: WBTW News 13
Individual: Richard Green, Time Warner Cable (2008 winner)
Dining
Business: Chick-fil-A of Surfside Beach
Individual: George Clark, Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
Financial
Business: Atlantic Bank & Trust
Individual: Kim Smith, Atlantic Bank & Trust
Lodging
Business: Springmaid Beach Resort
Individual: Pam Reis, Crown Reef Resort &
Conference Center
Nonprofit
Business: Grand Strand Miracle League
Individual: Bob Jewell, Brookgreen Gardens
Professional
Business: Discover Chiropractic (2007 and 2008 winners)
Individual: Ian McClure, Atlantic Physical Therapy
Real Estate
Business: Century 21 Broadhurst and Associates Inc.
Individual: Paige Bird, RE/MAX Ocean Forest
Retail
Business: EmbroidMe (2008 winner)
Individual: Sallie Hinson, CVS Pharmacy, Store 3567
Services
Business: FSA – Full Steam Ahead Inc.
Fire and Water Restoration (2008 winner)
Individual: Linda McDaniel, A&I Fire & Water Restoration
ESPN broadcaster and actor Mitch Laurance along with
Ewa Mataya Laurance, reigning International and World Cup
Trick Shot champion and holder of multiple World and U.S. Open
9-ball titles, served as emcees at this year’s ICE Awards.
The ICE Awards consist of 10 categories with an
individual and business winner in each category, for a
total of 20 winners. Each winner was presented with
a 12-inch engraved crystal award.
“We congratulate all the winners and nominees who
help make the Myrtle Beach area a great place to live,
work and play,” said Greg Everett, president, Myrtle
Beach Funeral Home & Crematory, and president and
publisher, Myrtle Beach Herald. “The ICE Awards
are the Academy Awards of customer service. This is
truly the Myrtle Beach event of the year.”
Go to MyrtleBeachICEAwards.com to see more of the
winners’ photos.
12
Atlantic Bank & Trust took home both the business and individual award at this year’s ICE Awards.
Grand
Economic Indicators
strander
R esidential construction permits D EC E M B E R 20 0 8
Location
Single Family Units
Single Family Units Cost
Multi-Family Bldgs.
Multi-Family Units
Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost
Myrtle Beach Unincorporated
2
$237,813
0
0
$0
50
$7,139,463
0
0
$0
North
Myrtle Beach
5
$1,305,110
1
20
$4,457,547
Surfside
Beach
1
$266,003
0
0
$0
Georgetown
County
10
$2,732,452
0
0
$0
R esidential construction permits D EC E M B E R 20 07
Location
42
$6,171,155
5
56
$3,777,999
135
$19,743,319
0
0
$0
North
Myrtle Beach
13
$3,073,114
2
66
$14,709,905
Surfside
Beach
1
$331,000
0
0
$0
Georgetown
County
14
$3,603,396
0
0
$0
Sally Hinson with CVS Pharmacy walked away with the
individual retail ICE Award.
The ICE Awards were brought to you
by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of
Commerce and the Hospitality Partnership.
This magnificent event was made possible
through the generous support of Coastal
Engravers Inc., HTC, Inlet Affairs Banquet
and Catering, Myrtle Beach Funeral Home &
Crematory, Myrtle Beach Herald,
WBTW News 13, WMBF News and
WPDE NewsChannel 15.
Single Family Units
Single Family Units Cost
Multi-Family Bldgs..
Multi-Family Units
Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost
Myrtle Beach Unincorporated
A dditional E conomic I ndicators
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
1313
Grand
B u s i n ess Bulletin
On the Web
AvidCast Inc. announced the
launch of two Myrtle Beach
Area Chamber member Web
sites, Always In Touch Massage,
alwaysintouchmassage.com
and Crystalite Café,
crystalitedining.com.
working between both the
Main and South Strand
branches. Ketchem holds a
South Carolina Real Estate
License and is a South
Carolina Insurance Producer,
licensed in property, casualty,
surety and marine.
Inside Tracks
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real
Estate announced that
Marie Williams and
Ronnie Williams
have joined the Surfside
Beach office.
Bob Peyton is the
new general manager of
SunCruz Myrtle Beach.
Pawleys Golf & Country Club
has named Riley Kinlaw the
new head golf professional.
