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April 6, 2022

Business Bulletin recognizes new employees, staff promotions, relocations and expansions, awards, class and convention attendance, new websites, and year-end accomplishments for top real estate producers/sales. Below are news updates submitted by chamber investors in the first quarter of 2022.

Alabama Theatre's One The Show returns with a 2022 premiere on Feb. 9. The schedule of guest artists concerts also was released.


Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Tom Gwyer earned the designation of chief fire officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The City of Myrtle Beach welcomed Kelvin Waites as the city's first director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Kelvin (pronounced Kevin) has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience in both Horry and Georgetown Counties, culminating as chief of the Georgetown Police Department. He also is a military veteran, serving four years in the US Army. 

The City of Myrtle Beach welcomed Kathleen "Kathy" J. Berlinghoff as human resources director. Berlinghoff previously worked for UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, N.C.


The International Culinary Institute of Myrtle beach (ICI) at Horry-Georgetown Technical College earned exemplary status for their culinary arts program from the American culinary Federation Education Foundation. Learn more

Jennifer Wilbanks, executive vice president for academic and workforce development for Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently was appointed to serve on the board of McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital. Her term started Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2024.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College's workforce development program was named the Outstanding Organization of 2021 by the South Carolina Association of Adult and Continuing Education (SCAACE). HGTC's Betty Hemingway also was named the SCAACE statewide Citizen Leadership of the Year recipient for her student support. 

Horry-Georgetown Technical College is offering free tuition for spring, summer and fall semesters for new and returning students. 


The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognized Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) as the 2021 Category II-IV Airport of the Year as part of the annual TSA Honorary Awards.

Myrtle Beach International Airport finished 2021 with a record-breaking 3,210,247 total passengers, representing a 188 percent increase of 2020 and a 23 percent increase over 2019. 2019 was the airports previous record year with 2,611,563 passengers.


United Way of Horry County partnered with the City of Myrtle Beach to bring emergency and 211 phones to downtown. Two phones are installed and operational at Plyer Park the the Second Avenue Pier. Two additional locations are forthcoming. The phones allow calls at anytime to 911 and 211, the UWHC Resource Helpline. The helpline is available 24/7 throughout the year and is answered by licensed, trained counselors in the state to who connect callers with resources including housing and utility assistance, food resources, employment opportunities, health services, educational programs and more. 

United Way of Horry County welcomed Christy Everett, chief operating officer of Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority, as the new board chair for 2022. Additionally, the following are new board members starting this year: Etta Carter, Horry County Schools; Dustin Formo; The Jackson Companies; Shannon Furtick, MBACC; Joseph Heyd, Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs; Katie Maclay, Grand Strand Health; Alicia Thompson, Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association; and Jeff Ward, Publix Prince Creek.


Jimmy Staton started as the new CEO of Santee Cooper. Staton's hiring was announced in December and his tenure started March 1. Staton is a seasoned utility executive with experience in electric and natural gas operations across the Midwestern United States.


Tidal Creek Brewhouse announced the hiring of a new executive chef, Bobby Missinelli. He trained at the Rouxbe Culinary School and comes to The Beach from the Cap Cod/Nantucket region. Chef Missinelli is a three-time winner of the Chaine Des rotissuers Award for culinary excellence.


Submit your news to Amanda.Blomquist@VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

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