grand strander Issue August 2008 The Official Newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

1 grand strander Issue August 2008 The Official Newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Awards progr a m salutes businesses At the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, we take pride in the achievements of our entire business community, regardless of size or business category. Each year during the annual membership meeting, we honor individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the areas of customer service, business excellence and community relations. The awards ceremony is an exciting and memorable event that showcases the best of the best. Last year more than 400 business members celebrated the accomplishments of the winners. Mark your calendar for Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes. Look for complete details in the September Grand Strander and on the Web at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. And the winner is This is your chance to share your success stories with other chamber members and the community nominate your company today. And take a few minutes to recognize a co-worker or fellow business member for their outstanding contributions. Nomination forms are available at the chamber welcome centers and online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Nominations for the following 2008 awards are being accepted through Aug. 29: Awards, See Page 3 Look what s inside... Chamber Academy - 4 F CVB Update - 7 F For the Record - 8 Volunteer Nominations - 11 F Economic Update - 12 F Segmented Blasts - 14 F New Members - 17 F LGS Class XXIX - 19 F Business After Hours - 21 F Business Bulletin - 23 F Calendar - 27 Beach, boogie & bbq fest i val spices up labor day weekend by Holly McMillan, director of festivals Drawing the Sun Fun Festival A Celebration of Summer to a close, the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival will take place on Labor Day weekend the evening of Aug. 29 and all day Aug. 30. The festival will feature family friendly entertainment and events, including live music, the official barbecue competition of South Carolina, a classic car show, a kids area, boat rides on the lake, food and arts/crafts vendors, a car giveaway, a new 5K run/walk and much more. The Smoke on the Beach barbecue competition, sponsored by the Omar Shrine Temple, will begin festivities on Friday with an Anything But Pork, Best Sauce, Best Dessert, and Best Booth contest. Festival attendees can sample and purchase the mouthwatering food and barbecue after judging both Friday and Saturday. Car enthusiasts can park themselves at Wheels at the Beach car show presented by Beach Bouncers. The Myrtle Beach Car Club show takes place Saturday afternoon with more than 200 antique and classic cars on display. What s a Myrtle Beach area festival without a Celebrity Meet and Greet? Stop by Saturday and have your photo taken with your favorite star: Austin Peck of As the World Turns and Murray Bartlett of Guiding Light. Barbecue, See Page 3

2 2 s 2 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 Business Ethics & Standards Committee Chair Frans Mustert Oceana Resorts Convention Bureau Committee Chair Bob Barenberg Kingston Plantation Finance Review Committee Chair/Treasurer Myers Rollins Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority Fulfillment Committee Chair Chris Shroff Shroff Properties Legislative Policy Council Chair Jimmy Kimbell Tidelands Bank Membership Committee Chair Tony Cox Burroughs & Chapin Co., Inc. North Strand Council Chair Rick Elliott Elliott Realty Small Business Council Chair Steve Kahn FSA-Full Steam Ahead, Inc. South Strand Council Chair Elaine Carter Wendy s/palmetto Restaurant Group Technology-Based Marketing Committee Chair Ryan Swaim Dunes Beach & Golf Vacations Young Professionals Council Chair Sara Boling CENTURY 21 Boling & Associates, Inc. Advertising/Publicity Committee Vice Chairs Woody Crosby Jordan Properties Phil Vassar Dayton House Resort Business Ethics & Standards Committee Vice Chairs Debbie Harwell Adobe Palm Communications Phil Vassar Dayton House Resort Convention Bureau Committee Vice Chair Charlie Bradshaw Alabama Theatre Finance Review Committee Vice Chair David DuRant Prestwick Country Club Fulfillment Committee Vice Chairs Jason Anderson Anderson Properties Nate Anderson Divine Dining Group Frans Mustert Oceana Resorts Legislative Policy Council Vice Chairs Franklin Daniels Nexsen Pruet, LLC Buzz Freeman Conway National Bank Membership Committee Vice Chairs Debbie Harwell Adobe Palm Communications Berkley White Classic Homes Small Business Council Vice Chair Wayne Morris The Printing Port Technology-Based Marketing Committee Vice Chair Will McIntosh Intellistrand spot light Serving as the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce s public relations arm, Ambassadors are a highly visible, enthusiastic group of community-minded volunteers. 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 Congratulations Applause going on within the chamber and community. As an added bonus, you and your company are eligible for monthly and yearly award recognition. Ambassador of the Month Congratulations to Jenafor Braley with Warranties for Less, who earned Ambassador of the Month for June. Braley is serving her third year as an Ambassador. Applause to Ginny Whipple with Exit Grand Strand Properties, who earned the second highest points total for June. Whipple is serving her fifth year as an Ambassador. To learn more about becoming a chamber Ambassador, contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) or Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. { member services guide} Benefit of the Month Chamber and BlueCross BlueShield have you covered Chamber membership offers health care benefit BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to offer your employees health care coverage at affordable rates. The True Blue Partnership is an innovative health insurance program that rewards your employees with dependable and consistent benefits. By joining forces with BlueCross and the chamber, affordable health care is available to all business owners. Here are just a few features of a True Blue plan: Choices in deductibles, covered services and covered amounts Optional benefits such as low copayments for nonroutine doctor visits, preventive care, a prescription drug card and dental coverage Discounts on hearing aids Preferred rates on laser vision correction surgery (LASIK) and certain cosmetic surgery procedures BlueCross also offers High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), which allow employers to select a plan to meet the individual needs of their employees while holding down the overall cost of health insurance. When combined with a qualified Health Savings Account (HSA), your employees can save even more now and for the future. Offer your employees health care insurance through a True Blue plan. Call BlueCross at (800) or visit SouthCarolinaBlues.com for more details. Special Events Education Programs Business Connections Marketing Strategies Member Resources Government Relations

3 Awards, From Cover Page Citizen of the Year Honors someone who has delivered exemplary service to the community over a number of years. The recipient is an exceptional citizen whose service positively contributes to the quality of life in the Myrtle Beach area. Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Recognizes someone who has made a significant, positive impact on the Myrtle Beach area over a number of years. Hospitality Employee of the Year Applauds a nonmanager who works directly with visitors on a regular basis and projects a positive image of his/her business, property, attraction or event and the state of South Carolina. This winner will be submitted to the statewide competition for the S.C. Hospitality Employee of the Year award. Young Professional of the Year The Young Professional of the Year is a brand new award category intended to recognize a young professional working in the Grand Strand who demonstrates community involvement, aspiration to succeed in the work force and a future desire to make a difference in the Grand Strand. Community Service Acknowledges a business that contributes to the community in the form of leadership, volunteer work or financial support. It acknowledges major contributions to the betterment of the Myrtle Beach area beyond the normal scope of operations. Business Innovation Applauds a business that exceeds the standard for resourcefulness and creativity in the workplace. Business Image Honors a business that portrays a positive community image through appearance of location and staff and gives excellent customer service. Small Business of the Year Recognizes a business with 10 or fewer employees who stands out from the rest. Top 10 reasons to nominate your company for a business a w a r d Nominate your company and a co-worker for a 2008 Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce business and individual award. The deadline is Aug. 29 with the award ceremonies planned for the annual meeting on Oct. 30 and President s Gala on Nov. 20. Here are the top 10 reasons you should nominate your company or an employee: 10. It s a very cost-effective way to thank your valued employees for their efforts and accomplishments. 9. Small businesses and nonprofits have just as much chance to win as the big guys. 8. When you win a chamber award you will be recognized in front of more than 400 of your peers representing the business community. 7. Highlight your specific industry expertise. 6. Earn the honor, recognition and respect your business deserves. 5. Differentiate your product/services from your competitors. 4. Participating could open doors you never knew existed. 3. Receive publicity in local media. 2. Receive recognition in the Grand Strander and online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. 1. Bragging rights for one whole year. Barbecue, From Cover Page Also on Saturday, you won t want to miss contestants searching for the winning key to a new 2008 Ford Focus. Valued at more than $15,000, the Ford Focus car was part of the summerlong Sun Fun Festival. Finalists were chosen from Web site entries at SunFunFestival.com and by entering at different events throughout the summer. Last year, contestants dug through bales of hay trying to uncover the winning key. While you re here, take in live entertainment by Still Cruzin beach band who will hit the stage Aug. 29 from 5-8 p.m. All day Saturday, attendees can enjoy Clay Brown and Legend Band, and The Flashbacks. The concerts are presented by Withers Preserve and The Market Common. Blankets, lawn chairs, clapping and dancing are encouraged. The festival also will feature a barbecue sandwich eating championship, children s activities in the huge AT&T The Real Yellow Pages Kids Zone, free boat rides in the lake, and the South Carolina Education Lottery s Summer Escape 2008 promotion grand prize drawing. Other sponsors for the festival include Piggly Wiggly and Carolina Ford Dealers Association. All of these exciting events will take place at Grand Park across from The Market Common. For a complete listing of activities, visit our Web site at BeachBoogieBarbequeFestival.com. gs 33

