Government Relations

As part of its mission, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping influence legislation and public policy to benefit our community and your business. The MBACC's Legislative Policy Council, formed in 2004, serves as a liaison between chamber members and elected officials to ensure the voice of business is represented at local, state and federal levels. Each year the LPC unveils legislative priorities, which are based on survey results of members' concerns and issues for the upcoming legislative session

The chamber distributes its GovNET legislative e-newsletter every two weeks when the South Carolina General Assembly is in session and at other times as key legislative issues arise. Sign up for GovNET.

Key Issues

• Withers Swash District Plan (PDF)
  Conceptual Study for a Sustainable Master Plan Feb. 26, 2010
• South Carolina Taxation Realignment Commission
  The General Assembly has charged the 11 members of TRAC with making recommendations to overhaul the state's tax structure. This temporary, independent commission of nonlegislators will study the structure to ensure that it is "balanced" from the standpoint of "adequacy, equity and efficiency." The goal of TRAC, and ultimately of the state's tax structure, is furthering South Carolina as an "...optimum competitor in the effort to attract businesses and individuals to locate, live, work and invest in the state..." View the bill to establish TRAC and define its duties.
• Answers to the Oct. 14 Q&A.
  HOA Proposed Legislation Forum Q&A
• Health Care Reform (PDF)
  Thornton Kirby, SC Hospital Association
  Aug. 28 presentation to Legislative Policy Council
• Shoreline Change Executive Summary (PDF)
  In 2007, two South Carolina agencies - SC Dept. of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) & the Office of Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) - initiated a Shoreline Change Initiative to guide public policy regarding management of our state's oceanfront. An advisory committee was formed to lead this effort. Their recommendations, made public in a recent report, could directly impact our community and our local economy. Click above for the executive summary produced by the advisory committee. The full report, including all recommendations, is available online.
• Offshore Drilling Study (PDF)
  South Carolina General Assembly established a study committee to examine the feasibility of natural gas exploration off the coast of South Carolina.The committee recommends exploration of natural gas deposits so that we may evaluate the costs and benefits of harnessing natural gas off our coast. MBACC supports this recommendation.
• 1% Tourism Development Fee
  Fast Facts: Tourism Development Fee
  City Council Presentation April 28, 2009.
  Property Tax Calculator for Residents of the City of Myrtle Beach

Legislative Tracking

• South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
• South Carolina Hospitality Association
• U.S. Chamber Issues & Legislation

Resource Center