Issue 646 - April 2007 The Official Newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Member Web site offers blueprint to services When the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce began the reconstruction of its outdated Web site, MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, the goal was to better connect with its members and ensure the site was a strong member benefit. “We tackled updating the member Web site like you reorganize your closets or clean out the garage,” explained Diana Greene, vice president of membership programs and services. “It was out with the old and in with the new.” While the chamber had undertaken an effort to greatly expand and improve its programs, including adding new educational classes and expos, one area that had become stagnant was its Web site. It was difficult to navigate and maintain. Information was presented in an unattractive, wordy manner. The updated site provides one-click access to news, program and event information and business resources. Pages are divided into five topics (Business Connections, Education Programs, Marketing Strategies, Member Resources and Government Relations) and mirror the theme of the chamber’s other communication materials. Leading the way for tomorrow Q: Which of these locations were visited this year by members of Leadership Grand Strand? A. Franklin G. Burroughs–Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum B. A hospital room at Waccamaw Community Hospital C. The State Capitol in Columbia D. The top of Santee Cooper’s Grainger Generating Station E. All of the Above u See LGS, Page 11 u See Member Web, Page 10
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I s s u e 6 4 6 - A p r i l 2 0 0 7The Official Newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Member Web site offers blueprint to servicesWhen the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce began the reconstruction of its outdated Web site, MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, the goal was to better connect with its members and ensure the site was a strong member benefit.
“We tackled updating the member Web site like you reorganize your closets or clean out the garage,” explained Diana Greene, vice president of membership programs and services. “It was out with the old and in with the new.”
While the chamber had undertaken an effort to greatly expand and improve its programs, including adding new educational classes and expos, one area that had become stagnant was its Web site. It was difficult to navigate and maintain. Information was presented in an unattractive, wordy manner.
The updated site provides one-click access to news, program and event information and business resources. Pages are divided into five topics (Business Connections, Education Programs, Marketing Strategies, Member Resources and Government Relations) and mirror the theme of the chamber’s other communication materials.
Leading the way for tomorrow Q: Which of these locations were visited this year by members of
Leadership Grand Strand?
A. Franklin G. Burroughs–Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
B. A hospital room at Waccamaw Community Hospital
C. The State Capitol in Columbia
D. The top of Santee Cooper’s Grainger Generating Station E. All of the Above
u See LGS, Page 11
u See Member Web, Page 10
member services guide
Ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers from various businesses throughout the Grand Strand community. Their mission is to welcome and nurture current members and recruit new chamber members. Ambassadors serve as goodwill representatives at various chamber functions and aid in the support of members.
Ambassadors earn points by calling and visiting other chamber members, attending monthly meetings, recruiting other Ambassadors, having a suggested business become a chamber member, and participating in chamber projects. At the end of each month, these points are tallied and an Ambassador of the Month is named.
Why become a chamber Ambassador?Ambassadors gain business exposure by being the first to meet chamber members and put their company’s name in the forefront. By volunteering at chamber events and attending the monthly Ambassador meetings, your business is always involved and kept current on what is going on within the chamber and community.
Congratulations to Debbie Sadar, Creative Memories consultant, who earned Ambassador of the Month for February. Sadar is serving her first
year as an Ambassador.
Applause to Sue White, Xango independent distributor,
who earned the second highest points total for February. White is serving her first year as an Ambassador.
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Board of directorsOfficers
Chairman of the BoardDavid Brittain
Sea Captain’s House
Immediate Past ChairmanW. Wayne Gray
Spring House Restaurant Group Inc.
Finance Committee Chair/TreasurerJim Creel Jr.
The Creel Corp.
Legislative Policy Council ChairFrans Mustert
Patricia Grand Resort Hotel
2007-2008 Chairman of the BoardMarketing & Advertising Committee Chair
Steve ChapmanIsland Vista
Membership Committee ChairLeigh Ammons Meese
Sea Mist Resort
Growth and Development Committee ChairBrant Branham
Convention Bureau Committee Chair/ Marketing Committee
Joe PerlColonial Mall–Myrtle Beach
Finance Committee Vice ChairScott PlylerCarolina First
Business Ethics and StandardsMyers Rollins
Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority
Technology-Based Marketing Committee Vice Chair Chris Shroff
Shroff Properties
Legislative Policy Council Vice ChairBrent Schulz
DDC Engineers Inc.
Growth and Development Vice ChairRichard Singleton
Coldwell Banker Chicora Commercial Real Estate
Small Business Council Vice ChairBerkley WhiteClassic Homes
spot light
Member Resources Business Connections Marketing Strategies Education Programs Government Relations
member services guide
MissioN To promote, protect and improve businesses throughout the Grand Strand.b
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ongratulation
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pplause
Benefit of the Month•Health InsuranceLooking for more benefits for your employee health insurance dollars? Have you checked out our True Blue Partnership program? It’s a partnership between your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Become a part of a larger group of insured individuals and have the opportunity to receive more insurance benefits and flexibility for your employees.
• Large network of doctors, hospitals and specialists
• Low co-payments for doctor’s office visits
• Special discounts on complementary and alternative care: eyewear, Beltone hearing aids and more
• Preferred rates on cosmetic surgery and laser vision correction surgery (LASIK)
• Coverage wherever you go–around the world or across the country
• Optional benefits such as a prescription drug card and preventative care
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
To get more information on the True Blue Partnership, call (800) 641-2977 or go to SouthCarolinaBlues.com.
To learn more about becoming a chamber Ambassador, contact
Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at (843) 916-7225 or
Make plans to join representatives from the U.S. Postal Service for a review of the upcoming changes to the postal rates. Highlights include: First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Automation Letter-Size Pieces, Parcel Select, Shape Differentiation, Priority Mail, Express Mail, Address Change Services, Package Services and Additional Ounce Rate.
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Date/Time April 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m
Location Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Boardroom 1200 N. Oak St.
Cost Free
Register MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Education
Deadline April 25
One Stop ShopThe South Carolina Business One Stop, scbos.com, provides joint registrations across multiple state agencies. There is no cost in using this secure Web site. You may apply for licenses/permits/registrations with the S.C. Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, S.C. Employment Security Commission, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control. And you can even renew your alcohol beverage license online at scbos.com. This system streamlines access to government information and saves time.
Let SCBOS cut the red tape associated with opening and operating a business in South Carolina. · Renew your alcohol beverage license · Register your business · Obtain Licenses, Permits and Registrations (LPR)
· File and pay business taxes · Communicate with multiple state agencies
Designed especially with the small business owner in mind, the Web site walks users through the process of registering a new business and obtaining appropriate licenses or permits. The system simply asks relevant questions, collects data, facilitates payment via credit card or electronic funds withdrawal, submits applications, and communicates with various agencies in a single, convenient and secure online transaction.
Current business owners also may use this service to change the physical address, mailing address, address of records and/or phone number for the following types of accounts: · Accommodations · Aviation · Corporate · Sales · Solid Waste · Withholding · Use
Learn More: scbos.com
Taking Care of BusinessPrograms and services to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Don’t break a link Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has changed its code for the chamber member Web stickers. That means if you have a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Web sticker/plaque on your company’s Web site, you’ll need to update the code or else you’ll have a broken link/graphic.
