CHAMBER BUSINESS A monthly publication of the Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce MONTHLY APRIL 2012 2 TIME TO GET YOUR TIME TO GET YOUR PLAID ON PLAID ON RBC Heritage RBC Heritage 3 CHAMBER FORMS CHAMBER FORMS MARKETING COUNCIL MARKETING COUNCIL 4 G G ET ET S OCIAL OCIAL New Social Media Hub New Social Media Hub 9 VIEW FROM ABO VIEW FROM ABO V E E Q&A: Zipline Hilton Head Q&A: Zipline Hilton Head THE TRADITION CONTINUES RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing
Transcript
CHAMBER BUSINESSA monthly publication of the
Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
MONTHLY
APRIL 2012
22 time to get your time to get your
plaid on plaid on
RBC HeritageRBC Heritage
33 chamber forms chamber forms
marketing councilmarketing council
44 g get et ssocialocial
New Social Media HubNew Social Media Hub
99 View from aboView from aboVVe e
Q&A: Zipline Hilton HeadQ&A: Zipline Hilton Head
the tradition continuesrBc heritage Presented by Boeing
2 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
RBC HeRITAge
G et Your PLAID ON! The legacy continues as the 44th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing welcomes golf’s top players to one of the game’s most legendary courses.
Once again the world’s champions return to the greens where history has been made since the tournament first attracted international acclaim in 1969. Golf legend Arnold Palmer made a stunning victory that carried the world’s press to Hilton Head Island and we’ve been making headlines ever since.
When the tournament tees off, more than 135,000 spectators will be with us, along with the millions of television viewers and the $82 million dollar economic impact on our economy.
Q&A: StEvE wIlMot, toURNAMENt dIRECtoR
Tournament Director Steve Wilmot offers a preview of what’s in store as another year of golf history unfolds with the island’s signature event.
CBM: What a difference a year makes! New year – New sponsors: What can we expect that’s new and a little different this year?
Wilmot: In most ways the tournament is going to be just like it always has been in the past, but spectators will notice a new color out on the course. The RBC and Boeing blue will be included in everything - signs, uniforms and even skyboxes.
CBM: What do fans and players love the most about the tournament?
Wilmot: I think they love many things about the tournament. They love the uniqueness of the event and the history. They love meeting up with old friends and enjoying the party atmosphere.
CBM: The PGA Tour event is also one of our region’s largest economic drivers. How does having new sponsors impact the economic reach of the tournament?
Wilmot: Having new sponsors was vital to keeping our event alive. I wouldn’t be answering these questions without RBC and Boeing. Both of these groups are going to be entertaining hundreds of guests. They will be eating in our restaurants, playing golf on our courses and staying in our villas and hotels. Their guests are the very visitors Hilton Head Island wants to attract.
CBM: Spectators are geared up and ready to Get Their Plaid On! We heard something about Sir William Innes putting together lots of fun activities for Tartan Day. Can you give us any advance details?
Wilmot: On Saturday of tournament week, Sir Willie is going to be set up in a plaid tent in the Expo Village. People can stop by in their Plaid attire and get their photo taken with him. They can also participate in some really fun contests and win RBC Heritage prizes.
The chamber’s got your ticket! Join the excitement, don your plaid and get ready with tournament badges, daily tickets and the prestigious Arnold Palmer passes. Tickets are on sale now at chamber headquarters and the Welcome Center.
television viewers and
Arnold Palmer Pass............ $375
Clubhouse Badge ............... $190
Grounds Badge .................. $150
Practice Round Badge ......... $35
Daily Tickets
Thursday & Sunday .....$50/day
Friday & Saturday .......$60/day
For info: hiltonheadchamber.org
Tickets Available at the Chamber!
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 3
cHAMbeR fORMs New
TOuRIsM MARkeTINg
cOuNcIL
T he Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has announced its newly formed Tourism Marketing Council. The group will offer additional
strategic guidance and direction for Hilton Head Island’s tourism marketing efforts. Its structure reflects the chamber’s long-standing commitment to securing community and membership input.
The council replaces the chamber’s former multiple-committee structure comprised of five separate groups representing golf, homes & villas, arts and culture, accommodations and attractions, and meetings. Each of these segments is represented within the council.
The new concept developed after significant input from a broad-based group of community leaders and local tourism industry experts.