Kinlaw will manage the dayto-day operations of the
resort’s pro shop and its Jack
Nicklaus-designed golf course,
as well as plan all member
and guest tournaments.
In addition, he will be
responsible for coordinating
with the golf course
superintendent to ensure
top-notch course conditions,
as well as motivating staff
to maintain the high level
of customer service that
guests of Pawleys Plantation
have come to expect.
Stephanie Griffin and
Jackie Ketchem have
joined South Atlantic
Bank’s growing staff.
Griffin will serve as a teller
14
continuing
education
Sales associates from Coldwell
Banker Chicora Real Estate
recently attended Mortgage
101, a class sponsored by
Coldwell Banker Mortgage.
Sales associates attending
and receiving certificates
were: Cindy Senatore,
Jan Buess, Gary Little
and Dick Anthony,
Surfside Beach office; and
Erin Bishop, Fred Kane,
Jackie Cooper and Chris
Long, Carolina Forest office.
Coldwell Banker Chicora
Real Estate announced
that the American Real
Estate University has
recognized Dick Anthony
of The Dick and Vick Team
(Surfside Beach office),
and Michele Nelson and
Donna Bunting (North
Myrtle Beach office) as REO
Specialists, a designation
that requires an intensive
course of study and
examination to complete.
Less than one percent of all
real estate licensees have
earned this recognition.
Coldwell Banker Chicora
Real Estate announced that
Jan Buess of the Surfside
Beach office recently passed
her South Carolina Broker’s
examination. Prior to
undertaking the broker’s
examination, licensed
associates must complete
150 hours of specialized real
estate training and must
have practiced a minimum
of three years as a Realtor®.
Gerrie Watson, CCIM,
president of Myrtle
Beach Commercial Real
Estate Inc., was named a
Certified Mediator from
the National Association
of REALTORS. Mediation
lets the parties take control
of the outcome of their
dispute vs. letting a third
party decide the outcome.
Cheers
AAF-Coastal Carolinas
presented local advertising
and marketing professional
Milton Miles, vice president
of marketing with The Sun
News, with the Silver Medal
Award at its annual ADDY
Gala. The Silver Medal Award
honors individuals for their
strander
outstanding contributions
to advertising and who have
been active in furthering the
industry’s standards, creative
excellence, and responsibility
in areas of social concern.
The 2008 Miss Myrtle Beach
Pageant and Miss Myrtle
Beach Teen Pageant was
held in honor of William
“Billy” Alford, vice
president of A&I Fire and
Water Restoration. Alford
received the Miss Myrtle
Beach Pageant Community
Leadership and Achievement
award and was recognized
for his community service
and continued dedication to
Coastal Carolina University.
In addition, Alford was
recently honored for his
outstanding leadership in
transportation. Alford was
lauded by Lt. Gov. Andre
Bauer, Sen. Lindsey Graham,
members of the Horry
County Legislative Delegation
and highway officials for
his “Bridge to Nowhere”
idea, which led to the
eventual construction of
the Conway Bypass and
Carolina Bays Parkway.
AvidCast was named Internet
Marketing Firm of the Year
by the Myrtle Beach Herald.
Century 21 Real Estate LLC
recently recognized Century
21 Boling & Associates with
the Double Centurion Office
Award for production.
The Double Centurion
Award is given to Century
21 System offices that
achieve or surpass a certain
volume of sales production
within a calendar year.
Individual agents from
Century 21 Boling &
Associates also have been
recognized for receiving
awards. Traci Miles received
the Centurion Producer
Award for her Individual
Sales Production. Other
agents recognized for 2008
sales production as Top
Producers were Danny
Baxley, Gene Heidt, Glenn
Hellofs, Wendy Hodges
and Shaun Milligan.
Hodges also received
the Century 21 Quality
Service Producer Award
for her commitment to
customer service and
professional excellence.
John Draughn (Surfside
Beach office), Gary Roberts
and Lewis Bowers
(Briarcliffe office) of Coldwell
Banker Commercial Chicora
Real Estate have earned a
place in the company’s Bronze
Level Circle of Distinction
based on their transaction
revenue for 2008. The Circle
Grand
strander
strander
of Distinction is an honor
bestowed upon the top 10
percent of ranking producers
among Coldwell Banker
Commercial® professionals.