It’s easy to update Go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Members Only and download a new Web sticker.
Don’t have a MBACC Web sticker on your Web site? Why not? You display the chamber plaque in your business window–signifying corporate citizenship and excellence. And since your Web site is your storefront to the world, why not display the MBACC member plaque there too?
Simply go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Members Only and download a Web sticker.
Update on postal rates and fees
Every donation helps
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chamber members celebrate anniversaries
During April, 178 members will be celebrating
their chamber anniversaries. Discover which
businesses have been chamber members for
27 years. Check out the Grand Strander online
at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and click on
Grand Strander at the top of the page.
Top 5 States 1. North Carolina2. Ohio3. Virginia4. Pennsylvania5. New York
FebruaryRelocation Inquiries
april convention Bureau Travel Itinerary for Trade Shows
April 11-12 Affordable Meetings Mid-America Chicago, Ill.
April 17-20 National Association of Sports Commissions Dallas, Texas
April 21-25 International Pow Wow Anaheim, Calif.
April 26-28 Georgia Meeting Planners International Atlanta, Ga.
April 26-28 National Tour Association–Spring Meet Kelowna, British Columbia
Groups Scheduled for ServiceFourteen groups representing 1,995 attendees
Hospitality seminars are co-sponsored by MBACC, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association and Hospitality Association of South Carolina. All classes are held in the boardroom (unless otherwise noted) at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. To register, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Education/Chamber Academy. Payment due at time of registration. No refunds or rescheduling. Questions? Contact Blakely Jenkins, education and events manager, [email protected] or (843) 916-7232.
Chamber Academy
Small Business Forum Sponsored by ...
Restaurant & Lodging Series Sponsored by ...
LGS Alumni Leadership Education Series Sponsored by ...
Technology WorkshopSponsored by ...
Women’s Business Forum Sponsored by ...
Date/Time Series Topic Presented by Description Cost Register by
April 109 a.m.-4 p.m.
Technology Workshop
“Publisher Training” Horry-Georgetown Technical College
This class will review the basics of Microsoft Publisher. Plus learn how to create a professional brochure and newsletter. Location: Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conference Center on the former Air Force Base
$20 members; $40 future members
4/9
April 179-11 a.m.
Women’s Business Forum
“Google AdWords Demystified”
Mona McGraw, NuRelm An in-depth tutorial on Google AdWords that will help you capitalize on this amazingly affordable and highly effective online advertising tool. Learn how to gain rapid online market share before your competitors do.
$20 members; $40 future members
4/16
April 188:30-11:45 a.m.
Celebrate Hospitality Diane DeVaughn Stokes, Stages Video Productions, and Shirley Long Johnson, Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Learn about effective communication, phone etiquette, coping with frustrated customers, and how the chamber can work for you. Sponsored by Costco Wholesale, Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Stages Video Productions.
$20 members; $40 future members (includes breakfast)
4/17
April 1912-5 p.m.
LGS Alumni Leadership Education Series
“Courage to Lead” Sally Hare, Distinguished Professor Emerita at Coastal Carolina University and President of still learning, inc.
Leadership Grand Strand is pleased to invite you to a retreat-based approach to renewing personal identity and professional integrity. Join us for an afternoon of conversation and reflection about trust and the leadership it requires as an essential ingredient for positive change in organizations.
$39 LGS Alumni Association members; $49 chamber members; $59 future members (includes lunch)
4/18
April 249-11:30 a.m.
Leadership Series “Strategic Planning” Maribeth Achterberg, Verity Management Solutions
This interactive seminar provides a format for developing specific strategies, converting those strategies into a business planning process, and establishing measurable and attainable organizational goals. It is a process that involves not only determining where your company wants and needs to go, but also, how it is going to get there.
$20 members; $40 future members
4/23
April 301:30-4 p.m.
Small Business Forum
“Coaching and Motivating for Team Success”
Carl Elliott, CE Elliot and Associates, LLC
Success only comes when we make the most of the skills and talents of team members. In this seminar, participants will learn the coaching and motivating skills needed to make this happen.
$20 members; $40 future members
4/27
sPONsORs
May 39 a.m.-4 p.m.
World Class Series “Leadership Training–The Extraordinary Way!”
Mel Tillar, Professional Speaker
Achieving extraordinary results is not an accident or coincidence. It is the result of doing certain things in a certain way. And it is absolutely predictable. “The Extraordinary Way!” will help you: Learn how to create extraordinary results; Program yourself for extraordinary achievement; Reveal how to increase your personal value; Investigate the indispensable elements; and Answer life’s seven most important questions.
$49 members; $79 future members
5/2
May 8 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Technology Workshop
“PowerPoint Training” Horry-Georgetown Technical Training
Dazzle your clients with your excellent PowerPoint presentations. This class will not only review basic skills but will show you how to create colorful, dynamic presentations using graphics, design options and movement. Bring your own jump disk if you would like to keep your presentation. Location: Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Conference Center on the former Air Force Base.
$20 members; $40 future members
5/7
May 98:30-11:30 a.m.
Leadership Series “Idiots Proof Guide to Customer Loyalty”
Joe Heuer, Joe Speaks! In this entertaining and inspiring program you’ll learn the simple universal principles that will not only inspire your customers to keep coming back, but will encourage them to sing your praises to the world. Joe Heuer explores the myths about customer satisfaction that you need to understand in order to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s marketplace. This is a presentation for any organization that wants to make the quantum leap from customer satisfaction to customer loyalty.
$39 members; $79 future members
5/8
May 15 9-11 a.m
Women’s Business Forum
“Introduction to Online Marketing”
Mona McGraw, NuRelm Identify the components of an effective Web site, measure the success of your Web site, significantly boost traffic to your site, and keep your online content fresh. Best of all, learn to do it within your budget and with no technical expertise.
$20 members; $40 future members
5/14
May 23 8-9:30 a.m.
Small Business Forum
Employment Law Breakfast Briefing on Immigration and Wage and Hour Updates
Nexsen Pruet Cutting-edge seminar on employment and immigration issues designed specifically for corporate executives including CEOs, CFOs and HR executives in the Myrtle Beach area. Two of Nexsen Pruet’s partners, who practice employment and immigration law, will discuss the proposed state and federal legislative changes in 2007, understanding Payment of Wages Act, and understanding recent wage and hour cases.
$20 members; $40 future members
5/22
Date/Time Series Topic Presented by Description Cost Register by
gMyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Register for classes online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
click on Education/Chamber Academy
Chamber Academy
Small Business Forum Sponsored by ...
Restaurant & Lodging Series Sponsored by ...
LGS Alumni Leadership Education Series Sponsored by ...
Technology WorkshopSponsored by ...
Women’s Business Forum Sponsored by ...