“We’re pleased the chamber is streamlining the way it gathers input from the tourism community,” said Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort and chairman of the advisory council. “The new council will further enhance the chamber’s ability to build awareness of the Hilton Head Island brand and complement the chamber’s strong track record for bringing visitors to our destination.”
The council met in March at the chamber and established consensus on short and long-term priorities.
“We saw considerable value in having diverse segments within our travel and tourism community collaborate in a single forum,” said Bill Miles.
Serving on the Tourism Marketing Advisory Council are: Steve Birdwell, president of The Sea Pines Resort; Gerard Mahieu, owner, Resort Rentals; Tom Ridgway, owner, Hilton Head Rentals and Golf; Kathleen Bateson, president and CEO, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Cary Corbitt, chairman, Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association; Ryan Matz, director of sales and marketing, Crowne Plaza Resort; David Tigges, CEO of the McNair Law Firm and board liaison; Carolyn Vanagel, executive director, Concours d’Elegance; David Sulak, director of sales and marketing, Marriott Oceanfront Resort and Spa, Rob Jordan, partner, SERG Group; Karen Kozemchak, director of marketing, Palmetto Dunes Resort and ex-officio member Steve Riley, town manager for the Town of Hilton Head Island.
Chamber president and CEO Bill Miles recently earned recertification for his Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation, the only national certification for chamber of commerce executives, bestowed by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
“The CCE program is recognition of the very highest standards of professionalism in the field of chamber of commerce management,” said Mick Fleming, President of ACCE. “I applaud those who earn and maintain their CCE designation for their immeasurable contribution to the profession.”
Since the designation’s inception in 1972, only 500 chamber executives have earned the designation of Certified Chamber Executive. Recertification takes place every five years and ensures that current CCE recipients have continued in their professional development and commitment to the chamber industry.
Miles has been with the chamber for 23 years and during that time has become a national leader in the chamber profession. He has served with several community and national organizations and currently serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce prestigious Committee of 100.
He is vice chairman of ACCE’s Benefits Trust Committee and has served on the boards of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives and the SC Chamber of Commerce. Locally, Miles serves as secretary of the board of trustees of the Heritage Classic Foundation and is a member of the USCB Partnership Board. Miles is past chairman of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare’s board of directors and past chair of Hilton Head Island United Way.
cHAMbeR PResIdeNT & ceO
ReceIves NATIONAL cHAMbeR
execuTIve ReceRTIfIcATION
Chamber President and CEO Bill Miles is joined by Senator Jim DeMint, Board Chair Tom Upshaw and Congressman Tim Scott during their meeting at the chamber to discuss Lowcountry business issues.
4 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
jOIN IN: CHAMBER ExpANdS ItS SoCIAl MEdIA HUB
T he chamber’s newly enhanced social media hub invites visitors to explore, find and share information all in a one-stop, interactive online venue. By incorporating social media into the hub itself, interaction is an immediate part of the dialogue, via Facebook and other popular media.
Whether looking for fun family activities, the latest foodie news on Lowcountry dining or eco-tourism tips, it’s never been easier for consumers to find the information they need.
The redesigned blog site makes it easy to post photos and comments, so visitors and member businesses can share experiences, search for destination information, request information, and view online video clips. Not only does the site provide a one-stop gathering place for what to see and do in the Lowcountry, the new user-friendly format makes it easy for users to share information and blog experiences with their own social media fan base.
The social media hub is an extension of the chamber’s award winning blog center which recently garnered national recognition for excellence in social media by the national Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals with The Platinum Award, Marcom’s top honor.
“Successful destination marketers are focusing increasing attention on integrating social media content across their whole spectrum of visitor communications channels,” said Susan Thomas, VCB vice president. “Our blog center strategy allows us to engage visitors and prospective visitors in conversations about real experiences and integrate that content across multiple social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter.”
social media hub goals• Interact with visitors and those planning their trips• Serve as a resource for trip planning• Promote chamber member businesses • Extend our brand voice within 8 visitor experience areas• Enhance overall organic search engine optimization
social media features• Twitter• Facebook• YouTube
Sharp, visually appealing images and messages capture user
audiences looking for “The Best Family Getaways,” culinary travelers looking to “Take a Bite Out of Life,” and golfers looking to “Play where the Pros Play.”
social media hub travel niche categories• Family: fun, family-friendly restaurants & activities • Foodie: culinary events, festivals & restaurants• Eco: explore nature with seasonal eco-adventures• Outdoor: beaches, biking, boating & paddleboarding• Golf: premier golf course guides & special insider events• Wellness: everything from beach yoga to farm fresh produce• Weddings: venues, trends, styles and more
“Studies have shown that marketers perceive blogs to have the highest value of any social media in driving site
traffic, brand awareness, lead generation and sales - as well as improving customer service.”
