April - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBERA monthly
BUSINESS
MONTHLY
publication of the
Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
APRIL 2012
2 time to get your
plaid on
RBC Heritage
3 chamber forms
marketing council
4 g
get
et social
New Social Media Hub
9 View from aboV
aboVe
Q&A: Zipline Hilton Head
the tradition continues
rBc heritage Presented by Boeing
G
RBC HeRITAge
et Your PLAID ON! The legacy continues as the
44th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing
welcomes golf’s top players to one of the game’s most
legendary courses.
Once again the world’s champions return to the greens
where history has been made since the tournament first
attracted international acclaim in 1969. Golf legend Arnold
Palmer made a stunning victory that carried the world’s
press to Hilton Head Island and we’ve been making
headlines ever since.
When the
tournament tees
off, more than
135,000 spectators
will be with us, along
with the millions of
television viewers and
the $82 million dollar
economic impact on
our economy.
Q&A: StEvE wIlMot,
toURNAMENt dIRECtoR
Tournament Director Steve
Wilmot offers a preview of what’s
in store as another year of golf
history unfolds with the island’s
signature event.
CBM: What a difference a
year makes! New year – New
sponsors: What can we expect
that’s new and a little different
this year?
Wilmot: In most ways the tournament is going to be just
like it always has been in the past, but spectators will notice
a new color out on the course. The RBC and Boeing blue
will be included in everything - signs, uniforms and even
skyboxes.
CBM: What do fans and players love the most about the
tournament?
Wilmot: I think they love many things about the tournament.
They love the uniqueness of the event and the history. They
love meeting up with old friends and enjoying the party
atmosphere.
CBM: The PGA Tour event is also one of our region’s
largest economic drivers. How does having new sponsors
impact the economic reach of the tournament?
Wilmot: Having new sponsors was vital to keeping our event
alive. I wouldn’t be answering these questions without
RBC and Boeing. Both of these groups are going to be
entertaining hundreds of guests. They will be eating in our
restaurants, playing golf on our courses and staying in our
villas and hotels. Their guests are the very visitors Hilton
Head Island wants to attract.
CBM: Spectators are geared up and ready to Get Their
Plaid On! We heard something about Sir William Innes
putting together lots of fun activities for Tartan Day. Can
you give us any advance details?
Tickets Available at the Chamber!
Arnold Palmer Pass............ $375
Daily Tickets
Clubhouse Badge ............... $190
Thursday & Sunday .....$50/day
Grounds Badge .................. $150
Friday & Saturday .......$60/day
Practice Round Badge ......... $35
For info: hiltonheadchamber.org
2 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
Wilmot: On Saturday of tournament week, Sir Willie is going
to be set up in a plaid tent in the Expo Village. People can
stop by in their Plaid attire and get their photo taken with
him. They can also participate in some really fun contests
and win RBC Heritage prizes.
The chamber’s got your ticket! Join the excitement, don
your plaid and get ready with tournament badges, daily
tickets and the prestigious Arnold Palmer passes. Tickets
are on sale now at chamber headquarters and the
Welcome Center.
T
cHAMbeR fORMs New
TOuRIsM MARkeTINg
cOuNcIL
he Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of
Commerce has announced its newly formed Tourism
Marketing Council. The group will offer additional
strategic guidance and direction for Hilton Head
Island’s tourism marketing efforts. Its structure reflects
the chamber’s long-standing commitment to securing
community and membership input.
The council replaces the chamber’s former multiplecommittee structure comprised of five separate groups
representing golf, homes & villas, arts and culture,
accommodations and attractions, and meetings. Each of
these segments is represented within the council.
The new concept developed after significant input from
a broad-based group of community leaders and local
tourism industry experts.
“We’re pleased the chamber is streamlining the way
it gathers input from the tourism community,” said
Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort and
chairman of the advisory council. “The new council will
further enhance the chamber’s ability to build awareness
of the Hilton Head Island brand and complement the
chamber’s strong track record for bringing visitors to our
destination.”