Join the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association and Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on A-Tax. Guest speakers from the city, county and state will discuss issues surrounding this tax and how it is distributed. Mark you calendars for April 11 starting at 9 a.m. (complimentary continental breakfast) at the Avista Resort, 300 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach. The forum is free, however, reservations are required. Please register at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business Connections. Registration deadline is April 9. Questions? Call (843) 916-7318. Hospitality Day at the statehouse: May 16On Wednesday, May 16, South Carolina’s hospitality industry will host “A Taste of South Carolina,” featuring restaurants from across the state serving a sample of their menu specialties. The event, held from 12-2 p.m. on the Statehouse grounds, is one of the legislators’ highest rated gatherings on their busy social calendars.
“A Taste of South Carolina” is a great way to showcase your restaurant, and at the same time, show legislators that the hospitality industry is concerned about legislation they are considering this year. If you would like more information about participating as a restaurant or sponsoring Hospitality Day, call the Hospitality Association of South Carolina at (800) 803-4272 or visit schospitality.org.
Hop on the busAnyone involved in or supports the hospitality industry is invited to attend Hospitality Day at the Statehouse. Buses leave Broadway at the Beach (bus parking area) at 8 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge to ride the bus or attend the event. Ready to hop onboard? Call the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association at (843) 626-9668 for reservations.
Hospitality Day at the Statehouse is hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association, Hospitality Association of South Carolina and other local hotel and/or restaurant associations in the state.
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Hospitality Partnership
A-Tax Forum: April 11
Sit under the shade of ancient moss-covered live
oak trees and marvel at the beauty of Brookgreen
Gardens. Mingle with fellow chamber members as
you explore the largest sculpture garden in the world.
It’s a peaceful evening of networking, sensational
food and fantastic door prizes.
Win a free membership list! Network with at least
10 different people, bring their business cards to
the registration table and enter a drawing for a free
membership list.
Networking Tip: Make sure you are remembered.
When you introduce yourself, speak slowly and
clearly so that people understand and remember your
name and what it is you do.
Event Business After Hours
Date/Time April 26, 4:15- 7 p.m.
Location Brookgreen Gardens 1931 Brookgreen Dr. Murrells Inlet
Cost Free, value-added benefit of membership
Register MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business Connections or call (843) 916-7250
Deadline April 23
Business After Hours
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com i
The Sun Fun Festival® is driving a whole lot of “fun” into its spring advertising. Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is once again steering the attention of prospective travelers and visitors to the Grand Strand and Sun Fun Festival through a car promotion.
Road trip enthusiasts who visit SunFunFestival.com may enter a sweepstakes to win a new 2007 Ford Fusion car valued at more than $17,000. Whether someone is searching for a weeklong family vacation or a weekend getaway, the Ford Fusion has room for all your beach chairs, boogie boards and even Rover. Win this 2007 Ford Fusion by visiting SunFunFestival.com.
The winner of the 2007 Ford Fusion will be announced at the Beach, Boogie & Barbeque Festival on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2007.
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has installed six new plasma TV screens in our Oak Street welcome center featuring rotating photographs of the Myrtle Beach area. These bright screens replace 15-year-old photos and show exciting, attractive images of the region to those who stop by our chamber office.
The chamber would love to promote your establishment on these big lobby screens, plus on our new Web site, SeeMyrtleBeach.com. This Web site is a scenic destination page that provides photography, virtual tours of everything from water sports to day spa, and ultimately, Web cams. A special logo is being created that will allow you to
link your company’s Web page to this picturesque site (look for updates in a future Grand Strander).
To be featured on the lobby TV screens and SeeMyrtleBeach.com, we will need unlimited use of your photos and prefer shots that do not show a specific business name, phone number or Web site. The image sizes will need to be 1024 x 768 pixels @ 72dpi. Sorry, we cannot promise we will use every photo. For more information on submitting photographs, contact Jonathan Carter, MIS manager, at (843) 916-7201 or [email protected].
Want to be on the big screen?
a 2007 ForD Fusion
Win
“We wanted the site to complement the new look and feel of all of the chamber’s membership publications,” Greene noted. “It was important to us that our Web site, which we consider our ‘other front door,’ reflected the professionalism our members expect from their Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.” The design of the site focused on having an interesting appearance to the user while providing expandable content. While an aesthetic look was desired, it was critical that the design be simple, taking into consideration varied access speeds by users, minimal clicks to key information and the ability to search the site by keyword(s).
The main navigational toolbar is broken down into five categories:Education Programs–Curriculum listing providing members the opportunities to improve upon their skills in a variety of subject areas.Business Connections–Networking opportunities, including Business After Hours, Connections Marketplace, Warm Welcome and upcoming events.Marketing strategies–Advertising opportunities ranging from co-ops and chamber publications to Web links and sponsorships.Member Resources–Information on chamber benefits and services.Government Relations–Communicates to members the huge role the chamber takes in advocacy.
Greene hopes that the members use the Web site as another form of communication with the chamber. “A business can join the chamber, look up chamber events, gain access to chamber resources, discover page after page of sponsorship opportunities, e-mail
the chamber, and even register and pay for events through the Web site,” she explained.
The goal of MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com is to be a user-friendly information resource for members, potential members, visitors and residents. Let us know
what you think of the updated site. E-mail the Grand Strander at [email protected].
GOALS OF MYRTLEBEACHAREACHAMBER.COM
• Enable members and nonmembers to better understand the chamber, its mission and the benefits of membership.
The updated Web site gives all users ready access to the chamber’s history, its mission and the events and programs
it offers.
• Make it easy for members to register for chamber events. With the Members Only Web page, it’s simply a click
away for members to register for educational classes and networking events. A member’s contact information is
automatically inserted into the registration form so the person doesn’t have to re-enter their business name and
address each time.
• Offer expanded access to marketing opportunities. The Marketing Strategies link makes it easy to find cooperative
advertising opportunities, sponsorships, Internet marketing and publication advertising.
• Place the latest news and events in a prominent, visible position on the home page. The home page is kept updated
with the latest calendar of events.
• Allow members easy access to the Business Directory. The gem of the site is the Business Directory, which is featured
on every page. Users can search for products and services by either business name or category.
• Create an easily navigated and user-friendly Web site. The five graphical navigational bars are self-explanatory for
finding events, marketing opportunities, educational classes, advocacy agenda and business resources. Plus, a key
word(s) search engine is featured on every page.
• Design a clean and simple Web site to serve as a marketing piece for the chamber and community. The new site
provides one-click access to news, program and event information and business resources.
u See Member Web, From Cover Page
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MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com k
If you answered All of the Above, you are right. Through visits to these locations and more, Leadership Grand Strand, a program of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, educates its participants on issues, opportunities and challenges in the Myrtle Beach area. The Leadership Grand Strand program begins in September and runs through May. Members meet for a full day every month for briefings, tours and seminars. Topics covered include health, education, law enforcement, cultural affairs, redevelopment, government and other important community issues. Each LGS monthly program brings in top-level business, civic and government leaders to address challenges in their fields and answer questions from the class. Class members also participate in 100 hours of community service projects.
Class members are chosen based on their interest in community involvement and their potential to provide leadership to the Grand Strand. The selection process is intensive, as the class size is limited to 30 members.
