Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce | Member Resources

Grand Strander Express Archive

Weekly e-newsletter of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Jan. 29, 2012

Top 10 hospitality industry trends for 2012
The hospitality landscape is evolving quickly as new technology demands that hotels become more social and engaging in their marketing efforts, travelers are looking for the best value propositions, and consumer demand is pushing for hotels to make concerted efforts on property upgrades and improvements.

To understand the market and to help hoteliers capitalize on what's to come, Robert Rauch, otherwise known as the Hotel Guru and president of R.A. Rauch & Associates, a San Diego-based hospitality management company, has compiled and released his list of Top 10 hospitality industry trends for 2012. Read More

Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women
''Speak UP! Give Voice to the Vision''
March 19 & 20, 2012
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
The Women's Leadership Conference educates, motivates and challenges women to become change-makers in their own lives, their communities and the world. The much anticipated 2012 program builds upon a highly successful inaugural event with a roster of notable speakers from the fields of entrepreneurship, business, media, politics and more. Here are just a few of the inspiring speakers - visit the Speakers Page for the latest lineup. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is a proud sponsor of the Women's Leadership Conference.

- Vernice ''FlyGirl'' Armour - First African-American female combat pilot
- Molly Barker - Four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete
- Theresa Earnheart - Motorsports isn't just a Good Ol' Boys Club anymore!
- Roxana Saberi - Freelance journalist and author. Former political prisoner.
- Tori Murden McClure - First woman to row solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean
- Sharon Milligan - managing director/director of Financial Advocacy for Wells Fargo Advisors
- Inez Tenenbaum - chairwoman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

At the conclusion of the conference, Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University hosts its annual Celebration of Inspiring Women which honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to our state, region, nation and world.

Conference Fees - Conference registration includes access to plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, exhibit areas, book-signings, lunch and breaks both days; networking reception Monday evening; continental breakfast Tuesday morning.
- Early Bird registration conference only (register by Feb. 20): $220
- Individual registration conference only (after Feb. 20): $249
- Group registration (five or more) conference only: $220 per person
- Individual registration Celebration of Inspiring Women only (March 20, 2012,
6:30 p.m.) cocktail reception, seated dinner and awards program: $125

Saying 'thank you' to members
Don't be surprised if you receive a visit or telephone call from a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce staff person soon. In November, we continued this quarterly,
all day member appreciation blitz with more than 351 chamber members hearing from chamber staff. On Feb. 1, chamber staff will be hitting the roads and phones again to learn more about our service members (landscaping, plumbing, printing, etc.) and let them know that we value their membership. Chamber staff will deliver a goodie bag containing information about upcoming events, Member-to-Member Discounts and discounts card and more.

Show your membership pride online
The 2012 MBACC membership plaque is now available for use on member websites. Login to the members only section of our website to download a membership plaque.

Call for exhibitors: 2012 Grand Strand TechEXPO
Grand Strand TechEXPO, March 21, 2012, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Free event. Exhibits open to the public from 12-6 p.m. Sponsored by Grand Strand Technology Council. Exhibit booths range from $180 to $275. Check out their website for info or contact John Sanders, Grand Strand Technology Council chairman, at (843) 491-6060. MBACC is pleased to participate as a co-sponsor for this third annual event.

Jan. 23, 2012

New Membership Benefits
It's a new year, and we're rolling out some brand new benefits for MBACC members. We're working on your behalf to create unique opportunities for learning and making new connections, and that starts with providing you the tools and resources you need to grow your business.

B-to-B Connects is a new networking event designed for businesses whose success depends on word-of-mouth referrals and marketing. Participants will have 2-3 minutes to present their business to members. This event is limited to a small number of attendees for a more intimate networking experience. Sign-up for the Feb. 15 event.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recently launched its new mobile Web app, which allows users to find members in the chamber's directory, search and register for events, stay up-to-date on chamber news and view and redeem special discounts.

Small Business Buzz - Tips for first-time business owners
Sometimes the best advice comes from those who have been there, done that. That's exactly what can be read about in the article, ''10 Tips for the First Time Business Owner'' by Scott Gerber for Entrepreneur.com. Check out the best tips of advice he wish someone had told him before he started his own business. Read more Small Business Buzz articles online.

Myrtle Beach SkyWheel wins Civic Pride Decoration Contest
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel was the winner of the ''Myrtle Beach Area Goes Presidential'' Civic Pride Decoration Contest. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel showed off their community pride and national patriotism by decorating with an impressive patriotic light display, balloons and flags. For having the winning decorations, Myrtle Beach SkyWheel won a $300 VISA gift card, provided by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. All Myrtle Beach area businesses were invited to decorate their business in a patriotic theme and enter the contest. Myrtle Beach Pelicans was awarded second place and received a $200 gift card and Past & Presents at The Market Common was awarded third place and received a $100 gift card.

Show your membership pride online
The 2012 MBACC membership plaque is now available for use on member websites. Login to the members only section of our website to download a membership plaque.

Call for exhibitors: 2012 Grand Strand TechEXPO
Grand Strand TechEXPO, March 21, 2012, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Free event. Exhibits open to the public from 12-6 p.m. Sponsored by Grand Strand Technology Council. Exhibit booths range from $180 to $275. Check out their website for info or contact John Sanders, Grand Strand Technology Council chairman, at (843) 491-6060. MBACC is pleased to participate as a co-sponsor for this third annual event.

Jan. 16, 2012

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, T-Mobile, Pool Services Corporation and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood, The Melting Pot and Benjamin's Bakery.

'Myrtle Beach Area Goes Presidential'
for January 2012 Republican Primary Debate
View the SCGOP "Experience" for a list of events.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
Events include a gospel concert, brown bag working luncheon, corporate and community awards breakfast and parade. Visit the Carolina African Heritage Foundation for details.

Restaurant Week South Carolina
Whether you dine on cheeseburgers at Fuddruckers or cheese fondue at The Melting Pot, Restaurant Week South Carolina is all about the food. Restaurant Week is an 11 day celebration (Jan. 12-22) of the cuisine scene in South Carolina at hundreds of participating restaurants. From fine dining to casual, participating Myrtle Beach area restaurants will feature special menus items, promotions and discounts. Diners can sample our newest restaurants, dine at old favorites and taste a variety of exceptional dishes being prepared by chefs at a great value for customers.

What do business professionals have less of than ever before?
Time. What does this have to do with being a chamber member? Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is able to do collectively what many business professionals don't have the time to do themselves, such as following a piece of anti-business legislation or promoting local business and tourism. Your continued membership allows us to promote, protect and improve business along the Grand Strand. Visit your chamber's website to discover all that your membership has to offer.

Pros & cons of Google+ for small business
For those of you who have been wondering whether Google+ is worth it for your small business, this article on Mashable gives a great rundown of the pros and cons. Now that brand pages are out, is Google+ a worthwhile landscape for small business? Weigh out the issues ...

Jan. 9, 2012

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, T-Mobile, Pool Services Corporation and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood, The Melting Pot and Benjamin's Bakery.

'Myrtle Beach Area Goes Presidential'
for January 2012 Republican Primary Debate
MBACC urges local businesses to offer special deals, show community pride & patriotism
2012 Republican Presidential Debate Visitor Discounts
Businesses are encouraaged to show their community pride by sending in business discounts for the Myrtle Beach Presidential Primary Debate. Discounts will be posted on VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Debate for the public from Jan. 13-16. Submit your discounts by Jan. 9 - buy one, get one free; 20% off; free gift with purchase; etc. Great opportunity to promote your business to thousands!

Promote Your Events/Menu Specials
Advertise your presidential debate special activities/debate viewing parties/special menu items/patriotic cocktails/etc. for free on VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Debate. Complete a simple form.

All business event promotions, visitor discounts and contest entries must be submitted by Jan. 9 for placement and/or judging prior to the debate and surrounding events. For more information, call (843) 626-7444.