4 { chamber academy} Sponsored by The Chamber Academy is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Herald. Classes 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, or (843) Date/Time Series Topic Presented by Description Cost Aug a.m.-12 p.m. Aug a.m.-12 p.m. Sept a.m. Sept a.m.-12 p.m. Business Series Technology Series Business Series Technology Series Immigration Reform and Your Business Publisher Training Cost Saving Technologies for Nontechnical Managers Intermediate Excel Melissa Azallion, Nexsen Pruet, LLC Horry- Georgetown Technical College Mona McGraw, NuRelm Inc. Horry- Georgetown Technical College Register for classes at ChamberAcademy.com The new South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act imposes new employment verification requirements, establishes penalties for noncompliance, and creates a new cause of action for wrongful termination if a business knowingly and/or intentionally terminates and replaces a legal worker with a worker not authorized to work in the United States. Join us for a Breakfast Briefing to learn more about this new law, as well as an update on the latest work force enforcement efforts at the federal level. Learn how to create a professional brochure and newsletter that you can print from your computer. Location: Horry-Georgetown Technical College s Conference Center located at the former Air Force Base. From Highway 17 Bypass, turn at Highway 707 into the back gate. Travel approximately two miles then turn right on Meyers Street. The Conference Center is the building on the left at the end of Meyers. The class will be in Room 603. Learn how to use Internet applications to cut operating costs and streamline work flow. Presenters will work with you to conduct a work flow analysis for your individual company. This class will teach you advanced setup options, charts, graphs and much more. Location: Horry- Georgetown Technical College s Conference Center located at the former Air Force Base. From Highway 17 Bypass, turn at Highway 707 into the back gate. Travel approximately two miles then turn right on Meyers Street. The Conference Center is the building on the left at the end of Meyers. The class will be in Room 603. Free for MBACC members $15 nonmembers $25 members $45 nonmembers $10 members $40 nonmembers $25 members $45 nonmembers Sign up 8/14 8/20 9/8 9/15 s { sponsors } Hospitality Series sponsored by... LGS Alumni Leadership Education Series sponsored by... 4

5 How to market in a down economy Subprime crisis... Weak dollar... Real estate meltdown Soaring gas prices Rising food costs The current condition of the U.S. economy might be a bit stark, but when it comes to financial cycles, what goes down must come up. That s why it is important that businesses who are considering diminishing or deleting their ad spend from their quarterly or yearly budgets need to rethink their actions. To some, advertising is a luxury that some businesses can afford, and thus is the first initiative cut, but advertising and marketing is vital to maintaining a positive reach with your current and future customers. And to be frank, if your business is trying to be A Slower Economy calls for Smarter Marketing. Are you Prepared? Now more than ever, you need to spend your marketing dollars where they will count the most and that s online. Whether it s through PPC, SEO, campaigns, or a banner ad initiative, DSL Marketing can help maximize your bottom line. Call for your free consultation today. proactive about the current economic situation, then cutting your ad spend now would be like turning the life support machine off to save on the medical bill. It doesn t make sense. Here s why Advertising during a sluggish economy clearly creates a competitive advantage amongst interested consumers and businesses because seeing a company advertise during slower times makes them feel more positive about the company s commitment to its products and services. More importantly advertising keeps your company at the top of buyers minds when purchase decisions are made, whether those decisions are being made now or when the market turns. Also, businesses shouldn t get blinded by the short-term benefit of absorbing those dollars designated for their advertising and marketing efforts. The benefits of advertising are cumulative. Think of a snowball rolling down a mountain. The more familiar buyers are with your brand, the more likely they DSLMarketing.com { taking care of business } are to purchase that brand regardless of the economy. It s about awareness. Will maintaining your current advertising efforts keep your business from losing ground in an economy when consumer confidence is down across the board? Probably not. But, it will keep you from losing as much ground as you would if you stopped. Of course, it takes guts and belt tightening to make it through a downturn, but cutting marketing will negatively affect Programs and services to help small businesses grow and succeed. Page Compliments of DSL Marketing your recovery speed in the long term. Remember that your business plan lasts through several economical cycles, and your marketing plan should, too. Understanding why you should market is just one side of the coin. The other side is knowing how to maximize every dollar you spend, which can be tricky in a slow economy because buyers are more conservative than they generally are in normal conditions. One of the best ways to maximize your bottom line is to invest your marketing dollars into interactive media whether it s through campaigns, pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, or a banner ad network initiative. As recent trends show, businesses are getting a much greater return on their investment through interactive campaigns due in large part to the fact that despite the slow economy, consumers are still researching and shopping online. Shopping online is growing more and more significant in the behaviors of American consumers, and the economy hasn t slowed down activity online at all. So you need to go where your consumers are, and that s online. As with all marketing, it s not just about being seen; it s about presenting the right message to the right audience and using the most appropriate method of delivery. Interactive marketing goes well beyond the design, development and even the implementation. Your message must be laser specific; your Web site must be highly marketable, not just pretty; and your PPC campaign must be behaviorally targeted. If you re unfamiliar with the elements of interactive marketing, you may want to consider enlisting the services of a company that understands the inner workings of online marketing trends. Just make sure you choose a company that truly understands the ins and outs of interactive marketing, so you can get the best possible return on your investment. Editor s Note: Article courtesy of DSL Marketing. If you have questions regarding development of your Web site, or marketing in general, visit DSLMarketing.com. gs 55

6 s A message from the president & ceo Web site traffic at all time high Designed to attract more visitors, VisitMyrtleBeach.com, the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site, is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to visit the Myrtle Beach area. Over the past year, the chamber s Technology-Based Marketing Committee, Bill Rosenthal, Internet marketing manager, and Cori Hutslar, Web site manager, have worked nonstop developing a Web site that is more comprehensive and easier to use for travelers, meeting and event planners, media and locals. New features to the site, including our video tour section, expanded photo gallery, live pier Webcam and online travel planner, have resulted in additional site stickiness which has increased the number of page views and average time spent on the site per unique visitor. These enhanced features to VisitMyrtleBeach.com are paying off for our members as traffic is at an all time high; we surpassed 2,000,000 unique visitors for the year in early July. The other good news is that visitors are clicking on members links to gather more information about products and services. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members who purchased advertising links on VisitMyrtleBeach.com have seen steady traffic with 2,900,359 referrals recorded through June. Blueprint to services A recently completed append program has increased our visitor list to 875,000 subscribers. presents an opportunity to further promote the destination while opening a new advertising channel for our members to reach a highly targeted audience. A new Online Travel Planner has resulted in more than 130,000 referrals to advertisers so far this year. The Travel Planner allows visitors to personalize their own unique itinerary by building a customized list of activities, dining, events, shopping and lodging choices. Increased search engine optimization has allowed the Myrtle Beach Area CVB to gain a stronger presence on the major search engines, which translates into a substantial increase in free traffic through higher organic rankings for important keywords that drive targeted traffic to our Web site. Optimization of our pay-per-click campaign has allowed us to put the Myrtle Beach area destination in front of potential visitors at the exact time they are planning their vacation, delivering additional highly qualified traffic and referrals to our members. We also have taken many steps to promote the destination and VisitMyrtleBeach.com in areas besides the search engines. Our videos, for example, have been distributed on social media sites, such as YouTube.com and TripAdvisor.com, resulting in 16,488 views to date, providing additional free exposure. Plus, we continue to build our presence on numerous travel sites, including IgoUgo.com, TripAdvisor.com, BeachHouse.com, FamilyTravelFiles.com, Yahoo Travel and VirtualTourist.com. We are committed to providing the best online experience for our visitors while promoting our member businesses. Check out these other features that are just a click away: Lodging search tool makes it easier and quicker to find perfect accommodations. International page is aimed at attracting more international travelers. The section may be viewed in French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean and German. Customized map of the Grand Strand provides incorporates specific information about member businesses. The insight visitors will gain is the fact that the Myrtle Beach area is more than they expected. Discover for yourself at VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Brad Dean President & CEO { I-73/74 update } M a r k your calendars Fall Road Rally in Roanoke, VA by Melanie Dorman, I-73 project coordinator, National Interstate 73/74 Corridor Association It s time to mark your calendars for the Interstate 73/74 Fall Road Rally in Roanoke, Va., on Oct. 19 and 20. The rally will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the progress of Interstate 73/74 and discuss the challenges facing the interstate in the years ahead. If you are interested in attending the 2008 Fall Road Rally in Roanoke, Va., please contact Melanie Dorman, project coordinator for the National I-73/74 Corridor Association, at (866) or info@i73.com. 6 { I-73/74 update }