“Leadership Grand Strand has been a phenomenal experience for me,” says LGS class of XIX member Lisa Robinson, marketing and public affairs coordinator, Time Warner Cable. “Through this program, I have been presented with so many exciting opportunities, and have built invaluable relationships with my class members and others in the community.”
Are you a candidate for LGs?Applications for the 2007-2008 Leadership Grand Strand program are available online at LeadershipGrandStrand.com. Tuition is $850; scholarships are available. Application deadline: June 30. For more info, visit LeadershipGrandStrand.com or contact Diana Greene, LGS executive director, at [email protected] or (843) 916-7222.
Hungry? Visit GrandstrandRestaurants.comIs your stomach growling for some fluffy pancakes or a sausage pizza? It’s easy to find something to eat for breakfast or lunch here on the Grand Strand by visiting GrandStrandRestaurants.com. Simply pull up a restaurant by location, restaurant type, food selection or price range. Start enjoying the local dining scene … visit GrandStrandRestaurants.com.
Learn More: Ann Scott, hospitality sales manager, [email protected] or (843) 916-7219
u See LGS, From Cover Page
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Be aEach month your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce selects a member from the business cards collected at chamber events to spotlight on MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com. The more events you attend, the greater yourchance of being a star. Congratulations to our latest “Be a Star” winner– Michelle Love, assistant vice president and bank manager, Carolina First (1320 38th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach). Read about Love and Carolina First at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Grand Strander at the top of the page.
Last year your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce started a survey program looking at seasonal analysis of visitor trends. The goal of the project was to obtain a visitor profile for each of the seasons so chamber members and the chamber could more effectively target their marketing.
Survey cards were delivered to hotels, motels, campgrounds and vacation rental companies. Members were asked to pass out the survey cards to their guests. Visitors who went to the chamber’s Web site to complete the online survey were entered into a seasonal drawing to win a $100 American Express gift card and a year-end drawing for a three day/two night vacation in the Myrtle Beach area. The chamber member whose employee distributed the winning survey also received a $100 American Express gift card.
The surveys were divided into five seasons–winter (January-February), spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-October) and holiday (November-December). The questions ranged from reasons for visiting the area to dining habits. The completed surveys will allow the chamber to develop a visitor profile for each of the seasons. In addition, each property will receive a profile of their property from the visitors who stayed/visited their property and completed the survey.
Learn More: Wendy Bernstein, marketing research manager, [email protected] or (843) 916-7217
Member wins $100 gift certificate
Paul Ebert with Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort won a $100 American Express gift card for handing out the winning visitor trends survey. Ebert is congratulated by co-workers, Wanda Sage-Sanford, left, and Sherri Sumner.
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com m
GovNETstate budget updateby Nicole Aiello, MBACC public information officer
It’s that time of year again when the chamber is closely monitoring the ins and outs of the state budget. This is an exciting year for our area with money slated for beach renourishment, education, transportation, destination advertising and more. By the time you read this, we are hopeful that the following budgetary items, which will greatly affect the Grand Strand, will have cleared all hurdles in the House and have made it to the Senate for review. Here’s a look at the numbers:• $10 million for destination-specific advertising (2:1 private/public funding program)• $10 million for statewide advertising; $5 million of that dedicated to creating tourism clusters throughout the state• $6.3 million (recurring) for Coastal Carolina University• $5 million for beach renourishment• $5 million for beach outfall pipes • $5 million (recurring) for the I-73, I-74 bank• $3 million for South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism grant program• $3 million for economic development grants• $3 million for DHEC grants • $1 million for I-73, I-74 planning and development• $85,000 for Canadian-American Days Festival
These are key items we are keeping an eye on and ones that could have a significant impact on the Myrtle Beach area. We’ve already seen incredible increases in inquiries from the Myrtle Beach Marketing Cooperative’s advertising efforts this fall and spring, which were made possible by the destination-specific advertising program. Another victory could be won for higher education if the budget passes as is because the president elect and the board of trustees for Coastal Carolina University have pledged to maintain tuition rates over the next two years if the $6.3 million (recurring) is kept in the final budget. We also know how incredibly important beach renourishment and beach outfall pipes are to both the local tourism economy and the state economy. Plus, with this budget, we’re one step closer to making I-73/I-74 a reality.
The budget may still have some hurdles to overcome. You can follow its progress at SCStatehouse.net. Click on Current Legislation on the top navigation bar and look for the link for the budget.
Vacation planners and others eager to find out “what’s happening” in the Myrtle Beach area simply need to visit GrandStrandEvents.com. Here you’ll find what’s going on in the local arts community or where the next festival is being held. Perform a search by day, week or month and plan your time in the Grand Strand.
Developed by your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, this official online events calendar gives users easy access to event information and allows them to create customized lists by specifying dates, location and even types of events. Visitors to GrandStrandEvents.com also can access
the entire listing, which includes festivals, concerts, children’s events, art shows, sporting events and much more.
submit an eventIn addition to events posted on the site by the chamber, GrandStrandEvents.com has an interactive component that allows members and the community to post events. Once that information is submitted and approved by the chamber, it becomes active on the site.
Go to GrandStrandEvents.com and sign up your events today.
GrandStrandEvents.com
Post your event todayGovNET
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Business
(L to R) Bill Ellen, board chairman of the S.C. Tourism and Hospitality Educational Foundation; Richard Scott, Gilmore Entertainment; and Hamp Lindsey, chairman of the Hospitality Association of S.C.
Richard Scott, director of sales for Gilmore Entertainment, was recently honored with the Customer Service Award from South Carolina’s Tourism & Hospitality Educational Foundation. Scott was applauded for “ensuring that every customer’s expectations is not only met but exceeded.” Scott began his career with Gilmore Entertainment back in the fall of 1987. Every year, the Hospitality Association of South Carolina recognizes industry professionals who represent the state’s Stars of the Industry. This year’s award winners were honored at the Stars of the Industry Awards luncheon in Columbia.
CENTURY 21 Broadhurst is pleased to announce that two of its agents have received the designation of Master Sales Professional by the Master Sales Association. Ellie Petersen and Liston Wells recently completed three days of training to earn the designation. Less than 1 percent of all real estate agents nationwide have earned this select distinction.
Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate congratulated Julie Blake Martel, a REALTOR® with
their Carolina Forest sales office, for being awarded the esteemed designation of Accredited Seller Representative®. Martel also recently completed the specialized real estate investment course titled “Creating Wealth Through Residential Real Estate Investments” conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Coldwell Banker Commercial Chicora Real Estate is pleased to announce the addition of Ron Todd to their Briarcliffe sales office and Neil King to their Surfside Beach office.
The Conway National Bank announced the following management changes: Kay Benton has been named vice president and will work in the area of business development; Steven Martin was named banking officer and will work in computer network management and telephone communications; William Page Ambrose has been named vice president and will work in the areas of branch operations and business development; and James Paul Jordan III was named banking officer and will work in the areas of commercial and consumer lending.
