Have speech, will travel

If your organization needs a speaker to offer an overview of the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships, just ask Marketing Coordinator Christina Lazarus, (843) 916-7214. She has the inside scoop on the March 5-10, 2013, event, tickets and program ad sales.

Christmas Towne

Want an affordable way to promote your business or service to more than 5,000 residents of Horry and Georgetown counties? Sign up today to be an exhibitor at the free premier community holiday event of 2012 – Christmas Towne! Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 9, from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Exhibit Hall A. Activities include free photos with Santa, official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach, children’s rides, exhibitor giveaways and much more! Booths start at $70 – early bird rate through Nov. 12. Learn More

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24

Come Nov. 24, consumers will be out shopping at small businesses in force. As a small business owner, you can take advantage of the day with free marketing tools. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated tosupporting small businesses nationwide. Last year, over one hundred million people came together to Shop Small in their communities on Small Business Saturday. Learn More

Member-to-Member Business Expo

Date: Jan. 24, 2013
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A
Early Bird Booth Special: $99 thru Dec. 28, 2012

Hands down, the Member-to-Member Business Expo is the biggest and best networking event every year. It’s vibrant. It’s dynamic. And it’s a cost-effective and easy way to get new business and renew existing business relationships. Hosted by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association. Learn More

Shop Our Members

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 17. All locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Super money-saving discounts will be posted Nov. 1.

It’s free for MBACC members to participate!
You name it, we’ll promote it! Send in your discounts by Oct. 24.

• Buy one, get one free
• 1/2 price admission
• $2 off putt-putt golf
• Free hamburger
• 20 percent off purchase
• Stay 2 nights, get 3rd night free

Win, Win, Win!
As an added incentive to shop locally, MBACC will be giving away holiday money!

• Shoppers simply stop by any of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber’s three welcome centers, show your receipts from local businesses totaling $150 and you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of five $250 gift cards.
• Enter as often as you like with new $150 receipts.

2013 Convention and Visitors Bureau Packages

Take advantage of amazing advertising opportunities. Specific Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau membership packages have been developed for lodging, dining, golf, and activities and services members. View these packages online. Contact MBACC today to set up an appointment to prepare your customized 2013 package. For new ad sales, contact Scott Head, (843) 916-7277. For ad renewals, contact Johanna Hodge, (843) 916-7236. CVB ad sales close Aug. 17, 2012.

Celebrate Myrtle Beach MayFest/Military Appreciation Month

To help visitors, locals and military personnel save money from April 27-May 31, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is asking businesses to send in two different discounts:

• One discount for visitors/locals
• One discount for active/retired military
  (Discounts must be different to be posted.)

Log on to Myrtle Beach MayFest to submit your discounts for Myrtle Beach MayFest/Military Appreciation Month. Discounts will be posted on MyrtleBeachMayFest.com, distributed at military bases within our 3-6 hour drive range, and handed out at our chamber welcome centers. Free to participate! Deadline to send in discounts is April 13, 2012.

2012 Memorial Day Weekend Parade

May 26, 2012
10 a.m.–12 p.m.
The Memorial Day Weekend Parade begins at 27th Avenue North and continues south to 9th Avenue North in downtown Myrtle Beach. Everyone loves a parade especially one with military units, high school marching bands, antique cars, walking groups, floats and more! Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking businesses interested in sponsoring floats for military and veteran groups. To sponsor a float or enter the parade and promote your business or group, go online today!

Parade Grand Marshal
Major General Robert E. Livingston, Jr. serves as head of the Military Department of the state of South Carolina. He administers the affairs of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, Emergency Management Division, State Guard, Youth Challenge and Americorp.

Hospitality Day at the Statehouse

The hospitality industry’s day to network with state legislators and showcase the industry’s importance on the state’s economy is set for April 18 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Statehouse. All hotel and restaurant operators are encouraged to attend to make sure lawmakers understand how the laws and regulations they are debating will impact their businesses. Hospitality Day at the Statehouse, featuring a ”Taste of South Carolina,” draws restaurants from all across the state to serve a taste of their menu specialties. Transportation to and from the event will be provided. Learn More

Trio Dinner

April 16 ~ 6:30 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Trio Dinner partners a local chef with culinary arts students to create some memorable entrees. The event is important to the Grand Strand culinary arts programs as a portion of the proceeds go to MBAHA scholarship funds directed at hospitality and culinary education. More than $18,000 has been contributed to MBAHA’s educational endeavors since the program’s inception. Tickets are $85 per person; $160 per couple; $600 table of eight; $750 table of 10 (includes reserved seating and sponsor recognition on table). Sponsorship opportunities start at $750. Learn More