7 An even tful season CVB scores high with group market Whether a meeting planner is organizing for 10 or 10,000, that individual can rely on the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau s unparalleled expertise and proven track record to make that group s next Grand Strand meeting, sporting event, group tour or convention a complete success. We know what local, regional and national meeting planners want when they are looking for a meeting location: facilities, accessibility and value, noted Danna Lilly, CMP, the convention bureau s director of sales. We re here to ensure that a client s special event is a total success. From their first contact with our team until the completion of their last event, our CVB staff of experienced professionals is ready to help with every detail. The Myrtle Beach Area CVB is a sales and marketing organization whose focus is on strategic marketing of customized wow experiences for the meetings and conventions industry. Formed in 1978 as a division of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the CVB promotes the Myrtle Beach area as a convention and leisure destination. Whether it s a family gathering for a reunion, a meeting convention or trade show, or even a motorcoach exploring the Atlantic coast, the CVB seeks out these special groups and books room nights into our member properties. By actively cultivating contacts with group tour operators, meeting professionals, associations and other leaders in the group industry, we increase opportunities for our members to service groups, meetings and conferences, as well as participate in familiarization trips into the Myrtle Beach area, Lilly explained. The CVB is a one-stop shop for group markets. Clients partner with the bureau to select a hotel, gather proposals, conduct site visits, plan offsite events, identify service providers, build attendance, and promote their event. The 545 leads generated by the bureau this past year resulted in the booking of 79,039 room nights. And these groups not only rent rooms, they dine, shop, golf and entertain themselves throughout the Grand Strand. Group business travelers dole out more than $200 each day, which not only puts money in the pockets of local businesses, but contributes significantly to the tax base of Horry County. To help reach these numbers, the bureau conducts telemarketing and direct mail campaigns, makes sales calls and attends trade and consumer shows. It also advertises in trade publications read by meeting planners, tour operators and travel agents. By the numbers The Myrtle Beach Area CVB wrapped up the fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a number of outstanding accomplishments: Sent 545 qualified leads to member subscribers. Booked 365 definite groups (79,039 room nights). Serviced 383 groups representing 83,452 attendees and received a satisfaction rating of 4.94 on a scale of 1-5. Hosted CVB Update Meeting and Motorcoach Seminar for all members. Received Meeting & Conventions Gold Service Award and Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award for Service. The Myrtle Beach Area CVB is made up of three primary areas: meetings market, international, group tours and sports market. Together these areas promote and market the Myrtle Beach area as a premier convention/meeting and visitor destination for the purpose of positively affecting the Grand Strand s economy. Meetings Market Attended 16 trade shows promoting the area to meeting planners. Produced 2008/2009 version of The Official Myrtle Beach Area Meeting Planner Guide. Joined by 10 member businesses in Washington, D.C., to host an upscale Meet Myrtle Beach Reception for 50 meeting and event planners. In conjunction with Myrtle Beach Area Convention Center, hosted Best of the Beach familiarization trip for 20 meeting planners. Hosted Society of Government Meeting Planners, Association Executives of North Carolina, South Carolina Society of Association Executives, and Meeting Professionals International Carolinas Chapter. International Market Attended two trade shows targeting the international market. Hosted 60 international golf tour operators in Myrtle Beach for four days during International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Annual Mid-Year Convention. Participated in the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism s Coastal SC-USA sales mission to Sweden and Denmark to promote the area to travel media and tour operators in this new market. CVB, See Page 11 gs 77

8 For the record Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau have been extremely busy creating opportunities for your business to grow and prosper. Take a look at what we accomplished during April-June 2008: Launched the 55th annual Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo, which runs from April through October, has multiple age divisions and categories for pier, surf, inlet and deep-sea fishing. Lucky winners net prizes ranging from shoulder patches and trophies to fishing gear and other merchandise. Hosted a breakfast meeting for Virginia Sen. Frank Wagner who visited South Carolina to meet with business leaders about energy with a focus on offshore natural gas exploration. South Strand Council held a complimentary luncheon for South Strand chamber members. Chamber President & CEO Brad Dean updated members on chamber projects and events. Participated in Hospitality Day at the Statehouse A Taste of South Carolina. The popular event featured restaurants from across the state serving samples of their menu specialties. Produced Grand Strand Living primary business guide for residents and relocation guide for newcomers. Chamber members receive an alphabetical listing in the Membership Directory and a category/ service listing in the Business Guide. Asked members to send a message to the S.C. Senate showing support for the 2-for-1 tourism promotion grant program. Held a press conference for Samantha Brown, star of the Travel Channel s Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends show. An episode on the Grand Strand was taped May 1-4 and aired July 10. Held a Kickoff Celebration for gsscene, a new organization for young professionals that is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 335 people (signed up around 200 new members) attended the hugely popular event held at The Boathouse. Applauded as 29 members of Class of XXVIII graduated from Leadership Grand Strand. Presented the Leadership Grand Strand Ann DeBock award to David Brittain, chairman of the MBACC board of directors. Displayed the 2008 Ford Focus Sun Fun car at Darlington Raceway. Presented by the Carolina Ford Dealers Association, the Sun Fun car will be awarded to one lucky winner at the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival on Aug. 30. s 8

9 Celebrated National Tourism Week May The chamber s welcome centers thanked our visitors by serving complimentary refreshments; an ad touting the benefits of tourism appeared in local newspapers; WPDE NewsChannel 15 aired a National Tourism Week Chamber Moment; members received Thank You for Visiting static cling decals; and a number of chamber members offered discounts during May through online coupons that were downloaded at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Hosted a casting call for chamber s advertising campaign. Local talent auditioned for the chamber s 2009 print and broadcast marketing campaign. North Strand Council held a complimentary breakfast program for North Strand chamber members. MBACC President & CEO Brad Dean updated members on chamber projects and events. Traveled with Surfside Beach town officials and MBACC members to Durham, N.C., for a Durham Bulls baseball game where the chamber helped to promote the town of Surfside Beach. Baseball fans received a goodie bag and one lucky family won a three-night stay in Surfside Beach, plus free passes to Legends In Concert, Wild Water & Wheels and lunch at Dagwood s Deli. Recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives for communication materials. The chamber received the 2007 Excellence Award for the Chamber Mail membership advertising program and the Grand Strander member newsletter. The 2007 Honorable Mention Award was presented for the chamber s lead on the I-73 project (South Carolina I-73 Association and National I-73/74 Corridor Association). Held a First Year Reception for new members. Showcased networking opportunities, Chamber Academy, marketing events and other benefits and services. Held the 3rd annual Hurricane Preparedness Conference and Expo with more than 400 people in attendance. Members showcased their products and services while hurricane experts led sessions on preparing your home and business for a disaster. Celebrated the 57th annual Sun Fun Festival June 5-9. The festival offered free, family friendly events, headline concerts, hot air balloon and boat rides, celebrity meet and greet, sporting events, food and arts/ crafts vendors and more. Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city of Myrtle Beach and Horry County Solid Waste Authority collaborated to recycle aluminum and plastic beverage containers during the Sun Fun Festival, a festival first. Kicked off two free summer concert series. The Sun Fun Summer Concert Series, presented by Withers Preserve and The Market Common, are held each Friday at Grand Park in the old Air Force Base. The Plyler Park Concert Series, gs For the Record, See Page 10 99

10 s For the Record, From Page 9 presented by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Merchants Association, are held every Tuesday and Saturday at Plyler Park. Hooked the 2008 Spring Pier King Mackerel Tournament. The fishing tournament is part of the summerlong Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. Held a Marketing Update for all chamber members to discuss summer travel research and the chamber s spring marketing campaign. Approximately 30 travel journalists visited the Myrtle Beach area June for the Society of American Travel Writers Freelance Council annual conference. Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted this event to showcase attractions, hotels and restaurants, which journalists will share in print and photographs. Held nine educational classes: Publisher Training attended by 15 people; The First Step to Great Leadership-Creating a Compelling Vision enjoyed by 11 people; Small Budget, Small Business Marketing with 13 people in attendance; and Customer Service with Attitude Part II with 32 people attending; Beginner Excel enjoyed by 16 people; U.S. Postal Service Price Change Notice Workshop attended by 45 people; Marketing Products and Services for Maximum Sales Results with 28 people in attendance; Outperforming and Outlasting the Competition attended by seven people; and Being an Effective Team Member in Times of Change enjoyed by five people. The Chamber Academy is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Herald. Booked 93 groups into member properties. Distributed 126 leads to convention and motorcoach lead service subscribers. Serviced 104 groups representing 26,985 attendees. Exhibited at nine trade shows promoting to the group market. Greeted 28,779 visitors at our welcome centers. Received 59,875 phone calls through our call centers. Fulfilled 298,481 qualified inquiries. Welcomed 78 new members. Introduced 29 members during Chamber Access, a new member orientation and benefit update for current members. Celebrated 22 ribbon-cutting ceremonies: The Market Common Myrtle Beach, Piggly Wiggly-Market Common, Rejuvenation Day Spa & Salon, Direct Buy of Myrtle Beach, Champions Golf Academy, Redi-et Ethiopian Cuisine, Freedom Boat Club, Warranties For Less, The Coast RTA, Ichiro s Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi, Agape Senior, Coastal General Contractors, LLC, dba CSA Coastal Steel Acoustics, Arthur Rutenberg Homes (Seville Village of Grande Dunes), Southern Portraits & Accents (Studio & Fine Art Gallery), Ocean Sands Pediatrics, LLC, Griswold Special Care of Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, R Salon and Spa, Coastal Scuba, Blue Ridge Learning, Plantation Storage at Carolina Forest, Longley Supply Co., and The Big M Casino. Enjoyed three Business After Hours with 800 members in attendance. Held two Connections Marketplace speed networking events with 102 members attending. Hosted 46 travel writers. Met with 90 travel and lifestyle media during a six city national rollout tour in April. Responded to 220 media inquiries and requests for information. Produced 39 news releases, media advisories and invitations. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its events and activities were mentioned 270 times in local and regional media. Through the efforts of the public relations division, Myrtle Beach was mentioned 1,223 times in print and Web stories from regional, national and international media with a total publicity value of more than $9,045,527. Logged 1,228,154 daily unique Web visits at VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Recorded 6,729,957 page views by unique visitors at VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Recorded 1,882,793 referrals from paid advertisements (member links on one of VisitMyrtleBeach.com s main navigational pages Lodging, Transportation, Dining, Things to Do, Golf, etc.) Logged 42,687 click throughs (referrals) to members Web sites through the Business Directory on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. 10