Morris Graham, HTC board member since 1968, recently received the 2006 NTCA Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. Graham served as treasurer from 1976-1997 and is presently serving as vice president, a position he has held since 1997.
The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction sponsored its annual Block-Kids competition at Forestbrook Elementary School. Nineteen students from Jane
Housner’s art class participated in the event. The Block-Kids Building Program, a program of the NAWIC Education Foundation, introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in the industry. The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks.
Martin’s PGA TOUR Superstore recently renovated its North Myrtle Beach location. In addition to having two simulators, the store is now equipped with six hitting bays that feature 27-inch flat screen flight scope monitors to provide a detailed readout of each shot. A new short game improvement area features a 1,300-square foot putting green, indoor chipping area and a real sand trap. The Cordish Co. recently inked a deal to take over NASCAR Cafe and has renamed the popular NASCAR-themed restaurant NASCAR Sports Grille. Ocean Breeze Awnings of Surfside Beach is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The business was founded in 1987 by David R. Powers and now employs three generations of the Powers family. The company originally provided awning work, but their current mainstay is sunrooms and decks.
Ocean Breeze Awnings has won the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Applicants were judged on financial performance and business history, staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business plan or strategies and goals.
Congratulations to the Community Assistance Center for winning a free 2007-2008 Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce membership renewal. The Community Assistance Center took a minute to fill out our membership performance survey. Thanks again Community Assistance Center for your great feedback and to all members who completed a survey.
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com o
Welcome New MembersBelles and Beaus Weddings Weddings Rev. Dawnice Murphy 420 Pine Ave., #103B Garden City, SC 29576 (843) 357-8273 bellesandbeausweddings.com Black Bear Golf Club Golf-Courses Sherri Crawford 2650 Hwy. 9 West Longs, SC 29568 (843) 756-0550 (800) TEE-OFFS classicgolfgroup.com Burning Ridge Golf Club Golf-Courses Sherri Crawford 500 Burning Ridge Rd. Conway, SC 29526 (843) 347-0538 (800) TEE-OFFS classicgolfgroup.com Cannon’s small Engine specialist & Rental Center Rental Services Lisa Cannon 1716 Mill Pond Rd. Conway, SC 29526 (843) 248-3542 Caribbean Resort Villas Condominiums Real Estate-Condo/Cottages Leslie Styles 3000 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach,SC 29572(843) 448-7181 (800) 387-1018 caribbeanresort.com
Coastal Academy for Driver Education, Training and safety, Inc. (CADETs)Education Mike Templeton 826 Castlebridge Dr. Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (843) 651-6066 cadetsdriving.com Coastal Concierge, Inc. Home-Improvement Lisa Owens 210 Duck Blind Trl. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 (843) 236-3210 Coldwell Banker Chicora Commercial Real Estate Real Estate-Commercial Charlie Raptis 210 Hwy. 17 S. Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843) 233-8000 (800) 651-0020
Crown Park Golf Club Golf-Courses Sherri Crawford 2225 Hwy. 9 West Longs, SC 29568 (843) 756-3200 (800) TEE-OFFS classicgolfgroup.com Edward Jones Office of John Gallman Investment-Security Sharon Tietz 1113 44th Ave. N., Ste. 301 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577(843) 448-6020
Emerald Lakes Mobile Home-Community Wesley Cooper Wellons P.O. Box 50425 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (843) 236-1414 wcwellons.com Encore Gift Baskets Gift-Baskets Yvette Martin 9654A N. Kings Hwy., #203 Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (919) 235-5282 basketsbyencore.com First Horizon Home Loans Mortgage-Institutions Kathy Kida 3501 N. Kings Hwy., Ste. 102 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 626-8081 firsthorizon.com Founders Club at Pawleys Island Golf-Courses Sherri Crawford 7829 Ocean Hwy.Pawleys Island, SC 29585(843) 237-7528 (800) TEE-OFFS classicgolfgroup.com Healthy Home Carpet-Rug/Upholstery Cleaner John Fisher 1017 Burcale Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29579(843) 236-5056 healthyhomecleaning.net
High-Line Imports Inc. Auto-Repairs/Service Romano Marinaro 731 E. Sandy Ln. Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843) 477-1613 IMAX 3-D Myrtle Beach Theaters-Imax Janis O’Neill 1195 Celebrity Cir. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 448-4629 IMAX3DMyrtleBeach.com Indian Wells Golf Club Golf-Courses Sherri Crawford 100 Woodlake Dr. Garden City, SC 29576(843) 651-1505 (800) TEE-OFFS classicgolfgroup.com Island Hosting Group, LLC Web Page-Design/Marketing Bryant Johnson 309 Maple St., #1 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 213-3699 islandhg.com Island Preferred LLC2 Painting-Contractors/Dealers Richard Sullivan 615 8th Ave. N. Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843) 238-8144 islandpreferred.net Jet-A-Wave Water Sports Kate McDonnold Little River, SC 29566 (203) 270-7488 jetawave.com
Long Bay Resort Condominiums Real Estate-Condo/Cottages Leslie Styles 7200 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (843) 449-3361 (800) 593-1519 longbayresort.com Nostalgia City & Museum Museums Elie Marom 1907 S. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 444-0058
Ocean Reef Resort Condominiums Real Estate-Condo/Cottages Leslie Styles 7100 N. Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (843) 449-4441 (800) 385-8932 OceanReefMyrtleBeach.com Octane Productions Consultants Aine Hukezalie 205 Madrid Drive Murrells Inlet, SC 29576(704) 226-8242 octane-productions.com Pacific Mortgage services, Inc. Mortgage-Brokers Jayne Stephenson 4410 Indigo Ln. Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (843) 357-4787
Pronto Press Co. Printers Andrew Parness 3193 Hwy. 17 Byp. S. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 293-9300 prontopress.net Prudential Burroughs & Chapin Realty, Inc.– south strand OfficeReal Estate-CompanyAlex Holbert 8848 Hwy. 17 Byp. S. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588(843) 315-7888 rockonthebeach.com Prudential Burroughs & Chapin Realty, Inc.Real Estate-Company Barbara Powell 8848 Hwy. 17 Byp. S. Myrtle Beach, SC 29575(843) 315-0256 myrtlebeachrocks.com Re/Max Palmetto Properties Real Estate-Company Paige Bird 215 Ronnie Ct., Ste. D Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (843) 903-7645 carolinaforestliving.com sea One Family ChiropracticChiropractic Dr. Elaine Levy 1211 44th Ave. N., Ste. 200 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 839-5262
United states Basketball Association Events-PromotionsJohn Whitley 8511 Davis Lake Pkwy., Ste. C6-200 Charlotte, NC 28269(704) 649-6812 USBAHoops.com VMDirect/Helloworld Computer-Products/Services Randall Jernigan 2180 N. Berwick Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 (843) 293-7423 vmdirect.com/atlantic Whales Inc. Beach-Shops Elie Marom 1911 S. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 444-4300
Whales Inc. Beach-Shops Elie Marom 3209 Hwy. 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582(843) 361-1681 Whales Inc. dba Wings Beach-Shops Elie Marom 1600 N. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 448-0087 Whales Inc. dba Wings Beach-Shops Elie Moram 2003 N. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 626-4730