Small Business Buzz
The way to train
As businesses grow, so do the need for new employees, but a hard part can be training new or junior employees efficiently. Instead of focusing on training the technique of the job, it's best to look at what the trainee needs to know. It's hard to teach someone skills that you know like the back of your hand. The article, ''The Best Approach to Training'' in the October 2011 online edition of Harvard Business Review gives some great advice in training your employees. Read more Small Business Buzz articles online.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
Events include a gospel concert, brown bag working luncheon, corporate and community awards breakfast and parade. Visit the Carolina African Heritage Foundation for details.

MBACC launches free mobile app
Find local businesses, and stay connected with news, events and exclusive discounts. You can download our mobile app by visiting http://web.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/mobile on your smartphone or mobile device. Every chamber member has a free listing in the business directory (just like the print and online directories). The MBACC mobile app also includes:
Direct Call - Users can take advantage of one touch dialing to call each business member.
Search - Users can search by category, type of business or business name.
Deals - Users can find out about chamber businesses that offer coupons to the public and exclusive discounts to chamber members.
Events - Learn where and when your nearest chamber event is happening right from your phone! You can also instantly register for events.
News - Stay up-to-date with the latest chamber news! The app also features a link to our Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Restaurant Week South Carolina
Whether you dine on cheeseburgers at Fuddruckers or cheese fondue at The Melting Pot, Restaurant Week South Carolina is all about the food. Restaurant Week is an 11 day celebration (Jan. 12-22) of the cuisine scene in South Carolina at hundreds of participating restaurants. From fine dining to casual, participating Myrtle Beach area restaurants will feature special menus items, promotions and discounts. Diners can sample our newest restaurants, dine at old favorites and taste a variety of exceptional dishes being prepared by chefs at a great value for customers.
Transform January white sales into green
Customers have come to expect all-year-round deals and promotions. Don't shut down your holiday email program when you take down your festive lighting. Send out a Member-to-Member Email and let everyone know about your January specials. Remember, Valentine's Day is soon to follow and your customers will be looking for new gifts for their loved ones.

Call for exhibitors: 2012 Grand Strand TechEXPO
Grand Strand TechEXPO, March 21, 2012, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Free event. Exhibits open to the public from 12-6 p.m. Sponsored by Grand Strand Technology Council. Exhibit booths range from $180 to $275. Check out their website for info or contact John Sanders, Grand Strand Technology Council chairman, at (843) 491-6060. MBACC is pleased to participate as a co-sponsor for this third annual event.

Jan. 2, 2012

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Reserve your booth: $125 - register by Jan. 5 The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, T-Mobile and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

'Myrtle Beach Area Goes Presidential'
for January 2012 Republican Primary Debate
MBACC urges local businesses to offer special deals, show community pride & patriotism
2012 Republican Presidential Debate Visitor Discounts
Businesses are encouraaged to show their community pride by sending in business discounts for the Myrtle Beach Presidential Primary Debate. Discounts will be posted on VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Debate from Jan. 13-16. Submit your | discounts by Jan. 9 - buy one, get one free; 20% off; free gift with purchase; etc. Great opportunity to promote your business to thousands!

Show off Your Patriotism and Win $300
More than 4,000 people are expected to attend the debate along with hundreds of journalists from across the country. Businesses are asked to show off their patriotism by entering MBACC's Civic Pride Decoration Contest for a chance to win - 1st Place - $300, 2nd Place - $200, 3rd Place - $100. Raise the American flag, wrap your businesses in red, white and blue, and post welcome signs. Entries will be judged for patriotic theme and creativity. Judging takes place Jan. 13.

Promote Your Events/Menu Specials
Advertise your presidential debate special activities/debate viewing parties/special menu items/patriotic cocktails/etc. for free on VisitMyrtleBeach.com/Debate. Complete a simple form.

MBACC launches free mobile app
Find local businesses, and stay connected with news, events and exclusive discounts. You can download our mobile app by visiting http://web.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/mobile on your smartphone or mobile device. Every chamber member has a free listing in the business directory (just like the print and online directories). The MBACC mobile app also includes:
Direct Call - Users can take advantage of one touch dialing to call each business member.
Search - Users can search by category, type of business or business name.
Deals - Users can find out about chamber businesses that offer coupons to the public and exclusive discounts to chamber members.
Events - Learn where and when your nearest chamber event is happening right from your phone! You can also instantly register for events.
News - Stay up-to-date with the latest chamber news! The app also features a link to our Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Restaurant Week South Carolina
Whether you dine on cheeseburgers at Fuddruckers or cheese fondue at The Melting Pot, Restaurant Week South Carolina is all about the food. Restaurant Week is an 11 day celebration (Jan. 12-22) of the cuisine scene in South Carolina at hundreds of participating restaurants. From fine dining to casual, participating Myrtle Beach area restaurants will feature special menus items, promotions and discounts. Diners can sample our newest restaurants, dine at old favorites and taste a variety of exceptional dishes being prepared by chefs at a great value for customers.

Send us your 2012 fundraising events
Are you a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce nonprofit member holding a fundraising event? Are you a MBACC business member sponsoring a local nonprofit fundraising event? Announce it to other chamber members by submitting the Fundraising Event Publicity Form.

The five deadly sins of email marketing
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with email marketing - broken links, typos, unoptimized images - the list goes on. If we step away from this detail-oriented mindset, however, we can understand and fix some of the bigger issues that are likely holding our email marketing campaigns back. Check out the five deadly sins of email marketing. Source: HubSpot.

Transform January white sales into green
Customers have come to expect all-year-round deals and promotions. Don't shut down your holiday email program when you take down your festive lighting. Send out a Member-to-Member Email and let everyone know about your January specials. Remember, Valentine's Day is soon to follow and your customers will be looking for new gifts for their loved ones.

Dec. 26, 2011

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Check out the holiday deals from fellow chamber members when planning your employee or family gathering.

2012 Republican Debate Souvenir Program
Full Page $500 ... Half Page $250 ... Premium $750
4 Color
Quantity: 6,000
Ad specs on contract
Space reservation: Dec. 27, 2011
Ads due: Dec. 28, 2011
For more information contact:
Scott.Head@VisitMyrtleBeach.com
(843) 916-7277

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Reserve your booth: $125 - register by Jan. 5 The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, T-Mobile and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

Are you open on New Year's Day?
Our Call Center is receiving questions about restaurants serving holiday meals. Is your restaurant/hotel preparing a special meal? Let us know - send a quick email to the Call Center and provide details - day, hours, price, etc.

Dec. 12, 2011

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Check out the holiday deals from fellow chamber members when planning your employee or family gathering.
Helping at the holidays
Help make holiday wishes come true by giving to your local nonprofits.

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Investing in a booth at the MBACC/MBAHA Member-to-Member Business Expo provides your business with the opportunity to make new connections and reach new markets! Reserve your booth by Dec. 15 and keep $26 in your pocket - Booth Fee: $99 through Dec. 15 ; $125 after Dec. 15. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, Canteen and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

Are you open on Christmas? New Year's Day?
Our Call Center is receiving questions about restaurants serving holiday meals. Is your restaurant/hotel preparing a special meal? Let us know - send a quick email to the Call Center and provide details - day, hours, price, etc.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Check out all the merry discounts.

Call for exhibitors: 2012 Grand Strand TechEXPO
Grand Strand TechEXPO, March 21, 2012, Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Free event. Exhibits open to the public from 12-6 p.m. Sponsored by Grand Strand Technology Council. Exhibit booths range from $180 to $275. Check out their website for info or contact John Sanders, Grand Strand Technology Council chairman, at (843) 491-6060. MBACC is pleased to participate as a co-sponsor for this third annual event.

Dec. 5, 2011

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Check out the holiday deals from fellow chamber members when planning your employee or family gathering.
Helping at the holidays
Help make holiday wishes come true by giving to your local nonprofits.