11 CVB, From Page 7 Group Tour and Sports Markets Attended seven tradeshows targeting the motorcoach market. Produced holiday direct mail piece to promote the 2008 holiday season. Produced student direct mail piece to promote the area to the ever growing student market. Successfully hosted Motorcoach Association of South Carolina s Annual Meeting. Planned and executed a successful Tye s Top Tour & Travel familiarization (FAM) trip, exposing the area to more than 60 group leaders. In addition, hosted 20 individual FAM s to the area for tour operators. Your staff The Myrtle Beach Area CVB is dedicated to providing event planners with competitive destination support services that exceed their expectations. Consider them your staff on location in the Grand Strand. Along with Lilly, the sales team includes Leanne Barnes, corporate sales manager, Ursula Grant, association sales manager, Sandy Haines, group sales manager, Elaine Michaud, international sales manager, and the newest member of the team, Roy Edmondson, sports/smerf (social, military, education, religious, fraternal) sales manager. Overseeing the administrative duties are Mandy Holt, convention services assistant, Michelle Schollmeyer, administrative assistant, and Doris Whiteley, extremely dedicated volunteer. The role of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is to promote the Myrtle Beach area nationally and abroad. It generates leads on group business for the subscribers of our lead service and books room nights into member properties. The bureau also offers services to groups when they arrive, such as providing welcome packets and registration assistance, in an ongoing effort to lure groups back to the area. To learn more about the Myrtle Beach Area CVB, go to VisitMyrtleBeach.com or call (843) Seeking Volunteer of the Year nominations Volunteers literally dozens of them are the backbone of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. They serve on committees, help out at special events and festivals, donate their time in the chamber office, and help recruit new members. A good example is Lyn Smith winner of last year s Volunteer of the Year award. Smith is chairwoman of the Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo committee and mastermind behind the Take A Kid Fishing tournament. It is this spirit of giving that the chamber would like to honor as we search for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year. We are asking our members to nominate an outstanding Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce volunteer. Do you know someone who serves on chamber committees and gathers support for MBACC? Do you know an individual who consistently volunteers during festivals or helps out at the chamber s offices? Nomination forms are available at the chamber welcome centers and online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Special Events. Nomination deadline is Aug. 29. If you have questions, contact Amie Lee, director of special events, at Amie.Lee@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Look for details on a Sept. 30 volunteer reception in the September Grand Strander and on the Web at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Volunteer of the Year Spotlights someone who has volunteered his or her time, talent and energy to help the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The honoree demonstrates the true spirit of service by helping the chamber promote, protect and improve the Grand Strand. gs 11 11

12 s One important indicator of economic activity, particularly at local levels, is personal income. While labor market indicators, such as job growth, employment by sector and unemployment rates, are available more frequently and are more current, they do not provide an indication of income growth, or changes in income trends for an area. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released 2006 data on personal income at the county level. Total personal income is a measure of all income from all sources for area residents. It is made up of three major components: labor earnings; dividends, interest and rent; and transfer payments (these are transfers from the government, such as unemployment insurance and social security benefits). There are many different ways to look at income statistics. The overall size of total personal income provides a useful indicator of how large an area s economy is relative to other areas. In 2006, total { Economic Update } Income trends along the Grand Strand personal income in Horry County was $6.7 billion. Total personal income in Georgetown County was roughly $2.0 billion. Statewide, personal income was $128.9 billion in Horry County s income level ranked 6th in the state while Georgetown County was 18th in the state. Between 1996 and 2006, total personal income in Horry County grew at an average annual rate of 6.8 percent. Georgetown s income level grew an average of 6.7 percent per year. Both counties experienced faster growth than the state and national average of 5.4 percent since Of course, total personal income can grow for several reasons. A primary explanation for rapid income growth in Horry and Georgetown is the rapid population growth in these areas. To account for this population growth, it is common to look at per capita personal income. Per capita income is simply total income divided by population. Chart 1. Annual Income Growth, South Carolina Georgetown County Horry County average annual growth South Carolina Georgetown County Horry County Labor Earnings Dividends, Interest and Rent Transfer Payments In 2006, Horry County s per capita income stood at $27,809. This was 15th in the state and stood at 93 percent of the state average of $29,767. Per capita income in Georgetown County was $32,524. This was 6th highest in the state and was 109 percent of the South Carolina average. Over the last 10 years, Horry County has seen per capita income grow a bit slower than the statewide average while Georgetown s per capita income has grown faster than the state and national averages. The slower growth of per capita income in Horry County is one of the driving forces behind the push to diversify the local economy to try to attract higher paying jobs to the area. Breaking out the components of total personal income provides useful insights into the nature of our local economies. For all of South Carolina, labor earnings represent about 66 percent of total personal income. Dividends, interest, and rental income accounts for 15 percent of the total, while transfer Chart 2. Components of Total Income G H Georgetown County Horry County percent of total Labor Earnings Dividends, Interest and Rent Don Schunk Don Schunk is a research economist with the BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development at Coastal Carolina University. He develops and maintains a database of regional economic indicators and publishes economic forecasts; serves as a liaison with the area business community and state and local governments; and writes a monthly column for the Grand Strander. Transfer Payments 12

13 payments make up 19 percent of total income. As you might expect, the components of income look different for Horry and Georgetown counties. In Horry County, labor earnings make up 62 percent of total income, dividends, interest, and rent make up 17 percent, and transfer payments represent another 21 percent of total income. This pattern is consistent with the large retiree population in Horry County. This pattern is even more pronounced in Georgetown County. There, labor earnings are about 53 percent of total income, dividends, interest, and rent made up 23 percent, and transfer payments were 24 percent. Both Horry County and especially Georgetown County see a much larger percentage of total income derived from nonlabor sources including social security benefits and other sources of retirement income. { economic indicators} Horry County $676,775 $871,658 March +29% accommodations tax collections April unemployment County 2007 Rate 2008 Rate Horry 131, % 133, % Georgetown 29, % 29, % Number of persons in labor force, rate April gross retail sales County % Change Georgetown County residential construction permits April 2008 Location Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach Surfside Beach Georgetown County Single Family Units Single Family Units Cost Multi-Family Bldgs. Multi-Family Units Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost $1,156,800 $26,324,202 $3,654,307 0 $6,831, $2,007,968 0 $6,240, residential cons t ruc t ion per mi t s April Location Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach Surfside Beach Georgetown County Single Family Units Single Family Units Cost Multi-Family Bldgs. Multi-Family Units Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost $1,321,187 $1,109,237 April -16% Not available at press date May March +25% key $6,440,872 $49,261,185 $7,751,817 $986,039 $9,729, $1,300, $486,400 April admissions tax County % Change Horry $1,188,989 $902, % Georgetown $167,523 $117, % April airport activity % Change Horry $845,052,100 $766,145, % Arrivals 80,843 74, % Georgetown $129,848,020 $122,014, % Departures 83,422 73, % Sources: S.C. Departments of PRT and Revenue, Bureau of Census, S.C. Employment Commission, Horry County Department of Airports $44,330 $55,457 $84,863 $71,368 April -16% Not available at press date May gs 13 13

14 s Visitor guide ad sales close mid-august Be the first to reach prospective visitors The 2009 Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide, formerly known as Stay & Play, includes sensational photography, a userfriendly map, comprehensive accommodations, dining and golf grids, and an extensive calendar of events section. The popular guide provides informative listings of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members and serves as the primary fulfillment piece in response to advertising. The vacation guide features everything needed to plan a week-long adventure vacation for the whole family or a romantic weekend getaway for two. Specific membership packages have been developed for lodging members, dining members, and activities and services members. Members can view these packages at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Important Dates Ad Sales Close: Aug. 15, 2008 Payment Due: Aug. 18, 2008 Ad Materials Due: Oct. 1, 2008, by 2 p.m. Contact Information New Advertisers: Scott Head, advertising sales manager, (843) or Scott.Head@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Current & Renewals: Johanna Hodge, marketing production manager, (843) or Johanna.Hodge@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Learn More: MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Quick Facts Advertising included in 325,000 vacation guides Advertising included in 875,000 bonus advertising supplements Divided guide into sectional content: Stay, Play, Dine, Golf Colorful page borders to aid in readability and locating content quickly Includes Web site link New segmen ted bl asts Target more than 85,000 subscribers interested in accommodations information Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has segmented its list, based upon user preferences selected when signing up for visitor e-news, into several groups allowing us to send targeted s to our potential visitors. MBACC has created an affordable way for those in the accommodations sector (Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide advertisers only) to reach highly targeted traffic by scheduling two s per month featuring five different properties per blast. This new program, an addition to our highly successful E-Postcard that allows accommodations advertisers the exclusive opportunity to reach our entire list of more than 850,000 subscribers, will be deployed on weeks that E-Postcards are not scheduled. Contact Scott Head, advertising sales manager, (843) or Scott.Head@VisitMyrtleBeach.com for additional details on how you can reach this audience. Sun Fun Concert Series Presented by Withers Preserve and The Market Common Every Friday throughout the summer join us at Grand Park, across the street from The Market Common, for the 2008 Sun Fun Summer Concert Series. All concerts are free. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Fri, Aug 1 7 p.m. The Tams, beach Fri, Aug 8 7 p.m. The Legends, Ceasar, Larissa Holiday and special guest Billy Scott. Also featuring Harry Turner, Beach Music Association International, sharing the history of beach music. Fri, Aug 15 7 p.m. Key West Band, Jimmy Buffet tribute Fri, Aug p.m. Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival featuring Still Cruzin Sat, Aug 30 All Day Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival featuring Clay Brown and Legend Band, and The Flashbacks All times and dates are subject to change without notice. Visit SunFunFestival.com for more info. 14

