STRANDER. products or services. Keywords and key phrases will help our Web visitors zero in on the type of business they are looking for.

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1 Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce GRAND STRANDER Issue 688 October 2010 A+ Business Directory MBACC business directory heads to top of class Consumer behavior has a history of dictating the way products and services are found online. Products and services must be easily accessible through general search engines, or in the case of a chamber of commerce, through an online business directory. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has upgraded its business directory Web page (MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/ directory) making it easier to use and instinctive to search for member businesses. A new search by keyword feature allows potential consumers to search for products or services by entering descriptive words as they would in Google or Yahoo search engines. Users can simply enter word descriptions like pest control, bank, flowers or paint to bring up businesses offering these products or services. Keyword search engines are a part of our life on the Internet, noted Diana Greene, executive vice president of membership programs & services. So it only makes sense for our business directory to use the same thought process that searchers are thinking when they use the Internet to find products or services. Keywords and key phrases will help our Web visitors zero in on the type of business they are looking for. Moving away from the cumbersome business category searches will ultimately assist our members in receiving higher business referrals since it is more intuitive for Web users to search by core business activity vs. categories, Greene explained. According to keyworddiscover.com, more than 80 percent of all online transactions begin with a keyword search. To compete, you need to target all the relevant keywords. Business Directory, See Page 7 What s Inside? Shop Our Members 9 ShopOurMembers.com is all about promoting and supporting MBACC businesses. Public Policy Survey 10 Weigh in on issues that are important to the Grand Strand business community. CVB Insider Read about the CVB s largest and most geographically diverse fall campaign ever implemented. Member-to-Member Discounts Save money, increase visibility and promote new business. See Page 10 Visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com discover a flexible health care plan order a membership mailing list Visit MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com check out marketing and tourism presentations view VisitMyrtleBeach.com stats Follow MBACC on

2 What s Online? My r t le B e a c h A re a Cha mb e r.co m 4 1/2 Questions 4 1/2 Questions asks, Why become an ambassador? This month we checked in with Heath Phelps, finance manager with Wild Creations, who has been an ambassador for a one year. Check out the October Grand Strander Online and discover Phelps advice for making the most of chamber membership. Member Anniversaries What s the secret to longterm success in the business community? Establishing lasting and personal relationships with other professionals through membership in the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. During October, 87 members will be celebrating their chamber anniversaries. Read the Grand Strander Online and discover which hospitality business has been a member for 31 years. Benefit of the Month Vacation planners and locals eager to find out what s happening in the Myrtle Beach area simply visit GrandStrandEvents.com. Here they ll find sporting events, art exhibits, festivals and more. Use GrandStrandEvents.com to promote fundraisers, theater performances and other community activities, particularly during the holiday season. Event information can be submitted directly through the Web site. Ribbon Cutting Flowers on Broadway celebrates its grand opening. View more ribbon-cutting photos in the October Grand Strander Online. Be a Star As the most recent winner of Be a Star, a random drawing from business cards collected during chamber events, the Grand Strander visited Myrtle Beach State Park. Read the October Grand Strander Online to discover how a trip to the beach also means a stay at Myrtle Beach State Park for hundreds of thousands of families. Board of Directors Chairman of the Board Franklin Daniels Nexsen Pruet, LLC Immediate Past Chairman Brant Branham E. F. Hucks & Associates Inc. Advertising/Publicity Committee Chair Billy Huggins WPDE NewsChannel 15 Vice Chair Nate Anderson Divine Dining Group Business & Ethics Standards Committee Chair Frans Mustert Oceana Resorts CVB-Group Sales Chair Bob Jewell Brookgreen Gardens Finance Review Committee Chair/Treasurer Wayne Morris The Printing Port Vice Chair Tommy Bouchette BNC Bank Fulfillment Committee Chair Phil Vassar Captain s Quarters Oceanfront Resort Vice Chair Mark Lazarus Wild Water & Wheels Legislative Policy Council Chair Buzz Freeman Conway National Bank Vice Chairs Jim Apple Burroughs & Chapin Co. Mike Hagg Horry Telephone Cooperative Debbie Harwell Adobe Palm Communications Pete Pearce Myrtle Beach National Marketing Council Chair Woody Crosby Jordan Properties Membership Committee Chair Richard Singleton Coldwell Banker Chicora Vice Chair Shannon Camp The Jackson Companies North Strand Council Chair Bill McGonigal Best Western Ocean Sands Small Business Council Chair Greg McCollum M. Greg McCollum, PA South Strand Council Chair John Springs True Blue Golf Course Vice Chair Mil Servant Surfside Realty Young Professionals Council Chair Jordan Watkins Gilmore Entertainment 2 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

3 Chamber Events Discover more networking events at My r t le B e a c h A re a Cha mb e r.co m Oct. 7, 4:15-7 p.m. Business A er Hours Hyman Vineyards 6027 Old Bucksville Road, Conway Hyman Vineyards is a muscadine vineyard that not only produces muscadine wine but offers candles, jams, juices, soaps, dietary supplements and more. Enjoy a glass of wine while wandering through the vineyards or shopping for a country garden scented candle. Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership. Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. All members must preregister online. Registration Deadline: Oct. 5 Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m. Behind the Scenes WBTW News McDonald Ct. Myrtle Beach Have you ever wondered how WBTW News 13 operates? Go Behind the Scenes and get an inside look at the inner workings of the news station. You ll see how news crews set up and feed a live shot, and catch a glimpse of the nerve center of the WBTW News 13 newsroom. Free, valueadded benefit of chamber membership. Register at ChamberAcademy.com. All members must preregister online. Registration Deadline: Oct. 12 Oct. 14, 7:30-9:15 a.m. Connections Marketplace Speed Networking Springmaid Beach Resort Conference Center 3200 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach Connections Marketplace is speed networking where you move from table to table to meet everyone in the room. Bring a minimum of 75 business cards to exchange and display on the share table a table for your business cards, brochures, product samples, etc. $15 per member (includes breakfast). No rescheduling or refunds. This is a members-only event. Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. All members must preregister online. Registration Deadline: Oct. 13 Oct. 14, 4:15-7 p.m. Business A er Hours Alta Surf Apartments 101 Breakers Dr., Myrtle Beach Alta Surf Apartment Homes is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach within minutes of fantastic shopping, amazing dining and spectacular attractions. Not only will you mingle with MBACC members at this special Business A er Hours, but you will have the opportunity to meet other business professionals from the Carolina Forest area. Local and state public officials also will be on hand for networking and political updates. Presentations will be held during the first 45 minutes of the event. Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. All members must preregister online. Registration Deadline: Oct. 12 Oct. 21, 4-7 p.m. Business A er Hours Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson, LLC 4710 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach Throw on some chaps and your classic cruiser leather jacket and ride a Fat Boy or Sportster. Fire the ignition and roll down the asphalt it s Business A er Hours at Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson. You say you want to ride, so what are you waiting for... register today. Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership Register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. All members must preregister online. Registration Deadline: Oct. 19 Oct. 26, 9 a.m. Chamber Access Your All Access Pass to the Chamber MBACC Boardroom, 1200 N. Oak St. Myrtle Beach Want to learn more about how you can use your chamber membership to the fullest extent? If you are a new member, new employee or even a longtime member that just wants to hear more about the programs and benefits available to you, please sign up for Chamber Access member orientation. Free, value-added benefit of chamber membership. Register at ChamberAcademy.com. Registration Deadline: Oct. 25 Grand Strander 3