Final editing is underway on
a series of eight vignettes for
the U.S. Treasury Department
recently shot on location by
Encore Video Productions
Inc. The clips will be used for
the department’s intranet
employee training, and four are
being considered for release as
public service announcements.
Rick Coleman and Joey
Coleman, owners of the Tabor
City Jellystone Park CampResort, have been recognized
with the Camp-Resort of the
No Dues Hike
Continued From Cover
“We realize that renewing your chamber membership
is not a philanthropic type thing,” added Tony Cox,
chairman of MBACC’s membership committee.
“There has to be a value proposition for our members.
For their investment, member businesses should get
something in return.”
That return will continue to include networking
events, educational seminars, advertising
opportunities, call center referrals, welcome center
brochure racks, Web site links, affinity programs,
expos, festivals, pro-business legislation, and much
more. Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
remains committed as the leading voice of the Grand
Strand business community.
Year award by the Jellystone
Park franchise system. The
award was presented at
the annual meeting of the
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Camp-Resort group. The
Camp-Resort also won the
Carroll Award for receiving
the highest inspection rates
among all Jellystone Parks.
David Powers, Ocean Breeze
Awnings & More, received
the annual U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Blue Ribbon Small
Business Award. This was the
third year in a row that Ocean
Breeze Awnings & More has
received this prestigious award.
RE/MAX Carolinas has
announced calendar year
2008 figures showing that
Murrells Inlet’s RE/MAX
By The Sea Realtor Angie
Shoemaker was the No. 2
Individual Producer in the
state of South Carolina.
This is the fifth consecutive
year she has been in the top six:
No. 6 in 2004, No. 2 in 2005,
No. 2 in 2006 and No. 4 in 2007.
South Atlantic Bank
announced the naming of
Mary Jo Rogers as “Banker
of the Year,” by the readers of
the Myrtle Beach Herald.
Share Your News
We are asking for your input
on what articles and statistics
you would like to see in the
Grand Strander each month.
E-mail your ideas to KoriHippe
@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Also
“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber is working harder
than ever to uphold its purpose to promote, protect
and improve business throughout the Myrtle Beach
area,” Cox said. “We appreciate our members support
as we work together toward an optimistic new year.”
Membership renewals start in May
Membership invoices will be mailed to all members
May 1 and are due upon receipt. All chamber dues
and related expenses are tax deductible as a business
expense. As an incentive to renew your membership
in May, the chamber is offering:
• Half-page ad in the 2010 edition of Grand Strand
Living® – a relocation guide for newcomers and a
primary business guide for residents (Winner will
be responsible for ad creation and all applicable
taxes.)
be sure to send in your
company’s news for the
monthly Business Bulletin.
This section recognizes
new employees, staff
promotions, relocations and
expansions, awards, class and
convention attendance,
new Web sites, 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. Due
to limited space, the Business
Bulletin does not include
employee anniveraries,
photos or nonprofit
fundraising activities.
• Membership list on disk
• Table at Business & Restaurant Expo - March 2010
• Two tickets to Annual Meeting – October 2009
• Two tickets to Legislative Luncheon –
November 2009
Value
Half-Page Grand Strand Living Ad Membership Disk
Business & Restaurant Expo Table
Two Annual Meeting Tickets
Two Legislative Luncheon Tickets
Grand Total
Collins + Company
Advertising/Public Relations
received two top awards for
“Best of Print” and “Best
of Show” overall at the
2009 American Advertising
Federation-Coastal Carolinas
(AAFCC) Addy Awards
competition. Collins + Company
earned 12 Addy Awards
overall, including six Silver
Addys and four Gold Addys.
Work done for clients Coastal
Smile Center, Parsons Nursery,
World Tour Golf Links and The
Carolina Opry was awarded,
while the “Take Chances” print
ad for Dr. Bob Swanson and
Coastal Smile Center received
“Best of Print” and “Best of
Show.” The campaign was
created and designed by Missy
Rothrock, senior art director.
$2,735
100
145
90
70
$3,140
If you have questions about MBACC membership
renewal, contact Pat Creed, membership programs
manager, at [email protected] or
(843) 916-7225.