Welcome 2011 USA Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
The 2011 USA Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Dec. 10 at Whispering Pines Golf Course and are expected to draw 2,500-3,000 youth athletes and their families and friends. An opening ceremony will be held Dec. 9 and a closing ceremony Dec. 10 both at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The Myrtle Beach City Council has designated this week as ''Youth Cross Country Championships Week'' in the City of Myrtle Beach. Pursuant to this designation the normal rules for welcoming signs and banners have been relaxed (see #4 in the resolution). Beginning Dec. 3 through Dec. 11, area businesses can display temporary signs and banners to welcome event participants. Show your support for these Junior Olympic stars with an enthusiastic welcome sign.

2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Investing in a booth at the MBACC/MBAHA Member-to-Member Business Expo provides your business with the opportunity to make new connections and reach new markets! Reserve your booth by Dec. 15 and keep $26 in your pocket - Booth Fee: $99 through Dec. 15 ; $125 after Dec. 15. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, Canteen and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffet in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

Public Policy Survey
Weigh in on issues that keep our economy strong and growing. This brief public policy survey is extremely important to your chamber's advocacy efforts. Deadline to submit is Dec. 16.

Thank you
Thank you to all the members who submitted MBACC membership surveys. Five lucky members took home $100 gift cards:
Boy Scouts of America
CMG Promos Inc.
Fresenius Medical Care
Smoke Free Horry County
Watermark Real Estate Group

Getting those government contracts
The U.S. Government awards $400 billion dollars annually for business contracts. Have you ever wondered how to get in on that business? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers a Government Contract Toolkit on their Small Business Nation webpage. In this toolkit you can find out what you need to know, writing proposals, getting registered and all the ins and outs of what it takes to get in on that chuck of money. Read more Small Business Buzz articles.

25 'worst passwords' of 2011 revealed
Read this article to see if your password is on the list!

Are you open on Christmas? New Year's Day?
Our Call Center is receiving questions about restaurants serving holiday meals. Is your restaurant/hotel preparing a special meal? Let us know - send a quick email to the Call Center and provide details - day, hours, price, etc.

Nov. 28, 2011

Special Invitation
MBACC Membership Meeting
Presented by MBACC Board of Directors
Dec. 1 ~ 1-2 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Meeting Rooms 106 & 107
2101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
Free parking in Convention Center parking garage or $3 in parking lot
Please join us for a special Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting presented by your MBACC board of directors. This is an excellent opportunity to meet members of the board of directors, learn about several key membership areas, and provide your input on these important issues.
Board members will update members on:
Media coverage of MBACC
Top initiatives for 2012 and how MBACC is moving forward on these priorities
Don't miss this important Membership Meeting. Register today

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Check out the holiday deals from fellow chamber members when planning your employee or family gathering.
Helping at the holidays
Help make holiday wishes come true by giving to your local nonprofits.

Media Center
Learn how you can use the media to help your business grow at MBACC's Media Center. Find a media contact list, public relations info, press kits, and Myrtle Beach area image and video galleries. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's public relations manager is constantly updating public relations contacts for PR initiatives. Visit the online Media Center to submit your contact info and to download Travel Media Tips so if a travel writer is visiting your business, you will be on top of your game!

Nov. 21, 2011

Promote your business at Christmas Towne
Exhibitor booth deadline Nov. 25
Want an affordable way to promote your business or service to more than 5,000 Horry and Georgetown residents? Sign up to be an exhibitor at the free premier community holiday event of 2011 ... Christmas Towne! Mark your calendar for Dec. 11 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A & Outdoor Events Plaza). Activities include: Free photos with Santa, official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach, train rides, exhibitor giveaways and much more! Exhibitors are allowed to display signage, promotional materials and sell non-food/beverage goods in their display space. The first 30 applications will be accepted. Fees: (includes 10x10 booth space, table and two chairs) MBACC Members: $80; Nonmembers: $100. Visit Christmas Towne to learn more and to download an exhibitor form.

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Let MBACC help you promote your venues/services
~ Is your business a restaurant or hotel that has space for group holiday parties? Or does your restaurant offer catering to clients for their in-house employee party?
~ Does your business have a meeting room that would be ideal for a small festive gathering?
~ Are you a caterer looking for some holiday business?
MBACC wants to help book holiday events for you. Send us your holiday business info, such as space for up to 100 people, group holiday menu starting at $25 per person, full catering available, etc. And of course don't forget to include your business name, address, contact person's email and telephone. Your holiday info will be posted on the chamber's website for the public and members to see. If you would like to offer discounts to chamber members, be sure to let us know. Send us holiday info. If you have questions, give us a call at (843) 916-7205. Remember, the sooner you send it in, the sooner we'll post it!

Helping at the holidays
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce would like to share your nonprofit organization's Holiday Wish List with chamber members and the public. We will be posting your needed items and holiday volunteer opportunities on the chamber's Nonprofit Resource Center and sending out emails letting members know about the Holiday Wish List. Please email the following information:
Info for Web posting
Name of organization
Street address
City
Phone number
Email address
Website address
Brief description of your organization
Items for wish list
Drop off site address and hours
Holiday volunteer opportunities (dates, times, locations, phone number to call to volunteer, etc.)
Special instructions
Please also send a contact name, phone number and email (if we have questions).

Mark your calendars
2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Investing in a booth at the MBACC/MBAHA Member-to-Member Business Expo provides your business with the opportunity to make new connections and reach new markets! Reserve your booth by Dec. 15 and keep $26 in your pocket - Booth Fee: $99 through Dec. 15 ; $125 after Dec. 15. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, Canteen and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffett in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

Warm up customers with a holiday email
Don't forget to use the chamber's Member-to-Member Email as a marketing tool for promoting your holiday events, dining menus and year-end shopping specials. Is your hotel or bed & breakfast offering special holiday rates? Are you planning an incredible New Year's Eve party? Is your year-end clearance a shoppers paradise? Let other chamber members know about your special holiday activities and outrageous sales. For as little as $300, you can reach more than 2,100 members. Reserve your Member-to-Member Email by contacting Scott Head, advertising sales manager, at (843) 916-7277.

Small Business Buzz
Holiday marketing campaigns for small business
While everyone is gearing up for the holidays one thing that might slip by you is not what you are going to give your staff as a Christmas gift, but what are you going to do to promote your business during the holidays. According to an article titled ''Seven Tips for a Successful Holiday Campaign'' on Entreprenuer.com, there are several techniques your business can take advantage of while using email marketing campaigns and capitalizing on the holiday cheer. Check out the tips. Go online to read more Small Business Buzz articles.

Are you open on Thanksgiving? Christmas?
Our Call Center is receiving questions about restaurants serving holiday meals. Is your restaurant/hotel preparing a special meal? Let us know - send a quick email to the Call Center and provide details - day, hours, price, etc.

Shop Small on Nov. 26!
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday can drive shoppers to small businesses across the country as we enter the holiday season. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 26. Small business owners can download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday. American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising to 10,000 business owners who sign up to help build online buzz and drive customers to their stores on Small Business Saturday. By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to Nov. 26. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Check out all the merry discounts.

Give back this holiday season
Drop-Off Location: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: Collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2t
What: Toys for Tots
When: Collection through Dec. 19, 2011
Details: Distributes new, unwrapped toys to more than 12,000 children in Horry County

Nov. 14, 2011

Promote your business at Christmas Towne
Want an affordable way to promote your business or service to more than 5,000 Horry and Georgetown residents? Sign up to be an exhibitor at the free premier community holiday event of 2011 ... Christmas Towne! Mark your calendar for Dec. 11 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A & Outdoor Events Plaza). Activities include: Free photos with Santa, official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach, train rides, exhibitor giveaways and much more! Exhibitors are allowed to display signage, promotional materials and sell non-food/beverage goods in their display space. The first 30 applications will be accepted. Fees: (includes 10x10 booth space, table and two chairs) MBACC Members: $80; Nonmembers: $100. Visit Christmas Towne to learn more and to download an exhibitor form.