4 Chamber Academy // 9-11 a.m. LGS Alumni Education Series Topic: Becoming a Crock Pot Team Presented by: Angela Kegler, The Raub Group In a business world where team, team, team is promoted, we o en lose sight of what it actually takes to become a team. The effective team doesn t just happen overnight; rather, it takes time and patience... a little bit of heat... and the willingness to appreciate each others flavors. This session is a fun and creative discussion on the strategies of helping a team learn how to simmer in a pot together until they absorb each others flavors like a stew rather than throwing them in a blender and expecting them to stick together. LGS Alumni Association Members $10; MBACC Members $20; General Public $40. Register at ChamberAcademy.com by Oct // 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Personal Development Series Topic: TEDxMyrtleBeach Ideas on the Edge of... Guest Speakers: Jordan McDonald, female mixed martial arts/muay thai champion, professional surfer, and model; Jeff Small, expert on emerging technologies; and Brian Carter, the Jim Carrey of social media pundits. Go to TEDxMyrtleBeach.com to learn more about the speakers. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Powers Court Enterprises present the first event of its kind in this area TEDxMyrtleBeach Ideas on the edge of... TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share ideas worth spreading. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized event. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future. And in fact, the event is broader still, showcasing ideas that matter in any discipline. MBACC Members and General Public $25. Event is limited to 40 attendees. All attendees will receive a goodie bag. Register at ChamberAcademy.com by Oct MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com // 8-9:30 a.m. New Date! Hospitality Series Topic: Hospitality Industry Employment and Immigration Law Alert Presented by: Cherie Blackburn and Melissa Azallion, Nexsen Pruet, LLC The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is planning audits of hotels, motels and resorts across the United States beginning Oct. 1, The DOL says hospitality is a high-risk industry and regulators are looking to prevent violations of federal wage and hour laws including violations of minimum wage, overtime rules and classification of exempt and nonexempt positions. Hospitality businesses are increasingly faced with worksite enforcement immigration audits by both federal and state immigration authorities as well. At the federal level, the DOL has increased its audit activity in the area of H-1B compliance audits. And, ICE audits have been on the rise as a tool for monitoring an employer s I-9 compliance. Join the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association and Nexsen Pruet as we address these audit issues and offer you strategies and tips for navigating through the audit maze. MBACC Members $10; General Public $15, includes breakfast. Register now as seats are limited and spaces fill up quickly! Register at ChamberAcademy.com by Oct. 26. Classes for the Chamber Academy are held in the boardroom (unless otherwise noted) at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. Register at ChamberAcademy.com. Payment due at time of registration. No refunds or rescheduling. If you have questions, contact Blakely Jenkins, membership & community programs manager, or (843) Discover more educational classes by signing up for Education Updates e-news at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Sign up for enews.

5 Down the rural route Agritourism Take a rural route in the country and what do you find? People standing in fields full of creamy white cotton balls learning about what was once the main money crop across the South. Kids kneeling over rows and rows of bright red strawberry plants with juicy pink smiles. And families enjoying a fun day on the farm with hay rides, butter making, sheep shearing and toe-tapping music. These are the hidden treasure of the Grand Strand. More and more agriculturally-related events are popping up along the Grand Strand, noted Kate Miles, MBACC hospitality sales manager. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to help spread the news of our agricultural heritage or agritourism to locals and visitors alike. What is agritourism? As defined by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, agritourism is any activity, enterprise or business that combines the primary elements and characteristics of agriculture and tourism and provides an experience for visitors that stimulates economic activity and impacts both farm and community income. Agritourism can include farm stands, U-pick farms, tours, fairs, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, vineyards, orchards, etc. Agritourists can choose from a wide range of activities that include picking fruits and vegetables, riding horses, tasting honey, feeding animals, navigating a corn maze, learning about wine and cheese making, story telling or shopping in farm gi shops and farm stands for local produce or hand-cra ed gi s. Agritourism helps people Agritourism, See Page 17 enews is a click away Did you know that you and any of your employees can sign up for updates from the chamber? These e-newsletters will keep you up-to-date on education classes, networking events, marketing opportunities and lots more. Simply go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Sign Up for enews. It s that simple. Grand Strander 5

6 Myrtle Beach Area CVB wins Shining Example Award from Southeast Tourism Society The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau was named the 2010 CVB of the Year at the Southeast Tourism Society s Fall Meeting banquet last month in Greenville, S.C. The prestigious award signifies the Myrtle Beach Area CVB s considerable contributions to the community and the tourism industry as a whole. The Myrtle Beach Area CVB winning the Shining Example Award from the Southeast Tourism Society in this category is very exciting. It helps show that all of our collective efforts within the community to improve tourism to the Myrtle Beach area have been successful, said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow, said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman. Showcasing great work is important because tourism is the largest, second-largest or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state. (Le ) Darren Gore, MBACC chief financial officer, accepts the Shining Example Award from Bill Hardman, STS president and CEO. For more information on the Southeast Tourism Society or its Shining Example Awards, visit southeasttourism.org. Chamber Ambassadors Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors are dedicated business people that serve as volunteer liaisons to the chamber membership. They are a key group of people that have grown their business and contact network through their involvement in the chamber. It s easy to become an ambassador. Visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Member Resources, Ambassador Program. Or you can contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) or Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Ambassadors of the Month Congratulations to Annette Litteken, Avon independent sales representative, who earned Ambassador of the Month for August. Litteken is serving her eighth year as an ambassador. Applause to Marty Keene with Regenerating PBS Wrist Band, who earned the second highest total points for August. Keene is serving his first year as an ambassador. 6 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

7 President s Letter Providing cost effective advertising for our members is a goal of your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. We offer ways you can promote your business at no charge and excellent values in advertising the perfect ways to stretch your marketing dollars. Here are a few free and budget-conscious ways to market your business using your chamber membership. Send in your business news for the free Business Bulletin section of the Grand Strander, member newsletter. Better yet, advertise in the Grand Strander for as little as $75 a month. Free listing in MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com online business directory along with Web links to your company s site. Enhance your listing for a small fee. Nominate your business or employee for the annual meeting business awards and Incredible Customer Experience Awards. Free publicity. Chamber receives thousands of requests each month for referrals of specific products and services. Staff refers member businesses for free. In addition, Familiarization Tours are an excellent way to increase your business exposure and ensure that your products and/or services are referred by people who really know. Invite us to hold a free ribbon-cutting ceremony at your business when you open or remodel. Join the ambassador program. Ambassadors gain free business exposure by being the first to meet chamber members and put their company s name in the forefront. Drop off your brochures and business cards at a chamber welcome center for visitors and locals to read. It s free! Free to low-cost advertising Attend a free or low-priced networking event or education class, such as such as Business A er Hours, Connections Marketplace, Behind the Scenes or Chamber Academy. Sponsor an event for more exposure. Be sure to enter the Be A Star business card drawing at these events where a lucky member receives a feature story in the Grand Strander Online. It s free! Promote your business with a Member-to-Member Discount. It s free to participate! Send us your green news for posting on the chamber s Going Green Web site. Free advertising! Attend Chamber Access member orientation. One attendee is spotlighted each month in the Grand Strander and on the Web. Free exposure! Get active on a chamber committee or seek a position on the chamber board of directors. According to a recently published survey from The Schapiro Group Inc. and Market Street Services, if a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition. Announce your nonprofit fundraising event in the chamber s online Nonprofit Resource Center. Plus share with members how your business supports area nonprofits. It s free! Add your event to the GrandStrandEvents.com calendar. Add your cultural arts link to ArtsAtTheBeach.com. It s free! Build credibility online by putting a free chamber member plaque on your Web site (and be sure to post President s Letter, See Page 11 Business Directory, Continued From Cover So how can you make sure potential consumers can find your business when visiting MBACC s business directory? According to Shannon Haswell, membership programs & services coordinator, members need to add a thorough and keyword driven description to their chamber business listing. During the recent renewal cycle, members were asked to provide a 50 word or less business description on the membership renewal form, Haswell noted. This description is added to WebLink which creates the business directory listing and search. Members can go out to the business directory and bring up their business to see if a detailed description is listed under their business name, Haswell continued. The keyword search will look for words in their description. Members should make sure they have a detailed description about their specific products and services. To update a description or submit new business copy, Haswell at Shannon.Haswell@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. * WebLink International is the leading provider of chamber so ware or membership management so ware and Web site design for chambers of commerce. Grand Strander 7

8 Money-saving programs exclusively for MBACC members With the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce buyer power, you can save considerable dollars with our member programs. In today s economy, the savings you gain using these programs offer a high return on your membership! Learn more about these programs at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Business True Blue SM offers MBACC members individual and group health insurance at discounted rates. For details about True Blue, contact your local BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina office at (843) Office Depot Receive unbeatable discounts on your office supplies, office furniture, technology, copy/print, and much more at Office Depot. To enroll, contact your local Office Depot representative, Curtis Richardson, at (888) , ext Hospitality Partnership Services Need training resources? Interested in Green Clean Safe certification? Have a question about identity the? Visit HospitalityPartnership.com for more information. Print and Online Publicity Values August 2010 Print Stories 81 Online Stories 155 Estimated Print Circulation 8,386,763 Online Unique VPM 427,001,793 Estimated Publicity Value $2,624,262 (total for print and online) YTD Estimated Publicity Value $26,094,136 (total for print and online) Source: CisionPoint Media Monitoring Fisher Recycling Grand Strand Fisher Recycling Grand Strand offers MBACC and MBAHA/Hospitality Partnership members complimentary on-site waste audits to create a customized recycling program for your business. With a 3-year Recycling Service Contract, Fisher Recycling, Grand Strand offers members one free pick up and one month of free recycling containers/bins. To learn about recycling services, contact Kira Roff, president/ecopreneur, at (843) Sam s Club MBACC members receive a $10 gi card when you sign up for a new Sam s Club membership or renew an existing membership by Dec. 31, Learn more at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Member-to-Member Discounts Designed to enhance your membership value, the Memberto-Member Discounts program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies (See Page 10). Learn more at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. AUGUST ) NY 2) PA 3) OH 4) NJ 5) FL Top Five States for Relocation Inquiries 8 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