1515
Grand
N e w M embe r s
A Touch of Class Bakery/Cafe, LLC
Restaurant-Bakery
Rennay Coleman
4006 Postal Way, Unit F
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 236-5556
(864) 787-9728
AddLogos, LLC
Ads-Specialties
Jim Mann
6001 S. Kings Hwy.
(704) 582-2762
(800) 482-4675
addlogos.com
AdLav Indoor Advertising
Advertising
Dave Daniels
6510 Somerset Dr., Ste. 202
(843) 222-0826
AdLavIndoor.com
Carolina Film Group
Video-Film Production Services
Ralph McCloud
308-A 76th Ave. N.
(843) 449-4776
carolinafilmgroup.com
Carolina Linen, LLC
Linen Supply Service
Jerry Nardone
620-A Sandy Ln.
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
(843) 957-0814
16
Creative Internet Solutions
Internet-Marketing
J. Redmon
PO Box 2563
(843) 357-9962
Diamond Beachside A Taxi
Taxicabs
Raj Malik
1108 3rd Ave. S.
(843) 455-2999
Econo Cleaning
Carpet-Rug/Upholstery Cleaner
Charlie Ludlam
1684 Coventry Rd.
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
(252) 256-3707
Holiday Sands at South Beach
Vacation Rentals & Beach Homes
Erik Marlowe
2501 S. Ocean Blvd.
(843) 448-4439
HolidaySandsSouth.com
Inlet Dental Center, Inc.
Dentists
Dennis James
9356-C Hwy. 17 Bypass
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 215-0579
Lictchfield Plantation Country Inn
Bed & Breakfast
Greg Matcher
Kings River Rd.
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 237-9121
(800) 869-1410
litchfieldplantation.com
strander
Quiznos Sub #4862
Restaurant-Fast Casual
Randy Long
2000 Coastal Grand Mall
(843) 839-6666
Quiznos.com
Myrtle Beach Republican Women
Organizations/Clubs
Johnnie Bellamy
PO Box 54595
(843) 272-6885
Quiznos Sub #9273
Randy Long
3735 Oleander Dr.
(843) 839-4782
Quiznos.com
Piedmont Companies, Inc.
Developers
Sandra Cashion
2667 E. Main St.
Lincolnton, NC 28093
(704) 736-4333
Regan’s Irish Cottage, LLC
Gift-Shops
Theresa Regan
2834B Howard Ave.
(843) 839-0911
Quiznos Sub #4668
Randy Long
3290 Hwy. 17 S. Business
(843) 651-8563
Quiznos.com
Solzon
Technology
Jim Filosa
730 Main St., Ste. 353
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 399-1746
solzon.com
Quiznos Sub #4861
Randy Long
10517 S. Ocean Hwy., Unit 1
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(843) 979-4782
Quiznos.com
The Imperial Group International
Real Estate-Company
Deborah Caruso
4905-C Hwy. 17 Bypass
(843) 651-5440
theimperialgroupinternational.com
The Lowcountry Food Bank
Nonprofit
Kristen Kennedy
200 S. Broadway St.
(843) 747-8146
lowcountryfoodbank.org
Grand
strander
g s SC E N E
Upcoming gsSCENE Events
(Register at gsSCENE.com)
Presented by
Apr 1
8:30-10:30 a.m.
of Horry County was the winner, so they are
the recipients of any revenue gsSCENE brings
in during the kickball tournament.
Remember back in elementary school when
the best part of the day was recess?
And more times than not kickball was a
staple of elementary school recesses.
gsSCENE wants to bring back those fond
memories with the Inaugural gsSCENE
“Kickin’ it for Charity” Kickball Tournament,
presented by Springmaid Beach Resort.
“Kickin’ it for Charity” will be held May 2
at The Ripken Experience. The tournament
is open to only 16 teams, which can have
a minimum of eight players or a maximum
of 16 players on a roaster. Each team is
guaranteed to play at least two games, and
the tournament will be done in brackets with
a championship game held at the end.
The idea of a kickball tournament was
thought of after seeing the success of kickball
leagues in other South Carolina communities.
Rather than jumping right in by starting
a league, gsSCENE thought a one-day
tournament was the perfect way to introduce
kickball to the young professionals on the
Grand Strand. But the tournament isn’t just
about playing the game; it’s also about raising
money for a local charity. gsSCENE members
were asked to submit essays explaining why
their favorite charity should benefit from a
gsSCENE fundraiser. The essays were then
posted on gsSCENE.com and gsSCENE
members were allowed one vote. United Way
But the fun doesn’t stop there! That evening
gsSCENE will host an after-party at Froggy
Bottoms at Broadway at the Beach. Tickets
are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Costs
include open bar and food for two hours,
live music and presentation of trophies for
the top teams. Proceeds from the after-party,
as well as food and beverage sales at the
tournament, will go to United Way of Horry
County.