South Carolina Warriors
First Game is "Chamber of Commerce" Night
All chamber members: Buy one ticket for $10 and get one free
Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
South Carolina Warriors vs Carolina Jaguars
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
South Carolina Warriors are coached by Chris Beard, former Texas Tech University coach who was an assistant to Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Knight. Warriors also have four former Coastal Carolina University players; Joe Harris, Jack Leasure, Colin Stevens and Mario Edwards. Even with the ABA having 85 teams in the league nationwide, your Warriors are pre-season ranked #20 in their first season! The Warriors will have a weekly show called the ''Coaches Corner'' and broadcast their games on ESPN Radio. The Warriors are members of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and looking for other members to become business partners and get involved with the team. The coaches and players are available to make appearances and speaking engagements to promote your company. The games are expected to be fast paced, fun and great for families. Visit their website for further information or to order tickets or contact Ko Arms at (843) 424-2231 or email.

'Tis the season for holiday party planning
Let MBACC help you promote your venues/services
~ Is your business a restaurant or hotel that has space for group holiday parties? Or does your restaurant offer catering to clients for their in-house employee party?
~ Does your business have a meeting room that would be ideal for a small festive gathering?
~ Are you a caterer looking for some holiday business?
MBACC wants to help book holiday events for you. Send us your holiday business info, such as space for up to 100 people, group holiday menu starting at $25 per person, full catering available, etc. And of course don't forget to include your business name, address, contact person's email and telephone. Your holiday info will be posted on the chamber's website for the public and members to see. If you would like to offer discounts to chamber members, be sure to let us know. Send us holiday info. If you have questions, give us a call at (843) 916-7205. Remember, the sooner you send it in, the sooner we'll post it!

Mark your calendars
2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo
The sixties were about diversity, hope, change and making your voice heard. With this in mind, your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association decided to bring this decade's excitement to the biggest business networking event of 2012 - the MBACC/MBAHA 2012 Member-to-Member Business Expo, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 , from 4-7 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Investing in a booth at the MBACC/MBAHA Member-to-Member Business Expo provides your business with the opportunity to make new connections and reach new markets! Reserve your booth by Dec. 15 and keep $26 in your pocket - Booth Fee: $99 through Dec. 15 ; $125 after Dec. 15. The Member-to-Member Business Expo is presented by Frontier and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Myrtle Beach Mobile, Canteen and Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Food provided by Cravinley's Buffett in a Box, Planet Hollywood and The Melting Pot.

Warm up customers with a holiday email
Don't forget to use the chamber's Member-to-Member Email as a marketing tool for promoting your holiday events, dining menus and year-end shopping specials. Is your hotel or bed & breakfast offering special holiday rates? Are you planning an incredible New Year's Eve party? Is your year-end clearance a shoppers paradise? Let other chamber members know about your special holiday activities and outrageous sales. For as little as $300, you can reach more than 2,100 members. Reserve your Member-to-Member Email by contacting Scott Head, advertising sales manager, at (843) 916-7277

Office Depot
Maximize your savings with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Office Depot savings program. Because of your membership with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber, it costs you nothing to sign up for this program. Simply contact your local Office Depot representative, Curtis Richardson, at (888) 213-8948, ext. 5499. This November, receive a free wall calendar with your qualifying purchase of $125 or more, on top of the already great everyday savings from Office Depot. Offer valid through Nov 30, 2011.
- 15-30% off copy paper, ink, toner and general supplies
- Next day delivery and free shipping on orders over $50
- 5% discount on nearly everything Office Depot sells
- Deeper discounts on the items you purchase most often
- Program-exclusive pricing on copy/print services

U.S. Chamber Small Business Community
Over the past few years, small businesses right here in the Myrtle Beach area have been logging on to U.S. Chamber Small Business Nation to take advantage of online resources, toolkits and advice to help them thrive in the down economy. As a small business member of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, you can enjoy complimentary membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - it's a value-added benefit of MBACC membership. The U.S. Chamber has taken the existing Small Business Nation website and enhanced it with a number of exciting, new features, including:
Small Business Community Section
- 'Ask the Experts' features questions asked by you and addressed by chamber issue and policy experts through video;
- Weekly 'Small Business Tips' highlights top content from the toolkits;
- Key Findings from the Quarterly Small Business Outlook Surveys;
- Frequently Asked Questions, where you can submit questions regarding your business or the U.S. Chamber and get answers immediately; and,
- Conference Call Archives with hours of policy briefings and updates to keep you in the know on a wide range of issues.

Use your U.S. Chamber member number to access these upgraded benefits and log into the Small Business Community Section. If you have not received your U.S. Chamber membership number via email, please contact the U.S. Chamber customer service at (800) 638-6582 or email.

Are you open on Thanksgiving? Christmas?
Our Call Center is receiving questions about restaurants serving holiday meals. Is your restaurant/hotel preparing a special meal? Let us know - send a quick email to the Call Center and provide details - day, hours, price, etc.

Shop Small on Nov. 26!
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday can drive shoppers to small businesses across the country as we enter the holiday season. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 26. Small business owners can download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday. American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising to 10,000 business owners who sign up to help build online buzz and drive customers to their stores on Small Business Saturday. By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to Nov. 26. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Check out all the merry discounts.

Submit a nomination for SBA's 2012 small business awards
Know any outstanding South Carolina small businesses or business advocates? Nominate them for SBA's 2012 small business awards. This year, the awards include nearly 20 business and advocacy categories. The deadline to submit a nomination is Dec. 1, 2011. Learn More

Give back this holiday season
Drop-Off Location: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Mrytle Beach
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: Collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2 at
What: Toys for Tots
When: Collection through Dec. 19, 2011.
Details: Distributes new, unwrapped toys to more than 12,000 children in Horry County.

Nov. 7, 2011

Promote your business at Christmas Towne
Want an affordable way to promote your business or service to more than 5,000 Horry and Georgetown residents? Sign up to be an exhibitor at the free premier community holiday event of 2011 ... Christmas Towne! Mark your calendar for Dec. 11 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A & Outdoor Events Plaza). Activities include: Free photos with Santa, official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach, train rides, exhibitor giveaways and much more! Exhibitors are allowed to display signage, promotional materials and sell non-food/beverage goods in their display space. The first 30 applications will be accepted. Fees: (includes 10x10 booth space, table and two chairs) MBACC Members: $70 (Early bird rate through Nov. 11; $80 starting Nov. 12). Nonmembers: $85 (Early bird rate through Nov. 11; $100 starting Nov. 12). Visit Christmas Towne to learn more and to download an exhibitor form.

Official Cocktail of Coastal Uncorked Ciroc Challenge
Nov. 8 ~ 6-8 p.m.
@ Revolutions, Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association in partnership with Coastal Uncorked and Ben Arnold Distributing will host a mixology competition centered on creating the Official Cocktail of Coastal Uncorked. The winning cocktail will be highlighted throughout the entire festival including restaurant week, golf tournament, gala, etc. Tickets: $20 (includes all food and tastings for the evening).

U.S. Chamber Small Business Community
Over the past few years, small businesses right here in the Myrtle Beach area have been logging on to U.S. Chamber Small Business Nation to take advantage of online resources, toolkits and advice to help them thrive in the down economy. As a small business member of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, you can enjoy complimentary membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - it's a value-added benefit of MBACC membership. The U.S. Chamber has taken the existing Small Business Nation website and enhanced it with a number of exciting, new features, including:
Small Business Community Section
- 'Ask the Experts' feature with questions asked by you and addressed by chamber issue and policy experts through video;
- Weekly 'Small Business Tips' highlighting top content from the toolkits;
- Key Findings from the Quarterly Small Business Outlook Surveys;
- Frequently Asked Questions, where you can submit questions regarding your business or the U.S. Chamber and get answers immediately; and,
- Conference Call Archives with hours of policy briefings and updates to keep you in the know on a wide range of issues.

Use your U.S. Chamber member number to access these upgraded benefits and log into the Small Business Community Section. If you have not received your U.S. Chamber membership number via email, please contact the U.S. Chamber customer service at (800) 638-6582 or email.