9 Stretch your holiday dollars! Buy local from Nov. 1-Dec. 20 Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its ShopOurMembers.com campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 20. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts and we ll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It s free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the Shop Our Members form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 22. Member discounts will be listed on ShopOurMembers.com and a link to the holiday discount site will be available from MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. You name it, we ll promote it! Buy one, get one free 1/2 price admission $2 off putt-putt golf Free hamburger 20% off purchase Stay 2 nights, get 3rd night free Win, Win, Win! As an added incentive to shop locally, MBACC will be giving away holiday money! Shoppers simply stop by any of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber s three welcome centers, show their receipts from local businesses totaling $150 and they ll be entered into a drawing for one of five $250 gi cards. Shoppers can enter as o en as they like with new $150 receipts. And as a way to say thanks for shopping in our community, goodie bags full of items from chamber members will be given out along with a list of all discounts. So here s a great chance to further promote your business! Drop off 150 promotional items (pens, notepads, koozies, water bottles, baseball caps, coffee cups, etc.) by Oct. 22 at the MBACC Main Office, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, or South Strand Office, 3401 U.S. 17 Business S., Murrells Inlet. Annual meeting set for Oct. 7 Join your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel for a multimedia presentation celebrating the accomplishments of the past year and the opportunities of the year to come. The annual membership meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with a day full of educational events: Breakout sessions on Mobile Marketing 101, An Update on the 2010 Political Landscape and Leveraging the Power of Local Media Relations: Panel Q & A Grand Strand Economic Forecast, presented by BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development at Coastal Carolina University Keynote address by Michael Reagan, national media figure and son of former President Ronald Reagan Highlights of the fiscal year and a look ahead at Presentation of the chamber s business and individual awards For more information, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Grand Strander 9

10 The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Policy Council works hard on behalf of the membership to monitor and address local, state and federal issues that impact your business. To be effective, the council believes it is important to build a legislative agenda based on survey results of members concerns and issues for the upcoming legislative session. Another important political year lies ahead with the November state and federal elections, noted Buzz Freeman, senior vice president and coastal area executive of The Conway National Bank and MBACC Legislative Policy Council chairman. The chamber is focused on making sure the Grand Strand business community s voice is heard. We re asking members let help us determine the key issues we should address with elected officials locally, in Columbia and in Washington, D.C. What s in store for 2011? Your chamber s 2011 legislative agenda will be formed by the LPC using feedback from member surveys and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Grassroots Forum which was held in late August. These efforts will not only help us build our 2011 legislative agenda but also will support the chamber in creating effective partnerships with other local, state and national organizations seeking the same goals. Once approved, the legislative agenda will guide our lobbying efforts during the coming year. In less than five minutes, you can weigh in on issues that are important to the Grand Strand business community. Go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Sign Up for enews and check the Member Updates box. Once the public policy survey is posted online, the chamber will send out an announcing the survey and deadline. We value your opinions please take this opportunity to tell us what you think. Promote your business to fellow chamber members Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce s Memberto-Member Discounts program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies. This valueadded benefit is offered exclusively for MBACC members and is not available to the general public. the site o en to see if there are any special incentives that are right for your business or personal needs. Throughout the year, Member-to-Member Discounts are being promoted via MBACC s Web site, Grand Strander and Grand Strander Express . To be included in the 2011 discount brochure and Web site listing, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Member-to-Member Discounts. There is no fee to participate; simply fill out the online form and submit to the chamber by Oct. 31. Of course, you can always add or change an offer throughout the year by simply going back online. The Web list is updated on a regular basis, so check The 2011 Member-to-Member Discounts brochures and membership discount cards will be mailed to all members during November. Be sure to give all your employees cards so they will have access to hundreds of dollars in discounts! If you have questions, contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) or Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com. 10 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

11 Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau INSIDER October 2010 Fall Campaign Underway by Tina Pace, marketing manager The 2010 fall advertising campaign is well underway, positioning the Myrtle Beach area as the perfect choice for an affordable fall vacation getaway. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau s marketing campaign was led by a very successful integrated plan with a strong online and TV component. Coming off an incredibly strong summer, as confirmed by Dr. Taylor Damonte, The average occupancy rate during the summer tourist season of 2010 along the Grand Strand was the highest it has been since the Brittain Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal University began collecting data on the local lodging industry. A fall 2010 survey by TripAdvisor cites 86 percent of travelers are planning a fall getaway in 2010, while 30 percent plan to visit a beach destination. According to the same survey, Myrtle Beach was ranked seventh among the top 10 Most Browsed U.S. Hotspots; we have a strong opportunity to convert those prospects. While the larger portion of the CVB s fall marketing allocations will be invested online, this fall we are leveraging a new 60-second TV spot to continue to showcase the destination as a diverse area offering something affordable for everyone. Airing in 11 markets that began in mid-september, the fourweek TV campaign is positioned to reach visitors in the best drive markets (six hours or less) and three direct flight markets. The TV spot features a variety of experiences to target a broad range of potential visitors, including empty nesters, golfers, retirees, couples, singles, families and more. The spectacular footage includes a variety of activities captured in October of last year to really bring the fall favorites to life, such as kayaking along the Waccamaw River in Conway to riding horses along the beach at sunrise at the Myrtle Beach State Park. Of course the new footage wouldn t be complete without scenes from our award-winning new boardwalk. Feel free to view the new fall spot at MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com. This will be the largest and most geographically diverse fall campaign the CVB has ever implemented. We aim to feature the Myrtle Beach area as the right choice for a weekend getaway, a vacation with friends, girlfriend getaway, golf trip or family weeklong trip; research has demonstrated that families will remove school-aged children from their classrooms for a family getaway. In addition to TV, a fully integrated online advertising effort is under way. With targeted online placements in key TV markets that include local news Web sites, we are able to expand the CVB s marketing reach and improve our overall results. Through geo-targeted pay-per-click ads on Google, Yahoo and MSN/Bing, internal and external partner distribution and online display placements on regional sites, we aim to create incremental awareness and stimulate demand for fall travel to the Myrtle Beach area. We will keep you updated on our progress and will soon turn our efforts to creating a regional holiday campaign to promote the destination through the end of the year. We look forward to featuring our incredible live entertainment venues, unique shopping and diverse restaurants in this campaign. This fall has also seen a rise in area events generating a great deal of excitement and publicity including NBC s The Biggest Loser 5k/1mile challenge attracting 3,000 participants, the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon and the USA Triathlon National Championship. Please save the date for our next marketing update public presentation to be held Nov. 11. Fall, See Insider Back Page VisitMyrtleBeach.com October 2010

12 HORRY COUNTY ADMISSIONS TAX $1,500, % 10.3% $1,125, % -10% 28.7% $750, % -6.7% -7.9% -21.4% $375, % -5.0% -12.5% $0 Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $1,455,540 $1,138,652 $715,879 $631,837 $488,385 $347,744 $285,088 $304,404 $633,018 $888,306 $621,857 $1,170,194 Percentages Shown Are Percent Change From Previous Year Conve ntion & Visitors Bureau GEORGETOWN COUNTY ADMISSIONS TAX $200, % $150, % -15.8% -13.9% 44% -25% 3.5% -18.6% 42.3% $100, % -23.8% $50, % $0 Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $63,695 $52,761 $64,058 $95,748 $62,002 $27,871 $66,327 $39,393 $97,913 $142,419 $95,155 $53,469 HORRY COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTION -8.6% $3,000, % 12.5% $2,250,000 $1,500, % -1.8% 4.2% -1.7% -14.9% -0.9% $750, % -7.6% -11.3% $0 Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $3,056,237 $2,395,577 $1,176,190 $658,346 $388,103 $280,969 $249,314 $351,358 $657,182 $1,001,496 $1,197,544 $2,490,397 Percentages Shown Are Percent Change From Previous Year GEORGETOWN COUNTY ACCOMMODATIONS TAX COLLECTION $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 6.0% -12.8% 64.7% -11.5% -13.2% -46.6% -1.6% -10.6% 8.5% -12.6% 0.3% 3.0% Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $344,034 $248,121 $150,659 $50,282 $35,551 $35,798 $17,250 $22,008 $41,004 $61,297 $99,964 $231,015 $1,100,000,000 $825,000,000 $550,000,000 $275,000,000 $0 HORRY COUNTY GROSS RETAIL SALES -15.1% -12.2% 6.6% 0.6% -3.9% -3.9% 2.7% -0.9% 8.5% 9.2% 7.9% -0.6% Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $929,354,884 $806,358,917 $675,905,291 $541,626,820 $519,374,107 $577,792,528 $420,060,945 $512,903,808 $634,157,541 $672,225,609 $721,147,491 $858,432,670 Percentages Shown Are Percent Change From Previous Year GEORGETOWN COUNTY GROSS RETAIL SALES $130,000,000 $97,500,000 $65,000,000 $32,500,000 $0-21.8% -20.7% -10.1% -15.0% -18.6% -9.3% -4.1% 3.2% 1.7% 13.1% 1.3% 3.4% Jul 09 Aug 09 Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10 Apr 10 May 10 June 10 $118,814,002 $98,664,561 $100,621,351 $82,862,945 $73,668,887 $85,237,753 $67,754,540 $85,331,265 $96,227,198 $103,770,712 $110,724,757 $124,385,867 For more information regarding additional research conducted by the chamber, contact Wendy Bernstein at Sources: S.C. Departments of PRT and Revenue October 2010 VisitMyrtleBeach.com