Apr 15
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Spring Social
Join gsSCENE at the waterfront Anchor Cafe,
behind Marina Inn at Grande Dunes,
for our spring networking event.
May 6
5:30-7:30 p.m.
One Year Anniversary
gsSCENE is turning one! And they’re taking
it back to where it all began. Join gsSCENE
at The Boathouse where we’ll celebrate our
one year anniversary. We kicked off gsSCENE
exactly one year ago right here on the water
at The Boathouse. This event is open to the
public.
by Blakely Jenkins, education and
small business programs manager,
gsSCENE liaison
Educational Breakfast
“Public Speaking” with Lee Bollinger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Communication
Coastal Carolina University
Location: 1200 N. Oak St., MBACC Boardroom
Thanks to our gsSCENE sponsors:
For more details on the tournament,
registration, kickball rules and gsSCENE,
visit gsSCENE.com.
Boling & Associates, Inc.
1717
Grand
strander
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. Your event can be as simple, informal, extravagant or ceremonious as you want it to be. It's your event and should reflect your company's values and
personality.
Ribbon-cutting announcements are included in the Grand Strander, which is mailed to our 2,400 plus members, and photos appear in the online edition of the popular newsletter.
The chamber’s ambassadors attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies on behalf of the members. Having ambassadors at the ceremony provides an excellent networking and publicity
opportunity.
Kick off a grand opening of your business by contacting Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at [email protected] or (843) 916-7225.
The chamber recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following members:
All Year Landscape Supply
1769 Hwy. 544
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 234-9273
allyearlawnandmore.com
Solzon
730 Main St., Ste. 353
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 399-1746
solzon.com
18
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies,
See Page 19
Grand
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies, Continued From Page 18
strander
HandPicked, Inc.
3324 Reed St., Ste. 300
(843) 839-1321
behandpicked.com
Firestone/Bridgestone, LLC
120 Loyola Dr.
(843) 650-1501
firestone.com
Little River Medical Center, Inc.
Mobile Children Dental Services Unit
P.O. Box 547
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 663-1033
littlerivermedcenter.com
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies,
SeePage 20
1919
Grand
strander
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies, Continued From Page 19
Regan's Irish Cottage, LLC
2834-B Howard Ave.
(843) 839-0911
20
T & M Home Improvement, Inc.
4011C Belle Terre Blvd.
(843) 236-2344
tmwindows.vpweb.com
Grand
strander
Ambassadors
Ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers from various businesses throughout the Grand Strand community. Their mission is to 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 Rita Gray, an ambassador with the chamber for two years, to find out why she enjoys being
an ambassador. To learn more about becoming a chamber ambassador, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Member Resources/Ambassador or
contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) 916-7225 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Rita Gray
Cooper House Event Center
Owner
Ambassador for Two Years
Q. What prompted you to volunteer as a chamber ambassador?
A. To get involved in our community and get to know other business members.
Q. What do you like most about being a chamber ambassador?
A. It gives me an open door to make contacts. People welcome us to their business.
Q. How has the investment of time as a chamber ambassador advanced
your career or business?
A. It keeps my face in front of the business community. It takes a long time to build
an event center.
4 1/2 Questions
With Rita Gray
Q. What is your best advice for making the most of chamber
membership?
A. Get involved. Don’t sit behind your doors and expect people to run to you.
Q. Give us your 30 second elevator speech about your business.
A. Cooper House Event Center “A Special Place for Special Events.”
2121
Grand
strander
Congratulations to the following members celebrating
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce membership anniversaries in April.
29 Years
2001 Enterprises, Inc.
Green’s Discount Beverages
17 Years
Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
Kiddie Park
28 Years
Mancill, Inc.
16 Years
Chesapeake House
Hawaiian Village Miniature Golf
The Reserves Network
26 Years
Coastal Workforce Center
Crawford Sprinkler Co.
Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
25 Years
Beachcomber Vacations
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday
24 Years
Lazelle’s Flower Shop
23 Years
AAF - Coastal Carolinas
Condo Lux Condominiums
Ocean Forest Plaza
22 Years
The Cherry Grove Pier
Coastal Business Brokers
Farm House Restaurant
Kingfisher Inn
21 Years
A Wedding To Remember (Hart Enterprises, Inc.)
BB&T - Oak St.
Palmetto Tour & Travel, A Receptive Operator
Smith Shanafelt , LLC, CPAs
20 Years
Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Hwy. 501
Holiday Inn West on the Waterway
Myrtle Beach Indoor Shooting Range and Civil War Collection
18 Years
ADT Security Services
Long Bay Golf Club
Native Sons Screenprinting & Embroidery
Willbrook Plantation Golf Club
22
15 Years
DSL Marketing
Sunset Vacations
14 Years
Carolina Roadhouse
Med Plus South Strand Family Practice
Myrtle Beach Community Church
National Bank of SC - Oak St.
Sherwin Williams - North Myrtle Beach
Sherwin Williams - Murrells Inlet
Sherwin Williams - Myrtle Beach
SPM Resorts
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. - Hwy. 501
13 Years
Certifax Appraisals
Gulf Stream Cafe
Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association
Landry’s Seafood Restaurant
Martino & Associates/ Chuck Martino & Associates
Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep
9 Years
Four Star Plumbing & Air Conditioning
Georgetown Memorial Hospital
Sleep Inn Conway
Terminix Service
U-Save Car & Truck Rental 8 Years
A Beautiful Wedding
Chalupa Mexican Restaurant
Creek Ratz
Hot Fish Club
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
7 Years
Comfort Keepers
Creative Touch Interiors
Nash Oil Co., Inc.
6 Years
BB&T - Murrells Inlet
5 Years
Chavis Van & Storage-Agent for United Van Lines
Curtis 1000
The Earthworks Group, Inc.
Rent-A-Tool, Inc. - North Myrtle Beach
Rent-A-Tool, Inc. - Myrtle Beach
Security Vision
Southwind On The Ocean
11 Years
Apartment Finder
Tradition Golf Club
4 Years
Carolina Construction, Inc.
East of Chicago
Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina
Qantum of Myrtle Beach, LLC
Rowe Professional Services Company
Señor Frogs
10 Years
Carrabba’s Italian Grill - Myrtle Beach
Fife Golf Management, dba TPC of Myrtle Beach
Second Wind Tours, LLC
SunBelt Rentals, Inc.
3 Years
American Advantage Mortgage Company
Apex Homes, Inc.
beachlife.style Magazine
Chick-fil-A - Surfside Beach
12 Years
Sentry Films - The Hurricane Experts
Member Anniversaries, See Page 23
Grand
Member Anniversaries
Continued From Page 22
2 Years
Art Henry’s Myrtle Beach Adventures
Arthur Rutenberg Homes
Beazer Homes
C-Aire
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries
Palmer Enterprises-Identity Theft Protection/Compliance
The Raub Group, LLC
Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort
South Carolina Bank and Trust - Oak St.
1 Year
Access HearingCare Specialists
Air Comfort Heating & Cooling Services of Myrtle Beach, Inc.
AT&T Advertising
AT&T Mobility
Blue Moon Nursery & Garden Center, Inc.
Custom Catering, Inc.
Eagle Rider Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals
For Sale Options, LLC
Grant’s Furniture & Interiors
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs - Dick Pond Rd.
Ichiro’s Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
JZ Graphics
Lynn Cole Photography
Maximum Digital Solutions
Med Eyes Home of Pearle Vision
Molly Darcy’s on the Beach
Myrtle Beach Vacation Deals
Powalie & Associates
Salt Creek Cafe
Shoney’s - 1206 S. Kings Hwy.
Shoney’s - 1805 N. Kings Hwy.
Signature Arts, Inc.
Tuscany Tile & Design
Visual Data Systems
3 Years
CNF Properties, LLC
Coastal Carolina Dining
Coastal Carolina Homestyles
DockSider’s Grille
Geeks on Call - 1-800-905-GEEK
Grand Strand Fire Sprinkler
Hooters of Murrells Inlet
Jonea Gene Marketing & PR
La Petite Styling Salon
Life Line Chiropractic & Associates, LLC
Minuteman Press
Myrtle Beach Bucks
Myrtle Beach Real Estate
Pitney Bowes Global Mailing Systems
RBC Centura - Pawleys Island
Roger P. Roy, Jr., PA
S.O.L.A.R. Resorts
Southern Dunes Golf & Travel
strander
2323
Grand
Hospitality Partnership
Mark your calendar for Trio Dinner
The Myrtle Beach Area
Hospitality Association
is hosting its third annual
Trio Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
on April 20 at the
Sheraton Myrtle Beach
Convention Center Hotel,
the presenting sponsor for the event.
