About the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Staff Directory

Executive | Finance | Membership Programs & Services | Membership Sales
Information Services | Welcome Center & Call Center | Marketing
CVB - Group Sales | Festivals & Special Events
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association

Executive Division

Provides administrative oversight of all programs and activities. The primary liaison with the Myrtle Beach area community, board of directors and elected officials.

Committees:
Legislative Policy Council

Brad Dean, President/CEO
Division: Executive
Phone: (843) 916-7241
Fax: (843)448-3007
E-Mail:

• Board of directors
• Government relations
• Management of executive leadership team
• Coordinates Program of Work

Kathy Richardson, Executive Assistant to CEO
Division: Executive
Phone: (843) 916-7219
Fax: (843) 448-3007
E-Mail: Kathy.Richardson@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

• Provides support for president and CEO, chairman and board of directors
• Responsible for meeting minutes of board of directors, Executive Committee, Legislative Policy Council and Area Recovery Council meeting
• Coordinates events initiated and/or overseen by the president and CEO
• Schedules travel of the president/CEO as necessary
• Manages maintenance issues and act as liaison for contractors; generates RFP's and issues contracts as needed

Contact for:
Board of directors inquiries
Legislative Policy Council
Area Recovery Council

Debbie Heintzelman, Administrative Assistant
Division: Executive
Phone: (843) 916-7296
Fax: (843) 448-3007
E-Mail:

• Provides administrative support for president and CEO
• Maintains president and CEO appointment calendar and schedules meetings
• Processes yearly annual meeting award nominations and prepares for committee review
• Responsible for inventorying and ordering executive meeting supplies
• Responsible for ordering in-house business cards and name badges
• Schedules conference rooms

Nancy Gray, Media Communications Manager
Division: Executive
Fax: (843) 626-0009
Phone: (843) 916-7235
E-Mail:

• Media contact for news/business-related topics involving the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
• Seeks publicity for the chamber's events, festivals, and other activities
• Distributes chamber news releases and media advisories

Contact for:
News/business-related media inquiries involving the chamber
Media contact list (local media)

Finance Divison

Oversees all accounting and financial transactions and record keeping, ensuring that debts are properly recorded and paid, receivables are collected, and records are accurate.

Manages financial policy and procedures established by the Finance Review Committee and board of directors. Ensures that financial records accurately reflect monthly income and expense activity.

Updates employee handbook, administrative policies and employment records. Also oversees the annual process of performance reviews and salary reviews.

Serves as fiduciary, or ensures that an appropriate fiduciary is in place, for all chamber benefit plans which fall under the regulation of the federal government, state government, and ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act).

• Oversees information and technology services.
• Manages all contracts and legal information.
• Manages all facilities and operations.

Committees:
Finance Review Committee.

Darren Gore, Chief Financial Officer
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7211
Fax: (843) 916-7257
E-Mail:

• Accounting
• Human Resources
• Member dues statements
• Contracts/vendors
• Annual budgets and forecasts
• Annual audit

Susan Kline, Accounting Coordinator
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7207
Fax: (843) 448-3007
E-Mail:

• Maintains and processes all posting to the general ledger
• Manages annual audit with external accounting firm
• Processes all credit card and debit adjustments and credit card payments
• Handles daily balancing of all A/R and invoicing to general ledger
• Prepares daily deposits
• Prepares, audits and mails monthly statements
• Handles all inquiries for billing and member account status
• Oversees posting of A/P invoices and check processing
• Oversees payroll and health insurance monitoring
• Assists with employee, member and vendor inquiries
• Communicate with delinquent members in accordance with chamber policies, to ensure prompt collection of outstanding receivables. Responsible for initiating the cutoff services to delinquent members in accordance with chamber policies.
• Assists CFO with other duties as required

Contact for:
All accounts receivable inquiries

Susan Giaquinto, Accounting Clerk
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7206
Fax: (843) 448-3007
E-Mail:

• Billing – processes invoices for products, services and events billed to members and non-members
• Updates member billing information on an annual basis
• Accounts Payable – processes invoices and issue checks weekly
• Maintains all W-9's and prepares 1099's at year end
• Maintains log for voided or stop payment checks
• Reconciles G/L balance sheet accounts monthly
• Assists with employee, member and vendor inquiries
• Maintains and organizes filing system for accounts payable
• Maintains insurance, lease and contract files held by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
• Orders general office supplies for the executive and finance divisions
• Assists accounting coordinator with other duties as required

Contact for:
All accounts payable inquiries

Shirley Landry, Personnel Coordinator
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7203
Fax: (843) 916-7278
E-Mail:

• Oversees Human Resources
• Handles employee payroll
• Updates employee handbook

Contact for:
Job openings

Kelly Hobart, IT Manager
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7202
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Implements security practices and procedures
• Handles computer hardware and software requests from employees
• Provides all computer support services and solutions

Chris Kavanagh, IT Coordinator
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7201
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Assists IT manager with computer hardware and software requests from employees

Membership Programs & Services

This division handles all aspects of membership sales, retention and services for members (and potential members) of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and oversees operations of two outer office visitor centers: South Strand and Airport. The division also manages the chamber's business/visitor center on Oak Street, the call center and the information services division.

More than 125 events are managed by the division each year, including all educational programs, Annual Meeting, President's Gala, Connections Marketplace, Business Before, During and After Hours, Chamber Access, Hurricane Expo and Conference, I.C.E. Awards, Tourism Week, Business & Restaurant Tabletop Expo, Area Tabletop Expos, Legislative Luncheon, and Legislative Reception

Services managed by the division include: Ambassador Program, Member-to-Member Discounts, Business True Blue health care Insurance through BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, membership lists, as well as sponsorship sales.

Publications/Videos produced by the division include: Grand Strander, Annual Report, Grand Strander Express, Yearly Menu of Accomplishments, chamber videos

Electronic publications produced by the division include: Grand Strander Online, Grand Strander Express Online, For the Record, Economic Indicators, Small Business News, Education Updates, Events Updates, Advertising Co-ops, and several E-Opt in Industry Specific Newsletters

Partnerships the chamber is currently involved with related to members:

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce – all members
• S.C. Chamber of Commerce – small business members
• Hospitality Partnership – with local, state and national hospitality associations (applies to hospitality member categories)

Committees:
Membership Committee
North Strand Council
South Strand Council
Small Business Council
Young Professionals Council

Diana Greene, Executive Vice President Membership Programs & Services
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7222
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Serves as liaison between the division, management, and divisional heads in coordinating membership and new sales efforts for the chamber
• Executive director for Leadership Grand Strand
• Coordinates all local chamber advertising and promotions

Contact for:
Leadership Grand Strand
Membership Committee
Local chamber advertising/marketing options

Pat Creed, Membership Programs Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7225
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Oversees membership retention
• Coordinates Ambassador Program

Contact for:
Ambassador Program
Member-to-Member Discounts
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies
Myrtle Beach Area CVB membership

Shannon Haswell, Membership Programs & Services Coordinator
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7240
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Supports executive vice president of the membership division
• Maintains membership database
• Mails letters, plaque, decal and other materials to new members and renewing members
• Coordinates restaurant member information on GrandStrandRestaurants.com

Contact for:
Membership database
GrandStrandRestaurants.com

Scott Head, Advertising Sales Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7277
Fax: (843) 916-7254
E-Mail:

• Sells chamber and CVB advertising services

Contact for:
The Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation and Visitors Guides
Grand Strand Living
Internet Links
Chamber Mail
Chamber Membership List
Convention and Motorcoach lead service
Coupons
Enhanced Business Directory Links
ePostcard
Segmented Accommodations E-Mail Blasts
Upper Level Categorical Links
Chamber TV
Grand Strander Advertising
Hotel Brochure Racks

Kori Hippe, Member Communications Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7205
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Manages printed and Web-based member communications, including chamber's Annual Report, Annual Meeting program content, Grand Strander, Grand Strander Express, various member enewsletters, special events scripts, and multiple event flyers and member brochures

Contact for:
Grand Strander
Grand Strander Express

Blakely Jenkins, Membership & Community Programs Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7232
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Coordinates education and training programs for chamber members
• Staff liaison for gsSCENE Young Professionals
• Coordinates small business programs

Contact for:
Chamber Academy
Chamber Access
gsSCENE Young Professionals
Hurricane Preparedness Conference & Expo
Small Business Advantage
Youth Leadership Academy

Membership Sales

Kate Miles, Hospitality Sales Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7234
Fax: (843) 916-7294
E-Mail:

• Membership sales to tourism businesses

Contact for:
Membership Sales

Pam Wright, Business Sales Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7220
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Membership sales to nontourism businesses

Contact for:
Membership Sales

MBACC Information Services (Mail Room)

Nevely Graham, Visitor Services Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7228
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Supervises activities of airport outer-office visitor center and the on-site visitor center (Oak Street)
• Manages call center activities
• Manages information services activities

Contact for:
Inquiry Services

Jeanette Johnson, Information Services Assistant
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7215
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Assists with mailing programs for daily inquiry processing
• Oversees inventory of central mail subscribers
• Oversees chamber mailing projects

Delbert McFadden, Information Services Assistant
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7204
Fax: (843) 626-0009

• Assists with mailing programs for daily inquiry processing
• Oversees inventory of central mail subscribers
• Oversees chamber mailing projects

Myrtle Beach Welcome Center and Call Center

JoAn Whitaker, Call Center Supervisor
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7273
Fax: (843) 626-0009
E-Mail:

• Responsible for call center and Oak Street Front office
• Responds to e-mail accounts sessions generated from Web Site
• Compiles and distributes to off-site welcome centers an "Availability List" (from the Accommodation Alert forms) for hotels/motels/condos/cottages and campgrounds
• Maintains GrandStrandEvents.com calendar and prepare monthly printing

Contact for:
Welcome Center Brochure Racks
Welcome Center Business Card Racks
GrandStrandEvents.com
Accommodations Alert
Project Lifesaver

Jan Naish, Information Specialist
Mary Pizza, Information Specialist
Steve Scotch, Information Specialist
Frenchie Spivey, Information Specialist
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 626-7444

• Assist in Chamber Call Center
• Input data into computer for requested literature and information
• Assists with Live Chat sessions
• Assist with Oak Street lobby, greet and assist guests

Rick Taylor, Information Specialist
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 626-7444

• Oak Street lobby, greet and assist guests
• Brochure stocking and rotation as scheduled in lobby
• Assists with chamber call center

South Strand Welcome Center

Faye Creel, South Strand Visitor Center Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7286
Fax: (843) 651-6962
E-Mail:

• Supervises and coordinate the activities of the South Strand Welcome Center
• Develops relationships with chamber members in the South Strand area
• Participates in key community events and meetings
• Staff liaison for South Strand Council
• Assists with South Strand Tabletop Expo

Contact for:
South Strand Council

Kasey Harkins, Information Specialist
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7285
Fax: (843) 651-6962

• Assists with South Strand front office, call in and walk in visitors
• Input data into computer for requested literature and information
• Brochure stocking and rotation daily as scheduled in lobby

Myrtle Beach International Airport Welcome Center

Andrea Hardwick, Airport Welcome Center Supervisor
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7224
Fax: (843) 839-3849
E-Mail:

• Supervises and coordinate activities of Airport Welcome Center

Marketing Division

The objective of the marketing division is to increase consumer awareness of and business interest in the Grand Strand as a vacation, tour and meetings destination. The division covers the areas of branding, advertising design, media, Internet, public relations, publications and research.

Branding/Advertising/Media – Primary mission is to convince people to visit the Myrtle Beach area by establishing an image, creating the right messages and placing those messages so that they are seen. The media area also helps generate funds for the division through cooperative advertising.

Publications/Web site – These communication pieces provide visitor and member business information for visitors, members and locals. Both the publications and Web site provide products to generate funds to support the division.

Public Relations – This area helps shape the image of the destination in the most efficient and convincing way, while also building the image of the community and the chamber.

Research – Understanding how the community is changing as well as how our audiences are changing is the role of the research area.