13 UNIQUE User Sessions ADVERTISER Referrals 800, , , ,000 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun % Change 54.41% 52.27% 48.87% 46.97% 50.91% 29.05% , , , , , , , , , , , ,928 Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec % Change 19.24% 13.21% , , , , , , , , ,200,000 1,000, , , , ,000 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun % Change 18.81% 6.27% 16.71% 26.19% 39.04% 27.37% , , , , ,126 1,240, , , , , , ,668 Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec % Change 6.91% 0.36% ,046, , , , , , , ,839 YEAR OVER YEAR YTD Referral Click % Change* Category % Change Lodging % Amusements % Theaters % Dining +4.63% Shopping % Watersports % Weddings % Golf % Addt l Services % *Jan. 1 Aug. 31 Convention & Visitors Bureau For more information, contact: Bill.Rosenthal@VisitMyrtleBeach.com OCCUPANCY PERCENT PER ROOM WEEK* AVERAGE DAILY RATE PER ROOM WEEK* (July 17, 2010 August 28, 2010) (July 17, 2010 August 28, 2010) 100% 75% 80.48% $ % $ $120 $ PERCENT 50% 25% DOLLARS $90 $60 $30 0% $ Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun % 30.16% 43.31% 52.49% 50.64% 75.37% % 34.50% 40.42% 53.39% 44.27% 68.90% % 36.80% 50.24% 47.56% 51.94% 73.40% Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec % % 65.31% 59.23% 56.82% 42.20% 30.90% % 73.73% 40.26% 51.23% 39.88% 25.22% Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 2010 $43.21 $52.34 $69.33 $83.36 $98.05 $ $44.22 $51.74 $67.04 $87.33 $ $ $48.25 $51.23 $75.02 $94.34 $ $ Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2010 $ $ $ $94.04 $74.28 $64.94 $ $ $ $71.82 $69.97 $69.80 $59.92 JUNE AIRPORT ARRIVALS** ARRIVALS 80,000 60,000 40,000 20, Change Arrivals 77,081 87, % *Dr. Taylor Damonte, Director Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism Coastal Carolina University tdamonte@coastal.edu **Source: Horry County Department of Airports HELP US HELP YOU Provide data to CCU By sending in your weekly numbers, you will be providing valuable data that helps us to keep updated information. For more information, please contact Dr. Taylor Damonte, director of Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal Carolina University, tdamonte@coastal.edu. VisitMyrtleBeach.com October 2010

14 Co-op Corner Convention & Visitors Bureau The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce advertising co-ops provide an opportunity to take advantage of negotiated discounted rates in order to stretch ad budgets. The range of co-ops available include a variety of online promotions, blasts, magazines and newspaper inserts. Also, the chamber will provide online creative support if needed by participants. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Lynne Boykin, The Brandon Agency, at (843) or Lboykin@thebrandonagency.com. For a complete list of co-ops, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on Marketing Strategies. Space is limited for each co-op and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure the discounted rates, each co-op must sell out in order for it to run. Note: In order to participate, chamber members must also be CVB members or advertisers. The GroupTravel Leader January 2011 Travel South Tour Planner The national newspaper for the group travel industry and America s only monthly newspaper published exclusively for the billion-dollar group and package travel markets. The Group Travel Leader is mailed monthly to more than 30,000 qualified group travel planners including group leaders, tour operators and bus companies. Seventy-four percent of magazine audience take trips to go to a theater show. Space Deadline: Nov. 14, 2010 Ad Size and Cost: 1/4 page, 4 color, $1,195 Space limited to four advertisers. Advertisers can purchase multiple spaces. In order for this co-op to run, we must have four advertisers. FamilyTravelFiles.com Reaching family vacation planners online 24/7/365 85% arrival at the site using keyword searches. 15% arrived via direct links and/or referring Web sites. 2.2 million yearly visitors served averaging 2.7 pages and 2.25 minutes per page; 6 minutes per site visit. 77% female; 23% male. 69% are between the ages of 30-50; 24.4% are between the ages of children per household. Average household income of $ Space Deadline: N/A Cost: 3-month listing $600 per year; 6-month listing $800 per year; 12-month listing $1,200 per year (includes dedicated feature article with images and links); 12-month enhanced $2,000 per year (includes article/images/links and 160 x 600 banner ad) In order for the co-op to run, we must have a minimum of one advertiser. Fall, Continued From Insider Cover Final details are still being confirmed and will be featured on the chamber s Web site, MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, once they are complete. As always, feel free to go online to MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com for copies of presentations, research and creative samples of our advertising efforts. As always, we welcome your feedback, so please feel free to contact me at Tina.Pace@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Where in the world is the CVB? Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Insider is published monthly by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC If you have story ideas or questions, contact Pat Creed, membership programs manager and CVB member liaison, at Pat.Creed@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Printed by Inlet Printing Co. October 2010 Oct. 7 Virginia Society of Richmond, VA Association Executives Oct Rejuvenate Marketplace Louisville, KY Oct Travel, Events and Charlotte, NC Management in Sports Oct Amateur Athletic Union San Juan, PR Oct. 31- Nov. 3 Ontario Motorcoach Association Niagra Falls, CN CVB-Group Sales is busy this month welcoming nine groups with 1,490 attendees. VisitMyrtleBeach.com

15 President s Letter, Continued From Page 7 your chamber member seal in your office window). When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. (Source: The Schapiro Group Inc. and Market Street Services) Reach other members through a low-cost membership mailing list or a member-to-member . Attend a chamber event, such as the annual meeting, legislative luncheon or ICE Awards. Sponsor an event for additional exposure. Promote your business at the chamber s Restaurant & Business Expo or Hurricane Preparedness Conference & Expo. Promote your business on Chamber TV, a continuously looping video that runs in our Oak Street and South Strand welcome centers. Sponsor or set up a booth at chamber festivals, such as the Sun Fun Festival, Can-Am Days, Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival or Christmas Towne (see Page 17). Feature your restaurant on GrandStrandRestaurants.com. When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months. (Source: The Schapiro Group Inc. and Market Street Services) Promote your business through an epostcard or Segmented Accommodations Blast or an online coupon or upper level category link on Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site. Stretch your advertising budgets by taking advantage of negotiated discounted rates through a range of cooperative adverting opportunities. Promote your business by mail. Reach prospective visitors who have contacted the chamber for vacation or relocation literature, convention leads and motorcoach leads. To learn how your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce can help you market your business, please contact membership programs & services at (843) Brad Dean President & CEO Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 up year-to-date by Gary M. Lo us, director, BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development, E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, Coastal Carolina University, and Dr. Taylor Damonte, director, Clay Brittain Jr. Center for Resort Tourism The average occupancy for 2010 year-to-date along the Grand Strand is now more than 4 percent above that of the same period 2009 (Table 1) according to data collected from a voluntary sample of hotels, condo-hotels, and campsites (HC-HCs) by the Brittain Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal Carolina University (sample size = 9,184-13,233 per week). The Center also records observations of a scientific random sample of approximately 10 percent of the vacation rental property (VRP) Web sites advertised in Horry County. This data indicates that occupancy rates for that segment increased by 8.3 percent year-to-date compared with the equivalent period of Based on the Center s inventory estimates this segment accounts for more than 10 percent of the total inventory of lodging units available Strand-wide. Due to the number of bedrooms available per VRP unit (4.8), the VRP segment may account for more than 20 percent of the bedroom-equivalents in the area. The greater rate of average occupancy increase in lodging units which are capable of housing larger numbers of guests suggest that the rate of increase in the number of visitors has been substantially higher than the rate of increase in average occupancy for HC-HCs. Brittain Center researchers believe that this is one of the factors contributing to record rates of increase in overall hospitality tax collections for Horry County (up 11.4 percent July 2010 over July 2009). Not only was the July, 2010, countywide 1 1/2 percent Hospitality Fee up over July 2009, it was the highest month ever since the inception of the fee in July 2010, was 7.8 percent higher than the previous high in July 2006! While this is certainly not a trend yet, it is a very encouraging sign that perhaps at least the local tourism economy is improving. Another factor which could have influenced the double-digit rates of increase in hospitality fee revenues countywide is improvement in average occupancy during the mid-week 2010, See Page 12 Grand Strander 11

