Five Businesses Awarded Chamber Membership Through Partnership with TD Bank

Five minority-owned businesses were awarded membership to Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce through a partnership with TD Bank.

This is the second year the chamber and TD Bank held the contest during the month of May as part of celebrations for National Small Business Week and continues the chamber’s efforts to support and engage minorities in business in the Myrtle Beach area.

TD Bank is sponsoring the cost of one year’s dues for five businesses owned by people from a marginalized or underrepresented demographic. The winning businesses and their employees have full access to all benefits of chamber membership including a listing in the business directory, free job listings on our Job Board, discounts through our money-saving programs and invitations to networking events and education classes.

The winning businesses, who were drawn at random, are: Juice Crush LLC, Lucid Coast Candle Bar, PUPUPDOGTREATS, Ron’s RV Services and The Son of a Barber.

This membership initiative was provided by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, in a continuing effort to celebrate diversity, support and engage minorities in business, and provide opportunity in underserved communities.

“TD Bank is proud to support the chamber’s Minority Owned Business Contest as we continue to recognize the significant role small businesses play in our local economies as well as the importance of championing business owners from diverse backgrounds,” said Ryan Spagnolo, relationship manager for TD Bank. “We congratulate the five businesses selected as part of this year’s contest and look forward to their future contributions to the greater Grand Strand region.”

Of the business owners who applied, 35 qualified and five were selected at random on June 1 and notified by June 15. The MBACC board of directors finalized their membership on June 21.

Qualifications for the contest required the business be 51 percent or more owned by a minority, marginalized or underrepresented demographic such as: Black or African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Subcontinent Asian, woman, veteran, LGBTQ, or disabled person. In addition, the business must be located in Horry or Georgetown counties, legally operating for at least one month and cannot be current investors with the chamber.

Learn more about the winners

Juice Crush, LLC is a Black and woman-owned business led by sisters Labria Strong and Shaquasia Coleman. More than a juice bar, the sisters are spreading a healthy movement and working toward crushing health disparities in the community. They serve cold pressed juices, smoothies and more. You can order their fresh juices online or find them inside the ESA Fitness at 515 9th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach.

Lucid Coast Candle Bar is a DIY candle making and wine bar located in the heart of the Arts & Innovation District at 512 9th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach. It is locally owned and operated and represents the LGBTQIA community. Lucid Coast Candle Bar is an experimental retail concept where you can make the candle of your dreams from start to finish with help from their candle makers. They also sell handcrafted natural home fragrance products including wax melts, room sprays and car fresheners.

PUPUPDOGTREATS is a woman-owned business selling healthy and homemade treats for your furry friends. Owner Jennifer Ancell started making treats for her own dogs because she wanted to serve them the freshest and healthiest treats possible. That personal mission blossomed into a business. You can find Jennifer and the PUPUPDOGTREATS at various local markets across The Beach and can order online at pupupdogtreats.com.

Ron’s RV Services is a Native American-owned and homebased business offering maintenance services for RVs. Owned by Ron Blackmon, they provide mobile maintenance services helping campers enjoy their vacation.

The Son of a Barber is a classic barber shop located at 2798 Howard Ave., Unit F in The Market Common. Owned by Gildomar Alves, The Son of a Barber offers traditional barbering services including haircuts, fades and shaves with straight razors. Whether you’re looking for a classic cut or a modern look, The Son of a Barber can help you.