he Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2008 annual meeting today at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Frank Luntz, a Grand Strand economic forecast presented by Dr. Donald Schunk, a media panel discussion and three concurrent educational sessions. However, a key highlight of the annual meeting was the presentation of the 2008 business and individual awards.
The following individuals and businesses were honored for their contributions:
· Citizen of the Year Award: Wayne Gray, presented to an individual who has displayed outstanding community service over a period of time.
· Ashby Ward Pioneer Award: Tom Rogers, presented to an individual who has made a significant impact on the Myrtle Beach area.
· Hospitality Employee of the Year: Rodney Grant, Springmaid Beach Resort, presented to a non-manager who works directly with visitors regularly and projects a positive image of his/her business, property, attraction or event and the state of South Carolina. The winning nomination will be submitted to the statewide competition for the S.C. Hospitality Employee of the Year Award.
· Community Service Award: Myrtle Beach Pelicans, presented to a business that contributes to the community in the form of leadership, volunteer work or financial support.
· Business Innovation Award: Croissants Bistro & Bakery, presented to a business that exceeds the standard for resourcefulness and creativity in the workplace.
· Business Image Award: DDC Engineers Inc., presented to a business that portrays a positive community image through appearance of location and staff and gives excellent customer service.
· Small Business of the Year Award: GS Magazine, presented to a business with 10 or fewer employees that stands out from the rest.
· Young Professional of the Year (new category): Chris Butler, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show, presented to a gsSCENE member who demonstrates community involvement, aspiration to succeed in the work force and a future desire to make a difference on the Grand Strand.
· Ambassador of the Year Award: Jenafor Braley, Warranties for Less, presented to a Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador who has earned the most points by contacting and visiting other chamber members and by acting as a mentor.
· Ann DeBock Leadership Award: David Brittain, presented to a Leadership Grand Strand graduate who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community service.
· Volunteer of the Year Award: Shannon Camp, The Jackson Companies, presented to an individual who has volunteered his/her time and energy to help the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The honoree demonstrates the true spirit of service by helping the chamber promote, protect and improve the Grand Strand.
· Chairman’s Choice Award (new this year): Horry Telephone Cooperative Inc., presented to an organization for their countless contributions to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
The winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award and Chairman’s Choice Award were formally presented at the Volunteer of the Year celebration Sept. 20. Steve Chapman, 2007-2008 chamber board chairman, was also honored at the celebration. The Ann DeBock Leadership Award was formally announced during the Leadership Grand Strand Class XXVIII graduation ceremony May 15. However, all 2008 business and individual award winners are recognized at the annual meeting.
The formal presentation of awards for the 2008 Citizen of the Year and 2008 Ashby Ward Pioneer Award will take place Nov. 20 during the President’s Gala at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