16 2010, Continued From Page 11 (Sunday-Thursday night) periods (See Figure 1). Virtually all of the improvement in average occupancy during the summer of 2010 occurred during the midweek period. While it is possible that some of the improvement in midweek occupancy could have derived from short-term stays, people staying five or fewer days on the Grand Strand, Center researchers believe it more likely that the rise in midweek occupancy indicates that there was an increase in the percentage of parties staying at least one week, compared to the percentage of parties consisting of weekend visitors only. If this is the case, it could also have positively impacted spending per person. Researchers believe that another factor impacting the growth of total hospitality fee revenues is that the inventory of lodging units available for nightly rental may have increased more than 33 percent since Consequently, in spite of double digit rates of increase in total hospitality revenues, year-to-date average occupancy and average daily rates for HC-HC properties are still down more than 9 percent and 10 percent, respectively, compared to the levels achieved during the middle of the current decade. For further analysis of these and other variables see the research link at coastal.edu/business/ resort. Inventory growth during the period , not only in lodging, but in the overall number of retail establishments, will continue to put a drag on average performance. If retail sales remain constant, and the number of businesses increases, then the sales per business go down; i.e., the slice of the pie gets smaller. However, if for example we are able to increase retail sales at the rate of 5 percent per year (very ambitious), and the number of businesses remains constant, then the BB&T Center projections indicate that it will be 2014 before we are even back to 2007 levels (See Figure 2). So, though lodging business performance growth has been quite positive during 2010, it may be some time before average retail business performance in the area reaches 2007 levels. Figure 1: Figure 2: Table 1: Average Occupancy Year-To-Date for Hotels, Condo-Hotels, and Campsites Located Along South Carolina s Grand Strand, % Occ % Occ % Occ % Occ MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com % Occ % Occ % Occ v v v v v v % 53.0% 55.7% 60.1% 61.1% 60.7% 60.4% 4.1% -0.9% -8.2% -9.7% -9.0% -8.7% ADR 2010 ADR 2009 ADR 2008 ADR 2007 ADR 2006 ADR 2005 ADR v v v v v v 04 $91.26 $91.76 $ $99.53 $97.81 $93.82 $ % -10.0% -8.3% -6.7% -2.7% 2.4% RevPAR 2010 RevPAR 2009 RevPAR 2008 RevPAR 2007 RevPAR 2006 RevPAR 2005 RevPAR v v v v v v 04 $50.37 $48.64 $56.52 $59.84 $59.80 $56.90 $ % -10.9% -15.8% -15.8% -11.5% -6.5% Occupancy results from weekly samples of hotels, condo-hotels, and campsites, were drawn from the Tourism Economy Study of the Clay Brittain, Jr. Center for Resort Tourism at Coastal Carolina University, Sept. 13, The weekly samples utilized in calculating these averages consitute a best-available sample of businesses operating in these segments of the lodging industry. The make-up of the sample of voluntarily participating properties changes weekly and varies from 9,184-13,233 units in size. Consequently the results are not scientifically comparable year to year.

17 Economic Indicators RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PERMITS JUNE 2010 LOCATION Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach Surfside Beach Georgetown County Single Family Units Single Family Units Cost $299,850 $12,786,799 $2,546,628 $237,840 $2,424,940 Multi-Family Bldgs Multi-Family Units Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost $0 $0 $4,011,792 $0 $0 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PERMITS JUNE 2009 LOCATION Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach Surfside Beach Georgetown County Single Family Units Single Family Units Cost $1,780,782 $14,009,406 $2,783,593 $0 $3,839,851 Multi-Family Bldgs Multi-Family Units Multi-Family Bldgs. Cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS Monthly statistics for the following economic indicators can be found in the CVB Insider special section of the Grand Strander: Accommodations Tax Collections Admissions Tax Airport Activity Gross Retail Sales Sources: Bureau of the Census, S.C. Employment Commission Grand Strander 13

18 New Members Accurate Promotional Solutions-Geiger Sales Partner Advertising-Specialties Carl Plotzke 273 Palladium Dr. Surfside Beach, SC (843) cplotzke.geigermall.com Amici s Brick Oven & Italian Bistro Restaurant-Italian Bill Hallman 1310 Celebrity Cir. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) amicisbrickovenbistro.com Atlantica Resorts Vacation Rentals & Beach Homes Harold Barrett 1702 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) atlanticaresortmyrtlebeach.com Bollinger Insurance Insurance Donna Millen th Ave. N. Myrtle Beach, SC (856) (888) BollingerInsurance.com Brown and Reaves Services Air Conditioning & Heating Daniel Brown 803 Duncan Ave. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) brownandreavesservices.com Carrie Johnson Insurance Insurance Carrie Johnson 9404 Hwy. 17 Bypass Murrells Inlet, SC (843) CarrieJohnsonInsurance.com Coastal Carolina MBA Association Organizations/Clubs Jason Ely Wall Building Conway, SC (843) Coastal Real Estate Pros, Inc. Real Estate-Sales MaryAnne Dorio 550 Forestbrook Rd., #300 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) coastalrealestatepros.com Consolidated Insurance Group, LLC Insurance Barry Fraley st Ave., Ste. 5 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Conxit Technology Group Computer-Network Consulting/Service Richard Poplin th Ave. S., Ste. A Myrtle Beach, SC (843) conxit.com Dr. Ink Tattoo Piercing & Tattoos Amir Marziparo 702-B Seaboard St. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) DrInkTattoos.com Dragonflies Quality Consignment & Boutique Consignment Shops Mary Jones 4999 Carolina Forest Blvd., Ste. 10 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Dream Dinners Services Ray Harcum 8703 Hwy. 17 Bypass, Ste. D Surfside Beach, SC (843) dreamdinners.com Frontier Communications Public-Utilities Tim Ruedy 919 Lumber St. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) frontier.com Mastercare Contracting, Inc. Tree Services Stephanie Campellone 3531 Queens Harbour Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) cheapertree.com North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center Health-Clubs Melinda Chappell nd Ave. S. North Myrtle Beach, SC (843) nmb.us/afc Pier House Restaurant/ Pierview Bar Restaurant-Bar/Pub Leigh Ann Collins 110 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) ndavepier.com Powers Court Enterprises Coaching-Business/Personal David Powers 544 Mallard Ln. Surfside Beach, SC (843) drdavidpowers.com Rhema Telecom Telephone Co./ Equipment & Systems Traci Durst 3745 Kingsley Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC (803) rhematelecom.com Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort at the Pavilion Vacation Rentals & Beach Homes Alan Richardson 1802 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) (800) SandcastleatthePavilion.com Shiver Me Pinchers Restaurant-Seafood Shannon Stuart 812 S. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Sports Mobility Network Organizations/Clubs Melinda Chappell 4604 Lewis St. North Myrtle Beach, SC (661) sportsmobilitynetwork.org Thri y Car Sales Auto-Dealers Shawn Hughes 1297 Hwy. 501 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Thri ycarsales.com/ MyrtleBeach Usana Health Science in Myrtle Beach Health-Wellness Mary Ann McGirr 313 Brookfield Dr., Unit D Myrtle Beach, SC (843) MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