15 SAT W F r e e l a n c e C o u n c i l c o n f e r e n c e by Kimberly Miles, public relations manager { PR Hot Spot } In other PR news The Society of American Travel Writers Freelance Council enjoyed the Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Oceanfront Water Park during its spring meeting. They captured story ideas, photography and video footage during their visit to the Grand Strand. The Society of American Travel Writers Freelance Council held their spring meeting in the Myrtle Beach area June Several months of planning set the stage for the 30 journalists who attended with a wide variety of opportunities for them to capture story ideas, photography and video footage. It was the Freelance Council s first official visit to the region. The council holds two meetings a year throughout the world, always in locales that are rich in story and photo possibilities. For example, next year s spring meeting will be in Cairo, Egypt. Attendees came from all over North America, including Canada, and write for a number of top publications and media outlets. Full-day trips featured Grand Strand s top attractions, golf on the Grand Strand, high culture in the Low Country, and a tour for photographers. This conference was very important to the Myrtle Beach area and our tourism economy and allowed us an opportunity to attract national publicity. Most of the attendees had not previously visited the Myrtle Beach area and were highly impressed by the family friendly and diverse options available to all ages and interests. After several research trips in the area, one journalist remarked, What is there not to do here? It took a communitywide team effort in order to pull out the red carpet for this group. Primary meeting sponsors were the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc., Premier Resorts at Barefoot Resort, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, The Carolina Opry and Family Kingdom Amusement Park. What would you like to learn or see in a future PR Hot Spot? Have a PR related question? You can reach Kimberly Miles at (843) or Kimberly.Miles@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. There were four different Myrtle Beach Good Morning America segments that aired in June that have culminated in more than a half a million dollars in public relations. The show broadcast live on June 1 from Hard Rock Park and featured Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park in their Weekend Windows segment. Later in June, GMA plugged Myrtle Beach in their weather forecast and in another piece profiling a family who was trying to save money on their Myrtle Beach vacation. The area s numerous miniature golf courses made the front page of the Travel Section in The Washington Post (Circulation: 673,180, Impressions: 1,770,463, Impressions how many times a publication is actually read outside of the general subscribed circulation of the paper. For example, people leave papers at businesses for many others to read besides those that subscribe. VPM: 7,943,529, VPM viewers per month to the Web site) on June 29 and subsequently led to commentary about Myrtle Beach mini golf by Bob Schieffer on CBS s Face the Nation the same day. This segment was worth an estimated $130,000 of publicity. The Grand Strand s episode of Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends aired July 10 at 10:30 p.m. on Travel Channel to an estimated audience of more than a half million. gs { PR Hot Spot } PR Hot Spot, See Page

16 16 s H o s p i t a l i t y Partnership Hospitality Golf Tournament It s time to assemble your foursomes for the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association s 17th annual Time Warner/HBO Hospitality Classic Golf Tournament on Aug. 14 at the Myrtle Beach National Golf Club. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. followed by a 2 p.m. shotgun start. The cost for the four-person Captain s Choice tournament is $120 per person. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. The golf tournament also will include a raffle and silent auction. Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, West Course We ll be hitting the links at some of the best greens in the area. The West Course at Myrtle Beach National is one of the most challenging 18-hole championship golf courses in Myrtle Beach. From the regular tees, golfers of all abilities will enjoy this classic Arnold Palmer design. But be prepared for a challenge from the back tees, as the numerous doglegs, fairway bunkers and natural hazards come into play. Proceeds from the golf tournament will fund scholarships and other education projects benefiting the hospitality industry, including golf, entertainment, hospitality, culinary, tourism and management careers. Sponsorship opportunities The MBAHA s Time Warner/HBO Hospitality Classic Golf Tournament is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business and demonstrate your support for the industry and its educational endeavors. There are several sponsorship packages with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500. In addition, MBAHA is looking for silent auction items and raffle prizes. For golf tournament registration, sponsorship opportunities and other event information, call MBAHA at (843) Hospitality Partnership announces two new affinity programs Affinity programs save you time and money. These value-added programs can benefit both your business and your customers. Mystery Shopping Studies show it costs a business six times as much to get a new customer as it does to retain a current customer. What is the customer experience like for your customers when they interact with your business? Through the use of anonymous mystery shoppers, the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association in partnership with Meridian Management Solutions can help you inspect and measure what your customers and potential customers are experiencing whenever they interact with you onsite, on the telephone or online. Identify Theft If any data regarding your clients, employees or vendors is stolen, lost, mishandled or misplaced, you may Hospitality, See Page 26 { Special Events Update } Meet people, make contacts, exchange ideas When you join the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce you become part of the chamber s 67 years of business and community progress. However, to really get value from your membership, you need to get involved. MBACC offers endless opportunities to become more visible and better connected with what s happening in our thriving business community. Chamber members enjoy a wide variety of special events throughout the year. From award recognition programs and presentations on legislative issues to businessto-business marketing opportunities and visits from nationally known speakers, the chamber offers something for everyone. To find out more about these signature special events, log on to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Special Events or contact Amie Lee, director of special events, at Amie.Lee@ VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Grand Strand Regional Grassroots Meeting Aug. 28, :30 p.m. Magnolia s at 26th, Palmetto Room 2605 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach Registration: scchamber.net or contact Julie Scott, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, at (803) or grassroots@scchamber.net Members of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and local area chambers are preparing for a successful 2009 legislative session. This important policy-changing work begins at home at the grassroots level. This open-forum meeting is one of the first steps in creating the 2009 Competitiveness Agenda, the S.C. Chamber s and business community s annual list of legislative priorities. It will begin with a legislative review from the South Carolina Chamber s public policy staff before moving into an open discussion of legislative issues. Special Events, See Page 26 { Special Events Update }

17 {welcome n e w m e m b e r s } A AAA Yandle Mobile Storage Trailers-Storage Terry Yandle P.O. Box 888 North Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Ameris Bank Banks Amy Watford 3955 Hwy. 17 Murrells Inlet, SC (843) amerisbank.com Blue Lightning Media Marketing JD Redmon th Ave. N., Ste. 3 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) bluelightningusa.com Brooks Brothers- Market Common Clothing-Men/Women Chuck Roberts 3096 Howard Ave., Space A3-700 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Brooks Brothers-Tanger North Clothing-Men/Women Jackie Davis Kings Rd., Space 560 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Brooks Brothers-Tanger 501 Clothing-Men/Women Jamey Sellars 4638 Hwy. 501 Factory Stores, Ste. EE240 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Cedar Hill Landing Restaurant & Oyster Roast Restaurant-Seafood Christopher Nance 5225 Hwy. 17 Business Murrells Inlet, SC (843) Celestial Spa on Cloud 9 Massage Therapy Debra Commander st Ave. N. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) celestialmassagecloud9.com Chase Mortgage-Institutions April Gibson 3501 N. Kings Hwy., Ste. 102 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) homeloan.chase.com/ bryanh.davenport Chili s Grill & Bar Restaurant-American Michael Leonardo 8739 Hwy. 17 Bypass S. Surfside Beach, SC (679) bonnaroogroup.com Clean Streak Janitorial-Services Jason Ely P.O. Box Myrtle Beach, SC (843) cleanstreakinfo.com Giada s Cafe & Restaurant Restaurant-Italian Joseph Marcello 3590 St. James Ave. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Grand Strand Bride Magazine Ads-Directories/Magazines/ Periodicals Eric Hause P.O. Box 8146 Norfolk, VA (757) grandstrandbride.com The Guy Company South Contractors-General Joseph Guy 817 2nd Ave. N. Surfside Beach, SC (843) guycompany.net Ivan B. Goldstein, CPA- Business/Personal Accounting Accountants-Certified Ivan Goldstein 79 Evergreen Ave. Springfield, NJ (973) Kids First Consignment Consignment Shops Mary Elliott B Hwy. 17 Bypass S. Murrells Inlet, SC (843) Kirby Financial Associates, LLC Financial-Planning Christine Cherry 2411 Oak St., Ste. 30SC Myrtle Beach, SC (843) kirbyfinancialassociates.com The Law Office of Ray H. Winters, P.C. Attorneys Ray Winters th Ave. N., Ste. 104 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) rhwlawpc.com Lowes Foods #232 Grocers-Retail Steve Kania 1399 S. Commons Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) (800) lowesfoods.com Lowes Foods #233 Grocers-Retail Rob Gullion Hwy. 707 Murrells Inlet, SC (843) (800) lowesfoods.com Lowes Foods #234 Grocers-Retail Lisa Selip nd Pkwy. Myrtle Beach, SC (800) lowesfoods.com The Mad Signtist Signs Timothy Akerlund 105 Lichen Ct., Unit 1 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Max & Erma s Restaurant Restaurant-Family Frank Sicilia 1004 Glen Forest Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) maxandermas.com New York Life Insurance Chris Cox 1312 Professional Dr., Ste. 200 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) newyorklife.com Sunset Taxi Taxicabs Lloyd Branson Myrtle Beach, SC (843) sunsettaximyrtlebeach.com Waverly Capital Corporation Financial-Services Mary Doerr 46 Professional Ln., #B Pawleys Island, SC (843) waverlycapitalcorp.com gs 17 17