The Trio Dinner is the culmination of an innovative
mentorship program that matches a local executive
chef with a high school and college student. Along with
excellent fare, the event includes entertainment by the
Coastal Carolina University’s Jazz After Hours and After
Hours Combo bands and a silent auction benefiting
hospitality educational programming.
High school students participating in the mentorship
program are from the Academy for Technology and
Academics. This magnet school receives students from
throughout Horry County, who have an opportunity to
sample hospitality courses including culinary arts in the
middle and early high school years. The college students
completing the trio are from the culinary arts program
at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Hospitalit y
r t n e r s h i p
a
p
Tickets for the Trio Dinner run $85 per person, and
the attire is business dress. Tickets must be purchased
in advance online at TrioDinner.org or by calling
(843) 626-9668. Only 200 tickets are available, offered
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be a part of this unique mentoring program by helping
to sponsor the event. Sponsorships, which include
complimentary tickets to the event, range from Event
Partner ($10,000) and Entertainment Sponsor ($1,500)
to Table Sponsor ($750) and Benefactor ($500).
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Shirley
Pearson, MBAHA director of membership services,
at [email protected] or (843) 626-9668.
strander
To learn more about attending Hospitality Day at the
State House and Taste of South Carolina, contact Shirley
Pearson, MBAHA director of membership services, at
[email protected] or (843) 626-9668.
Public safety billboard campaign
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association has launched
its 13th annual public safety appreciation campaign
with a series of billboards throughout the Grand
Strand. The 10 billboards display a message thanking
public safety professionals for putting their lives on
the line every day. The billboards were provided by
NextMedia Outdoor Inc. and sponsored by Gold Crown
Management, Genco Inc. and Thorny’s Steakhouse and
Saloon.
Don’t miss Hospitality Day
at the State House
Meet with legislators and enjoy lunch
on the lawn from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
at the April 22 Hospitality Day at the
State House and Taste of South Carolina.
Restaurants from across the state will be
serving samples of their menu specialties.
WELCOME CENTERS Summer Hours
Main Office and
Ashby Ward Welcome Center
1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 626-7444
Toll Free: (800) 356-3016
Hours: April through Labor Day
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
24
Airport Welcome Center
Myrtle Beach International Airport
1100 Jetport Rd., Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 626-7444
Toll Free: (800) 356-3016
Hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Daily
South Strand Welcome Center
3401 U.S. 17 Bus. S., Murrells Inlet
Phone: (843) 651-1010
Toll Free: (800) 356-3016
Hours: May through Labor Day
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Grand
strander
Apri l- M ay Calendar
Time
Event
Contact
Apr-Oct
Apr 1
Apr 7
Apr 7
Apr 7
Apr 8
Apr 9
Apr 14
Apr 14
Apr 14
Apr 15
Varies
8:30-10:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
8 a.m.
9-11 a.m.
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
Info Line: 626-7444
Blakely Jenkins, 916-7232*
Michelle Schollmeyer, 916-7267
Shannon Haswell, 916-7240
Pat Creed, 916-7225
Pat Creed, 916-7225
Info Line: 626-7444
Kate Miles, 916-7234
Apr 15
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Apr 17
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 21
9 a.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Apr 22
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Apr 28
9-11 a.m.
Apr 28
Apr 29
3 p.m.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 6
5:30-7:30 p.m.
May 9-17
May 12
May 12
May 12
May 13
May 13
Varies
8 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
8 a.m.
3:30 p.m.
May 14
7:30-9 a.m.
May 19
May 19
May 26
May 28
2:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
3 p.m.
4:15-7 p.m.