The council met in March at the chamber and
established consensus on short and long-term priorities.
“We saw considerable value in having diverse segments
within our travel and tourism community collaborate in a
single forum,” said Bill Miles.
cHAMbeR PResIdeNT & ceO
ReceIves NATIONAL cHAMbeR
execuTIve ReceRTIfIcATION
Chamber president and CEO Bill Miles recently earned
recertification for his Certified Chamber Executive (CCE)
designation, the only national certification for chamber of
commerce executives, bestowed by the American Chamber of
Commerce Executives (ACCE).
“The CCE program is recognition of the very highest
standards of professionalism in the field of chamber of
commerce management,” said Mick Fleming, President of
ACCE. “I applaud those who earn and maintain their CCE
designation for their immeasurable contribution to the
profession.”
Since the designation’s inception in 1972, only 500
chamber executives have earned the designation of Certified
Chamber Executive. Recertification takes place every five
years and ensures that current CCE recipients have continued
in their professional development and commitment to the
chamber industry.
Miles has been with the chamber for 23 years and during
that time has become a national leader in the chamber
profession. He has served with several community and
national organizations and currently serves on the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce prestigious Committee of 100.
He is vice chairman of ACCE’s Benefits Trust Committee
and has served on the boards of the American Chamber of
Commerce Executives and the SC Chamber of Commerce.
Locally, Miles serves as secretary of the board of trustees
of the Heritage Classic Foundation and is a member of the
USCB Partnership Board. Miles is past chairman of Hilton
Head Regional Healthcare’s board of directors and past chair
of Hilton Head Island United Way.
Serving on the Tourism Marketing Advisory Council
are: Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort;
Gerard Mahieu, owner, Resort Rentals; Tom Ridgway,
owner, Hilton Head Rentals and Golf; Kathleen Bateson,
president and CEO, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina;
Cary Corbitt, chairman, Lowcountry Golf Course Owners
Association; Ryan Matz, director of sales and marketing,
Crowne Plaza Resort; David Tigges, CEO of the McNair
Law Firm and board liaison; Carolyn Vanagel, executive
director, Concours d’Elegance; David Sulak, director of
sales and marketing, Marriott Oceanfront Resort and Spa,
Rob Jordan, partner, SERG Group; Karen Kozemchak,
director of marketing, Palmetto Dunes Resort and exofficio member Steve Riley, town manager for the Town of
Hilton Head Island.
Chamber President and CEO Bill Miles is joined by Senator Jim
DeMint, Board Chair Tom Upshaw and Congressman Tim Scott during
their meeting at the chamber to discuss Lowcountry business issues.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 3
T
jOIN IN: CHAMBER ExpANdS ItS SoCIAl MEdIA HUB
he chamber’s newly enhanced social media hub invites visitors to explore, find and share information all in a one-stop,
interactive online venue. By incorporating social media into the hub itself, interaction is an immediate part of the
dialogue, via Facebook and other popular media.
Whether looking for fun family activities, the latest foodie news on Lowcountry dining or eco-tourism tips, it’s never been
easier for consumers to find the information they need.
The redesigned blog site makes it easy to post photos and comments, so visitors and member businesses can share
experiences, search for destination information, request information, and view online video clips. Not only does the site
provide a one-stop gathering place for what to see and do in the Lowcountry, the new user-friendly format makes it easy for
users to share information and blog experiences with their own social media fan base.
The social media hub is an extension of the chamber’s award winning blog center which recently garnered national
recognition for excellence in social media by the national Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals with
The Platinum Award, Marcom’s top honor.