Shop Small on Nov. 26!
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday can drive shoppers to small businesses across the country as we enter the holiday season. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 26. Small business owners can download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday. American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising to 10,000 business owners who sign up to help build online buzz and drive customers to their stores on Small Business Saturday. By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to Nov. 26. When we all shop small, it will be huge.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Check out all the merry discounts.

Submit a nomination for SBA's 2012 small business awards
Know any outstanding South Carolina small businesses or business advocates? Nominate them for SBA's 2012 small business awards. This year, the awards include nearly 20 business and advocacy categories. The deadline to submit a nomination is Dec. 1, 2011. Learn More

Give back this holiday season
Drop-Off Location: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Mrytle Beach
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: Collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2 at
What: Toys for Tots
When: Collection through Dec. 19, 2011.
Details: Distributes new, unwrapped toys to more than 12,000 children in Horry County.

Oct. 31, 2011

Member Survey
Is your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce a world-class chamber or just mediocre? Are we productive? Action-oriented? Accessible? Innovative? Is your chamber providing the programs and services that are important to your business? In less than three minutes, you can help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Everyone who completes the member survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. Help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Deadline forsurvey is Oct. 31.

Small Business Buzz
How to deal with online slander
With social media being used everywhere we turn, it's not a surprise that sometimes comments made online and that go viral can really hurt a business's reputation. With sites that allow you to rate your service of a business, some consumers use these as a great way to share what exceptional or not so amazing customer service they had with a business. But some posters are making accusations and posts that may not be true and can really hurt your business.

According to an article titled ''How Business Owners Counter Online Slander'' in Bloomberg Businessweekby Karen Klein, ''While a crop of online reputation management services has surfaced in recent years, fighting back is costly and time consuming. It is difficult to find the source of many complaints, short of a federal court order, and when they surface they most often come from competitors or fired employees.'' Want to find out what to do if you are a business owner of a company facing online slander? Read the entire article. Check out other Small Business Buzz articles.

Promote your business at Christmas Towne
Want an affordable way to promote your business or service to more than 5,000 Horry and Georgetown residents? Sign up to be an exhibitor at the free premier community holiday event of 2011 ... Christmas Towne! Mark your calendar for Dec. 11 from 2-6:30 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A & Outdoor Events Plaza). Activities include: Free photos with Santa, official tree lighting ceremony for the City of Myrtle Beach, train rides, exhibitor giveaways and much more! Exhibitors are allowed to display signage, promotional materials and sell non-food/beverage goods in their display space. The first 30 applications will be accepted. Fees: (includes 10x10 booth space, table and two chairs) MBACC Members: $70 (Early bird rate through Nov. 11; $80 starting Nov. 12). Nonmembers: $85 (Early bird rate through Nov. 11; $100 starting Nov. 12). Visit Christmas Towne to learn more and to download an exhibitor form.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Check out all the merry discounts.

Submit a nomination for SBA's 2012 small business awards
Know any outstanding South Carolina small businesses or business advocates? Nominate them for SBA's 2012 small business awards. This year, the awards include nearly 20 business and advocacy categories. The deadline to submit a nomination is Dec. 1, 2011. Learn More

Give back this holiday season
Drop-Off Location: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Mrytle Beach
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: Collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2 at
What: Toys for Tots
When: Collection through Dec. 19, 2011.
Details: Distributes new, unwrapped toys to more than 12,000 children in Horry County.

Oct. 24, 2011

Member Survey
Is your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce a world-class chamber or just mediocre? Are we productive? Action-oriented? Accessible? Innovative? Is your chamber providing the programs and services that are important to your business? In less than three minutes, you can help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Everyone who completes the member survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. Help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Deadline for survey is Oct. 31.

Welcome home Honor Flight veterans
On Oct. 26, at approximately 8 p.m. at Myrtle Beach International Airport, WWII and Korean War veterans will be arriving home from a trip to Washington D.C. as part of Honor Flight Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach. Operation Welcome Home invites you to be a part of this memorable event. Plan to be in the terminal around 7:30 p.m. Bring your parking ticket for validation at the information desk.

Grand Strand Hospitality Industry Awards
Nov. 17 ~ 8:30-10 a.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association is seeking nominations for its annual Hospitality Industry Awards: Hotelier of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Front Line Employee of the Year, Heart of the House Employee of the Year, and Hospitality Services Member of the Year. Nominations are due Oct. 28.

Holiday events filling GrandStrandEvents.com
Concerts, plays, parades and plenty of Santa sightings are filling the online calendar at GrandStrandEvents.com. Go online today and post your events. Events must be community oriented and open to the general public. Commercial advertisements, sales promotions, adult-oriented or personal announcements will not be approved to appear on GrandStrandEvents.com. GrandStrandEvents.com reserves the right to accept, deny or edit any submission to this community calendar.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts, and we'll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It's free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the online form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 24.

Give this holiday season
Drop-Off Location: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Mrytle Beach
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: Collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2 at
What: Toys for Tots
When: Collection through Dec. 19, 2011.
Details: Distributes new, unwrapped toys to more than 12,000 children in Horry County.

Oct. 17, 2011

MBACC salutes members at annual meeting
The 73rd annual meeting brought together the leadership and membership of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, launch new chamber initiatives, learn about ''white-collar homelessness'' by keynote speaker Christopher Gardner, and cheer on the best businesses on the Grand Strand.
And the winners are ...
Pioneer of the Year - David Brittain (deceased)
Citizen of the Year - Steve Chapman, Island Vista
Hospitality Employee of the Year - Donna Hollingsworth, Springmaid Beach Resort
Volunteer of the Year - Cindy Ott, HGTC
Ambassador of the Year - Abbey Brink, WFXB FOX 43 TV
LGS Ann DeBock Leadership Award - Barbara Blain-Olds, Community Legal Services
Young Professional of the Year - Julie Kopnicky, United Way of Horry County
Community Service Award - Fidelity Broadcasting - Easy Radio and Movin 94.5
Business Innovation Award - Pool Services Corp.
Operating Green Award - Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
Small Business of the Year - South Atlantic Bank

Small Business Buzz
Renaming can rebrand your business
When businesses start up sometimes one of the hardest things to come up with is what the name of their business is going to be. And sometimes these names can hinder a businesses performance. According to an article on msnbc.com, ''How to Play the Rebranding Game,'' '' Many entrepreneurs find that their moniker becomes too limited and outdated as the business evolves and enters new markets. The problem is that changing names early in the life of a company can confuse customers. And the whole process is made more complicated these days by the need for a rebranded company to switch Web addresses.'' But many feel that renaming your businesses is worth the hassle in return for its benefits. Danny Altman, founder of A Hundred Monkeys, a naming and branding firm in Mill Valley, California, believes it's better to change than to stick with something that isn't working. ''Almost all of the start-ups I've worked with have started with really bad names but waited until they were more advanced to seriously think about marketing and branding,'' Altman says. Read the entire article. Check out other Small Business Buzz articles.

Member Survey
Is your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce a world-class chamber or just mediocre? Are we productive? Action-oriented? Accessible? Innovative? Is your chamber providing the programs and services that are important to your business? In less than three minutes, you can help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Everyone who completes the member survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. Help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Deadline for survey is Oct. 31.

Grand Strand Hospitality Industry Awards
Nov. 17 ~ 8:30-10 a.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association is seeking nominations for its annual Hospitality Industry Awards: Hotelier of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Front Line Employee of the Year, Heart of the House Employee of the Year, and Hospitality Services Member of the Year. Nominations are due Oct. 28.

Laser pointers prohibited
The City of Myrtle Beach has passed an ordinance that bans selling of laser pointers to anyone younger than 18 and prohibits any person to direct the light on another peson, animal, vehicle or aircraft. Read Ordinance

Holiday events filling GrandStrandEvents.com
Concerts, plays, parades and plenty of Santa sightings are filling the online calendar at GrandStrandEvents.com. Go online today and post your events. Events must be community oriented and open to the general public. Commercial advertisements, sales promotions, adult-oriented or personal announcements will not be approved to appear on GrandStrandEvents.com. GrandStrandEvents.com reserves the right to accept, deny or edit any submission to this community calendar.