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo
gsSCENE: Educational Breakfast – Public Speaking
Convention Bureau Committee
North Strand Council
Chamber Academy: U.S. Postal Service Rate Change
South Strand Ambassadors
Chamber Academy: Recession Marketing
Myrtle Beach Ambassadors
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Committee
Executive Committee
Small Business Council
gsSCENE: Spring Social at Anchor Cafe
(Marina Inn at Grande Dunes)
Legislative Policy Council
Trio Dinner
Finance Review Committee
Board of Directors
Hospitality Day at the State House and
Taste of South Carolina
Chamber Academy: Maximizing Your
Leadership Opportunities
Chamber Access
Business After Hours at Myrtle Beach Pelicans
gsSCENE: One Year Anniversary Celebration at
The Boathouse
26th Annual National Tourism Week
Myrtle Beach Ambassadors
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Committee
Executive Committee
South Strand Ambassadors
Membership Committee
Business Before Hours at
Cinzia The Spa at North Beach Plantation
Finance Review Committee
Board of Directors
Chamber Access
Business After Hours at Premier Resorts@Barefoot Resort
Shirley Pearson, 626-9668*
Shirley Landry, 916-7203
Shirley Pearson, 626-9668
Info Line: 916-7250*
Info Line: 626-7444
Pat Creed, 916-7225
Info Line: 626-7444
Pat Creed, 916-7225
Shirley Landry, 916-7203
* Register online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. For the most current meeting/event dates and times, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
Sign up for eNews
Receive the latest Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce news via e-mail by subscribing to the chamber’s e-newsletters. To subscribe, go to
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click onSign up for eNews. Don’t forget to have your co-workers sign up for e-news too.
grand strander
Kori Hippe Member Communications Manager
Diana Greene Executive Vice President
Membership Programs & Services
Grand Strander 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.
Check us out on the Web
For more information about member
benefits, upcoming events and
business updates, visit us online at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com.
Advertising Inquiries
Reach more than 2,500 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: 916-7219 or 7220
Advertising Sales: 916-7277
Public Relations: 916-7218
Marketing: 916-7262
Research: 916-7217
Festivals & Events: 916-7276
Executive: 916-7296
Convention & Visitors Bureau:
916-7260
gsSCENE: 916-7232
Leadership Grand Strand: 916-7222
Hospitality Partnership: 916-7219
Date
Grand Strander is printed by
Inlet Printing Co.
2525
Calling all experts
Do you consider yourself an expert in your business field? Would like to
share your knowledge with others? MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com has
launched a new Small Business Resource Center page and is looking for
member employees that would be interested in writing articles, posting
blogs and answering questions from other small business personnel.
• Where do I get a domain name? • How do you advertise on TV?
Many new small businesses have these questions but it’s hard to find the
answers. Everyone has a “live and learn” tale, and now here’s your chance
to share a “if I would have only known“ tip. Or if you’re a marketing
company, you can provide some helpful self-promotion advice.
Check out the new Small Business Resource Center Web site at
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on the center’s link on the right side
of the page. If you have any suggestions or would be interested in helping
out, contact Blakely Jenkins, education and small business programs
manager, at [email protected] or (843) 916-7232.
Great Customer Service
Roy Edmondson, sports and reunion sales manager with the Myrtle Beach Area
Convention and Visitors Bureau, shares the following letter about incredible
customer service:
“I wanted to let you know that we have chosen the Grande Shores Resort for our
stay in Myrtle Beach during Mustang Week in July. I'm so glad that I contacted
your office about this matter. I have received so many proposals from resorts,
theaters, restaurants and activity venues that I have been pleasantly overwhelmed
for weeks going through them all. I have talked with so many nice folks in Myrtle
who where so eagar to have us. But I must give special mention to three ladies
who made this task so easy and a joy for me. Breanne Forsee, Jennifer Morse and
Nancy Leska, all of whom are with Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts. I showed them
what kind of a club we are and in terms of group rates, these ladies came to the
table determined to bring the Yellow Mustang Registry to one of their fine resorts.
The Grande Shores at 77th Avenue North is just the area we are looking for. I hope
you will recognize these ladies in some way for the hard work they are doing to
bring good people to Myrtle Beach. Please let their bosses know on my behalf how
helpful they have been to our group.”
Rick & Beth Eakes
Grifton, NC
1994 Yellow Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Pass GS along!
 Administration
 General Manager
 Human Resources
 Marketing
 President
 Sales
Share GS with …
________________________
________________________
________________________
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
USPS 124-490

April 2009 - Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

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