19 Business Bulletin The Veterans Voice Newspapers Huge Robinson 713 Raleigh Trail Murrells Inlet, SC (843) theveteransvoice.com Xocia Healthy Chocolate Health-Wellness Shaz Clarty 1804 Park Ridgeway Raleigh, NC (919) chocolate4healthwealth.com Zambelli Fireworks Fireworks Mike Niedzwecki 4625 Southgate Pkwy. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) (800) zambellifireworks.com Awards Zagat Fast Food Survey selected Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. as having the best breakfast available at a full-service chain restaurant. In July, Consumer Brand Metrics Program study reported that consumers rate Cracker Barrel at the top of the list among 10 full-service restaurants in the casual and family dining segments. And in August, J.D. Power and Associates issued survey results that ranked Cracker Barrel as the No. 1 family dining restaurant in five markets nationally, and as the only concept in any segment to receive top scores in that many cities. The AAA four-diamond Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has been named one of the Best of the South by Meetings South magazine, making it one of only 50 properties in the Southern region chosen by top national meeting planners as an outstanding meeting facility. Sheriar Press has been named a multiple winner in the international 2010 Premier Print Awards competition. The company s honors included an Award of Merit for the creation and production of outstanding print communications and three Certificates of Merit for technical excellence. On the Board Tina Herbert, a workers compensation defense attorney at McAngus Goudelock & Courie, has been elected president of the South Carolina Bar s Young Lawyers Division for Continuing Education Coldwell Banker Chicora announced the following sales associates completed the first offering of the CBWorks Series of workshops: Happy Duncan, Jeff Lawyer and Sitell Patel, Surfside Beach office; and Larry Nell, Sam Hassell and Sally Hutchison, Garden City office. Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate announced that Lamar Holliman from its Briarcliffe office has completed the Short Sale Foreclosure Resource course from the National Association of Realtors. Billy Kerr of Ocean Breeze Awnings has been certified as a Master Shingle Applicator Wizard. This denotes him as an expert roofer, and the Wizard application is held by few roofers in the construction industry. Dr. David Powers of Powers Court Enterprises has completed the Coaching Competency Evaluation and is recognized as an Endorsed 48 Days Coach. New Building American Red Cross Coastal South Carolina Chapter recently held a dedication and opening ceremony for Members in the News its Emergency Operations and Disaster Training Center on 2795 Pampas Dr., Myrtle Beach. Inside Tracks Century 21 Boling & Associates welcomed Daniel Diaz to their team of full time agents. Diaz is fluent in Spanish and English and has a background in accounting and tax preparation. Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate welcomed Christine Bernschein to its Surfside Beach office. RE/MAX Southern Shores South Strand office welcomed Victoria Travis and Karen Shier to their team of agents. Restructuring The Keller-Williams franchise in the Grand Strand area has announced a major restructuring of their local franchise with the addition of past REALTOR association president and local developer Randy Wallace to their ownership team. The staff at CANA Corporation, Wallace s own company, will be joining Wallace at Keller- Williams. Driving Force Addy s Harbor Dodge has been selected as a MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage dealership. Addy s Harbor Dodge is one of the first 100 dealers in the United States chosen to participate in this program created by MOTOR TREND and powered by EasyCare. MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage participation is limited to select dealers who have been individually chosen by MOTOR TREND and EasyCare for their dedication to customer service and vehicle excellence. Grand Strander 15

20 gsscene Twice the giving by Blakely Jenkins, membership & community programs manager, gsscene liaison In March gsscene members voted on two local nonprofits that would receive any funds made by the Kickin it for Charity Kickball Tournament and working Beerfest. One of those charities was Mercy Care. Mercy Hospice was formed in 1980 to bring a special program of caring to the chronically ill and dying patients and their families. Mercy served its first patient in July of Since that time, Mercy has continued to grow and expand its services. Mercy Care s mission is to comfort the body and heal the heart through competent care which focuses on supporting and nurturing the human spirit and preventing and relieving suffering one person, one family and one community at a time. A er voting on Mercy Care gsscene s community service committee decided to do more than just donate the $1,000 proceeds from Beerfest. The committee wanted to actually do volunteer work with the organization. So on Oct. 29, 2010, gsscene members will donate their time and energy to help run Mercy Care s 2nd Annual Mischief Night Masquerade Ball. Volunteers are needed for registration, clean-up, working live and silent auction and much more. With all the funds raised at the event along with the $1,000 given by gsscene, Mercy Care will be able to continue their mission of serving and supporting those in need. gsscene members interested in helping out at Mercy Care s 2nd Annual Mischief Night Masquerade Ball can sign up at gsscene.com. To learn more about the fundraising event or to purchase tickets, visit mercyhospice.org. Upcoming Events Oct. 6 7:45-9 a.m. Morning Rush Breakfast Networking Location: Croissant s Bistro & Bakery 3751 Grissom Pkwy., Myrtle Beach Price: Free Register for event at gsscene.com.. Oct p.m. Halloween Bash Location: Springmaid Beach Resort 3200 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach Price: $5 for gsscene members $15 for nonmembers Prizes for best costumes! Register for event at gsscene.com. Thank You to Our Sponsors Boling & Associates, Inc. 16 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

21 It s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! by Kema Faulk, festivals & special events coordinator Join your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2010 Christmas Towne on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The event, also sponsored by the City of Myrtle Beach, will be held indoors this year in Exhibit Hall A. Attendees will once again enjoy free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, various activities, games for the kids and live entertainment that is sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit. The event is free and open to the public and also serves as the official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach. New for 2010 will be a Winter Wonderland atmosphere that will even make Rudolph s nose so bright. Chamber member businesses are encouraged to promote their business or service by participating as an exhibitor for an extremely affordable low cost of $60 (includes a exhibitor 10x10 space, one 8-foot skirted table, two chairs, no electricity). Electricity can be purchased for an additional cost of $25. All participating businesses must decorate their exhibit space with a holiday theme and must provide complimentary candy or a game for attending children. Exhibitor spaces will be limited to 30 businesses, first come, first serve, and will increase to $75 on Nov. 12. Exhibitor applications are available at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com including up-to-date event information. Kema Faulk, festivals & special events coordinator at Kema.Faulk@ VisitMyrtleBeach.com for more information. Agritourism, Continued From Page 5 understand the important role that farming and rural life plays in our history. Miles noted that for many people who visit farms, vineyards or heritage events, the visit marks the first time they see the source of their food or where certain products come from, be it a dairy cow, an ear of corn growing in a field, a cotton field or a pumpkin patch. People have become more interested in how their food is produced, Miles explained. They want to meet farmers and talk with them about what goes into food production. Operators who are involved in agritourism have a passion to inform the general public about agriculture and the people who make their livelihoods with it. Local agritourism businesses include L.W. Paul Living History Farm and Hyman Vineyards, among others. Not only will a visitor experience planting and plowing on a one horse family farm or uncovering the health benefits of the muscadine super-fruit, they also can purchase handmade lye soaps, homemade preserves, fruity wine, country garden scented candles and other hand-cra ed items. The spending of money adds to the economic viability of agritourism business owners. With the area s diversity of agricultural production and cultural heritage, along with the obvious tourism pull, there is strong potential growth for agritourism business opportunities. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is helping promote and educate consumers on this growing industry. The chamber s business directory at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com lists agritourism businesses and GrandStrandEvents.com can keep young and old alike busy visiting food and farm festivals and cultural heritage events. Miles said that businesses interested in adding the agritourism category to their five free business category listings can contact Shannon Haswell, membership programs & services coordinator, at Shannon.Haswell@ VisitMyrtleBeach.com. To learn more about the agritourism category, contact Miles at Kate.Miles@VisitMyrtleBeach.com or (843) Grand Strander 17

22 Hospitality Partnership MBHospitality.org HospitalityPartnership.com Hospitality industry awards by Stephen Greene, president & CEO, and Madeleine Winstead, manager of membership services Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association This year, the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association will recognize outstanding achievements by hospitality leaders and businesses. Being the recipient of one of these awards guarantees valuable Grand Strand exposure for you and your company as a leader in the hospitality industry. We will receive not what we idly wish for but what we justly earn. Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our service. Earl Nightingale, philosopher MBAHA recognizes the value our businesses provide to the growth of the hospitality industry and to the association. It is our time to recognize you for all of your hard work and dedication. Send in your nominations today. The forms are easy and your support will help us honor these achievements. Nominations for the following 2010 awards are being accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29: Hotelier of the Year This award honors the hotel owner, manager, or company that shows exemplary customer service, employee relations, community service, and their dedication to advancing the lodging industry along the Grand Strand. Restaurateur of the Year This award honors the restaurant owner, manager or company that shows exemplary customer service, employee relations, community service, and their dedication to advancing the foodservice industry along the Grand Strand. Front-Line Employee of the Year This award honors front-line employees that go above and beyond the normal job expectations both at and away from work, including outstanding and unusual service to their company, to their customers and to the Grand Strand. Heart of the House Employee of the Year This award honors heart of the house employees that go above and beyond the normal job expectations both at and away from work, including outstanding and unusual service to their company, to their customers and to the Grand Strand. Hospitality Services Member of the Year This award honors a MBAHA hospitality services member based on industry involvement beyond their normal exceptional service and quality and on their history of working to advance the hospitality industry along the Grand Strand. Nomination forms are available at MBHospitality.org or by contacting Madeleine Winstead, manager of membership services, at Madeleine.Winstead@MBHospitality.org. The awards will be presented at the MBAHA annual meeting breakfast on Nov. 18. Please take a moment to nominate those individuals and organizations that deserve recognition. Hospitality All Access Hard Rock Cafe Date: Wednesday, Oct. 19 Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Broadway at the Beach 1322 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach Hospitality All Access provides the opportunity for members to make valuable new business contacts in a relaxed, social setting. Sponsored by different association members, these casual gatherings offer a great opportunity to exchange business cards and ideas as you meet new hospitality business associates and strengthen established ones. Hospitality All Access events are held at different times throughout the year. Enjoy food, beverages and great door prizes. Hospitality All Access is a free, value-added benefit of MBAHA/Hospitality Partnership membership. All member businesses and their employees are invited to these networking events. For more information or to register visit MBHospitality.org. 18 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