18 18 s Are you looking for a few good sponsorship opportunities? Look no further we ve got you covered The success of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce s events is often attributed to the response and support of sponsors. For many years Grand Strand businesses have supported the chamber s efforts through financial and inkind sponsorships. Sponsor support continues to be the backbone of the chamber s events. The chamber is committed to making a sponsor s investment worth their time and money. Sponsorships provide maximum visibility prior to the event, during the event, as well as after. Sponsors are often recognized in print, radio, television and on the Web. The earlier you secure your sponsorship, the more opportunity you have for the added exposure. The upcoming annual membership meeting and President s Gala are two events that will gain your company incredible publicity. To learn more about these events and other sponsorship opportunities, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Marketing Strategies or contact Pam Wright, business sales manager, (843) or Pam.Wright@VisitMyrtleBeach.com, or Ann Scott, hospitality sales manager, (843) or Ann.Scott@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Annual Meeting Sponsored by: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Awards Luncheon sponsored by: Myrtle Beach Herald Event description: Special event highlighting past year s accomplishments and previewing the upcoming goals. Also presentation of individual and business awards. Date/Time/Location: Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes Attendance: Members & Public Invited 400+ Sponsorship level: Booth Sponsor Sponsorship cost: $500 No. of sponsorships at this level: Unlimited Sponsorship benefits: Logo/recognition on all marketing material, agenda, Grand Strander and on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com in the annual meeting area of the site Two tickets to the annual meeting and seating at a reserved table during the awards luncheon Display table at annual meeting List of attendees Sponsorship level: Break Sponsor Sponsorship cost: $1,000 No. of sponsorships at this level: One Sponsorship benefits: Recognition in the scripting during the annual meeting and opportunity to address audience Opportunity to put up signage and banners at the event (provided by the sponsor) Opportunity to distribute marketing material at booth or registration table Logo/recognition on all marketing material, agenda, Grand Strander and on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com in the annual meeting area of the site Two tickets to the annual meeting and seating a t a r e s e r v e d t a b l e d u r ing t h e aw a r d s lu n c h e o n Display table at annual meeting List of attendees Sponsorship level: Breakfast Sponsor Sponsorship cost: $2,000 No. of sponsorships at this level: One Sponsorship benefits: Recognition in the scripting during the annual meeting and opportunity to address audience Opportunity to put up signage and banners at the event (provided by the sponsor) Opportunity to distribute marketing material during opening session Logo/recognition on all marketing material, agenda, Grand Strander and on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com in the annual meeting area of the site Four tickets to the annual meeting and seating a t a r e s e r v e d t a b l e d u r ing t h e aw a r d s lu n c h e o n Display table at annual meeting List of attendees President s Gala Presenting sponsor: Myrtle Beach Herald Event description: Celebration of the Pioneer of the Year and Citizen of the Year Date/Time/Location: Nov. 20, 7-10 p.m., Dunes Golf & Beach Club Attendance: Members & Public Invited 150+ Sponsorship level: Award Sponsor Sponsorship cost: $2,500 No. of sponsorships at this level: Two Sponsorship benefits: Logo/recognition on all marketing material, invitations, Grand Strander and on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com in the President s Gala area of the site Recognition in the scripting during the President s Gala Opportunity to help present award to recipient Two tickets to the President s Gala and seating at a reserved table List of attendees Two tickets to the chamber s annual meeting on Oct. 30 and seating at a reserved table during the awards luncheon Recognition in the scripting during the annual meeting Logo in audio visual presentation at the annual meeting awards luncheon Display table at annual meeting

19 Chamber membership renewal deadline Aug. 29 Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is a one-stop shop for supporting business growth. Chamber membership offers you a number of unique services and programs to help you improve your bottom line. Your renewal is vital to accomplish the many important services provided through the chamber. With your membership, we brought in two successful presidential primary debates which generated unprecedented national and international publicity. With your membership, we continued to gather support and funding for I-73. And with your membership, we expanded the Sun Fun and Can-Am festivals and again attracted national publicity with a goal to increase the visitor base. The member companies of the chamber can collectively accomplish in the community what no one company can do alone. Your investment impacts education, public policy, regional advancement and many other areas of growth for our region. The deadline to renew your chamber membership is Aug. 29. Don t miss a minute of benefits renew today. For more information, contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Introducing LGS Cl ass X X I X Thirty business and community leaders were recently selected for Leadership Grand Strand Class of XXIX, a nine-month program designed to develop future business and community leaders. The class starts in August and explores government, education, business, human services, health, arts and criminal justice. An exciting and very important part of the LGS curriculum is community service. Each class member will spend 25 hours working with MBACC s Youth Leadership Academy and 50 hours assisting Habitat for Humanity. Another 25 hours will be spent doing volunteer work for community organizations selected by each member. Leadership Grand Strand is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, contact Diana Greene, LGS executive director, at LGS@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Stay updated on LGS by visiting LeadershipGrandStrand.com Class Gregory Ackerman, Smith, Sapp, Brookhout, Crumpler & Callahan - CPA Kevin Alford, Ocean Lakes Family Campground John Bertang, Myrtle Beach Police Department Paige Bird, RE/MAX Ocean Forest Carole H. Bowdre, Agape Senior and Hospice Dennis J. DiSabato Jr., Law Office of Dennis J. DiSabato, Jr., LLC Stephanie Springs English, Tidelands Bank - Myrtle Beach Thomas Robert Fous, Burroughs & Chapin Inc. Kenneth Generette, Horry County Schools Melissa Graham, Premier Resorts at Barefoot Resort Robyn Graham, Graham E-Z-Go Alison Hawk, Coastal Carolina University Howard Henry, BB&T Blakely Jenkins, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Charlene Charlie Leone, South Carolina Electric & Gas John Reuben Long, II, Heran, Brittain & Martin, P.A. Matthew Radcliff Lowery, Bart Buie CPA, PA James F. McCrackin,Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Kristy L. McDowell, Phillips, Hursey & Farrell, CPA s LLC Kimberly Miles, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Karen Miller, Fairfield Inn by Marriott at Broadway Tina Pace, Brandon Advertising and Public Relations John Richards, Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. Carla Schuessler, Ally Management Inc. Walter E. Wes Standish, IV, Associated Insurors Rev. Michael Stewart, Advantage Hospice & Home Care Richard Stiles, FSA-Full Steam Ahead Inc. Steven Strickland, The EARTHWORKS Group Inc. Gina Trimarco, IMAX 3D THEATRE Josh Wise, Beach First National Bank gs 19 19

20 Co-op corner { Chamber Access } The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Advertising Co-op Program offers a variety of affordable and convenient ways to market your business. Here are just a few upcoming advertising deadlines. For a complete list, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Marketing Strategies. 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 non-lodging members. s u Newspaper on-page Ads The Charlotte Observer Sept. 21, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9, 2008 Circulation: 700,000+ Sunday Ad Closing: 09/12/08, 10/03/08, 10/31/08 Materials Due: 09/12/08, 10/03/08, 10/31/08 Ad Cost: $150 per inch, net All Ads: Various size options, 4-color Contact: Gretchen Mize Charlotte Observer, (704) GSMize@charlotteobserver.com u Interactive Co-op NewsObserver.com October 2008 Geographic Targets: Raleigh, NC within drive-time distance of Myrtle Beach 145,425 impressions per participant Click thru to advertiser Web site or landing page Material Due: 09/02/08, four spots available Ad Cost: $1,490 Contact: Lynne Boykin Brandon Advertising and Public Relations (843) LBoykin@brandonadvertising.com u Newspaper Insert Season of Celebration November 2008 Circulation: More than 1.1 million copies distributed as a newspaper insert in strategic markets in NC, SC, TN and VA within drive-time distance of Myrtle Beach Six-page Myrtle Beach area holiday guide 8 x 10, 60# coated stock Material Due: 09/17/08, 20 spots available Ad Cost: $3,800 All Ads: 3.75 wide x 4.5 high, 4-color Contact: Stephen Greene, Visit Media, (843) , visitmedia@sc.rr.com Chamber Access is for new chamber members, new representatives in chamber-member companies and members who would like a refresher course on their benefits. Join us at the Aug. 26 gathering (see Page 21) and learn all about member programs and benefits, including marketing opportunities, networking events and education classes. The following members attended the June member orientation reception: Front Row (L to R): Joe Ferrell, Manpower; Darrah Winkler, Hooters; Doug Gonsalves, A&E Kitchen Design Inc. Second Row (L to R): Patrick O Connor, First Federal; Michael Reiniche, Strong Tower Funding Inc. Third Row (L to R): Rocco Versace, First Federal; Joe Taylor, Oak Street Advisors. Forth Row (L to R): Harry Willoughby, Right at Home; Jo Nell Koch, WHCI Warren Harmon Commercial Interiors; Angela Cottingham, First Federal. Fifth Row (L to R): Jim Paterson, Allure Arcadian Salon & Spa; Terri Langston, AHI Agency Inc. Back Row: Anne Paterson, Allure Arcadian Salon & Spa. Thanks to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for providing refreshments for the reception. { Chamber Access } 20

21 {chamber happenings} Aug p.m. Chamber Access MBACC Boardroom 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach Free, valueadded benefit of membership Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business Connections. Questions? Call (843) Chamber Access is an extremely informative overview of the services and benefits that the chamber offers. New members and current members are invited. Bring lots of business cards to exchange and display on the share table (a table for your business cards, brochures, product samples, etc.) Aug. 28 4:15-7 p.m. Business After Hours 3051 Ripken Way Blvd. Myrtle Beach Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership. All member businesses and their employees are invited to Business After Hours. Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com or call (843) Deadline: Aug. 27. The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach gives players, coaches and families a unique opportunity to enjoy tournament baseball while visiting a top vacation destination. This one-of-a-kind youth baseball complex featuring professional fields and beautiful grounds is an ideal setting for Business After Hours. Network with your peers while enjoying complimentary refreshments and exciting door prizes. Networking Tip: Attend Regularly. Networking is like exercising it is only effective if it is done regularly. Work at it it is an ongoing process. Treat networking like an appointment and don t cancel it. ACCE names Pam Wright No. 2 salesperson The American Chamber of Commerce Executives has named Pam Wright, business sales manager for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, as the No. 2 salesperson in the nation in its sales contest. Wright has placed first, second or third and through In , ACCE named Wright as the No. 1 salesperson of the year. Wright sold 258 chamber memberships this past fiscal year with a value of $85,539. MBACC competes in the $500,000-$1.5 million dues income category with several other large chambers across the country. The ACCE category our chamber falls into is extremely competitive, said Diana Greene, MBACC executive vice president of membership programs & services. Pam has been an incredible asset to the chamber for years, and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments. To compete in the contest, sales professionals submit their quarterly sales figures. The top 10 sales professionals in each of the four dues income categories are recognized based on the total number of individual sales and on total dollar amount. gs 21 21

