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| Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce | |
|---|---|
| Name | Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce |
| Formation | 1918 |
| Headquarters | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Region served | Grand Strand |
| Leader title | President & CEO |
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is a regional business organization based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, representing firms, tourism operators, and civic stakeholders across the Grand Strand. The organization connects local enterprises with visitors, municipal bodies, and state agencies to promote economic development and destination marketing. It engages with county commissions, metropolitan planning entities, and trade associations to coordinate events, workforce initiatives, infrastructure projects, and visitor services.
The organization's origins trace to early 20th-century civic boosters involved with the development of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the rise of coastal resort communities such as North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Conway, South Carolina. Early leaders worked alongside figures connected to the expansion of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the growth of resorts influenced by developers like Burroughs & Chapin and investors associated with Ocean Boulevard (Myrtle Beach). During the mid-20th century the chamber intersected with federal programs linked to the Civilian Conservation Corps and postwar tourism trends tied to U.S. Route 17. In recent decades the chamber adapted to shifts driven by events such as the development of Myrtle Beach International Airport, the rise of attractions like Broadway at the Beach, and responses to crises similar in scope to those confronted by organizations during the Hurricane Hugo recovery and national recessions.
Governance structures mirror those of chambers such as the Greater Charleston Chamber of Commerce and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, featuring a board of directors drawn from local enterprises, hospitality firms, and nonprofit institutions like Coastal Carolina University. Executive leadership collaborates with elected officials from the Horry County Council and municipal mayors, and liaises with state entities including the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers. The chamber maintains advisory committees similar to industry task forces convened by the U.S. Travel Association and coordinates with accreditation standards akin to those of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Membership comprises hoteliers, restaurateurs, retailers, real estate firms, and service providers operating throughout the Grand Strand and in communities such as Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and Loris, South Carolina. Services offered include marketing programs comparable to those run by the National Federation of Independent Business, networking forums like those convened by the Rotary International chapters, workforce development initiatives modeled on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act partnerships, and visitor information operations paralleling Visit Savannah and Visit Orlando. The chamber administers accreditation and certification options analogous to those from the Better Business Bureau and provides legislative alerts on issues debated in bodies like the South Carolina General Assembly.
The chamber advocates on tourism policy, transportation funding proposals related to projects similar to Interstate 73, and coastal management debates involving entities such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. It compiles economic indicators tied to visitor spending akin to reports by the National Travel and Tourism Office and collaborates with regional development organizations like the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments. The chamber also participates in advocacy coalitions comparable to the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association to influence regulatory matters affecting taxes, land use, and labor policies debated in forums such as the U.S. Congress and state capitols.
Signature events coordinated or promoted by the chamber reflect patterns seen in destinations hosting festivals like the Myrtle Beach Bike Week and competitive sporting events similar to NCAA tournaments and professional tours such as the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour. Programs include business expos, visitor welcome centers patterned after those in Charleston, South Carolina, and seasonal campaigns timed with holidays observed in municipalities like North Myrtle Beach. The chamber supports conventions, trade shows, and conventions hosted at venues similar to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and partners with promoters of entertainment districts analogous to Broadway at the Beach.
Strategic partnerships involve tourism bureaus such as Discover South Carolina and municipal entities across Horry County, along with collaboration with educational institutions like Horry-Georgetown Technical College and nonprofit groups like the Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday Committee. Regional initiatives address coastal resiliency projects informed by research from the Coastal Resources Center and infrastructure planning coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The chamber engages with national associations, including ties to the U.S. Travel Association and regional economic development organizations like the South Carolina Economic Developers' Association.
The chamber operates visitor centers and business service offices providing resources comparable to those at well-known visitor bureaus in Savannah, Georgia and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Staffing and volunteer programs coordinate with hospitality training models used by institutions such as Johnson & Wales University and certification partners similar to the American Automobile Association. Information desks, promotional materials, and travel planning services link travelers to attractions across the Grand Strand including amusement venues like Thompson Family Farms and cultural institutions such as the Brookgreen Gardens, while directing event planners to conference facilities and accommodation partners throughout Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and North Myrtle Beach.
Category:Organizations based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Category:Chambers of commerce in the United States