Yellow House Realty of Murrells Inlet Real Estate-Company Phyllis Hutchinson 123 Hagar Brown Rd. Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (843) 652-5050 realestateatmyrtlebeachonline.com
p
Dec. Unemployment
County 2005 Rate 2006 Rate
Horry 120,680 6.1 125,810 5.2
Georgetown 30,460 8.7 30,950 7.4
Dec. Gross Retail Sales
County 2005 2006 % Change
Horry $562,680,725 $672,231,969 +19.5%
Georgetown $79,439,205 $97,588,586 +22.8%
Location Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach
Location Myrtle Beach Unincorporated North Myrtle Beach
SurfsideBeach
Georgetown County
Single Family Units 24 438 22 0 67
Single Family Units Cost
$13,187,835 $59,656,800 $5,262,755 0 $14,742,614
Multi-Family Bldgs 1 16 1 0 1
Multi-Family Units 98 159 26 0 6
Multi-Family Bldgs Cost
$31,187,835 $29,668,721 $5,876,570 0 $921,993
Residential Construction Permits December - ‘06
Residential Construction Permits December - ‘05
Nov.-9.9%
Dec.+39.8%
Jan. -4.1%
Dec. Admissions Tax
County 2005 2006 % Change
Horry $339,232 $463,327 +36.6%
Georgetown $40,118 $68,692 +71.2%
Dec. Airport Activity
2005 2006 % Change
Arrivals 36,284 42,353 +16.73%
Departures 37,548 41,960 +11.75%
ECONOMIC INDICATORS Nov.+5.3%
Dec.+6.8%
Jan.-0.4%
Accommodations Tax Collections
20052006
KEY
$36,244
Front Row (L to R): Capt. Tamie Draper, Freedom Boat Club; Leslie Moloney, Carolina First; Fred Russo, A & A Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, LLC; Dr. Carol Camberg, Life Line Chiropractic; Rev. Margaret Hiller, Unity Church; Michelle Love, Carolina First; Pamela Atherton, R. Stephen Camp PA; Paul Cordero, Centavos.
Back Row (L to R): Mike Sachwald, Indexx Printing Solutions; James Hanley, Carolina First; Thomas Swank, Executive Coaching International; Jason Ramp, ConXit Technology Group; Stephen Camp, CPA, R. Stephen Camp PA; Mike Templeton, Coastal Academy for Driver Education, Training and Safety Inc.; John Kurywchak, Coastal Academy for Driver Education, Training and Safety, Inc.; Christine Naylor, Palmetto Designs, Ltd.; Jamie Trull, Palmetto Designs, Ltd.; Jonea Gene Boysen, Jonea Gene Copywriting and Consulting.
Thanks to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for providing refreshments for the reception.
Warm Welcome
$16,386
2007
$258,669
$262,351
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OU
NT
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$22,041
GEO
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OW
N C
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NT
Y
$21,494 $248,135
$27,530
$38,181
$366,897
$488,489
$440,211
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com q
hot spot
In the Works• Travel south showcase: The Myrtle Beach
area was shown off to more than 40 travel media that attended the Travel South Showcase, March 10-14. They participated in an exclusive Myrtle Beach area immersion tour and mingled with Grand Strand and South Carolina representatives throughout the convention.
• Canadian-American Days Press Trip: With the help of our PR agency, M Booth & Associates, we hosted five A-list Canadian media on March 14-17. Publications that were represented: Canadian House & Home, Travelweek, Kingston Life Magazine, Canadian Metro newspapers, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, SCOREGolf Magazine, and Fifty Plus. The media spent three days immersed within the Grand Strand participating in Can-Am Days along with property tours.
In the News• As a result of our Can-Am Days outreach,
Catherine George wrote a story on this year’s Can-Am Days in the Feb. 17 edition of the Toronto Star (circulation: 446,493).
• On WomansDay.com in their travel section, Myrtle Beach was featured under their “Best Beaches” story.
• In a Yahoo! Travelers poll of the best beaches in the world–Myrtle Beach ranked No. 2.
How You can Help• Do you know who I am? Do I know who you
are? Have I been to your property? The best way to get your name and property out there is to make sure I know what is happening at your place. Please feel free to contact me at anytime to introduce yourself and your business.
• Please keep me informed on any new activity within your business.
by Megan Winnett, MBACC associate public relations manager
PR The Pitch
Keep up-to-date and learn all about the public relations initiatives and future PR plans for the Myrtle Beach area.
Ribbon–Cutting Ceremonies
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!
There are many benefits to having a ribbon-cutting ceremony for your business. Ribbon-cutting announcements are included in the Grand Strander, which is mailed to our 2,400 plus members, and photos appear in the online edition of the popular newsletter. The chamber’s Ambassadors attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies on behalf of the members. Having Ambassadors at the ceremony provides an excellent networking and publicity opportunity.
Your chamber is happy to help plan a ribbon-cutting ceremony for your business. It’s a value-added benefit included in your membership investment. Kickoff a grand opening of your business by contacting Pat Creed, membership programs manager, at [email protected] or (843) 916-7225
The chamber recently held ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the following members:
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.
Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles2734-D Beaver Run Blvd.Surfside Beach, SC 29575(843) 215-8020c21myrtlebeachlifestyles.com
Nicole Aiello, MBACC public information officer, and I would like to extend a very gracious “thank you” to those that helped make the media tours for both Travel South and Can-Am Days a huge success! We greatly appreciate your support.
r
Be prepared for hurricane season
At a GlanceEvent Hurricane Preparedness Conference & Expo
Date/Time April 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.8-9 a.m. Registration and Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Location Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel 2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Cost General sessions and breakout sessions are free. Luncheon program is $15 per person. Registration for all sessions is required.
Register To register for sessions and/or the luncheon program, go to MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business Connections. Questions? (843) 916-7319
The Hurricane Preparedness Conference & Expo on April 13 brings you face-to-face with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce businesses eager to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. The daylong expo is free and open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gather vital hurricane information through informational sessions conducted by hurricane experts. A panel of professionals will be available to answer questions about how to prepare your homes and businesses during the threat of a hurricane and how to recover if a disaster occurs. The conference also will include a luncheon program from 12 until 1:30 p.m. featuring presentations from local meteorologists, Frank Johnson and Ed Piotrowski. The cost for the lunch session is $15 per person.
Along with the top-notch educational sessions scheduled for the 2007 Hurricane Preparedness Conference & Expo, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with many of the industry’s most valuable product and service vendors.
Check out all the day’s events at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business Connections.
Hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association, Hospitality Association of South Carolina and Horry County Emergency Management. Sponsored by Santee Cooper, WBTW News 13, WPDE-TV News Channel 15, Full Steam Ahead Inc and Home Emergency Water System.
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com s
Warm WelcomeEvent Warm Welcome Reception
Date/Time April 24, 3 p.m.
Location MBACC Boardroom1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Cost Free, value-added benefit of membership
Register MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business ConnectionsQuestions? Call (843) 916-7225
New member orientation is held once a month and offers new members and new employees of existing members the opportunity to learn first-hand the many benefits of chamber membership. Our Warm Welcome Reception will familiarize you with staff members, inform you of the best way to maximize your benefits of chamber membership, and get you up to speed with current happenings.
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages finding your niche through involvement. Participation is the key in making your membership work for you.
Ramp up your networking skillsConnections Marketplace Date/Time May 10, 7:30-9:15 a.m.
Location Springmaid Beach Conference Center3200 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach(Adjacent to the Springmaid Beach Resort Hotel with lots of free parking)
Cost $10 per person (includes breakfast)Sorry, no refunds or rescheduling
Register MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com (click on Business Connections) Questions? Call (843) 916-7225
Deadline May 7
Looking to fine tune your networking skills? Make plans to attend a “speed networking” event. Similar to speed dating, Connections Marketplace provides an easy way to get a taste of networking in a structured environment. Networkers meet each person for one minute, which is just enough time to exchange basic information and contact data. By the end of the morning, attendees leave with contacts from a wide range of professions.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to approach a group when you’re in a room full of people,” says Pat Creed, membership programs manager. “At Connections Marketplace you get exposure and avoid awkward small talk.”
At Connections Marketplace, you’ll be seated at tables of eight. Participants are each given one minute to introduce themselves and their company to other members at the table. After everyone has had a turn, you have two minutes for networking. You then move to the next table and begin again.
Bring a minimum of 50 business cards to exchange and display on the share table (a table for your business cards, brochures, product samples, etc.)
A-Tax ForumJoin your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association for a discussion on A-Tax (Accommodations Tax). Mark you calendars for April 11 starting at 9 a.m. (complimentary continental breakfast) and gain a better understand of the issues surrounding this tax and how it is distributed.
At a GlanceEvent A-Tax Forum
Date/Time April 11 starting at 9 a.m. (complimentary continental breakfast)
Location Avista Resort, 300 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach
Cost Free, value added benefit of membership
Register MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, click on Business ConnectionsQuestions? Call (843) 916-7318
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Celebration Expo Booth Winners
Congratulations to the following booth winners from the Celebration Expo featuring the Can-Am Welcome Reception and 14th Annual Business & Restuarant Expo.
(Clockwise, top left)Lane’s Professional Pest Elimination Inc., winner of the Judges Award. (L to R) David Hoff and Lorne Hanewich.
McAlister’s Deli, winner of the Restaurant Award.
Carolina Shoreline Realty, winner of the Exhibitors Award. (L to R) Rhonda Eason, Linda Gross and Patricia Viayra.
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Carolina First Bank (SC and NC) and Mercantile Bank (FL). Carolina First Bank is the largest South Carolina-based commercial bank, which also offers Bank CaroLine (an Internet bank). Carolina First offers personal, commercial and small business banking. Carolina First offers to its high net worth clients a team-based approach to Wealth Management. Their services include Estate Planning, Trust Services, Brokerage, Investment Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, and Banking and Credit.
As a member of the management team, Michelle Love serves as assistant vice president and branch manager at the 38th Avenue North location.
Tell us a little bit about yourself–work history, how long you have lived in the area, how long have you worked for Carolina First? I grew up in Loris, S.C. After graduating from high school I went to Coastal Carolina University. I graduated from CCU in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. I began working for Carolina First in September of 2002.
Continued on next page
Michelle LoveAssistant Vice President and Branch ManagerCarolina First1320 38th Ave. N.Myrtle Beach, SC 29577(843) 946-3102carolinafirst.comChamber Member Since: June 1982
Carolina First was created in 1986 with one simple, bold mission: to become a premier bank by putting customers first. Through their progressive and innovative approach to customers, Carolina First delivers personable, flexible and responsive banking. Their commitment to knowing their customers and developing the right mix of services to meet their needs has always been the hallmark of Carolina First.
Carolina First Bank is a subsidiary of The South Financial Group Inc. The South Financial Group, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is a financial services company with $7.9 billion in total assets and 115 branch offices in South Carolina, Florida and North Carolina. Since its inception in 1986, The South Financial Group has experienced exceptional growth and consistently high credit quality. It operates two subsidiary banks:
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
What is your role as assistant vice president and branch manager? My role Carolina First is to oversee the daily operations of my branch. I am responsible for coaching my staff and achieving our monthly budget goals in loans and deposits. I do the consumer lending at my branch which includes Home Equity Lines of Credit, Home Equity Loans, lot loans, auto and boat loans and personal loans.
What’s a typical day like? My favorite time of day is the early morning. I use that time to clear away things from the previous day that didn’t get finished. Then we begin our day with a branch huddle where we decide what we’re going to focus on that day. Once we open, I begin to see clients coming in to the bank. I am usually working on my loan files; both trying to maintain the clients I have and attain new clients as well. You are likely to see me out in the area calling on businesses one to two days per week. There are sometimes conference calls that I join as well. I assist my staff with any issues that might arise during the day and spend some time “putting out fires.” Then at the end of the day we do a branch wrap-up and discuss what we’ve done that day and celebrate our successes.
What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy my job when I know that I am helping someone. I most recently saw one of my clients outside the bank and she thanked me for helping her and her husband. That really makes what I do feel special. I also like helping and watching my staff succeed. When this happens they get excited and that makes me excited for them.
What makes it challenging? Juggling everything and still being able to enjoy the day. I’m sure everyone feels this way. We all have a lot on our plates and if you can go to work and have fun and then leave at the end of the day with a good feeling it makes it all worthwhile.
How’s the banking industry in the Myrtle Beach area?It has definitely changed during the past 4 ½ years. With the increase in rates more and more people are using their cash to pay down their debts which affects us on both ends. Hopefully with the summer well on its way business will start to pick up.
Talk a little bit Carolina First’s community involvement? Carolina First puts a strong emphasis on community involvement. I know several of our employees who have completed Leadership Grand Strand and who are members of various civic organizations in the area. We are also very active with groups such as the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association. We give a lot of support to a lot of good causes. Any new banking products or services? We recently added a new product to our business banking product line which is called Remote Deposit Capture. This allows a client who mainly deals with checks to scan their own checks from the comfort of their office and send them to the bank electronically. With everyone’s busy schedules it is getting harder and harder to get to the bank every day.
Since we drew your card from those who attended chamber events, you must have attended at least one chamber activity. What benefits/services have you taken advantage of? I did attend the Warm Welcome Reception and I learned a lot about what the chamber offers which I never would have known had I not attended. I also met a lot of new members and the Ambassadors. In the past I have attended the Business After Hours functions and those are always fun.
Has your membership been worthwhile? What has the chamber done for you? The chamber has been a great way for me to meet some great people in the area.
Anything else you would like to add … I am looking forward to getting to know a lot more people in the area.