Traffic patterns for Oct. 23 Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon
The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon starts at Coastal Grand Mall at 7 a.m. and finishes on the Boardwalk at Ninth Avenue North by 11 a.m. While the course has been designed to ensure the safety of the runners, it also is engineered to provide alternates for avoiding the temporary road closures at various points around town. View map for alternative travel routes and approximate times that key intersections are expected to clear.

Volunteers needed for Myrtle Beach sporting event
Approximately 750 volunteers will be needed prior to and during the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on Oct. 21-23. For info or to volunteer, go online or contact Mark Beale, Myrtle Beach Area CVB sports sales manager, at (843) 916-7264 or email.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts, and we'll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It's free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the online form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 24.

Santee Cooper posts outages online
Santee Cooper launched a new outage map application - Storm Center - that provides a near real-time outage resource. Using Storm Center, customers can now report outages via the Web or their smart phones. Outage summary page identifies the number of customers affected in each of the areas served by Santee Cooper as well as an overall outage total for each county served. In addition, estimated repair times will be posted on this page along with other crucial information.

Coast RTA announces Coats for Kids Campaign
What: Coats for Kids Sponsored by Coast RTA
When: Collection through Dec. 2, 2011. Distribution: Dec. 17, 2011
Details: The Coast RTA has announced plans for the 6th Annual Coats for Kids campaign. The collection of new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves and blankets continues through Dec. 2 at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N Oak St.

Oct. 10, 2011

Employer tax notices, credits and refunds posted online
Information on employer tax notices, credits and refunds has been posted to the S.C. Department of Employment and | Workforce website. Employers can request refunds of 2nd quarter overpayments electronically through the website, by mail or through email. DEW recently mailed out revised 2011 tax rate notices to any business that had a change in their tax rate as a result of H3700. Information on individual business credits will be found in your regular 3rd quarter tax information packet. You also will be able to view this credit through the online application.

'Pursuit of Happyness' author headlines annual meeting
2011 Annual Meeting
Oct. 12 ~ 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber's annual meeting is one of the chamber's most popular events connecting you with top business and community leaders in the Grand Strand. This year's annual meeting features a keynote address (9-10 a.m.) by Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' exciting educational sessions (10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.) on working with the media, customer-employee relationships, E-Verify system, and public relations tips, an overview of the chamber's accomplishments and the popular business and individual awards (12:15-1:15 p.m.) Complete agenda online.
And the finalists are ...
In addition to presenting awards in the categories listed below, MBACC will recognize the Citizen of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, Hospitality Employee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and the LGS Ann DeBock Leadership Award winner Barbara Blain-Olds.
Young Professional of the Year
- Ashley Bourland, Inlet Printing Co.
- Kevin Cox, HTC Communications
- Julie Kopnicky, United Way of Horry County
Community Service Award
- Fidelity Broadcasting - Easy Radio and Movin 94.5
- Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 2662
- Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
Business Innovation Award
- Carolina Backwoods - Myrtle Beach ATV Tours
- Pool Services Corp.
- TheDigitel Myrtle Beach
Operating Green Award
- InFORM studio
- Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
- Pool Services Corp.
Small Business of the Year
- Atlantic Stage
- Mirage Hair Studio
- Pool Services Corp.
- South Atlantic Bank

Member Survey
Is your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce a world-class chamber or just mediocre? Are we productive? Action-oriented? Accessible? Innovative? Is your chamber providing the programs and services that are important to your business? In less than three minutes, you can help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Everyone who completes the member survey will be entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards. Help us provide the opportunities for your business to grow and become more successful. Deadline for survey is Oct. 31.

Grand Strand Hospitality Industry Awards
Nov. 17 ~ 8:30-10 a.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association is seeking nominations for its annual Hospitality Industry Awards: Hotelier of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Front Line Employee of the Year, Heart of the House Employee of the Year, and Hospitality Services Member of the Year. Nominations are due Oct. 28.

Laser pointers prohibited
The City of Myrtle Beach has passed an ordinance that bans selling of laser pointers to anyone younger than 18 and prohibits any person to direct the light on another peson, animal, vehicle or aircraft. Read Ordinance

Holiday events filling GrandStrandEvents.com
Concerts, plays, parades and plenty of Santa sightings are filling the online calendar at GrandStrandEvents.com. Go online today and post your events. Events must be community oriented and open to the general public. Commercial advertisements, sales promotions, adult-oriented or personal announcements will not be approved to appear on GrandStrandEvents.com. GrandStrandEvents.com reserves the right to accept, deny or edit any submission to this community calendar.

Volunteers needed for Myrtle Beach sporting event
Approximately 750 volunteers will be needed prior to and during the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on Oct. 21-23. For info or to volunteer, go online or contact Mark Beale, Myrtle Beach Area CVB sports sales manager, at (843) 916-7264 or email.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts, and we'll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It's free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the online form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 24.

Choose a chamber member and save money
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Member-to-Member Discounts program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies. This value-added benefit is offered exclusively for MBACC members and is not available to the general public. To be included in the 2012 Member-to-Member Discounts brochure and website listing, complete the online form. There is no fee to participate; simply fill out the form and submit to the chamber by Oct. 31. Of course, you can always add or change an offer throughout the year by simply going back online. The Web list is updated on a regular basis, so check the site often to see if there are any special incentives that are right for your business or personal needs.

Santee Cooper posts outages online
Santee Cooper launched a new outage map application - Storm Center - that provides a near real-time outage resource. Using Storm Center, customers can now report outages via the Web or their smart phones. Outage summary page identifies the number of customers affected in each of the areas served by Santee Cooper as well as an overall outage total for each county served. In addition, estimated repair times will be posted on this page along with other crucial information.

Oct. 3, 2011

Employer tax notices, credits and refunds posted online
Information on employer tax notices, credits and refunds has been posted to the S.C. Department of Employment and | Workforce website. Employers can request refunds of 2nd quarter overpayments electronically through the website, by mail or through email. DEW recently mailed out revised 2011 tax rate notices to any business that had a change in their tax rate as a result of H3700. Information on individual business credits will be found in your regular 3rd quarter tax information packet. You also will be able to view this credit through the online application.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band coming to Myrtle Beach Oct. 6
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band will return to the Grand Strand for the first time since 2006 and perform Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School as part of its 2011 national concert tour. The concert, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Waccamaw Publishers with special thanks to the Myrtle Beach High School, is free and open to the public. A limited number of tickets are available at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tourism Works for South Carolina
Oct. 7 ~ 10 a.m-3 p.m.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition invites you to attend the Tourism & Higher Learning Education Summit for a day of collaborative discussions between two of South Carolina's most important economic forces: Tourism & Higher Education. Read More

'Pursuit of Happyness' author headlines annual meeting
2011 Annual Meeting
Oct. 12 ~ 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
$55 MBACC Member/$70 Nonmember
Purchase tickets online
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber's annual meeting is one of the chamber's most popular events connecting you with top business and community leaders in the Grand Strand. This year's annual meeting features a keynote address (9-10 a.m.) by Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' exciting educational sessions (10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.) on working with the media, customer-employee relationships, E-Verify system, and public relations tips, an overview of the chamber's accomplishments and the popular business and individual awards (12:15-1:15 p.m.) Complete agenda online.
And the finalists are ...
In addition to presenting awards in the categories listed below, MBACC will recognize the Citizen of the Year, Pioneer of the Year, Hospitality Employee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and the LGS Ann DeBock Leadership Award winner Barbara Blain-Olds.
Young Professional of the Year
- Ashley Bourland, Inlet Printing Co.
- Kevin Cox, HTC Communications
- Julie Kopnicky, United Way of Horry County
Community Service Award
- Fidelity Broadcasting - Easy Radio and Movin 94.5
- Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 2662
- Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
Business Innovation Award
- Carolina Backwoods - Myrtle Beach ATV Tours
- Pool Services Corp.
- TheDigitel Myrtle Beach
Operating Green Award
- InFORM studio
- Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
- Pool Services Corp.
Small Business of the Year
- Atlantic Stage
- Mirage Hair Studio
- Pool Services Corp.
- South Atlantic Bank

Small Business Buzz
Making your employees LOVE working for YOU!
Do you have employees that have this look of hate every time they walk into the office? Or employees that look as if they could be anywhere but in the workplace? Well if you don't, then you are lucky, because according to an article in the Harvard Business Review,'' only 20 percent of employees around the world report that they're fully engaged at work,'' which means, ''those who report they're fully invested in their jobs and committed to their employers - are significantly more productive, drive higher customer satisfaction and outperform those who are less engaged.'' So given the fact that only 20 percent of employees are engaged, your business might want to see the ways that you can make your business a great place to work! Read the full story on ''Twelve Attributes of a Truly Great Workplace.'' Read more Small Business Buzz articles.