“Successful destination marketers are focusing increasing attention
on integrating social media content across their whole spectrum
of visitor communications channels,” said Susan Thomas, VCB vice
president. “Our blog center strategy allows us to engage visitors and
prospective visitors in conversations about real experiences and
integrate that content across multiple social media platforms, like
Facebook and Twitter.”
social media hub goals
• Interact with visitors and those planning their trips
• Serve as a resource for trip planning
• Promote chamber member businesses
• Extend our brand voice within 8 visitor experience areas
• Enhance overall organic search engine optimization
social media features
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube
Sharp, visually appealing images and messages capture user
audiences looking for “The Best Family Getaways,” culinary travelers
looking to “Take a Bite Out of Life,” and golfers looking to “Play where
the Pros Play.”
social media hub travel niche categories
• Family: fun, family-friendly restaurants & activities
• Foodie: culinary events, festivals & restaurants
• Eco: explore nature with seasonal eco-adventures
• Outdoor: beaches, biking, boating & paddleboarding
• Golf: premier golf course guides & special insider events
• Wellness: everything from beach yoga to farm fresh produce
• Weddings: venues, trends, styles and more
“Studies have shown that marketers perceive blogs to have the highest value of any social media in driving site
traffic, brand awareness, lead generation and sales - as well as improving customer service.”
-- Source: eMarketer, 2010
4 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
I
2012 busINess gOLf
cLAssIc
t’s always a sell out! Register now for the
chamber’s popular Business Golf Classic. The
20th annual tournament will be held at Wexford’s
exclusive Arnold Palmer’s Signature Course on
Monday, May 7th.
Following a major renovation, Arnold Palmer
opened his signature course at Wexford Plantation
in 2011. Chamber members are invited to play the
new course which has retained its distinctive and
timeless look while adding significant risk and reward
challenges.
Enjoy a day on the signature course, brilliantly
blended into majestic oaks and pines as it continues
along an expansive stretch of coastal marshlands.
Golfer from novice to pro can enjoy this fun and fast
shamble tournament. Lunch is included as well as
a reception and awards. Prizes and contests include
hole in one, longest drive, closest to the pin, “Pot of
Gold” contest and many raffle prizes.
The cost to play is $185 per player or $725 per
team.
Register and you may be eligible for the SERVPRO
drawing for a $250 VISA gift card. To register go to
hiltonheadchamber.org.
20th Annual Business Golf Classic
May 7, 2012 - 10:30 a.m. Registration
Noon Shotgun Start
Wexford Plantation
Business is Better
with
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natural gas used in the U.S. is domestically produced.
Operating your business with natural gas can help
reduce your impact on the environment without
sacrificing comfort and convenience. If you want to
make your business a little greener, while enjoying
cost benefits, ask for natural gas. To learn more,
call Parks Moss at (843) 815-8808 or Lucas Kinard
at (843) 815-8816.
Presenting sponsor:
Supporting sponsors:
Check natural gas availability at sceg.com/value.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 5
IN THe News:
US AirwAyS mAgAzine
ShowcASeS lowcoUntry
golf in SpeciAl iSSUe
Flyers from around the globe
will have the opportunity to
read all about Hilton Head
Island’s legendary world-class
golf experience in the April
issue of US Airways magazine.
The chamber, along with
Pace Communications,
publishers of US Airways
magazine, have partnered to
produce the special issue
highlighting the island as a
premier golf destination.
The 28-page editorial spread appears just in time
for the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing which is
also featured as part of the coverage reaching over 5
million of the most affluent readers nationally and
internationally.
bbc newS feAtUreS
hiStoric mitchelville
The story of historic Mitchelville
has gained an international audience.
The BBC recently filmed a segment on
Mitchelville, telling the story through
Johnnie Mitchell and Priscilla Mitchel,
descendants of the freedmen and Mitchelville founder,
Union Army General Ormsby Mitchel who made it all
possible. The BBC has a global viewership, reaching
audiences around the world.
hilton heAd iSlAnd
StArS in pbS SerieS
The Hilton Head Island
episode of popular PBS reality
show “Getting Away Together,”
aired last month in over 40 markets across the U.S.,
including Boston, DC, Charlotte, Ohio and New York.
The venture was a cooperative effort between
the chamber and 10 participating home and villa
companies. Production work took place last fall, and
in addition to featuring our home and villa community
the show also shines the spotlight on some of our
local restaurants and attractions.