Committees:
Advertising/Publicity Committee
Fulfillment Committee
Technology-Based Marketing Committee

Scott Schult, Executive Vice President Marketing
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7298
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Responsible for overseeing new branding and advertising, public relations, research and Web site development
• Develops annual marketing and public relations campaigns

Colleen Balzotti, Graphic Designer
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7249
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Responsible for design and production for in-house publications
• Creates events logos, advertising, forms, flyers, posters, invitations, promotional items, business cards, informational pamphlets

Wendy Bernstein, Research Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7217
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Coordinate the area's quarterly C2ER Cost of Living survey
• Coordinate monthly economic indicators report and annual statistical abstract
• Conducts survey research and analysis
• Coordinate market analysis of visitation to the Myrtle Beach area
• Manages outsourced project efforts with research companies

Contact for:
Demographic and Statistical Data
Myrtle Beach Area Statistical Abstract
Marketing Research Information

Johanna Hodge, Marketing Production Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7236
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Supervises advertising and publishing for the Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide & Visitors Guide, and Grand Strand Living
• Writes printer bid specifications for all out-of-house printing jobs

Contact for:
Official Myrtle Beach Area Vacation Guide
Official Myrtle Beach Area Visitors Guide (sofcover and hardcover)
Grand Strand Living
Fulfillment Committee

Cori Hutslar, Web Site Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7223
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Maintains chamber and CVB Web sites, along with numerous other chamber sponsored Web sites
• Maintains member Internet advertising listings
• Designs and implements enewsletters and other special online features
• Creates banner advertisements for chamber advertising placement

Kimberly Miles, Public Relations Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7218
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Manages media relations along with outside PR agency to garner national publicity for the Myrtle Beach area and tourism members.
• Handles all travel and tourism related media inquiries for the Myrtle Beach area, coordinates press trips, individual media trips, and video shoots.

Contact for:
Public relations initiatives
Media coverage earned for destination (PR measurement reports)
Myrtle Beach press kit, media B-roll, photography
Hosting Travel Journalists
Receiving PR hot leads for media opportunities
PR Hot Spot in Grand Strander

Tina Pace, Marketing Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7262
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Coordinates and administers annual marketing campaigns
• Manages the media evaluation, selection and procurement process
• Administers traffic for creative development and production for all advertising, promotion and publicity
• Coordinates and write applications for grants
• Develops marketing communications (copy/scripts) across various media channels
• Staff liaison for various marketing committees, task forces and industry meetings

Contact for:
Media Placement
Marketing Committees

Bill Rosenthal, Internet Marketing Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7227
Fax: (843) 916-7216
E-Mail:

• Oversees development and management of MBACVB promotional Web site
• Markets VisitMyrtleBeach.com and other MBACC and MBACVB Web sites
• Performs ongoing Web site competitive analysis
• Monitors Web site tracking and reports on statistics and referrals to advertisers
• Responsible for e-mail content creation, distribution and distribution.
• Staff liaison for Technology Based Marketing Committee

Contact for:
Web site traffic details and stats
Advertiser referral statistics
E-mail advertising information

Myrtle Beach Area CVB - Group Sales

Whether a meeting planner is organizing for 10 or 10,000, that individual can rely on the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's unparalleled expertise. Whether it's a family gathering for a reunion, a meeting convention or trade show, sporting event or a motorcoach exploring the Atlantic coast, the CVB seeks out these special groups and books room nights in to our member properties.

Meeting planners, tour operators, sports promoters, travel agents and wholesalers will find this division to be a valuable resource. Our sales managers have a wealth of experience on hotels, attractions, restaurants and services available to groups.

Committee:
CVB - Group Sales Committee

Danna Lilly, CMP, Director of Sales
Division: CVB Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7261
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Plan, develop and implement convention, group sales and service programs for meeting and group planners.

Contact for:
Growing With Groups Referrals

Leanne Barnes, Corporate Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7265
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Promote Myrtle Beach area as a meeting destination for existing and new corporate business prospects
• Coordinate and attend corporate business trade shows

Roy Edmondson, Sports/SMERF Sales Manager
(SMERF: social, military, educational, religious, fraternal)
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7264
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Promote Myrtle Beach area as a sports destination to the group market.
• Coordinates and attend sports and SMERF trade shows.

