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The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated another year of progress and paid tribute to individuals and businesses at its 67th annual membership meeting Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes.
The keynote address was given by Ronda Rich, a best-selling author, syndicated newspaper columnist and inspirational speaker. Following the opening session, the day continued with educational break-out sessions: “What Internet Marketing Means to Myrtle Beach,” Mona McGraw, NuRelm; “Plans and Initiatives for Diversified Growth in Myrtle Beach,” Hugh Owens, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp.; “New Business Development Activities at NESA,” Rich Fletcher, North Eastern Strategic Alliance; “Communicate and Compromise Successfully With Co-Workers and Customers,” Glenn Cohen, “I-To-WE” Relationship Coaching; and “Outlook for the Grand Strand Economy in 2008,” Don Schunk, Center for Economic and Community Development at Coastal Carolina University.
The day ended with a luncheon program. Immediate Past Chairman of the Board David Brittain welcomed the audience. President and CEO Brad Dean and Chairman of the Board Steve Chapman talked about the chamber's past accomplishments and future goals.
Dean gave an overview of last year's successes, including the innovative Hospitality Partnership with the chamber, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association, Hospitality Association of South Carolina, National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association. He discussed the new coastal insurance legislation; a successful media blitz with the Sun Fun Festival's world's tallest sandcastle; the expanded Canadian-American Days featuring the Carolina-Canada Trade and Commerce Forum; the revamped Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site, VisitMyBeach.com; and the development and success of the Myrtle Beach Marketing Cooperative, whose members helped secure the largest contribution ever from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism of $5 million for destination-specific marketing, as part of the state's new 2-for-1 matching grant program. Dean mentioned the 2007 inaugural Impeccable Customer Experience Awards (I.C.E. Awards), which recognized 20 local heroes of customer service. He pointed out the success of the new public relations campaign including the New York City press launch, "The Grand Strand Meets the Big Apple," led by M Booth & Associates, a national leader in destination public relations.
Chapman called attention to the importance of bringing more visitors to the area because of the increase in rooms along the Grand Strand. He noted that the chamber will continue to carry forward with the already aggressive national public relations campaign with the goal of promoting the Grand Strand as a brand name to millions of potential visitors.
Chapman discussed the merging of the marketing plan of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with the Myrtle Beach Marketing Cooperative for a more consistent, comprehensive and streamlined message. Other highlights included ongoing recruitment of stakeholders for the Myrtle Beach Marketing Cooperative; securing maximum state funding for tourism promotion; and obtaining additional funds at the national and state levels for Interstate 73 and Interstate 74. Chapman also thanked the 2006-2007 board of directors and welcomed the 2007-2008 board.
The program then turned to the presentation of awards honoring individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in the areas of community service, business excellence and customer relations. The recipients are listed below:
2007 Grand Strand Hospitality Employee of the Year: Sue Pariseau with Ripley's Boulevard Attractions (Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Ripley's Moving Theater). As a front-end supervisor who works with both staff and guests, Pariseau has been the backbone of several Myrtle Beach attractions for 15 years. Described as someone who is personable and helpful and has great leadership skills, she is always upbeat and an inspiration to staff. Pariseau's name will be submitted for the South Carolina Hospitality Employee of the Year competition.
Ambassador of the Year: Fidencia Pla with Keller Williams Realty. Ambassadors earn points by calling and visiting other chamber members and by acting as mentors. At the end of each month, points are tallied, and an Ambassador of the Month is named. Pla received this honor three times. She attended nine Ambassador meetings, four Warm Welcome receptions, and 13 ribbon-cutting ceremonies; participated in two Membership Renewal Phone-a-Thons; and made more than 300 telephone calls to chamber members. Pla has been an Ambassador for one year.
Business Innovation Award, honoring a company that has taken a novel approach to otherwise routine activities and has set a standard for resourcefulness and creativity in the workplace: Classic Home Building & Design Inc. The Fortified…for safer living® program uses building techniques and construction materials to raise a home's overall disaster resistance above the minimum requirement of building codes. Classic Home Building & Design is the first and only builder in South Carolina to offer the Fortified program. The program adds protection to windows and doors and requires stronger connections between the roof, walls and foundation, resulting in a greater resistance to high winds and earthquakes. Thanks to Classic Home Building & Design's innovative construction, the Fortified program helps reduce a home's exposure to nature's wrath. Finalists included Curves and Target Media.
Community Service Award, which recognizes a business that has bettered the community through volunteer or elected leadership, or by supporting charitable causes financially or through a commitment of time and talent: Hall Custom Homes/Classic Home Building & Design Inc. While it may take an army of volunteers with big hearts, determination and sleepless nights to build a house in seven days, it takes leadership, relationship building, commitment and true compassion for your neighbors to help build an entire community. As co-builders and community organizers for ABC's “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” Hall Custom Homes/Classic Home Building & Design could have just built the home they were required per ABC's instructions. Instead they took the initiative to also help repair multiple residences and make improvements within the local Poplar community. Thanks to these two business leaders who worked diligently to make a dream home a reality, the Extreme Home Makeover project brought round-the-clock media attention drawing national and international media to the Myrtle Beach area. Hall Custom Homes/Classic Home gave of their time, money and materials to reach out to a fellow neighbor and community in need. Finalists included Full Steam Ahead Inc. and Ripley Entertainment Inc.