Sept. 26, 2011

Employer tax notices, credits and refunds posted online
Information on employer tax notices, credits and refunds has been posted to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce website. Starting Oct. 1, 2011, employers can request refunds of 2nd quarter overpayments electronically through the website, by mail or through email. Last week, DEW mailed out revised 2011 tax rate notices to any business that had a change in their tax rate as a result of H3700. Information on individual business credits will be found in your regular 3rd quarter tax information packet. You also will be able to view this credit through the online application available Oct. 1.

Tourism Works for South Carolina
Oct. 7 ~ 10 a.m-3 p.m.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln St., Columbia
South Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition invites you to attend the Tourism & Higher Learning Education Summit for a day of collaborative discussions between two of South Carolina's most important economic forces: Tourism & Higher Education. Read More

'Pursuit of Happyness' author headlines annual meeting
2011 Annual Meeting
Oct. 12 ~ 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
$55 MBACC Member/$70 Nonmember
Purchase tickets online
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber's annual meeting is one of the chamber's most popular events connecting you with top business and community leaders in the Grand Strand. This year's annual meeting features a keynote address (9-10 a.m.) by Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' exciting educational sessions (10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.) on working with the media, customer-employee relationships, E-Verify system, and public relations tips, an overview of the chamber's accomplishments and the popular business and individual awards (12:15-1:15 p.m.) Complete agenda online. Market your business - don't miss this opportunity to promote your business to the hundreds of chamber members and business leaders who attend the annual meeting by purchasing an exhibitors booth for $225. Learn More

Help develop public relations seminar for annual meeting
At the Oct. 12 annual meeting, one of the leading women in public relations today, Margaret Booth, will be presenting a seminar on ''PR That Won't Break the Bank.'' Members can help craft the best seminar possible by answering a quick eight question survey.

Approximately 750 volunteers will be needed prior to and during the second Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on Oct. 21-23. Volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt and a meal when working four or more hours. For info or to volunteer, go online or contact Beale at (843) 916-7264.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band coming to
Myrtle Beach Oct. 6
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band will return to the Grand Strand for the first time since 2006 and perform Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School as part of its 2011 national concert tour. The concert, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Waccamaw Publishers with special thanks to the Myrtle Beach High School, is free and open to the public. Patrons may reserve up to four tickets by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce beginning Sept. 26.
Announcing Hiring Our Heroes Awards Program
Nominate a business that hires veterans and military spouses! Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation, this awards program honors the businesses that are taking active leadership roles in employing our veterans and their families. Award finalists and winners will be recognized at the U.S. Chamber's 4th Annual Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes Program on Nov. 10, 2011, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Applications are due Sept. 23 by noon.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts, and we'll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It's free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the online form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 24.

Choose a chamber member and save money
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Member-to-Member Discounts program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies. This value-added benefit is offered exclusively for MBACC members and is not available to the general public.

To be included in the 2012 Member-to-Member Discounts brochure and website listing, complete the online form. There is no fee to participate; simply fill out the form and submit to the chamber by Oct. 31. Of course, you can always add or change an offer throughout the year by simply going back online. The Web list is updated on a regular basis, so check the site oen to see if there are any special incentives that are right for your business or personal needs.

Sept. 19, 2011

How a typo can hurt your business
Typos on your home page, landing pages and product pages aren't just embarrassing; they might actually hurt your business. A single error looks sloppy and unprofessional to visitors. Read more

'Pursuit of Happyness' author headlines annual meeting
2011 Annual Meeting
Oct. 12
8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
$55 MBACC Member/$70 Nonmember
Purchase tickets online
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber's annual meeting is one of the chamber's most popular events connecting you with top business and community leaders in the Grand Strand. This year's annual meeting features a keynote address (9-10 a.m.) by Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' exciting educational sessions (10:15 a.m.-12 p.m.) on working with the media, customer-employee relationships, E-Verify system, and public relations tips, an overview of the chamber's accomplishments and the popular business and individual awards (12:15-1:15 p.m.) Complete agenda online. Market your business - don't miss this opportunity to promote your business to the hundreds of chamber members and business leaders who attend the annual meeting by purchasing an exhibitors booth for $225. Learn More

In Memoriam
In recent years, we have mourned the passing of extraordinary business leaders in the Grand Strand community. Their remarkable lives and passionate contributions to the betterment of our community are immeasurable. During the Oct. 12 annual membership meeting, MBACC will celebrate the lives of Dorothy Anderson, David Brittain, Rachel Broadhurst, George Inabinet, A.E. Jackson, Nelson Jackson, Mary Emily Jackson and Gloria Sapp. If there is a business leader that you would like the chamber to recognize, please send their name to Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Help develop public relations seminar for annual meeting
At the Oct. 12 annual meeting, one of the leading women in public relations today, Margaret Booth, will be presenting a seminar on ''PR That Won't Break the Bank.'' Members can help craft the best seminar possible by answering a quick eight question survey.

To sponsor or not to sponsor
Whether it's the local little league team, a 5k race or an industry trade show, opportunities to become a sponsor present themselves frequently for small-business owners. While sponsorships may seem like a great way to get your name in front of a large crowd of potential customers, they can also become a costly investment with little payoff if they aren't thoroughly planned. Read More. And don't forget that your company's sponsorship of a chamber event is win-win: Your support enables the chamber to offer a greater number of quality programs and special events, while your business benefits from increased exposure as an active participant in the advancement of this area's business community. Sponsorships start as low as $100. Contact us to learn more. Visit the Small Business Buzz for more articles.

Stop the Violence Week, Sept. 19-25
In an effort to reduce violence in Myrtle Beach, a group of churches, the city, local police department and MBACC are collaborating on a week focused on prevention and education. Learn More

Grand Strand Hospitality Industry Awards
Nov. 17 ~ 8:30-10 a.m.
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association is seeking nominations for its annual Hospitality Industry Awards: Hotelier of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Front Line Employee of the Year, Heart of the House Employee of the Year, and Hospitality Services Member of the Year. Nominations are due Oct. 28.

Volunteers needed for Myrtle Beach sporting events
This October, both the 2011 State Farm Myrtle Beach Triathlon and the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon will return to the Grand Strand, attracting approximatley 6,000 athletes and thousands more spectators. But to make both events a success, more than 1,000 volunteers are needed.

Approximately 325 volunteers will be needed prior to and on Oct. 8 for the 2011 State Farm Myrtle Beach Triathlon. All volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt and lunch. Groups are encouraged to sign up together to fill positions requiring larger number of individuals. There are also opportunities for business promotion should groups choose to volunteer. For info or to volunteer, go online or contact Mark Beale, Myrtle Beach Area CVB sports sales manager, at (843) 916-7264 or email.

Approximately 750 volunteers will be needed prior to and during the second Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on Oct. 21-23. Volunteers will receive a volunteer T-shirt and a meal when working four or more hours. For info or to volunteer, go online or contact Beale at (843) 916-7264.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band coming to
Myrtle Beach Oct. 6
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band will return to the Grand Strand for the first time since 2006 and perform Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School as part of its 2011 national concert tour. The concert, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Waccamaw Publishers with special thanks to the Myrtle Beach High School, is free and open to the public. Patrons may reserve up to four tickets by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce beginning Sept. 26.