23 Calendar April 1-Oct 31 Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo GrandStrandFishingRodeo.com Oct 5 CVB-Group Sales Committee 2:30 p.m. Oct 6 gsscene Morning Rush Breakfast Networking 7:45-9 a.m. gsscene.com North Strand Council 8:30 a.m. Oct 7 Annual Membership Meeting 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Business A er Hours Hyman Vineyards 4:15-7 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Oct 11 ServSafe Food Manager Certification Class 9 a.m.-4 p.m. MBHospitality.org Oct 12 Myrtle Beach Ambassadors 8 a.m. LGS Alumni Educational Series Becoming a Crock Pot Team 9-11 a.m. ChamberAcademy.com Grand Strand Air Service Update 10 a.m.-12 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Oct 13 South Strand Ambassadors 8 a.m. South Strand Council 8:30 a.m. Behind the Scenes WBTW News 13 5:30 p.m. ChamberAcademy.com Oct 14 Connections Marketplace Speed Networking 7:30-9:15 a.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Small Business Council 9 a.m. Business A er Hours Alta Surf Apartments 4:15-7 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Oct 15 Board of Directors Board Retreat Oct 19 Hospitality All Access Hard Rock Cafe 4:30-7:30 p.m. MBHospitality.org MBAHA and The Comedy Zone Present Stand-Up Comedian John Heffron 7-8 p.m. MBHospitality.org Oct 21 TEDxMyrtleBeach Ideas on the Edge of... 9 a.m.-12 p.m. ChamberAcademy.com Business A er Hours Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson 4-7 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Oct 23 Take a Kid Fishing 8 a.m.-12 p.m. GrandStrandFishingRodeo.com Oct 26 Chamber Access 9 a.m. ChamberAcademy.com Oct 28 gsscene Halloween Bash 7-9 p.m. gsscene.com Oct 29 gsscene Community Service Mercy Care s 2nd Annual Mischief Night Masquerade Ball 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. gsscene.com Nov 2 Employment & Immigration Law Alert 8-9:30 a.m. ChamberAcademy.com October & November Nov 4 Business A er Hours Horry-Georgetown Technical College 4:30-7 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Nov 5 Legislative Policy Council 9 a.m. Nov 9 Myrtle Beach Ambassadors 8 a.m. Behind the Scenes Shiver Me Pinchers 3:30 p.m. ChamberAcademy.com Nov 10 South Strand Ambassadors 8 a.m. Nov 11 Tourism Marketing Summit 8 a.m.-12 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Leadership Grand Strand Fall Social at Bumstead s Pub 5:30-7:30 p.m. LeadershipGrandStrand.com Nov 12 MBACC Veterans Day Community Concert 7 p.m. Nov 16 Finance Review Committee 2 p.m. Board of Directors 3:30 p.m. Business A er Hours Costco Wholesale Multi-Chamber Holiday Event 5:30-7 p.m. MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com Nov 18 MBAHA Annual Meeting Breakfast 8-9:30 a.m. MBHospitality.org Nov 30 Chamber Access 3 p.m. ChamberAcademy.com For the most current meeting/event dates and times, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on the Events Calendar at the top of page. Also follow MBACC on Grand Strander 19

24 Member anniversaries Congratulations to the following members celebrating Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce anniversaries in October. 31 Years Myrtle Beach Resort Vacations 30 Years A&I Fire and Water Restoration Elliott Beach Vacation Rentals & Golf Packages 27 Years Waccamaw Bowling Center 26 Years Beach Cove Resort Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough, LLP Waste Industries, Inc. Water's Edge Resort, Inc. 25 Years Kingston Plantation/ Embassy Suites Hotel Uncle Bobs Self Storage #237 Waccamaw Land & Timber Co., Inc. 24 Years RealtyWorks, Inc. 23 Years BB&T - Inlet Square 22 Years Carolina Dunes Association Holiday Sands South Properties Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort St. Clements Homeowners Association 20 Years State Farm Insurance - Bobby Kelly State Farm Insurance- Charlie Stuart Wicker Imports 19 Years Myrtle Beach Communications, Inc. 20 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com 17 Years Arrowhead Country Club Big D's of Waccamaw, Inc. Office Depot #243 OSIA Lodge Years Medieval Times 15 Years Conway National Bank - 21st Ave. N. MyrtleBeach.com The Original Benjamins 14 Years Apache Pier 13 Years The Lakes At Litchfield 12 Years UniStaff Administrative Services, Inc. 11 Years Myrtle Beach Water Sports - Socastee 10 Years Bay Watch Resort 7 Years Chernoff Newman Stanley Law Firm, LLC 6 Years Armstrong Accounting, CPA, PA Buchanan Construction, Inc. Ocean Breeze Awnings & More 4 Years A & D Tile & Grout Restoration Ben Arnold Beverage Co. Jayroe Appraisal Lynays Vacationers Dream Nannies/Sitters 3 Years Benefit Administrators, Inc. Elliott Davis, LLC Pavilion Nostalgia Park Pure Compounding Southern Portraits\ Portraits By The Sea 2 Years Black Thai Capital Choice Carolina Solar Security, Inc. Collins and Lacy, P.C. Cypress Room Fast Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs First Federal - In Lowes Foods at Grande Dunes Kansas City Prime Kono Asian Grill Liberty Tax Service RE/MAX Town & Country Myrtle Beach Resort Rentals By MBM Newcomers Club of the Grand Strand Nicoletti Property Management, LLC North Beach Plantation Ripley's Mirror Maze 1 Year 803 Labs, Inc. AA Pest Management, LLC Allied Manufacturing Industry, LLC Benjamin's Bakery/Surf Side Subs The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro Coastal Commercial Roofing Company, Inc. The Connect and Reconnect Group (TCRG) Cooper Law Firm Crown Screening DM Painting and Waterproofing Grand Central Station Restaurant in Patricia Grand Restaurant Horry County School Adult Education Hyman Vineyards Massage Envy Spa Myrtle Beach Dining Group Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Center Regenerating PBS Wrist Band Rivertown Bistro Screenvision Direct Spud's Temple Emanu-El

25 Meet your MBACC ambassadors Health Phelps Ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers from various businesses throughout the Grand Strand community. Their mission is to welcome current members and recruit new chamber members. Ambassadors serve as goodwill representatives at various chamber functions and aid in the support of members. This month, the Grand Strander took a moment to check in with Health Phelps, an ambassador with the chamber for one year, to find out why he enjoys being an ambassador. Heath Phelps Q. What prompted you to volunteer as a chamber ambassador? A. My wife Rhonda Phelps joined about a month before and she told me about the program and what a great way it was to get involved in the community and make some wonderful contacts Q. What do you like most about being a chamber ambassador? A. I like the great group of people that I have gotten to know over the year of being an ambassador and the friendships that have formed. I have also enjoyed the ability to attend several chamber sponsored functions and meeting new people and learning about all of the businesses that make up the Myrtle Beach area. Q. How has the investment of time as a chamber ambassador advanced your career or business? A. The chamber has provided a great avenue for forming new friendships, increased my contact list and has allowed me to break out of my introverted shell and become more comfortable approaching people that I have never met before and strike up a conversation. You will be amazed at what Myrtle Beach has to offer, and the ambassador program has opened my eyes to this wonderful community. Q. What is your best advice for making the most of chamber membership? A. If you are paying your membership fees you have the ability to participate in every event the chamber sponsors. If you put in the time and effort you will be rewarded by making several contacts and putting your business out there for people to see and recognize. Every time you go to an event, set a goal for yourself to make a certain number of contacts. You will be amazed how many new people you can meet at events. Heath Phelps Wild Creations Finance Manager How long have you been an ambassador? 1 year Q. Give us your 30 second elevator speech about your business. A. At Wild Creations we take pride in the products that we provide to our customers and believe in corporate social responsibility and business transparency. We live by those principles every day and continue to do business with like minded organizations all over the US as well as internationally. Check out our Web site at wildcreations.com and see what we are all about. Grand Strander 21