Business Image Award, given to the firm whose business, advertising or product appearance enhances the image and reputation of the community, and whose staff gives excellent customer service: Ripley's Aquarium. Sharks, horseshoe crabs and even pirates are part of the adventure of this local attraction. And don’t forget the stunning rays—Atlantic ray, Southern ray, Cownose ray and Spotted Eagle ray. These rays love visitors to reach out and give them a friendly rub. Ripley's Aquarium's innovative exterior, in combination with stunning educational exhibits, creates a top quality, world-class, marine life facility. But what really brings this attraction to life are the company's people—the backbone of the guest experience. They set a positive tone as guests enter this aquatic adventure and the staffs’ excellent service continues throughout the show. Finalists included Horry County Humane Society and Wild Water & Wheels.
Small Business of the Year Award, presented to an exemplary business with 10 or fewer employees: Target Media. Remembering who they are in business for—their clients—is the heart and soul of this year's Small Business winner. Target Media works hard each day to accomplish one goal—to make their clients successful and happy. Doing what is best for the client is always valued more than providing profit for the company. In fact, considered "old school," many projects are sealed with only a handshake without the need for a mountain of paperwork. Target Media is a small company with huge personality and four highly skilled professionals. They strive for a relaxed and flexible work environment. Friday is casual dress day, and every day is pet day. Finalists included Mirage Hair Studio and Ocean Breeze Awnings & More.
Volunteer of the Year: Lyn Smith, customer service manager, Capt. Dick’s Marina in Murrells Inlet. Smith is chairwoman of the Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo committee. This committee hosts an annual tournament that runs April through October, featuring a fish of the month contest. The committee also hosts a spring and fall Pier King Mackerel Tournament. A couple of years ago, Smith's passion for fishing and young people led her to organize the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament. The program introduces young anglers to the sport of fishing and creates an opportunity for a parent, relative or volunteer to spend the day with a child. Smith also serves on the chamber's South Strand Council, which is made up of chamber members located in the South Strand area. Their primary role is to address issues and interests of businesses in the South Strand. Besides volunteering for the chamber, Smith currently serves on the board of the South Carolina Marine Educators Association, Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission and the Cypress Keys Homeowners Association. She is active with Murrells Inlet 2007, the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association, Coastal Network Cooperative, National Marine Educators Association, South Carolina Nature-Based Tourism Association, South Carolina Science Teachers, Environmental Education Association, South Carolina Chapter of the Sierra Club, South Carolina Special Olympics, Relay for Life and the Ocean Conservancy, as well as the Church by the Sea at Lakewood Family Resort.
Leadership Grand Strand Ann DeBock Award, presented to an LGS graduate who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service: Dennis Wade, president and CEO, The Jackson Companies. The award is named in memory of Ann DeBock, a long-time executive director of the program, which is sponsored by your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Wade is a native of Lancaster, S.C., and a 1984 magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting. He is a certified public accountant and a certified internal auditor. Wade located to Myrtle Beach in 1997 and joined The Jackson Companies as chief financial officer and corporate secretary. In 2001, Wade was elected president and chief executive officer. He also serves as a member of their board of directors. A graduate of Leadership Grand Strand Class XIX, Wade is active in the Grand Strand community. He has served on the Coastal Educational Foundation board of directors, the Board of Visitors for the Wall College of Business at Coastal Carolina University, Business Partnership Foundation board of advisors for the University of South Carolina-Moore School of Business and Horry County United Way board of directors. Wade has even found time to serve the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce as a board member, treasurer, Finance Review Committee chairman, 2002-2003 chairman of the board and chairman of the CEO Search Committee. And he currently sits on the board of directors for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce named Wade its Citizen of the Year.
2007 Citizen of the Year: Greg Everett. The Citizen of the Year is an individual who has contributed to the Myrtle Beach area in an extraordinary way, both professionally and personally.
Ashby Ward Pioneers of the Year: Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson. Named in memory of Ashby Ward, this award recognizes individuals who have had a significant, positive impact on the Myrtle Beach area.
The formal presentation of awards for the 2007 Citizen of the Year and Ashby Ward Pioneers of the Year will take place Thursday, Nov. 29, during the President's Gala at Dunes Golf and Beach Club. The President's Gala costs $80 per person or $150 per couple and is open to chamber members and nonmembers. To make reservations, register online at MyrtleBeachAreaChamber. com or call (843) 916-7319.
The 67th annual membership meeting of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach Herald, Nexsen Pruet, LLC, Elliott Davis Accountants and Business Advisors, Broadway Station Condos, Carolina Cooling & Plumbing Inc., Power Gleaner, Energy Technologies and BB&T Bank.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood for 66 years as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The chamber serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island.
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