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Member Anniversaries for April27 Years 2001 Enterprises Inc.Green’s Discount Beverages
26 Years Mancill Inc.
24 Years Coastal Workforce CenterCrawford Sprinkler Co.Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
23 Years Beachcomber VacationsMyrtle Beach Golf Holiday
22 Years Lazelle’s Flower Shop
21 Years Coastal Advertising and Marketing Professionals (CAMP)Condo Lux CondominiumsOcean Forest Plaza
20 Years Coastal Business BrokersCoastal Direct SolutionsFarm House RestaurantKingfisher InnMSP Enterprises Inc./ dba The Cherry Grove Pier
19 Years A Wedding To Remember (Hart Enterprises Inc.)B B & T-26 N. KingsHawaiian Tropic
Palmetto Tour & Travel, A Receptive OperatorSmith, Shanafelt , LLC, CPAsThoroughbreds Restaurant
18 Years Enterprise Rent-A-CarHoliday Inn West on the WaterwayMyrtle Beach Indoor Shooting Range and Civil War Collection
17 Years Preston’s Family Restaurant
16 Years ADT Security ServicesLong Bay Golf ClubNative Sons Screenprinting & EmbroideryWillbrook Plantation Golf Club
15 Years Franklin G. Burroughs- Simeon B. Chapin Art MuseumGold Crown Management Inc.Kiddie ParkOcean Park Developers Inc.The Winds Oceanfront Inn & Suites
14 Years Carolina First-NMBChesapeake HouseHawaiian Village Miniature GolfThe Reserves Network
13 Years Atlantic Paradise InnThe Crab House-NMBDSL Services Inc.
Sea HavenSunset Vacations
12 Years Carolina First-Crescent BeachCarolina RoadhouseMed Plus South Strand Family PracticeMyrtle Beach Community ChurchNational Bank of S.C.-Oak St.Sherwin Williams-NMBSherwin Williams-Murrells InletSherwin Williams-Myrtle BeachSPM Resorts
11 Years Certifax AppraisalsGulf Stream CafeHorry Georgetown Home Builders AssociationLandry’s Seafood RestaurantMartino & Associates/Chuck Martino & AssociatesMB Air Force Base Redevelopment AuthorityMyrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep
10 Years Sentry Films-The Hurricane Experts
9 Years Apartment FinderAutomatic Data Processing (ADP)Grand Strand Humane SocietyThrifty Car Rental Tradition Golf Club
8 Years Build-A-Bear WorkshopCarrabba’s Italian Grill-Myrtle BeachSecond Wind Tours LLCSunBelt Rentals Inc. Continued on next page
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
TPC of Myrtle Beach8 Years, ContinuedThe Venue Boutique & GalleryWild Wing Resort
7 Years Four Star Plumbing ServiceGeorgetown Memorial HospitalHealthPointSleep Inn ConwayTerminix ServiceU-Save Car & Truck Rental
6 Years A Beautiful WeddingAntara KennelsChalupa Mexican RestaurantCreek RatzHot Fish ClubRipley’s Haunted Adventure
5 Years Comfort KeepersCreative Touch InteriorsNash Oil Co. Inc.
4 Years Answer Page Business CommunicationsB B & T-Murrells InletCrescent Mortgage Group, LLCETd of South Carolina, LLCGreater Whiteville Chamber of CommerceReliable Floor Systems
3 Years Chavis Van & Storage-Agent for United Van LinesCoastal Carolina Sports & Recreation MagazineConway Inn & SuitesCurtis 1000The Earthworks Group Inc.North Shore Realty Inc.Rent-A-Tool Inc.-NMBRent-A-Tool Inc.-Myrtle Beach
S.O.S. Health Care Inc.
Security VisionSouthwind On The Ocean
2 Years Carolina Aerial Surveys, LLCCarolina Construction Inc.East of ChicagoGirl Scout Council of the Pee Dee AreaMAACO-Collision Repair & Auto PaintingMyrtle Beach Inc.Qantum of Myrtle Beach, LLCSenor FrogsSpud’s Waterfront Dining
1 YearAmerican Advantage Mortgage Co.American Direct Merchants Systems Inc.Apex Homes Inc.Awnings of DistinctionBanner BookBarnes & Noble #2736Barnstormers Flite Signsbeach life.style magazineBelle Terre Title Co., LLCBiz 2 Biz CommerceBrady DistributingCentury 21 Boling-Danny Baxley AgentChick-Fil-A of Surfside BeachChiropractic Health SolutionsCNF Properties, LLCCoastal Carolina DiningCoastal Carolina HomestylesCoastal Carolina Real EstateCoffee News Grand StrandDockSider’s GrilleExit Grand Strand Properties- Dan & Kathy FerraroFluff N StuffFratelli GraniteFriendly ComputersGeeks on CallGolfer’s Guide Magazine
GolfStyles CarolinaGrand Strand Fire SprinklerHeathland LegendsHeritage ClubHooters of Murrells InletInfinity Computer Systems Inc.Jonea Gene Copywriting and ConsultingLa Petite Styling SalonLegends ResortLife Line Chiropractic, LLCLink Technologies LLCLowcountry Day SchoolMcPherson Enterprises Inc.Minuteman PressMoorland LegendsMyrtle Beach BucksMyrtle Beach Real EstateNational Linen & Uniform ServiceNorescoOyster Bay Golf LinksPanini 38Parkland LegendsPitney Bowes Global Mailing SystemsRBC CenturaReeds Jewelers-Colonial MallReeds Jewelers-Coastal Grand MallRoger P. Roy Jr., P. A.Royal Crete IncS.O.L.A.R. ResortsSea Breeze CleaningSmart Realty Solutions Inc.Smokey Bones BBQ and GrillThen & Now Beauty and Health Boutique/ Medical SpaTidewater Builders Inc.Vaughan Claim Service Inc.Wild Wing Cafe
MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com
Ribbon-Cutting CeremoniesCentury 21 Coastal Lifestyles 2734-D Beaver Run Blvd.Surfside Beach, SC 29575(843) 215-8020c21myrtlebeachlifestyles.com
USPS 124-490POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership DivisionMyrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578-2115
Kori Hippe Member Communications Manager Colleen Octeau Graphic Designer
Diana Greene Vice President Membership Programs and Services
The Grand Strander, official newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, is published the first Tuesday of every month. Periodicals U.S. Postage Paid. Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 USPS 124-490.
Send Business Bulletin info to: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of CommercePO Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578Fax: (843) 626-0009 or E-mail [email protected]? Call Kori Hippe at (843) 916-7205
The Grand Strander is printed by Inlet Printing Co.
April 3 9 a.m. Small Business Series Blakely Jenkins, 916-7232*
April 4 3:30 p.m. Convention Bureau Committee Wendy Tipi, 916-7264
April 10 8 a.m. Myrtle Beach Ambassadors Pat Creed, 916-7225
April 10 9 a.m. Technology Workshop Blakely Jenkins , 916-7232*
April 10 3:30 p.m. Executive Committee Amie Lee, 916-7238
April 11 8 a.m. South Strand Ambassadors Pat Creed, 916-7225
April 11 9 a.m. A-Tax Forum Respond at 916-7318*
April 12 9 a.m. Membership Committee Andrea Bonewicz, 916-7240
