Tourism Marketing Summit Presentation

The 2009 Tourism Marketing Summit provided an overview of current industry travel trends and an outlook on tourism nationally. 2009 marketing results were shared along with a look into the 2010 advertising direction. Myrtle Beach Area CVB updated attendees on meeting and group travel and local research. SCPRT and The Brandon Agency presented cooperative advertising opportunities. View the presentations online.

State eyeing changes to oceanfront management – public comments accepted for Shoreline Change Report

In 2007, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management initiated a re-evaluation of beachfront/coastline management issues to guide public policy. Shoreline Change Advisory Committee was formed to lead this effort. The committee’s recommendations could directly impact our community and local economy. The full report, including the executive summary and all recommendations, is available online. Public comments are being accepted until Dec. 4. See the Web site for details.

Legislative Luncheon, Dec. 9

Legislative Luncheon
Dec. 9 ~ 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes (Oleander Ballroom)
8400 Costa Verde Dr., Myrtle Beach
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Legislative Luncheon. The cost to attend is $35 for MBACC members or $45 for the general public. Register online. Registration deadline is Dec. 7. The 2009 Legislative Luncheon is hosted by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®.

Reserve Your Grand Strand Living Ad Space

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members can put their businesses in front of people looking to relocate, retire or find a trusted chamber member for products/services by advertising in Grand Strand Living. Four-color ads start at $1,147. Advertising benefits include: Purchase 1/4 page ad or larger and receive relocation inquiry leads; Banner ad on GrandStrandLiving.com is available to 1/2 and full page advertisers at an additional cost; All advertisers will have their ads with links on GrandStrandLiving.com. Print: 30,000. Ad sales close Jan. 15, 2010.

Learn More: Scott Head, advertising sales manager, (843) 916-7277.

Christmas Towne

Join us for a communitywide holiday celebration featuring special activities for the kids, festive holiday entertainment, and the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree!

Christmas Towne, Horry County’s free community holiday event, will take place Dec. 13 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center outdoor events plaza (2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach). This year’s event will be even more spectacular as Christmas Towne moves to Sunday with extended event hours.

Bring the entire family and have a free photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Sing along with our holiday choirs, browse Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of  Commerce members’ booths featuring free projects for the children, and enjoy free refreshments.

Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Myrtle Beach.

MBACC Open House

The public is invited to an Open House on Nov. 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St. The marketing division will be showing videos and reviewing current and future marketing initiatives. Registration is not required.

MBACC Accountability Report

MBACC Accountability Report presented Oct. 27, 2009, to the City of Myrtle Beach.

Tourism Marketing Summit

Date: Nov. 11, 2009
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel (Ballroom E), 2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Event Description:
This event is free and open to all Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members. Register online.
8-9 a.m. – Networking Breakfast Buffet (Continental)
9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Keynote Address and Presentations
David Sheatsley, director of Marketing Research at the U.S. Travel Association, will give an overview of current industry travel trends and provide an outlook on tourism nationally, as well as provide insight on how such trends may impact your marketing initiatives going forward. Chamber staff will provide attendees with a summary update on the 2009 marketing results and provide a look into 2010 advertising direction. Also included will be an update on meetings and group travel and local research as it impacts the Grand Strand. SCPRT and Brandon Advertising will brief attendees on cooperative advertising opportunities.

Business Award Winners Announced

The 71st annual membership meeting brought together the leadership and membership of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and launch new chamber initiatives. At the luncheon we also saluted area businesses individuals for community service, business excellence and customer relations.

The five-star event, sponsored by WMBF News, Pace Communications, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Visit Media and RBC Bank, was held Oct. 29 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. The day included several educational sessions touching on social media, team building, communication and working with the local media. Dr. Donald Schunk, research economist with the BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development at Coastal Carolina University, presented the Grand Strand economic forecast. Joe Scarborough, American cable news and talk radio host, author and former politician, presented the keynote address. Scarborough is host of MSNBC’s ”Morning Joe” and ”The Joe Scarborough Show” on ABC Radio Network. Steve Chapman, immediate past chairman of the MBACC board of directors, and Brant Branham, 2008-2010 board of directors chairman, looked at the chambers accomplishments and initiatives for the new year. 

Community Service Award
”Building Quality of Life” is a phrase that has been reiterated by Burroughs & Chapin Co. throughout the years. Whether it’s a donation of the land where the Myrtle Beach State Park sits or a financial contribution to the Long Bay Symphony, this privately held, family company has been making an impact on our community for more than a century.

Business Innovation Award
Carolina Improv Co. has turned nontraditional training techniques into a hot new coaching tool for businesses. This company uses improvisational theater techniques to improve communication, develop team building skills and increase creativity. This year’s winner wants you to think ”innovative” and go against the grain to bring on positive changes.

Operating Green Award
Whether it’s improving the habitat for woodpeckers or conserving the Longleaf Pines, this environmental-friendly preservation has been a haven for plant life and animals since 1931. Along with eco-friendly outdoor policies, Brookgreen Gardens takes the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – to a whole new level with containers for cardboard, plastic, aluminum and glass.

Small Business of the Year Award
While this past year, the economy has taken its toll on all kinds of businesses, this company didn’t sit back on its heels. Instead it attacked and carved out an entirely new business model. From full-fledged dinner service to an early bird menu, Croissants Bistro & Bakery realized it wasn’t supper as usual. While it’s still comfort food at a comforting price, the evening is now a ”Euro-cool” gathering place.

Hospitality Employee of the Year
Michele ”Micki” Sisson has been a front desk representative for Island Vista Resort for 10 years. She makes every guest feel as if they are the most important person in the world. In fact, this year’s winner took one guest’s recyclables to a recycling center during her free time. Island Vista better watch out, Brookgreen Gardens may try to recruit this year’s Hospitality Employee of the Year.

Young Professional of the Year
Knowledgeable, recognizable and respected throughout the area sums up this year’s winner. Jenifer Sweat, FSA-Full Steam Ahead Inc. Fire and Water Restoration, is not only an excellent liaison for her employer, she is a tremendous asset to the nonprofit community. Sweat is a founding member of gsSCENE.

Ambassador of the Year
Jenafor Braley with O3 World Weight Management, has served as an ambassador for 4 years. Braley earned Ambassador of the Month four times, made 600 telephone calls to members, attended 12 ambassador meetings, five Chamber Access new member orientation receptions, eight ribbon-cutting ceremonies and participated in three Membership Renewal Phone-a-Thons. Braley also volunteered eight hours at the Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival and Christmas Towne. This is the second consecutive time Braley has been named Ambassador of the Year.

Our next two awards, the Pioneer and Citizen of the Year, will be formally presented at the President’s Gala. The event will be held Nov. 12 at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes.

Citizen of the Year
Woody Crosby’s unmatched leadership and behind the scenes tenacity is a major reason that the Grand Strand has grown to the level it is today. This year’s winner is a timeless worker for the chamber, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association and an overall ambassador for the Myrtle Beach area. Crosby, president/CEO of Jordan Properties, was a driving force behind the 1 percent tourism tax and is a tireless advocate for airport redevelopment and
air carrier expansion.

Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year
A pioneer in the truest sense, this year’s recipient has worked hard to build our community into a better place. Although James Benton has been successful in his business (retired from C.L. Benton & Sons), as a quiet philanthropist he has given back tenfold. A native of Myrtle Beach, one of the community issues Benton has always stressed is education and the need for excellence in academia.

Shop Our Members During the Holidays

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its ShopOurMembers.com campaign from Nov. 9-Dec. 20. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Do your holiday shopping locally and enjoy great discounts from MBACC members.