-- Source: eMarketer, 2010
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 5
Check natural gas availability at sceg.com/value.
Whether you’re building a new business or retrofitting
an existing space, clean burning natural gas is your
environmentally-friendly energy choice. Natural
gas appliances not only make every day life better,
they’re cost-effective to operate, generally last
longer and require less maintenance. In addition to
the environmental benefits of lower emissions, plus
higher energy efficiency, more than 80 percent of the
natural gas used in the U.S. is domestically produced.
Operating your business with natural gas can help
reduce your impact on the environment without
sacrificing comfort and convenience. If you want to
make your business a little greener, while enjoying
cost benefits, ask for natural gas. To learn more,
call Parks Moss at (843) 815-8808 or Lucas Kinard
at (843) 815-8816.
Business is Better withI t’s always a sell out! Register now for the
chamber’s popular Business Golf Classic. The 20th annual tournament will be held at Wexford’s exclusive Arnold Palmer’s Signature Course on Monday, May 7th.
Following a major renovation, Arnold Palmer opened his signature course at Wexford Plantation in 2011. Chamber members are invited to play the new course which has retained its distinctive and timeless look while adding significant risk and reward challenges.
Enjoy a day on the signature course, brilliantly blended into majestic oaks and pines as it continues along an expansive stretch of coastal marshlands. Golfer from novice to pro can enjoy this fun and fast shamble tournament. Lunch is included as well as a reception and awards. Prizes and contests include hole in one, longest drive, closest to the pin, “Pot of Gold” contest and many raffle prizes.
The cost to play is $185 per player or $725 per team.
Register and you may be eligible for the SERVPRO drawing for a $250 VISA gift card. To register go to hiltonheadchamber.org.
Flyers from around the globe will have the opportunity to read all about Hilton Head Island’s legendary world-class golf experience in the April issue of US Airways magazine.
The chamber, along with Pace Communications, publishers of US Airways magazine, have partnered to produce the special issue highlighting the island as a premier golf destination.
The 28-page editorial spread appears just in time for the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing which is also featured as part of the coverage reaching over 5 million of the most affluent readers nationally and internationally.
US AirwAyS mAgAzine ShowcASeS lowcoUntry golf in SpeciAl iSSUe
IN THe News:
The Hilton Head Island episode of popular PBS reality show “Getting Away Together,”
aired last month in over 40 markets across the U.S., including Boston, DC, Charlotte, Ohio and New York.
The venture was a cooperative effort between the chamber and 10 participating home and villa companies. Production work took place last fall, and in addition to featuring our home and villa community the show also shines the spotlight on some of our local restaurants and attractions.
The show has been featured with huffingtonpost.com, bostonglobe.com and many other media outlets.
hilton heAd iSlAnd StArS in pbS SerieS
The story of historic Mitchelville has gained an international audience. The BBC recently filmed a segment on Mitchelville, telling the story through Johnnie Mitchell and Priscilla Mitchel, descendants of the freedmen and Mitchelville founder, Union Army General Ormsby Mitchel who made it all possible. The BBC has a global viewership, reaching audiences around the world.
bbc newS feAtUreS hiStoric mitchelville
THANk YOu:
wE CoUldN’t HAvE doNE It wItHoUt yoU...• Thank you to the Business Education Partnership committee for a
successful Prize Patrol and contributing members Atlanta Bread Co., SERG Group, Rita’s Italian Ice, HHIHS Tee-shirts, Coastal Discovery Museum, Market Street Cafe, Pirates Island Adventure Golf, Pino Gelato, Tasha Armistead, FACES DaySpa, Taste of Hilton Head and The Smokehouse.
• Special thanks to all participants for helping make the Reality Store program at Hilton Head Island High School a success.