Honor Flight
Dedicated to Honoring WWII Veterans
The next Honor Flight is set for Oct. 26 from Myrtle Beach International Airport. Organizers are asking for help to reach WWII veterans and guardian sponsors to help fill this flight. Please consider donating to the Honor Flight cause. Each flight costs nearly $60,000 and is paid for entirely by contributions. If you have questions, contact Honor Flight organizers Bill Krzyk, (843) 318-2045 or by email or Walter Kollet, (843) 957-8212.

Announcing Hiring Our Heroes Awards Program
Nominate a business that hires veterans and military spouses! Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation, this awards program honors the businesses that are taking active leadership roles in employing our veterans and their families. Award finalists and winners will be recognized at the U.S. Chamber's 4th Annual Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes Program on Nov. 10, 2011, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Applications are due Sept. 23 by noon.

Shop Our Members
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its Shop Our Members campaign from Nov. 1-Dec. 19. Locals, visitors and chamber members are encouraged to keep their money in our community by supporting MBACC businesses during the holiday season. Send in your business discounts, and we'll post a list of holiday specials on ShopOurMembers.com, hand out at our chamber welcome centers and promote on TV, radio and in the newspaper! It's free for MBACC members to participate! Simply go to ShopOurMembers.com and complete the online form. Deadline for sending in discounts is Oct. 24.

Choose a chamber member and save money
Your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Member-to-Member Discounts program encourages members to buy from other members to save money, increase visibility and promote new business for their companies. This value-added benefit is offered exclusively for MBACC members and is not available to the general public.

Sept. 12, 2011

'Pursuit of Happyness' author headlines annual meeting
Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of the book-turned movie ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' will be the featured speaker at the 2011 annual membership meeting of your Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Few stories are as inspiring and moving as Gardner's rise from homelessness to become the owner and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC, best-selling author of the autobiography ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' and inspiration for the movie of the same name.

This year's annual meeting will be held Oct. 12 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel and will feature educational break out sessions, an overview of MBACC's 2010-2011 accomplishments, a preview of the 2011-2012 chamber agenda, and presentation of the business awards (nomination deadline was Aug. 26). Purchase your ticket by Sept. 16 and save $10 - $45 MBACC Member/$60 Nonmember. And don't miss your opportunity to promote your business to the hundreds of chamber members and business leaders who attend this event by purchasing an exhibitors booth for $225. Learn More

Watch your business grow
September means back to school. But it also means uncovering new ways to market your business. Here are few ways MBACC can help you do just that:
> Promote your business at the MBACC annual membership meeting. Invest in your business's future - purchase an exhibitors booth for $225 and put your business in front of hundreds of chamber members and business leaders. To purchase an exhibitor booth, contact Kema Faulk, festivals & special events coordinator, at (843) 916-7276.
> Feature your business on Try It Local. Learn how to get your business in the spotlight.
> Broadcast your restaurant for free on GrandStrandRestaurants.com - Restaurant of the Month, Recipe of the Month, Restaurant News, plus free radio interviews on Easy 105.9 and Easy 100.7.

In Memoriam
In recent years, we have mourned the passing of extraordinary business leaders in the Grand Strand community. Their remarkable lives and passionate contributions to the betterment of our community are immeasurable. During the Oct. 12 annual membership meeting, MBACC will celebrate the lives of Dorothy Anderson, David Brittain, Rachel Broadhurst, George Inabinet, A.E. Jackson, Nelson Jackson, Mary Emily Jackson and Gloria Sapp. If there is a business leader that you would like the chamber to recognize, please send their name to Kori.Hippe@VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

Sept. 5, 2011

Mark your calendar for annual meeting
This year's annual meeting will be held Oct. 12 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel and will feature educational break out sessions, an overview of MBACC's 2010-2011 accomplishments, a preview of the 2011-2012 chamber agenda, presentation of the business awards (nomination deadline was Aug. 26), and a special appearance by keynote speaker Christopher Gardner (see below). To give attendees real-time access to news and information as the meeting unfolds, MBACC encourages the use of social media before, during and after the annual meeting. Follow us on Twitter @MBAChamber. Use the hash tag #MBACC11 for annual meeting-related tweets. Tickets on sale -Catch the Early-Bird Special - Purchase your ticket by Sept. 16 and save $10 - $45 MBACC Member/$60 Nonmember. And don't miss your opportunity to promote your business to the hundreds of chamber members and business leaders who attend this event by purchasing an exhibitors booth for $225. Learn More
Christopher Gardner, motivational speaker and author of the book-turned-movie ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' will be the featured speaker at the 2011 annual membership meeting. Few stories are as inspiring and moving as Gardner's rise from homelessness to become the owner and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC, bestselling author of the autobiography ''The Pursuit of Happyness,'' and inspiration for the movie of the same name.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a great resource to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of franchising. An article by Robert McIntosh reprinted on International Franchise Association's website says, ''One of the reasons that many franchises have been so successful is that, in franchising, a business synergy is created. Franchisees brought together under one trademark can achieve things that as individual business people they could not do. Group advertising, buying power and the sharing of ideas are some examples of what can happen.'' Through IFA, you can take a self-evaluation that gives you questions to yourself and find out if breaking out in the franchise world is for you. Check out the self-evaluation. Read more Small Business Buzz.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band coming to
Myrtle Beach Oct. 6
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band will return to the Grand Strand for the first time since 2006 and perform Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Beach High School as part of its 2011 national concert tour. The concert, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Waccamaw Publishers with special thanks to the Myrtle Beach High School, is free and open to the public. Patrons may reserve up to four tickets by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce beginning Sept. 26.

Feature your business on TryItLocal.com/MyrtleBeach
Interested in learning more and how to get your business in the spotlight?
We're waiting to hear from you!

9/11 Memorials
9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
On the morning of Sept. 11, fire service members will convene in buildings across the United States to climb 110 stories as a tribute to their fallen firefighters. Myrtle Beach Fire Department will be hosting a memorial stair climb at the Yachtsman Resort (1304 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach). The climb will begin at 9:03 a.m.; the time the second tower was struck. The firefighters will climb the exterior of the building allowing spectators to watch from across the street. Proceeds from the event will go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. If you would like to make a contribution to this event, contact Steve Schuessler, (843) 997-3811 or email. Visit the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climbs website too learn more about the event and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

A Rivertown Remembrance
Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
A special symphonic program commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at Riverfront Park in downtown Conway.

9/11 Tribute Movement
2011 will mark the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In observance of that solemn and historic milestone, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) is leading the international effort to organize the single largest day of service in history. There are many ways for you to sign onto this Tribute Movement:
1. Invite your employees to consider visiting 911day.org to post their own personal message or tribute, and to explore volunteer opportunities, charitable causes that need support, and other ways to get involved. 2. Organize your own service project or charitable activity. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's BCLC will be tracking how businesses are supporting the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Visit
U.S. Chamber's BCLC to register your company projects so they can be recognized.

Honor Flight
Dedicated to Honoring WWII Veterans
The next Honor Flight is set for Oct. 26 from Myrtle Beach International Airport. Organizers are asking for help to reach WWII veterans and guardian sponsors to help fill this flight. Please consider donating to the Honor Flight cause. Each flight costs nearly $60,000 and is paid for entirely by contributions. If you have questions, contact Honor Flight organizers Bill Krzyk, (843) 318-2045 or by email or Walter Kollet, (843) 957-8212.

Announcing Hiring Our Heroes Awards Program
Nominate a business that hires veterans and military spouses! Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation, this awards program honors the businesses that are taking active leadership roles in employing our veterans and their families. Award finalists and winners will be recognized at the U.S. Chamber's 4th Annual Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes Program on Nov. 10, 2011, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Applications are due Sept. 23 by noon.

Any empty rooms?
During the busy summer seasons, MBACC receives last minute calls requesting the names of places to stay. Please keep us updated on your vacancies.

Events & Registration

Grand Strander Express Archive