The show has been featured with huffingtonpost.com,
bostonglobe.com and many other media outlets.
6 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
THANk YOu:
wE CoUldN’t HAvE doNE It
wItHoUt yoU...
• Thank you to the Business Education Partnership committee for a
successful Prize Patrol and contributing members Atlanta Bread
Co., SERG Group, Rita’s Italian Ice, HHIHS Tee-shirts, Coastal
Discovery Museum, Market Street Cafe, Pirates Island Adventure
Golf, Pino Gelato, Tasha Armistead, FACES DaySpa, Taste of
Hilton Head and The Smokehouse.
• Special thanks to all participants for helping make the Reality
Store program at Hilton Head Island High School a success.
• The Original Pancake House for hosting Coffee Talk.
• Harbour Health Insurance Solutions & Blue Cross/Blue Shield
for sponsoring the New Member Luncheon. Thanks to FACES
DaySpa for providing gift bags and Two Tomatoes for catering.
• Station 300 for hosting March Business After Hours.
• Leo Zabinski of Classic Travel for bringing the board of directors
of the American Society of Travel Agents to the Island. Thanks to
Lois and Bob Masteller and Kelli Lesch for hosting the group at
The Jazz Corner.
• First Citizens Bank for hosting the March Executive Connection.
• Thank you to Steve Birdwell and The Sea Pines Resort for hosting
the Hilton Head Island Marketing Council retreat luncheon at the
chamber.
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CHAMBER
EVENTS
sPOTLIgHT ON cHAMbeR sTAff:
sUsan thomas nameD boarD chair oF soUtheast toUrism society
The chamber is pleased to announce that Susan Thomas, VCB
vice president, has been named board chair of the Southeast
Tourism Society (STS). She has served on the STS board for four
years, most recently in the position of treasurer.
APRIL
A leader among travel organizations nationwide, STS is
dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism
throughout the Southeast and represents travel-related
businesses including convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers
of commerce and tourism authorities, twelve member state tourism offices, hotels,
resorts and other lodging businesses and travel media.
9-15
“Some of the Southeast Tourism Society‘s most important industry benefits to
members include cooperative marketing, professional development, networking and
legislative advocacy,” said Thomas.
The most notable are the annual STS Marketing College and its three year Tourism
Marketing Professional accreditation program along with the association’s strong voice
for tourism with federal partners in Washington, DC. Its federal advocacy programs
include an upcoming congressional summit with the National Tour Association and
DMAI this May, highlighted by a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with
STS’s fifteen federal agency partners at the White House, and visits with congressional
representatives on the Hill.
connie killmar celebrates chamber anniversary
Chances are, if you’re a member of the business community,
you’ve come to know Connie Killmar. She brings a vast knowledge
of chamber experience to her role as assistant to chamber president
and CEO Bill Miles.
3
Business Education Partnership
Committee, 8:00 a.m.
chamber headquarters
The RBC Heritage
44th Annual PGA TOUR
Golf Tournament
Harbour Town Golf Links
19 Business After Hours
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Up The Creek Pub
25 Chamber Young Professionals
Group, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Corks, Bluffton
MAY
1
4
2012 marks her 20th year with the chamber. During her tenure,
she’s seen a lot of exciting changes, from the way we communicate
with members, to the way we navigate our way around the Island. In
the years before the Cross Island bridge and the general expansion of the Lowcountry,
she has often been the face of the chamber, serving in her role as liaison with the board
of directors, the executive committee and overseeing videoconferencing and boardroom rentals.
7
Business Education Partnership
Committee, 8:00 a.m.
chamber headquarters
Government Affairs Committee,
8:00 a.m.,
chamber headquarters
Business Golf Classic
Wexford Golf Club
Register Now!
Whether planning chamber balls or other events, Killmar has lent her well-honed skills to many successful chamber events. When
asked what she loves best, she’s says, “The people, my friends and colleagues” adding, “It’s very exciting to work in a place like the
chamber and being part of the pulse of the community.”
busINess AfTeR HOuRs
IS UP THE CREEK AGAIN!
Back by
popular
demand! April’s
Business After
Hours goes
dockside at Up
the Creek Pub,
situated on beautiful Broad Creek.
Join us for a great time on Thursday, April 19 from 5:30 to
7:00 p.m. and enjoy an incredible sunset as you sample Up
the Creek Pub specialties along with complimentary beer and
wine. The cost to attend is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more information go to hiltonheadchamber.org.
Scott and Karen Lee, owners of Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, Inc. cut
the ribbon at their grand re-opening along with chamber president and
CEO Bill Miles, chamber staff and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf staff.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 7
wHO’s wHO: ANd wHo’S wHERE
Reid Perry, has joined
The Kennickell Group,
based in Savannah,
GA. Perry will seek to
grow sales for the firm
in South Carolina and
North Carolina. He formerly served as
vice president of sales and business
development for Perry/Lewis Color.
Dr. Jay Kalan, cardiologist, has
been named chief of medicine at
Hilton Head Hospital. Kalan is board
certified by the American Board of
Cardiology and has been on the
medical staff since 2000.
Jim Paris has joined RE/MAX
Island Realty’s Hilton Head office
as a realtor. He was formerly with
Palmetto Properties of Hilton Head.
Susan Danao has
been named marketing
& database coordinator
at Hampton Lake. She
previously served as
marketing assistant with
the Real Estate Sales &
Marketing Dept.
Dr. Randy Dalbow, internist, joined
Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island
Internal Medicine. He was formerly
associated with the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center, as chairman
of UPMC Passavant Continuing Medical
Education Committee.
Fran Mollica has joined Keller
Williams Realty as a realtor. Mollica
formerly owned a real estate business
on Hilton Head for over 25 years.
Dr. Igor Sister, hospitalist, has
been named member at large at
Hilton Head Hospital. Sister is board
certified in both internal medicine and
geriatric medicine by the American
Board of Internal Medicine and has
been on the medical staff since 2010.
Ken Hiatt has joined
Keller Williams as an
exclusive buyer agent.
He previously served as
an agent with Gateway
Realty.
8 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
Chris Pouliot,
realtor, has joined RE/
MAX Island Realty’s
Hilton Head office as
a member of Nancy
Powers and Company.
She formerly served as an agent with
RE/MAX in North Carolina.
Ellen Lam has been
named leisure sales
manager at The Westin
Hilton Head Island
Resort & Spa. Lam
formerly served as
marketing manager.
Ali Mohr has joined
The Skrip Team, RE/
MAX Island Realty:
Beaufort office as an
agent. She formerly
served as an agent with
Spring Island Realty.
Jennifer Burks, nurse
practitioner and certified
nurse midwife has joined
the staff at Bon Sain
Complete Women’s
Healthcare.
management.
Missy Voegeli has
joined The Skrip Team,
RE/MAX Island Realty:
Beaufort office as
a licensed property
manager. She will focus
on rentals and property
Lisa Tennison, group
sales manager at The
Westin Hilton Head
Island Resort & Spa has
been appointed to the
mid-Atlantic association
and corporate markets.
She formerly handled the social market.
To submit information, please email: [email protected]
New MeMbeR: HIgHlIgHtS
THE VILLAgE PASTA SHoPPE
ouTDooR LIVIng By VIVA
Village Pasta Shoppe is the only Italian
store in the area, selling over 25 different
kinds of fresh ravioli and cut pastas.
You will find Italian provisions to make
everything from antipasto to desserts.
Heat and serve dishes are also available.
Outdoor Living by Viva is the first outdoor
living specialist in the area. We specialize
in outdoor projects such as kitchens,
fireplaces, built-in grills, firepits, patios,
walkways, walls, columns, and much more!
We can satisfy all your outdoor needs.