• The Original Pancake House for hosting Coffee Talk.• Harbour Health Insurance Solutions & Blue Cross/Blue Shield
for sponsoring the New Member Luncheon. Thanks to FACES DaySpa for providing gift bags and Two Tomatoes for catering.
• Station 300 for hosting March Business After Hours. • Leo Zabinski of Classic Travel for bringing the board of directors
of the American Society of Travel Agents to the Island. Thanks to Lois and Bob Masteller and Kelli Lesch for hosting the group atThe Jazz Corner.
• First Citizens Bank for hosting the March Executive Connection.• Thank you to Steve Birdwell and The Sea Pines Resort for hosting
the Hilton Head Island Marketing Council retreat luncheon at the chamber.
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We want you to get better results with your next marketing project!
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 7
C H A M B E R
E V E N T S
APRIL3 Business Education Partnership
Committee, 8:00 a.m.
chamber headquarters
9-15 The RBC Heritage
44th Annual PGA TOUR
Golf Tournament
Harbour Town Golf Links
19 Business After Hours
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Up The Creek Pub
25 Chamber Young Professionals
Group, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Corks, Bluffton
MAY1 Business Education Partnership
Committee, 8:00 a.m.
chamber headquarters
4 Government Affairs Committee,
8:00 a.m.,
chamber headquarters
7 Business Golf Classic
Wexford Golf Club
Register Now!
The chamber is pleased to announce that Susan Thomas, VCB vice president, has been named board chair of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS). She has served on the STS board for four years, most recently in the position of treasurer.
A leader among travel organizations nationwide, STS is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism throughout the Southeast and represents travel-related businesses including convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers
of commerce and tourism authorities, twelve member state tourism offices, hotels, resorts and other lodging businesses and travel media.
“Some of the Southeast Tourism Society‘s most important industry benefits to members include cooperative marketing, professional development, networking and legislative advocacy,” said Thomas.
The most notable are the annual STS Marketing College and its three year Tourism Marketing Professional accreditation program along with the association’s strong voice for tourism with federal partners in Washington, DC. Its federal advocacy programs include an upcoming congressional summit with the National Tour Association and DMAI this May, highlighted by a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony with STS’s fifteen federal agency partners at the White House, and visits with congressional representatives on the Hill.
connie killmar celebrates chamber anniversaryChances are, if you’re a member of the business community,
you’ve come to know Connie Killmar. She brings a vast knowledge of chamber experience to her role as assistant to chamber president and CEO Bill Miles.
2012 marks her 20th year with the chamber. During her tenure, she’s seen a lot of exciting changes, from the way we communicate with members, to the way we navigate our way around the Island. In the years before the Cross Island bridge and the general expansion of the Lowcountry, she has often been the face of the chamber, serving in her role as liaison with the board of directors, the executive committee and overseeing videoconferencing and boardroom rentals.
Whether planning chamber balls or other events, Killmar has lent her well-honed skills to many successful chamber events. When asked what she loves best, she’s says, “The people, my friends and colleagues” adding, “It’s very exciting to work in a place like the chamber and being part of the pulse of the community.”
sPOTLIgHT ON cHAMbeR sTAff:
sUsan thomas nameD boarD chair oF soUtheast toUrism society
Back by popular demand! April’s Business After Hours goes dockside at Up the Creek Pub, situated on beautiful Broad Creek.
Join us for a great time on Thursday, April 19 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and enjoy an incredible sunset as you sample Up the Creek Pub specialties along with complimentary beer and wine. The cost to attend is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information go to hiltonheadchamber.org.
busINess AfTeR HOuRs
IS UP THE CREEK AGAIN!
Scott and Karen Lee, owners of Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf, Inc. cut the ribbon at their grand re-opening along with chamber president and CEO Bill Miles, chamber staff and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf staff.
Reid Perry, has joined The Kennickell Group, based in Savannah, GA. Perry will seek to grow sales for the firm in South Carolina and
North Carolina. He formerly served as vice president of sales and business development for Perry/Lewis Color.
Dr. Jay Kalan, cardiologist, has been named chief of medicine at Hilton Head Hospital. Kalan is board certified by the American Board of Cardiology and has been on the medical staff since 2000.
Jim Paris has joined RE/MAXIsland Realty’s Hilton Head officeas a realtor. He was formerly with Palmetto Properties of Hilton Head.