22 gsscene { gsscene } Gain visibility for your organization and build goodwill in the community by Blakely Jenkins, education and small business programs manager s Corporate sponsorships help gsscene an organization that promotes personal, civic and professional development for local professionals between the ages of remain a minimal dues organization. This encourages all young professionals to participate, regardless of their financial situation. gsscene has several sponsorships available to fit any businesses budget. With a growing membership of more than 350 participants and a variety of educational, social and community service events being held each month, sponsoring the gsscene only makes sense. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit gsscene.com or contact Blakely Jenkins, MBACC education and small business programs manager, and chamber liaison with gsscene, at Blakely.Jenkins@ VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Upcoming gsscene Events Aug p.m. Summer Social II, House of Blues Aug 29 5:30-9:30 p.m. Night at The Carolina Opry Thank you to our current sponsors: McNair Law Firm, The Conway National Bank, Smith, Sapp, Bookhout, Crumpler and Calliham, WPDE TV-15, NuRelm Inc. and Real Estate Mortgage Services. Night at The Carolina Opry Join gsscene on Aug. 29 as we travel back to the glory days of American popular music. At 5:30 p.m. the evening will begin at Jimmy Buffett s Margaritaville where gsscene members and guests (nonmembers are welcomed to attend) will be treated to an appetizer buffet and a complimentary drink. A cash bar with happy hour prices also will be available. gsscene members and guests should arrive at The Carolina Opry by 8 p.m. for a performance of Myrtle Beach s hottest show, Good Vibrations. This is a high-energy production that showcases the hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s and features the talented cast of The Carolina Opry. The cost for the evening is $25 per person, includes appetizer buffet and Sep p.m. Educational Luncheon: Business Etiquette, Premier Resorts at Barefoot Resort, DockSider s Grille Sep 20 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Community Service Project: Beach Sweep, Myrtle Beach State Park Shelter B2 Oct 16 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fall Social, Island Vista Nov 18 8:30-10:30 a.m. Educational Breakfast: Social Media, Community Room, Fire Station #6 Dec p.m. Christmas Celebration, Hot Fish Club Gazebo one drink ticket at Margaritaville plus entrance to The Carolina Opry. Reserve your seats by Friday, Aug. 15 at gsscene.com. New MBACC award honors outstanding young professional The Young Professional of the Year is a brand new award category being recognized by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual membership awards luncheon. The Young Professional of the Year award recognizes a young professional working in the Grand Strand who demonstrates community involvement, aspiration to succeed in the work force, and a future desire to make a difference in the Grand Strand. The award will be presented at the luncheon ceremony during the chamber s annual membership meeting Oct. 30. For more details about the annual meeting, Young Professional of the Year award and to download a nomination form, visit gsscene.com or MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. 22 { gsscene }

23 {business bulletin} Coast RTA recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company operates 50 vehicles ranging from 18-passenger to 40-passenger buses and currently services 10 fixed routes. Coldwell Banker Commercial Chicora Real Estate Surfside Beach office announced the hiring of two new associates, Margie O Connor and Jennifer Neumann, and welcomed Rob Amrine back to the company. Amrine has returned to the area after living in Raleigh, N.C., where he continued to work for Coldwell Banker Commercial with Trademark Properties before opening his own company. The Briarcliffe office of Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate welcomed Sales Associate Michael Blackwelder to the team. Rod Smith, director of general brokerage of Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate, recently was named to Coldwell Banker Real Estate s Broker Media Board. As a member, Smith will participate in national roundtable discussions, help identify national trends and points of interest, and represent the benefits of living in the Coastal Carolina beaches to the national media. Amy Nunamaker has joined Collins + Company Advertising/Design as an art director. DSL Marketing has announced the following new staff members: Jess Cleland has joined the firm as an interactive designer; Kendal Jordan and Alex O Neil are new account executives; Adam Kipple has been named senior interactive designer; Chrissy Mays has been hired as media relations and account manager; and Matt Montgomery has joined DSL Marketing s interactive city and entertainment guide, MyrtleBeachLife.com, as staff writer. Fisher & Phillips LLP has announced that five attorneys from their Columbia office, Michael Carrouth, Daniel Ellzey, Stephen Mitchell, Jonathan Pearson and J. Hagood Tighe, are featured in the Chambers USA: America s Leading Lawyers for Business 2008 guide. In addition, the South Carolina Fisher & Phillips office was ranked among the top labor and employment law firms in the state. Chambers USA determines rankings through thousands of in-depth interviews with randomly selected attorneys, clients and businesses. The Long Bay Symphony announced the addition of Carolyn Pittman to the staff as director of development and community relations. Diana Greene, IOM, executive vice president of membership programs & services for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce s four-year nonprofit leadership program Institute for Organization Management (IOM). In addition, Wendy Bernstein, TMP, marketing research manager, Amie Lee, director of special events, and Blakely Jenkins, education and small business programs manager, have completed the first year of the program. Graduates receive the IOM designation to signify completion of 96 hours of course instruction in association, chamber and nonprofit management. Students attend one-week sessions over a four-year period. South Atlantic Bank has announced the newest addition to their growing staff: Michelle Love joins the bank as vice president of retail business development for the North Strand area. C h a m b e r posts survey results on motorcycle rallies The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced the promotion of Otis Rawl to president and CEO, effective Oct. 1, Rawl succeeds S. Hunter Howard Jr. who spent 17 years building the South Carolina Chamber into one of the state s most powerful and successful advocacy groups. Rawl joined the South Carolina Chamber in 2001 as vice president of public policy. In 2004, he was named chief operating officer and has since been in charge of the chamber s overall operations including public policy, legislative affairs, work force development, administration, membership and communications. Sterling Homes (formerly Hall Custom Homes) has announced the promotion of Bruce Atkins to the post of vice president. Atkins joined Sterling/Hall Custom Homes in April 2005, initially serving as estimating and purchasing manager for all residential and commercial jobs. As vice president, Atkins will continue in that role, as well as acting project manager. Sterling Homes (formerly Hall Custom Homes) announced that, effective immediately, every home the company now builds will be certified green by industry leader Environments for Living (EFL). EFL certification, among other things, guarantees a home has proper insulation, energy efficient windows, tight construction, fresh air ventilation and pressure balancing to control moisture, tightly sealed air ducts, and energy efficient heating/cooling equipment. It also means the home has been outfitted with Energy Star approved appliances, lighting fixtures, carpets and more. Marsha Hayes, executive director of Tidelands Community Hospice Inc., has been named chair elect of the board of directors for the Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care. gs How do chamber members feel about the May bike rallies? Find out at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

24 On the road with the CVB staff Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau s primary objective is to attract and encourage visitors to the Myrtle Beach area. To achieve this end, the CVB increases awareness by directing their marketing strategies through publications, advertising, public relations, media, and of course, attendance at trade shows. This past fiscal year, the Myrtle Beach Area CVB attended 25 trade shows targeting the group tours, meetings, sports and international markets. They worked continuously to disseminate information locally, regionally, nationally and internationally about the Grand Strand s accommodations, attractions, events, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and sports. Prospects and referrals were provided from the CVB s attendance at these shows to Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members. The Grand Strander will periodically share an adventure or two from this frequent flyer team in hopes of educating members on how the CVB works with members and other tourism partners in promoting the Grand Strand. International Pow Wow Elaine Michaud, international sales manager with the Myrtle Beach Area CVB, traveled to the dazzling site of Las Vegas, Nev., for the 40th annual International Pow Wow held May 31-June 4. Sponsored by the Travel Industry Association, this event was attended by 5,000 delegates from more than 70 countries. An estimated $4 billion in travel was booked. The Myrtle Beach area set up three booths Myrtle Beach Area CVB shared a booth with Brookgreen Gardens; Burroughs & Chapin Co. Inc. shared a booth with Divine Dining Group; and The Carolina Opry had a booth. Representatives from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism also attended the event and promoted Hilton Head and Charleston. In just three days of intensive pre-scheduled, business appointments, more than 1,000 travel organizations from every region of the United States and close to 1,500 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries, conducted business negotiations. At the International Pow Wow, buyers and sellers were able to carry on business that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips. We had 44 formal pre-scheduled appointments, Michaud noted. However, this year, Myrtle Beach had a lot of interest and our booth alone ended up with 51 appointments. We talked with media and tour operators from Canada, Norway, Ireland, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Australia, Denmark, Spain and Brazil. I believe this was a great year for us to shine. There was a lot of interest in the new Hard Rock Park. And with the euro and pound being so strong, that s a plus for us too. The Canadian market a drive market for us has been used to the high gasoline prices for years and is paying almost $6 a gallon, so our $4 prices looked very good. Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association Annual Meeting Ursula Grant, association sales manager with the Myrtle Beach Area CVB, traveled further west to Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association s 2008 annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. The three-day show, held June 21-24, targeted health care exhibits and convention marketers, pharmaceutical companies, medical associations managers and medical meeting planners. Myrtle Beach Area CVB exhibited with the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The HCEA annual meeting was a great networking opportunity for us, Grant noted. The educational sessions gave great insight on how to attract health care conventions to our area. This organization is a tremendous resource for more than 2,000 medical meetings. Even though a lot of the meetings are too large for our area, they have smaller meetings within the medical associations that are a perfect fit for Myrtle Beach. s { Top 5 } June Top 5 Relocation States 1. New York 2. North Carolina 3. Ohio 4. Pennsylvania 5. Maryland 24