Connie Rockhill
10 B Johnston Way,
Bluffton, SC
Vincenzo & Christina Viva
213 William Hilton Parkway #21361,
Hilton Head Island, SC
MeMbeR sPOTLIgHT: ClEAN SwEEp
With a motto like “Watch us Shine,” it’s easy to see why Clean
Sweep Hilton Head Island has been in business for over a decade,
successfully serving residents and businesses on the island and
the greater Bluffton / Okatie community. “We pride ourselves on
customer service and communication,” said owner Pam McCown.
“By making sure our clients are attended to and we are taking
care of their needs, everyone wins!” The self-confessed “neat freak”
admits to being very organized, even as a teenager. “Everything
has a place and everything should be in its place,” says McCown.
“Today I continue to carry on those same traits and life lessons as
a professional.”
McCown considers her staff part of her extended family. With
more than 40 year-round and seasonal employees, her close-knit group offers a wide
range of services. “We do it all,” she says with a laugh. “Residential, short-term rental,
commercial and move-in/move-out cleans. If it needs cleaned, we can clean it!”
APRIL busINess
VIew FROM AbOVe:
News edITION: CHAMBER Q&A: pAM & RogER FREEdMAN
SMAll BUSINESS toolkItS
If you’re a small business owner or want to start
a business, you know that there’s a glut of confusing
information online to navigate. How do you find financing?
How can you market your business? How do you make heads
or tails of all the insurance options?
The chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber, is
offering a fantastic one-stop online toolkit for business
entrepreneurs. The Small Business Toolkit includes
information on:
• Hiring: One of the most important issues on a small
business employer’s plate is finding, hiring and retaining
great employees. The toolkit offers information on
motivating staff, payroll, benefits, how to comply with
the new health care law, creating work rules and laws
regarding firing/termination.
• Financial Planning: Small business owners can master
the intricacies of money management with information
on bookkeeping, cash flow, managing credit and building
personal wealth. The toolkit offers ready-to-use documents,
including balance sheets, and loan applications.
• Government Contracting: How can small businesses tap
into the $400 billion in contracts the federal government
awards annually? The toolkit answers that question with
10 steps to successful bidding and more.
• Insurance Toolkit: Insurance can be confusing for
even the most savvy business owner. The toolkit has
explanations on managing insurance options and the
various types of insurance.
• Sales and Marketing: Sales is more than “talking up”
targets. Small business owners can learn how to analyze
competitors, do market research, and how to develop,
package and price a product.
• Start-up Business: The toolkit can help start-ups get a
great business idea off the ground. There’s information
on evaluating the chances for success, creating a
business plan, Financing 101 and more.
Visit www.hiltonheadchamber.org for this invaluable toolkit.
tHAt’S good AdvICE
CHaMBer’S MeMBer-To-MeMBer ColuMn
Looking for new ideas on how to maximize your chamber
membership? Our number one source of great ideas is our
members, and now you can read all about it in the chamber’s
new Monday Morning Briefing section, “Member to Member.”
We’re glad to have this venue for sharing your advice. To
submit your input, send an email with your company name,
why you value your membership and your top tip for members
and we’ll be glad to publish it in an upcoming issue. Email:
Anne Feldman, [email protected].
ZipLine Hilton Head launches
this month as Broad Creek Marina
Adventures expands its land and
water eco-tourism, starting with the
only ZipLine tour for more than 250
miles. The approximately two-and-ahalf hour tour with heights to 75 ft.
soars over live oaks with Lowcountry
vistas of Broad Creek.
Owners Roger and Pam Freedman, well-known proprietors
of Up the Creek Pub & Grill and Broad Creek Marina, also plan
a ropes course, bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall this
summer, all adjoining the restaurant and current water activities
such as parasailing, kayaking and dolphin tours.
CBM: Tell us about some of the initiatives Broad Creek
Marina adventures are doing that complement our area’s
natural appeal as a popular eco-tourism destination.
Freedmans: We recently had booths at area boat shows to
encourage boaters to come for one-stop docking and enjoy all
we offer at the marina and on the island…dock, zip, explore and
dine. As the only marina on the East Coast with a zipline tour, it’s
a nice package of eco-activities.