Susan Danao has been named marketing & database coordinator at Hampton Lake. She previously served as marketing assistant with the Real Estate Sales &
Marketing Dept.
Dr. Randy Dalbow, internist, joined Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine. He was formerly associated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as chairman of UPMC Passavant Continuing Medical Education Committee.
Fran Mollica has joined Keller Williams Realty as a realtor. Mollica formerly owned a real estate business on Hilton Head for over 25 years.
Dr. Igor Sister, hospitalist, has been named member at large at Hilton Head Hospital. Sister is board certified in both internal medicine and geriatric medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has been on the medical staff since 2010.
Ken Hiatt has joined Keller Williams as an exclusive buyer agent. He previously served as an agent with Gateway Realty.
Chris Pouliot,realtor, has joined RE/MAX Island Realty’s Hilton Head office as a member of Nancy Powers and Company.
She formerly served as an agent with RE/MAX in North Carolina.
Ellen Lam has been named leisure sales manager at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Lam formerly served as marketing manager.
Ali Mohr has joined The Skrip Team, RE/MAX Island Realty: Beaufort office as an agent. She formerly served as an agent with Spring Island Realty.
Jennifer Burks, nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife has joined the staff at Bon Sain Complete Women’s Healthcare.
Missy Voegeli has joined The Skrip Team, RE/MAX Island Realty: Beaufort office as a licensed property manager. She will focus on rentals and property
management.
Lisa Tennison, group sales manager at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa has been appointed to the mid-Atlantic association and corporate markets.
North Carolina. He formerly served as She formerly served as an agent with
New MeMbeR: HIgHlIgHtSTHE VILLAgE PASTA SHoPPEConnie Rockhill10 B Johnston Way, Bluffton, SCVillage Pasta Shoppe is the only Italian store in the area, selling over 25 different kinds of fresh ravioli and cut pastas. You will find Italian provisions to make everything from antipasto to desserts. Heat and serve dishes are also available.
ouTDooR LIVIng By VIVAVincenzo & Christina Viva213 William Hilton Parkway #21361, Hilton Head Island, SCOutdoor Living by Viva is the first outdoor living specialist in the area. We specialize in outdoor projects such as kitchens, fireplaces, built-in grills, firepits, patios, walkways, walls, columns, and much more! We can satisfy all your outdoor needs.
MeMbeR sPOTLIgHT: ClEAN SwEEp With a motto like “Watch us Shine,” it’s easy to see why Clean
Sweep Hilton Head Island has been in business for over a decade, successfully serving residents and businesses on the island and the greater Bluffton / Okatie community. “We pride ourselves on customer service and communication,” said owner Pam McCown.
“By making sure our clients are attended to and we are taking care of their needs, everyone wins!” The self-confessed “neat freak” admits to being very organized, even as a teenager. “Everything has a place and everything should be in its place,” says McCown. “Today I continue to carry on those same traits and life lessons as a professional.”
McCown considers her staff part of her extended family. With more than 40 year-round and seasonal employees, her close-knit group offers a wide range of services. “We do it all,” she says with a laugh. “Residential, short-term rental, commercial and move-in/move-out cleans. If it needs cleaned, we can clean it!”
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 9
APRIL busINess
News edITION: CHAMBER
If you’re a small business owner or want to start a business, you know that there’s a glut of confusing information online to navigate. How do you find financing? How can you market your business? How do you make heads or tails of all the insurance options?
The chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber, is offering a fantastic one-stop online toolkit for business entrepreneurs. The Small Business Toolkit includes information on:
• Hiring: One of the most important issues on a small business employer’s plate is finding, hiring and retaining great employees. The toolkit offers information on motivating staff, payroll, benefits, how to comply with the new health care law, creating work rules and laws regarding firing/termination.
• Financial Planning: Small business owners can master the intricacies of money management with information on bookkeeping, cash flow, managing credit and building personal wealth. The toolkit offers ready-to-use documents, including balance sheets, and loan applications.
• Government Contracting: How can small businesses tap into the $400 billion in contracts the federal government awards annually? The toolkit answers that question with 10 steps to successful bidding and more.
• Insurance Toolkit: Insurance can be confusing for even the most savvy business owner. The toolkit has explanations on managing insurance options and the various types of insurance.
