Our Service Commitment

I recently heard this from a local business: ”Brad, the other day I opened up my mailbox and found a mailer from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber. That same day, I see a TV ad and hear radio spots from the chamber, too. Promoting the destination to out-of-state consumers makes sense but why would the chamber advertise locally?” Perhaps you have wondered this too.

The simple answer? Our core purpose is to promote, protect and improve our member businesses, but we recognize that as a leadership organization our impact extends far beyond our membership. We embrace the responsibility to keep our local community apprised of what we are doing. For example:

• For many years, we’ve championed Interstate 73. I-73 will help us transform our seasonal, tourism-based economy by attracting new industry and higher-paying jobs. We will continue publicizing the benefits of completing our interstate connection until the road is finally built.

• We recently launched year No. 2 of an innovative advertising campaign promoting the local real estate industry (ThinkMyrtleBeach.com). We naturally want our community to know what we are doing to help grow this very important segment of our economy.

• We receive substantial funds from local and state government for the purposes of tourism advertising and we take the responsibility of stewardship very seriously. As a result, we embrace the need to report (to the general public) our expenditures of public funds. In fact, we voluntarily exceed all local and state reporting guidelines (MyrtleBeachAreaMarketing.com).

• Our community involvement is also seen in our support of education initiatives. A few examples include the backing of Horry County Schools The Leader in Me program; creating the Youth Leadership Academy – a joint venture between Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and Leadership Grand Strand; and supporting South Carolina Business Week, which prepares young adults for the business environment by introducing them to the principles of leadership, teamwork and the American free enterprise system.

And it goes without saying that Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s outreach is seen in the economic impact of tourism (TourismWorksForUs.com); job support (MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/member/job_connections.html), events calendar (GrandStrand Events.com), dining information (GrandStrandRestaurants.com), shop local campaigns (ShopOurMembers.com) and partnerships with a variety of local, state and national organizations that share common goals and objectives. So as we continue with our mission to promote and maintain the community’s economic vitality and excellent quality of life, we will strive to keep the general public informed on not only how the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber promotes the area and attracts millions of visitors year after year but also the underlying impact we have on the Grand Strand community.

Brad Dean
President & CEO, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Call for Community Service Projects

Leadership Grand Strand is accepting proposals for community service projects for Class XXXIV. Nonprofits and government agencies are encouraged to submit a proposal that addresses specific needs your organization is facing as it seeks to help our community. Visit LGS for complete proposal guidelines. 
 

Join the Next Class of Leadership Grand Strand

Leadership Grand Strand has helped to connect and engage rising leaders across the community for 33 years. During the 10-month program, participants get an in-depth view of community issues, develop leadership skills, and are exposed to community involvement opportunities. The program also helps to build strong connections as participants develop lasting relationships with fellow class members. Download an application today, or we’ll be happy to contact the individual and provide the information they need. Simply send their name, email and/or telephone number to Diana Greene, LGS executive director, by email or call (843) 916-7222.