CBM: What was your inspiration for introducing Zipline
Hilton Head?
Freedmans: The global boom in ziplining from Costa Rica to the
Golden Gate Bridge, The Super Bowl and TV series’ storylines,
it’s everywhere! But it wasn’t near Hilton Head Island, which
not only cherishes the trees but showcases them. Here was a
wonderful opportunity to support that and create an appealing,
timely business.
CBM: How involved was the process to develop a course
designed and built to the association for Challenge Course
Technology standards?
Freedmans: The process was clearly defined by industry safety
and structural regulations as well as the town codes. The
designers/ builders S.T.E.P.S., have been involved in building
seven of the top 10 national zipline tours. We also used local
contractors whenever possible.
CBM: How has your business developed to meet the demands
of our growing community?
Freedmans: Many visitors come to the island looking for
outdoor fun. We’re meeting that demand with some very current,
popular eco-tourism activities that can’t be found within the
region. By hiring 50 people for guides and management positions
we’re contributing to community growth. People travel significant
distances to zipline so hopefully, adventure seekers in the
surrounding markets will choose Hilton Head Island.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 9
MeMbeRs MAkINg News: APRIL
volunteers in medicine hilton head island
recently unveiled its new dental clinic. VIM partnered with
Fraser Construction Company, Atlanta Dental Company
and Progressive Technology Company to construct the
new clinic. The VanLandingham Rotary Club spearheaded
fundraising efforts along with gifts from the Community
Foundation of the Lowcountry, BlueCross BlueShield of
South Carolina Foundation and other local foundations.
mcnair law firm, p.a. recently announced that
managing shareholder and attorney David Tigges and
attorneys Liz Crum, Henrietta Golding and Rita McKinney
were selected as recipients of the South Carolina
Lawyers Weekly 2012 Leadership in Law awards. They
were recognized in March at the annual awards dinner in
Charleston, SC.
bb&t insurance services recently awarded The
Greenery with its national BB&T Insurance Services
prestigious Auto Safety Award. The award is one of five
auto safety awards given by BB&T Insurance Services
nationwide this year.
the university of south carolina beaufort
announced the return of its USCB Center for Event
Management and Hospitality Training on Hilton Head
Island. The center will provide specialized education, serve
as an international destination for events management
and hospitality training and work with area organizations
to promote special events.
hilton head hospital was recently recognized
with a Clinical Innovation Award for its ICU’s initiative
to decrease the incidence of central line associated
infections. The award honors innovative clinical efforts and
programs in Tenet hospitals.
tha group recently announced that Ellen Bolch,
president and CEO, has been selected to the National
Association of Home and Hospice Care’s Board of
Directors as the proprietary section chairman for the 20122014 term.
beaufort county school district recently
unveiled a rain-harvester project completed by students in
the gifted arts program at Hilton Head Island International
Baccalaureate Elementary School. Funding was provided
by grants from Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s Bright Ideas
and the Island School Council for the Arts.
the gullah museum of hilton head island
recently held the unveiling of its historic marker for the
William Simmons House. The museum also presented
an informational program along with cast net and basket
weaving demonstrations.
10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
re/max island realty recently announced that Maria
Skrip, broker/owner, has been named to the 2012 Hilton
Head Association of Realtors board of directors.
memory matters and literacy volunteers
of the lowcountry were recognized by the S.C.
Association of Nonprofit Organizations at its annual
awards ceremony. Both organizations received the Erin
Hardwick Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.
attorney jay a. mullinax was appointed by The
South Carolina Bar Association as the editor of the 2012
South Carolina Handbook for Probate Practitioners.
rabbi dr. arthur segal, was recognized by The
Institute of American and Talmudic Law for his work to
ensure the humane and fair treatment of animals and
workers in kosher meat packing plants. His third book,
The Path and Wisdom for Living in Peace with Others: A
Modern Commentary, was published in February.