• Sales and Marketing: Sales is more than “talking up” targets. Small business owners can learn how to analyze competitors, do market research, and how to develop, package and price a product.
• Start-up Business: The toolkit can help start-ups get a great business idea off the ground. There’s information on evaluating the chances for success, creating a business plan, Financing 101 and more.
Visit www.hiltonheadchamber.org for this invaluable toolkit.
SMAll BUSINESS toolkItS
Looking for new ideas on how to maximize your chamber membership? Our number one source of great ideas is our members, and now you can read all about it in the chamber’s new Monday Morning Briefing section, “Member to Member.”
We’re glad to have this venue for sharing your advice. To submit your input, send an email with your company name, why you value your membership and your top tip for members and we’ll be glad to publish it in an upcoming issue. Email: Anne Feldman, [email protected].
tHAt’S good AdvICECHaMBer’S MeMBer-To-MeMBer ColuMn
VIew FROM AbOVe:
Q&A: pAM & RogER FREEdMANZipLine Hilton Head launches
this month as Broad Creek Marina Adventures expands its land and water eco-tourism, starting with the only ZipLine tour for more than 250 miles. The approximately two-and-a-half hour tour with heights to 75 ft. soars over live oaks with Lowcountry vistas of Broad Creek.
Owners Roger and Pam Freedman, well-known proprietors of Up the Creek Pub & Grill and Broad Creek Marina, also plan a ropes course, bungee trampoline and rock climbing wall this summer, all adjoining the restaurant and current water activities such as parasailing, kayaking and dolphin tours.
CBM: Tell us about some of the initiatives Broad Creek Marina adventures are doing that complement our area’s natural appeal as a popular eco-tourism destination.
Freedmans: We recently had booths at area boat shows to encourage boaters to come for one-stop docking and enjoy all we offer at the marina and on the island…dock, zip, explore and dine. As the only marina on the East Coast with a zipline tour, it’s a nice package of eco-activities.
CBM: What was your inspiration for introducing Zipline Hilton Head?
Freedmans: The global boom in ziplining from Costa Rica to the Golden Gate Bridge, The Super Bowl and TV series’ storylines, it’s everywhere! But it wasn’t near Hilton Head Island, which not only cherishes the trees but showcases them. Here was a wonderful opportunity to support that and create an appealing, timely business.
CBM: How involved was the process to develop a course designed and built to the association for Challenge Course Technology standards?
Freedmans: The process was clearly defined by industry safety and structural regulations as well as the town codes. The designers/ builders S.T.E.P.S., have been involved in building seven of the top 10 national zipline tours. We also used local contractors whenever possible.
CBM: How has your business developed to meet the demands of our growing community?
Freedmans: Many visitors come to the island looking for outdoor fun. We’re meeting that demand with some very current, popular eco-tourism activities that can’t be found within the region. By hiring 50 people for guides and management positions we’re contributing to community growth. People travel significant distances to zipline so hopefully, adventure seekers in the surrounding markets will choose Hilton Head Island.
Owners Roger and Pam Freedman, well-known proprietors
10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012
MeMbeRs MAkINg News: APRILvolunteers in medicine hilton head island recently unveiled its new dental clinic. VIM partnered with Fraser Construction Company, Atlanta Dental Company and Progressive Technology Company to construct the new clinic. The VanLandingham Rotary Club spearheaded fundraising efforts along with gifts from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation and other local foundations.
mcnair law firm, p.a. recently announced that managing shareholder and attorney David Tigges and attorneys Liz Crum, Henrietta Golding and Rita McKinney were selected as recipients of the South Carolina Lawyers Weekly 2012 Leadership in Law awards. They were recognized in March at the annual awards dinner in Charleston, SC.
bb&t insurance services recently awarded The Greenery with its national BB&T Insurance Services prestigious Auto Safety Award. The award is one of five auto safety awards given by BB&T Insurance Services nationwide this year.
the university of south carolina beaufort announced the return of its USCB Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training on Hilton Head Island. The center will provide specialized education, serve as an international destination for events management and hospitality training and work with area organizations to promote special events.
hilton head hospital was recently recognized with a Clinical Innovation Award for its ICU’s initiative to decrease the incidence of central line associated infections. The award honors innovative clinical efforts and programs in Tenet hospitals.
