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Date	ArticleType
10/29/2009
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber Announces 2009 Award Recipients at Annual Meeting
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2009 annual meeting today at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. The event featured keynote speaker MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough, a Grand Strand economic forecast presented by Dr. Donald Schunk and breakout sessions on social media tips to get results, garnering publicity from local media and improvisation training to improve business skills. Another key highlight of the annual meeting was the presentation of the 2009 business and individual awards. The following individuals and businesses were honored for their contributions: • Citizen of the Year Award: Woody Crosby, Jordan Properties, presented to an individual who has displayed outstanding community service over a period of time. • Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Award: James Benton, retired, C.L. Benton & Sons, presented to an individual who has made a significant impact on the Myrtle Beach area. • Hospitality Employee of the Year: Michele “Micki” Sisson, Island Vista Resort, presented to a non-manager who works directly with visitors regularly and projects a positive image of his/her business, property, attraction or event and the state of South Carolina. The winning nomination will be submitted to the statewide competition for the S.C. Hospitality Employee of the Year Award. • Community Service Award: Burroughs & Chapin Company, presented to a business that contributes to the community in the form of leadership, volunteer work or financial support. • Business Innovation Award: Carolina Improv Company, presented to a business that exceeds the standard for resourcefulness and creativity in the workplace. • Operating Green Award (new category): Brookgreen Gardens, presented to a business that is committed to sound environmental good practices. • Small Business of the Year Award: Croissants Bistro & Bakery, presented to a business with 10 or fewer employees that stands out from the rest. • Young Professional of the Year: Jenifer Sweat, FSA-Full Steam Ahead Inc. Fire and Water Restoration, presented to a gsSCENE member who demonstrates community involvement, aspiration to succeed in the work force and a future desire to make a difference on the Grand Strand. • Ambassador of the Year Award: Jenafor Braley, 03 World Weight Management, presented to a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador who has earned the most points by contacting and visiting other chamber members and by acting as a mentor. • Ann DeBock Leadership Award: Greg Everett, presented to a Leadership Grand Strand graduate who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service. • Volunteer of the Year Award: Julie Kopnicky, United Way of Horry County, presented to an individual who has volunteered his/her time and energy to help the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The honoree demonstrates the true spirit of service by helping the chamber promote, protect and improve the Grand Strand. • Chairman’s Choice Award: Santee Cooper, presented to an organization for its countless contributions to the Myrtle Beach area’s business community, residents and visitors. The winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award and Chairman’s Choice Award were formally presented at the Volunteer of the Year celebration Oct. 6. Brant Branham, 2008-2009/2009-2010 MBACC board chairman, was also honored at the celebration. The Ann DeBock Leadership Award was formally announced during the Leadership Grand Strand Class XXIX graduation ceremony May 8. However, all 2009 business and individual award winners are recognized at the annual meeting. The formal presentation of awards for the Citizen of the Year and Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year Award will take place Nov. 12 during the President’s Gala at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes.