Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Main Office

MBACC Staff Directory

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
Email: Brad.Dean@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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
Email: 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
Email:

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

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.

Open Position: Chief Financial Officer
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7211
Fax: (843) 916-7257
Email:

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

Susan Kline, Accounting Manager
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7207
Fax: (843) 448-3007
Email:

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
Email:

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
Email:

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
Email:

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

Alan Cardona, IT Coordinator
Division: Finance
Phone: (843) 916-7201
Fax: (843) 626-0009
Email: Alan.Cardona@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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 manages the chamber's business/visitor center on Oak Street, the call center and the information services department. The Leadership Grand Strand program is also managed by the division.

Programs managed by the division: Business Before, During and After Hours, Connections Marketplace, Behind the Scenes, education programs, leadership forums, the Hurricane Conference & Expo, Chamber Access - new member orientation, Youth Leadership Academy, National Tourism Week, Frontline Employees Appreciation Week, Ambassador socials and events, the annual New Member Reception, North Strand and South Strand membership networking events and, gsSCENE - young professionals. and Chamber Access.

Services managed by the division: Ambassador Program, Member-to-Member Discounts, CVB Member Programs, Small Business Advantage Advertising Cooperative, Office Depot Savings Program, Chamber Video Tour, Going Into Business Web Feature, New Member Web area, TryItLocal.com, Fisher Recycling Program, True Blue Insurance through BlueCross BlueShield, Membership News Alert, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, membership list sales, newsletter and e-blast advertising options, sponsorship sales and chamber Web updates.

Publications produced by the division: Grand Strander, Grand Strander Express, CVB Insider, Grand Strand Living, Yearly Menu of Accomplishments, and Chamber videos.

Electronic publications produced by the division: Annual Report, Grand Strander Online, Grand Strander Express Online, CVB Insider, Economic Indicators, Small Business News, Education Updates, Event Updates, Facebook-Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Twitter-MBAChamber, MBACC Blog, Chamber Text Messages,and Advertising Cooperatives.

Partnerships the chamber is currently involved with related to members:
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce - most members (e-membership)
- 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 - gsSCENE
Leadership Grand Strand

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

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 Services Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7225
Fax: (843) 626-0009
Email:

Oversees membership retention
Coordinates ambassador program
Mails letters, plaque, decal and other materials to renewing members

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
Email:

Supports executive vice president of the membership division
Maintains membership database
Mails letters, plaque, decal and other materials to new members members
Coordinates restaurant member information on GrandStrandRestaurants.com
Coordinates Business Before, During and After Hours events
Coordinates Behind the Scenes
Coordinates Connections Marketplace

Contact for:
Membership Database
GrandStrandRestaurants.com
Business Before, During and After Hours
Behind the Scenes
Connections Marketplace

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

Sells chamber and CVB advertising services

Contact for:
The Official Myrtle Beach Area Visitors Guide
Grand Strand Living
Internet Links
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
Member-to-Member E-Mail Blasts

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

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
Email:

Coordinates education and training programs for chamber members
Staff liaison for gsSCENE Young Professionals
Coordinates small business programs
Coordinate membership marketing

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

Membership Sales

Kate Miles, North Strand Sales Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7234
Fax: (843) 916-7294
Email:

Membership sales to North Strand businesses

Contact for:
North Strand Council

Pam Wright, South Strand Sales Manager
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7220
Fax: (843) 626-0009
Email:

Membership sales to South Strand businesses

MBACC Information Services (Mail Room)

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

Supervises activities of airport outer-office visitor center and the on-site visitor center (Oak Street)
Manages call center activities
Manages information services activities
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:
Inquiry Services
Welcome Center Brochure Racks
Welcome Center Business Card Racks
GrandStrandEvents.com
Accommodations Alert
Project Lifesaver

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

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

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

Assists in Chamber Call Center
Input data into computer for requested literature and information
Assists with Live Chat sessions
Assists with Oak Street lobby, greet and assist guests
Responds to e-mail accounts sessions generated from website

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
Email:

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

Contact for:
South Strand Council

Kasey Harkins, Information Specialist
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7285
Fax: (843) 651-6962
Email: SouthDesk@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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
Email:

Supervises and coordinate activities of Airport Welcome Center

Amy Causey, Information Specialist
Division: Membership Programs & Services
Phone: (843) 916-7224
Fax: (843) 839-3849