tha group recently announced that Ellen Bolch, president and CEO, has been selected to the National Association of Home and Hospice Care’s Board of Directors as the proprietary section chairman for the 2012-2014 term.
beaufort county school district recently unveiled a rain-harvester project completed by students in the gifted arts program at Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary School. Funding was provided by grants from Palmetto Electric Cooperative’s Bright Ideas and the Island School Council for the Arts.
the gullah museum of hilton head island recently held the unveiling of its historic marker for the William Simmons House. The museum also presented an informational program along with cast net and basket weaving demonstrations.
re/max island realty recently announced that Maria Skrip, broker/owner, has been named to the 2012 Hilton Head Association of Realtors board of directors.
memory matters and literacy volunteers of the lowcountry were recognized by the S.C. Association of Nonprofit Organizations at its annual awards ceremony. Both organizations received the Erin Hardwick Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management.
attorney jay a. mullinax was appointed by The South Carolina Bar Association as the editor of the 2012 South Carolina Handbook for Probate Practitioners.
rabbi dr. arthur segal, was recognized by The Institute of American and Talmudic Law for his work to ensure the humane and fair treatment of animals and workers in kosher meat packing plants. His third book, The Path and Wisdom for Living in Peace with Others: A Modern Commentary, was published in February.
sun city del webb real estate recently announced that realtor Eric Elder has been named the 2011 sales executive of the year, with a closing volume of $9.9 million.
nexsen pruet announced that Hilton Head Island attorney Melissa Azallion and Greenville attorney Tom Stephenson were selected as recipients of the 2012 Leadership in Law awards. South Carolina Lawyers Weekly presents the annual awards to attorneys who work to better the legal profession through mentoring and involvement within their community.
the beach house, a holiday inn resort - hilton head island has recently joined InterContinental Hotels Group’s growing Holiday Inn Resort Americas portfolio after a $5 million conversion and renovation. The 202-room oceanfront resort’s newly designed interior reflects the property’s casually elegant beachfront destination.
pino gelato receives national chamber of commerce awardPino Gelato recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. The company has been chosen as one of the top 75 small businesses in the award category and was honored at the America’s Small Business Summit in Washington D.C. in March.
As an award winner, the Hilton Head Island-based company is also entered into the running for the Community Excellence Award.
Pino Gelato was the recipient of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award in 2011.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | APRIL 2012 11
MeMbeRsHIP ReNewALs: THANk YOu!
30+ YEARSPearlstine Distributors, Inc.
Bank of America, N.A.
Kinghorn Insurance Services, Inc
20-29 YEARSRepublic Waste Services of Hilton Head
Novit & Scarminach P.A.
Hilton Head Entertainment
15-19 YEARSLawton Stables
Jerry S. Voight
Aqua Sports-Sea Wolf Charters
American Express Establishment Services
10-14 YEARSHeritage Classic Foundation
Stoneworks, Inc.
Hawthorne Inn
Owner-Direct Rentals at The Island Club
WTOC-TV
Long Cove Club
Willie J. Rice, Photographer
Peter Wolf & Associates, PC
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Kroger Grocery Store
Sperry VanNess
4-9 YEARSSweetgrass Baskets
Italian American Club Hilton Head
E.A.C. Heating & Air
Collins Group Realty - Bluffton
May River Theatre Co., Inc.
Sea Pines Country Club
St. Francis Catholic School
Carson Realty, LLC
Collins Group Realty
Bluffton Self Help
All About Me
Callawassie Island Club
Palmetto Exterminators, Inc.
Accommodations & Vacation Rentals HomeAway
1-3 YEARSIsland Improvements
Hansen Architects
Take Shape for Life
Professional Golfer’s Career College
Garcia Lindsey Group
Hilton Head Diner
Fiddler’s Cove Beach & Racquet Club
O’Sullivan Janitorial Equipment & Supply
B2B CFO
Off The Hook Fishing Charters
Pizza Hut - Hilton Head Island
Pizza Hut - Bluffton
May River Dermatology
Southpaw Pet Resort
Village Park Homes
Oldfield Club
Harbour Health Insurance Solutions, LLC
Pure and Simple Home Services
Residential Services Unlimited, Inc.
Green Thumb
Georgia Tech Savannah
Did You Know…The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest chamber member retention rates in the nation.