sun city del webb real estate recently announced that
realtor Eric Elder has been named the 2011 sales executive
of the year, with a closing volume of $9.9 million.
nexsen pruet announced that Hilton Head Island
attorney Melissa Azallion and Greenville attorney Tom
Stephenson were selected as recipients of the 2012
Leadership in Law awards. South Carolina Lawyers
Weekly presents the annual awards to attorneys who work
to better the legal profession through mentoring and
involvement within their community.
the beach house, a holiday inn resort
- hilton head island has recently joined
InterContinental Hotels Group’s growing Holiday Inn
Resort Americas portfolio after a $5 million conversion
and renovation. The 202-room oceanfront resort’s newly
designed interior reflects the property’s casually elegant
beachfront destination.
pino gelato receives national
chamber of commerce award
Pino Gelato recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. The company has been
chosen as one of the top 75 small businesses in the award
category and was honored at the America’s Small Business
Summit in Washington D.C. in March.
As an award winner, the Hilton Head Island-based company is
also entered into the running for the Community
Excellence Award.
Pino Gelato was the recipient of the Hilton Head
Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Small
Business of the Year Award in 2011.
MeMbeRsHIP ReNewALs: THANk YOu!
Did You Know…The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest chamber member
retention rates in the nation.
30+ YEARS
Pearlstine Distributors, Inc.
Bank of America, N.A.
Kinghorn Insurance Services, Inc
20-29 YEARS
Republic Waste Services of Hilton Head
Novit & Scarminach P.A.
Hilton Head Entertainment
15-19 YEARS
Lawton Stables
Jerry S. Voight
Aqua Sports-Sea Wolf Charters
American Express Establishment Services
10-14 YEARS
Heritage Classic Foundation
Stoneworks, Inc.
Hawthorne Inn
Owner-Direct Rentals at The Island Club
WTOC-TV
Long Cove Club
Willie J. Rice, Photographer
Peter Wolf & Associates, PC
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Kroger Grocery Store
Sperry VanNess
4-9 YEARS
Sweetgrass Baskets
Italian American Club Hilton Head
E.A.C. Heating & Air
Collins Group Realty - Bluffton
May River Theatre Co., Inc.
Sea Pines Country Club
St. Francis Catholic School
Carson Realty, LLC
Collins Group Realty
Bluffton Self Help
All About Me
Callawassie Island Club
Palmetto Exterminators, Inc.
Accommodations & Vacation Rentals HomeAway
1-3 YEARS
Island Improvements
Hansen Architects
Take Shape for Life
Professional Golfer’s Career College
Garcia Lindsey Group
Hilton Head Diner
Fiddler’s Cove Beach & Racquet Club
O’Sullivan Janitorial Equipment & Supply
B2B CFO
Off The Hook Fishing Charters
Pizza Hut - Hilton Head Island
Pizza Hut - Bluffton
May River Dermatology
Southpaw Pet Resort
Village Park Homes
Oldfield Club
Harbour Health Insurance Solutions, LLC
Pure and Simple Home Services
Residential Services Unlimited, Inc.
Green Thumb
Georgia Tech Savannah
NEW MEMBERS
Bi-Lo – Port Royal Plaza
Hana Sushi & Japanese Fusion
Lowcountry Charter Fishing
Outdoor Living by Viva
America’s Swimming Pool Company
of Hilton Head
Cameron & Cameron Custom Homes
Bi-Lo – Circle Center
Mark-it Ready LLC
Lang Capital, LLC
Just Me Housekeeping & Such, LLC
Direct Instructional Support Systems
Barnett & Company Investment Counsel
Peaceful Coastal Living.
BB&T Carswell Insurance Services
1 Park Lane, Central Park 2 Westbury Park Way, Suite 103
Hilton Head, SC 29928
Bluffton, SC 29910
843-785-5191
843-815-9650
Insurance.BBT.com
© 2012 Branch Banking and Trust Company.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 11
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P.O. Box 5647 • Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
HiltonHeadisland.org
email: [email protected]
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HILTON HEAD, SC
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29926
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