25 {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, official 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. 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! Ribbon-cutting announcements are included in the Grand Strander, which is mailed to our 2,300 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 Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) The chamber recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following members: Advanced Protection Services 922 Willow Bend Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) apsops.com Kids First Consignment B Hwy. 17 Byp. S. Murrells Inlet, SC (843) Ruth s Chris Steak House 8761 Marina Pkwy. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) ruthschris.com Tuscany Tile & Design 1570 American Way Myrtle Beach, SC (843) tuscanytile.net See photos of the ceremonies by visiting the Grand Strander online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Grand Strander at the top of the page. Plyler Park Concert Series Every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the summer stop by Plyler Park in downtown Myrtle Beach for live concerts. Plyler Park is located beachfront on the corner of 11th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard. All concerts start at 8 p.m. and are free. Bring your lawn chair. The concert series is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Merchants Association. Sat, Aug 2 Tue, Aug 5 Sat, Aug 9 Sat, Aug 30 Gogglez Pizano, rock/classic/mainstream Back Hand, rock/mainstream/classic Sawgrass, Bluegrass/Jazz Black Label, rock/classic/mainstream/original All times and dates are subject to change without notice. Check out the entire list of performers at SunFunFestival.com. Request for fest i val and community events Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is updating the annual festival and events list for both the GrandStrandEvents.com calendar and 2009 Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide TM. Go to GrandStrandEvents.com and click Submit an Event to include your event in the online calendar. We will be using this online calendar to create the vacation guide calendar. Categories accepted: Arts & Crafts, Music, Festivals/Special Events, Holiday, Museums/Galleries, Parks & Gardens, Performing Arts, Sports & Recreation, and Fundraisers. (Generally not accepted: sales promotions, health fairs, committee meetings, such as Elks, Lions, Rotary, etc. Not all GrandStrandEvents.com listings will appear in the vacation guide.) Submit your event by Aug. 15 to be included in the Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide. If you have any questions about submitting your event, contact JoAn Whitaker, call center supervisor, at (843) or by at Joan.Whitaker@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. gs 25 25

26 26 s Hospitality, From Page 16 find yourself facing identity theft compliance issues. Does your business comply with the new federal identity theft laws? Through your Hospitality Partnership membership, you have free access to employee training on identity theft, one of the new federal law requirements, at no direct cost to your business. To learn more about these programs, contact the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association at (843) Hospitality Partnership salutes public safety professionals Hosted by Crabby Mike s Calabash Seafood Co. (290 Hwy. 17 N., Surfside Beach), the 12th annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon will be held Sept. 17 starting at 12 p.m. All Hospitality Partnership members are welcomed to attend and no reservations are needed. Sponsorship opportunity Show public safety professionals how much your business appreciates the safety they provide by sponsoring a Special Events, From Page 16 Annual Meeting Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Awards Luncheon sponsored by Myrtle Beach Herald. Oct. 30, :30 a.m.-2 p.m. Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes The annual membership meeting brings together the leadership and membership of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and launch new chamber initiatives. At the luncheon, we also salute outstanding businesses and individuals for helping to make the Grand Strand one of the best cities in which to do business. table or billboard. Table sponsorships run $150 and include a table sign with your company s name and logo. Billboard sponsorship is $500 and includes 10 billboards placed around the area with member(s) logo(s) and a thank you message. Candidates Forum The 26th annual Candidates Forum will be held Oct. 15 at the Ocean Dunes Resort (201 75th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach) starting at 3:30 p.m. Candidates will outline their agendas and answer questions from the audience. Immediately following the forum, a networking reception will take place to allow the candidates to speak one-on-one with the constituents. The 2008 general election will be held Nov. 4. The Candidates Forum is open to the public and no reservations are needed. Sponsorship opportunity Sponsor the Candidates Forum and gain valuable visibility to the candidates, business leaders and community. Sponsorship cost: $500. For more information, call MBAHA at (843) President s Gala Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Herald. Nov. 20, p.m. Dunes Golf & Beach Club Once again, your chamber will be honoring two outstanding community leaders at the President s Gala. This premier event celebrates the Citizen of the Year and Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year. Grand Strand Legislative Reception Feb. 4, p.m. Columbia, S.C. Join your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce in thanking the state senators and representatives for the time they spend working on the many issues impacting Grand Strand businesses. Every year, we travel to Columbia to PR Hot Spot, From Page 15 Myrtle Beach native Nancy O Dell was in Myrtle Beach July 8 filming a hometown segment for Access Hollywood where she was presented with a key to the city. The segment will air later in the summer. The hottest travel buzz of the summer has been the rise in hoteliers offering gas deals and incentives to travelers to offset high fuel costs. Myrtle Beach area gas deals have sparked several hits in publications such as USA Today, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Associated Press. Next Month: Now that the summer season is winding down, find out how publicity efforts for Myrtle Beach have translated into real PR value. meet with members of the S.C. General Assembly to help educate them about the significant impact the Grand Strand has on the state s economy. Sponsor an event Sponsoring an event is a visible and rewarding way to promote your company and support the programs of the chamber. For information on how the chamber can assist you in promoting your organization, contact Amie Lee, director of special events, at (843) or Amie.Lee@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or go online to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Special Events.

27 { a u g u s t - s e p t e m b e r calendar} Date Time Event Contact Apr 1-Oct 31 NA Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Info Line: Aug 5 2:30 p.m. Convention Bureau Committee Michelle Schollmeyer, Aug p.m. gsscene Summer Social II, House of Blues Blakely Jenkins, * Aug 12 8 a.m. Myrtle Beach Ambassadors Pat Creed, Aug 12 3:30 p.m. Executive Committee Kate Miles, Aug 13 8 a.m. South Strand Ambassadors Pat Creed, Aug 14 2 p.m. MBAHA s Time Warner/HBO Hospitality Classic Golf Tournament MBAHA, Aug a.m. Immigration Law Update Blakely Jenkins, * Aug 18 3:30 p.m. Small Business Council Shannon Haswell, Aug 19 2:30 p.m. Finance Review Committee Shirley Landry, Aug 19 3:30 p.m. Board of Directors Kate Miles, Aug 21 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Publisher Training Blakely Jenkins, * Aug 26 9 a.m. Legislative Policy Council Kate Miles, Aug 26 3 p.m. Chamber Access Pat Creed, * Aug :30 p.m. S.C. Chamber of Commerce: Grand Strand Julie Scott, S.C. Chamber of Regional Grassroots Meeting Commerce, (803) Aug 28 4:15-7 p.m. Business After Hours Register at * Aug 29 5:30-9:30 p.m. gsscene Night at The Carolina Opry Blakely Jenkins, * Aug Varies Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival Info Line: Sep 9 8 a.m. Myrtle Beach Ambassadors Pat Creed, Sep 9 3:30 p.m. Executive Committee Kate Miles, Sep 10 8 a.m. South Strand Ambassadors Pat Creed, Sep 11 7:30-9:15 a.m. Connections Marketplace Pat Creed, * Sep 16 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Intermediate Excel Blakely Jenkins, * Sep p.m. gsscene Educational Luncheon: Business Etiquette Blakely Jenkins, * Sep 16 2:30 p.m. Finance Review Committee Shirley Landry, Sep 16 3:30 p.m. Board of Directors Kate Miles, Sep p.m. Hospitality Partnership Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon MBAHA, Sep 20 9 a.m.-12 p.m. gsscene Community Service Project: Beach Sweep, Myrtle Beach State Park Blakely Jenkins, * Sep p.m. Business After Hours Register at * Sep 29 9 a.m. Legislative Policy Council Kate Miles, Sep 30 8:30 a.m. Chamber Access Pat Creed, * Sep 30 TBD Volunteer Reception Amie Lee, *For the most current meeting/event dates and times, and to register, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com { Travel Update } w h e r e in t h e w o r l d is t h e c v b? Kori Hippe Member Communications Manager Colleen Balzotti Graphic Designer Diana Greene Executive Vice President Membership Programs & Services The Grand Strander, official newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, is published 12 times a year. Check us out on the Web For more information about our upcoming events, chamber news, business updates and more, visit us online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Send Business Bulletin info to: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2115 Myrtle Beach, SC Fax: (843) or Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Questions? Kori Hippe (843) or Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Advertising Inquiries? Scott Head advertising sales manager (843) or Scott.Head@VisitMyrtleBeach.com The Grand Strander is printed by Inlet Printing Co. Aug American Society of Association Executives San Diego, Calif. Groups Scheduled for Service Twenty-six groups representing 3,635 attendees are scheduled for service in August gs

28 The ch a mber r ecen tly held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following members: Advanced Protection Services 922 Willow Bend Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) apsops.com Kids First Consignment B Hwy. 17 Byp. S. Murrells Inlet, SC (843) s Ruth s Chris Steak House 8761 Marina Pkwy. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) ruthschris.com Tuscany Tile & Design 1570 American Way Myrtle Beach, SC (843) tuscanytile.net