Ursula Grant, Association Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7299
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Promote Myrtle Beach area as a meeting destination for existing and new association group business
• Coordinate and attend association group trade shows

Sandy Haines, Group Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7248
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Promotes the area to existing and new group business prospects
• Coordinates and attends motorcoach trade shows

Elaine Michaud, International Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7266
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Promotes the area to the international market, travel agents, AAA and CAA markets through direct sales and marketing efforts including international and national tradeshows, sales blitzes and familiarization trips.
• Organizes member and guest services for groups.

Mandy Holt, Convention Services Assistant
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7260
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Assists the convention services manager and/CVB director with daily office duties
• Assists with trade show preparation and follow up
• Production and delivery of literature bags, name badges, VIP packets and other service requests

Contact for:
Welcome bags and other group/convention services

Michelle Schollmeyer, Administrative Assistant
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7267
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Assists the sales team and/or CVB director with the daily office duties
• Assists with trade show preparation and follow up
• Distributes leads to motorcoach and convention lead subscribers

Festivals & Special Events

During the past 57 years, if you ever attended one of the chamber sponsored Sun Fun Festivals, then you saw first hand the work of the festivals & special events division. Their goal is to build festivals and special community activities that create publicity, promote commerce and attract visitors. This group plans some of the area's favorite events, including the Canadian-American Days Festival and Sun Fun Festival, which have been consistently selected as Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Plus, if you’re looking for a casual social event or a fast-moving gathering to build your business contacts, this division offers some of the finest networking events in the Myrtle Beach area. A wide variety of local events, including awards dinners, trade shows and annual meeting, provide great opportunities to promote member business while being actively involved in the community.

Amie Lee, Director of Festivals & Special Events
Division: Festivals & Special Events
Phone: (843) 916-7238
Fax: (843) 916-7256
E-Mail:

• Responsible for planning and managing all chamber special events, including obtaining sponsorships, advertising and pre-promotion, all event logistics.
• Staff liaison for North Strand Council
• Oversees SC I-73 Association & National I-73/I-74 Corridor Association administration

Contact for:
Legislative Luncheon
Legislative Reception
ICE. Awards
Annual Meeting
President's Gala
Chamber Volunteer Celebration
Tourism Week
Membership Business Expos
Business After Hours
Marketing Tourism Summit
South Carolina Hall of Fame

Julie Sluss, Festivals & Special Events Manager
Division: Festivals & Special Events
Phone: (843) 916-7221
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Oversees chamber festivals, including all logistics and sponsorships

Contact for:
Sun Fun Festival
Summer Concert Series
Christmas Towne
Canadian-American Days Festival
Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo

Kema Faulk, Festivals & Special Events Coordinator
Division: Festivals & Special Events
Phone: (843) 916-7276
Fax: (843) 448-3010
E-Mail:

• Supports festival & special events director and manager
• Ensure the FSE Web sites/ Web pages are regularly updated and accurate
• Assists director of Festivals & Special Events and CEO as needed for National and State I-73/ I-74 Corridor Associations

Contact for:
Festival & Special Events Web site questions
General inquiries for the Festivals & Special Events

Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association

Trade organization representing the interest of lodging, restaurants, golf, entertainment, attractions and hospitality services members. Office located in MBACC's main building at 1200 N. Oak St.

Committees:
Business Ethics and Standards Committee

Stephen Greene, President & CEO
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association
Phone: (843) 626-9668
Fax: (843) 448-8143
E-Mail:

• Board of directors
• Government relations
• Management of organizational operations
• Coordinates Program of Work
• Serves as liaison to government, organizations and boards for hospitality industry

Contact for:
Board of directors inquiries

Madeleine Winstead, Manager Membership Services
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association
Phone: (843)626-9668
Fax: (843) 448-8143
E-Mail:

• Provides support for president and CEO, chairman and board of directors
• Coordinates events initiated and/or overseen by the president and CEO
• Coordinates membership recruitment and retention

Contact for:
Membership information