26 Be a Star Myrtle Beach State Park Myrtle Beach State Park Jerry Ives- Park Manager 4401 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC Office: (843) Fax: (843) $5 adults; $3.25 S.C. seniors; $3/child age 6-15; free for children 5 and younger. Open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., March through November and 6 a.m.-8 p.m., December through February southcarolinaparks.com Chamber Member Since: June 1975 Want or need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Myrtle Beach area while still only being minutes away from all the amenities that our dynamic area has to offer? Located in the middle of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach State Park lets you escape to a different world full of beauty and tranquility that you can explore at your own leisurely pace. Feel yourself unwind the moment you pass through our gates and drive down our tree lined roads. Myrtle Beach State Park was the first South Carolina state park to open to the public in 1936 and was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation. The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park. Today, the park welcomes over one-million visitors through our gates each year. Glimpse our native wildlife while getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on the Grand Strand! Surrounding the historic CCC buildings, is 312 acres of scenery similar to what greeted the hard working men of the CCC when they began creating the park. Enjoy one of the last remaining stands of maritime forest (forest by the sea) le along the Grand Strand. One-hundred and thirty six acres has been preserved as a Heritage Trust Site and the park has a 1-mile Sculptured Oak Nature Trail that winds through this unique and rare forest. Spring and fall can be productive times to go bird watching in search of colorful migrating birds such as warblers, vireos and thrushes. If you are quiet, you may also encounter a variety of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Another location to view wildlife is along the boardwalk that winds through our maritime grassland connecting the fishing pier to the campground. It offers gorgeous views of the sand dunes and beach while affording one the opportunity to catch glimpses of flittering butterflies, hovering dragonflies, buzzing insects and quick moving lizards. Fall is when the maritime grassland is looking it s best a diversity of plants are blooming and oranges, reds, yellows, pinks, browns, blues and greens abound. The fishing pier is probably the busiest part of the park for both people and wildlife. Wildlife watching opportunities can be incredible: dolphins, schools of fish, flocks of birds, quick breathing sea turtles, schools of sting rays gracefully swimming through the water, a quick glimpse of a predatory shark, a pulsating jellyfish and if you are lucky, a breaching whale (usually in the winter). Over 50,000 people a year enjoy fishing and crabbing from the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Whether local season pass holders, or visitors with rented rods, each try their best at catching a wide variety of saltwater fish and sea creatures including, but certainly not limited to, flounder, mackerel, whiting, bluefish, pompano, spadefish, and crabs. Since the pier is a participant in the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo, each fish caught and entered has the opportunity to win prizes for its angler. We also participate in other chamber sponsored fishing events: both spring and fall King Mackerel Tournaments and the annual Take a Kid Fishing event, which introduces today s youth to fishing. Kids and their parents, who may never have the chance to fish, get to enjoy the camaraderie of others and the outdoors on this fun filled day in October. The pier isn t only for fishing, though! The pier is also home to one of two retail stores located in the park. Rivaling some of the best shops around, the pier store offers a wide variety of unique gi s and souvenirs, custom apparel, cool toys, beach-going needs, fishing tackle items and even hand-dipped ice cream. With ever-changing merchandise, you ll be surprised each time you visit the gi shop and it should definitely be on your list of go-to stores when trying to find that special something for you or someone else! If you are in search of camping items, then you ll have to take the boardwalk down to the campground store and look through 22 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

27 the eclectic mix of recreational items it has to offer. For the kid in all of us, don t miss out on our wacky and awesome candy selection! Enjoy our free shade and air conditioning in the campgroundcompliments of our towering trees! Hear the wind rustle through the trees from your campsite and enjoy sitting around a roaring campfire with your family and friends. Myrtle Beach State Park boasts the largest campground in the state park service with 300 campsites. Campsites are available for RVs and tents and can include water, electric, and sewer hookups. Wi-Fi is available at the campground store and at the fishing pier. Reservations are recommended for the summer months and holidays, but many sites are available during the off season for a quick, easy and affordable family getaway. If camping is not your style, relax with friends or family in your own quaint cabin that is just a short stroll from the beach. Imagine hearing the roaring surf from the front porch while rocking in your chair. Built by the CCC, our six cabins have been the location for many family vacations for over 70 years. The cabins are completely furnished with all the modern amenities, including a full kitchen, and sleep six to 10 people. Weekly reservations are required during the popular summer months between April and September, but drops to a two night minimum during the remainder of the year. In the off season, it s almost like having your own private beach! Nestled in the campground, the park s small but active nature center educates visitors (both locals and tourists) about the natural beauty and diversity of Myrtle Beach State Park. Saltwater aquariums, live reptiles and fun, interactive natural history displays help visitors of all ages understand the significance of the park. A backyard wildlife habitat complete with bird feeders, bird baths, water nature sculpture and seasonal butterfly garden are available for viewing even when the center is not open. Engaging and educational programs for the general public and curriculum based school programs are offered throughout the year. These programs raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural resources, state parks and preserving coastal habitat for future generations. Topics may include: crabbing, seining, bird watching, beach and forest programs and walks, reptiles, marine invertebrates, sea turtles, bats, and countless other topics. Some programs are free with park admission, and others are available for a nominal fee. Seven picnic shelters are a popular destination for many family reunions, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and company gatherings throughout the year. With room to seat up to 50 people, the shelters are an affordable solution to your gathering needs located in a beautiful natural environment. In addition to the wildly popular annual park passport, which costs just 14 cents a day, the state park service now offers the new Park Passport Plus. Not only does it entitle you and the occupants of your vehicle free admission into every South Carolina State Park for an entire year, but it also enables four people to receive free admission to our public educational programs as well as other specials like free admission to Atalaya at Huntington Beach State Park and the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park. Check out our Web site for more information. Support of your park will help us continue to preserve and protect this 312 acre urban, green paradise for not only this generation, but for generations to come. Since opening our gates, a trip to the beach has meant a stay at Myrtle Beach State Park each year for millions of families from across this community, the United States and the world. Myrtle Beach State Park holds a special place in the hearts of many families for some it means their first time dodging the ocean waves, watching their grandkids cooking s mores over an open campfire, reeling in the catch of a lifetime, or enjoying a family picnic under the shade of the live oak trees. My name is Jerry Ives and I am the Park Manager of Myrtle Beach State Park. I have the distinct pleasure of working at one of the most beautiful and very special places here in South Carolina. I have been in the Park Service for 11 years and there is never a day that goes by that I do not appreciate my job. All my life I have wanted to make a difference in this world, do something that touches people s lives. Growing up some of my fondest memories Be a Star, See Page 24 Grand Strander 23

28 Be a Star, Continued From Page 23 was camping with my family. It was always an adventure but what made it so special is it made us a much closer knit family. All though our family has all grown and we have moved away and live different lives, whenever we get to gather we all still talk about those camping adventures. So for me being a Park Ranger I get the opportunity to care of a beautiful piece of nature right here in the middle of the grand strand and provide a setting for millions of families to feel that closeness, create those memories and pass those memories on to future generations. So, I invite you to come out and take advantage of all that Myrtle Beach State Park has to offer. Hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Jerry Ives, Park Manager Myrtle Beach State Park Ribbon-Cutting Cermonies Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce conducts ribbon-cutting ceremonies as a value-added benefi t included in your membership investment. We bring the camera, oversized scissors and, of course, the ribbon. A grand opening, an expansion, an anniversary or a move to a new facility is made more special with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Plus, it s a great way to introduce your business to the community and fellow chamber members. If you re a home-based business, give us a call and we ll hold a special ceremony here at the chamber just for you. Kickoff a grand opening of your business by contacting Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) or by at Pat.Creed@ VisitMyrtleBeach.com. Flowers on Broadway 519 W. Broadway Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Thri y Car Sales 1297 Hwy. 501 Myrtle Beach, SC (843) Thri ycarsales.com/myrtlebeach 24 MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com

29 Chamber video contest It s show and tell time! Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce announces our first-ever video contest for members. Show your company s creative spirit by submitting your video today! Make a video about how your company embodies the chamber s promise to promote, protect & improve business. More or less we are asking you to tell us how chamber membership has benefited your business. Winning videos will be posted on the chamber s YouTube channel and MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership Division Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC PERIODICALS U.S. Postage PAID Myrtle Beach, SC USPS Have fun and be creative! This is your opportunity to showcase your company s talent and energy. Go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com for details and submission guidelines. Video deadline: Nov. 15. Remember to pass along the Grand Strander to your colleagues and friends! Grand Strander Credits Kori Hippe Member Communications Manager Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Diana Greene Executive Vice President Membership Programs & Services Grand Strander Issue 688 October 2010 (ISSN ) is published 12 times a year by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC Periodical postage paid at Myrtle Beach, SC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership Division, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC Business Bulletin Send updates by the 5th of each month for Business Bulletin to Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com, fax (843) Check us out on the Web For more information about member benefits, upcoming events and business updates, visit us online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. Advertising Inquiries Reach more than 2,000 business leaders by advertising in the Grand Strander. Scott Head, advertising sales manager (843) or Scott.Head@VisitMyrtleBeach.com Member Services Area Code: (843) General Information: Membership Sales: or 7234 Advertising Sales: Public Relations: Marketing: Research: Festivals & Events: Executive: CVB-Group Sales: gsscene: Leadership Grand Strand: Hospitality Partnership: Grand Strander is printed by Inlet Printing Co.