Assists with 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/Website – These communication pieces provide visitor and member business information for visitors, members and locals. Both the publications and website 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

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

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

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

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
Email:

Coordinate the area's quarterly C2ER Cost of Living survey (The Council for Community and
Economic Research)
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

Nora Hembree, Media Communications Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7235
Fax: (843) 916-7216
Email: Nora.Hembree@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Media contact for news topics involving the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Manages local publicity of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB
Seeks and monitors publicity for all chamber events, festivals and activities
Distributes chamber news releases and media advisories
Creates and publishes marketing materials and assists in marketing initiatives

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

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

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

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

Cori Hutslar, Website Manager
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7223
Fax: (843) 916-7216
Email:

Maintains chamber and CVB websites, along with numerous other chamber sponsored websites
Maintains member Internet advertising listings
Designs and implements e-newsletters 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
Email:

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 Hotspot in Grand Strander

Mary Mroz, Marketing Specialist
Division: Marketing
Phone: (843) 916-7262
Fax: (843) 916-7216
Email: Mary.Mroz@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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

Myrtle Beach Area CVB - Group Sales

Whether a meeting planner is organizing for 10 or 10,000, that individual can rely on Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's unparalleled expertise.Or 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
Email:

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

Contact for:
Growing With Groups Referrals

Mark Beale, Sports Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7264
Fax: (843) 448-3010
Email:

Promote Myrtle Beach area as a sports destination to the group market
Coordinates and attends sports trade shows

Kim DaRoja, Convention Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7265
Fax: (843) 448-3010
Email: Kim.DaRoja@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Coordinate and attend industry trade shows
Promote Myrtle Beach area as a meeting destination for existing and new convention/meeting prospects

Melanie Doty, Reunion Specialist
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 685-8585
Fax: (843) 448-3010
Email: Melanie.Doty@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Promotes the area as a reunion destination to the group market

Ursula Grant, Convention Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7299
Fax: (843) 448-3010
Email:

Coordinate and attend industry trade shows
Promote Myrtle Beach area as a meeting destination for existing and new convention/meeting prospects

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

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

Kimberly Hartley, Canadian Account Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Address: Myrtle Beach Area CVB, 197 Arichat Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 5N5
Phone: (905) 582-9252
Email: Kimberly.Hartley@VisitMyrtleBeach.com
Website: VisitMyrtleBeach.ca

Elaine Michaud, TMP, Convention/Group Services and International Sales Manager
Division: CVB - Group Sales
Phone: (843) 916-7266
Fax: (843) 448-3010
Email:

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
Email:

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

Contact for:
Welcome literature and other group/convention services

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

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

The Festivals & Special Events division produces more than 40 events and festivals each year. Their goal is to build festivals and special community activities that garner publicity for the destination, creates room nights and attract visitors into the area. This group plans some of the region'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. In addition to the festivals, this team crafts chamber and community events aimed at building business contacts, opportunities for business promotion and showcasing the multitude of benefits and services the chamber/CVB provides.

Contact for:
Annual Meeting
Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival
Canadian-American Days Festival
Chamber Volunteer Celebration
Christmas Towne
Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo
Grand Strand Legislative Reception
ICE Awards
Legislative Luncheon
Marketing Tourism Summit/Marketing Updates
MayFest Events and Activities
Membership Business Expos
President's Gala
South Carolina Hall of Fame
Sun Fun Festival

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

Responsible for overseeing, planning and execution of all chamber special events and festivals
Oversees S.C. Hall of Fame and Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo

Open Position: Festivals & Special Events Manager
Division: Festivals & Special Events
Phone: (843) 916-7221
Fax: (843) 916-7284
Email:

Manages and develops all chamber festivals and special events
Creates and obtains event sponsorships
Coordination of local promotion and advertising for events

Kema Faulk, Festivals & Special Events Coordinator
Division: Festivals & Special Events
Phone: (843) 916-7276
Fax: (843) 916-7284
Email:

Supports festival & special events director and manager
Ensures the FSE websites/ Web pages are regularly updated and accurate

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
Email:

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

Hailey Baker, Manager of Membership Services
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association
Phone: (843) 626-9668
Fax: (843) 448-8143
Email: Hailey.Baker@MBHospitality.org

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

Events & Registration