2020
ANNUAL REPORT
“Partnering with the Chamber of Commerce was the best decision I made.� - James Lamar, founder & host of the Lowcountry Speaker Series
2020 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS 01
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE......................................................................4
02
COVID & THE COMMUNITY..............................................................6
03
MISSION, VISION & VALUES............................................................ 10
04
YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE................................................. 14
05
ACCOLADES & AWARDS.................................................................. 18
06
2020: A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER..................................................... 22
07
MEMBERSHIP & SERVICES............................................................. 26
08 ADVOCACY..........................................................................................33 09
CHAMBER CHAMPIONS.................................................................. 36
10
VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU.............................................. 38
11
PUBLIC RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS................................................ 46
12 COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................... 52 13
FINANCE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020.............................................. 54
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE It’s been said that crisis doesn’t define who we are, it simply reveals who we are. Never has that been more true than in 2020. We’re navigating a unique time in history, and in the Lowcountry, we’ve once again risen to the challenge. We’re proud of our community and how we’ve supported each other throughout 2020. As words like “pivot ”and “new normal” became part of our business lexicon, we learned to work through challenges and uncertainty collaboratively. This year has truly been a testament to the human spirit and what’s possible when a community comes together. When restaurants closed, they found new ways to do business as did retail shops, grocery stores and virtually every other business in the Lowcountry. Organizations pivoted quickly and came up with entire business models seemingly overnight. We’re proud to have been one of the first communities to put into place a path forward for reopening safely. Early in 2020, we gathered over 150 residents, businesses and government officials across nine different business sectors to work together to safely reopen childcare centers, small businesses, churches, resorts, restaurants, and more. The Path Forward Readiness Plan was adopted by other national organizations and communities, and it’s a testament to the power of a community in action. We fed families in 2020 like never before. In partnership with the Watterson Family Foundation, we launched Help4Hope to feed families and support the restaurant industry. We’re proud that through generous donations from local businesses, residents and Hilton Head Island fans from 38 states, a quarter of a million dollars was raised that fed thousands of families, many of whom had never been in need in such a significant way. If you’re sensing a theme in these words, it’s connection. Your chamber became even more of a community connector and in the earliest days of the pandemic when information was scarce, but fear and uncertainty high, we launched our tele-town hall series in partnership with the Beaufort County Channel. Thousands of you listened each week for real time, unfiltered information from thought leaders at the national, state and local level. We’re grateful that so many of you continue to find value in our town halls and tune in weekly. Our chamber staff would be the first to tell you that one of the most rewarding parts of this year were the conversations we had with each of our members. We made over a thousand phone calls offering a simple “We’re with you…how are you doing and how can we help?” For an economy with tourism as it’s driving force, together we found ways to thrive in some of our most challenging days. As we gratefully close the door on 2020, may we never forget the spirit of community that prevailed. It’s the one of the greatest lessons learned and what we will gratefully take with us into the coming year. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2021!
Chris McCorkendale Board Chairman
William G. Miles, IOM, CCE President & CEO
PLAY VIDEO
“I want to personally thank the Chamber of Commerce for communicating to the nation that we on Hilton Head Island we’re open for business- and doing it safely. Your efforts made what could have potentially been a huge loss, into a win” - Jennifer Megliore, ArtWare
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COVID & THE COMMUNITY: AN UPRECEDENTED YEAR COVID-19 certainly changed our way of life in 2020. But, as we’ve always known and shown, our community is resilient, creative, giving, and poised to come out of this challenge stronger than ever. Your chamber was here to convene, convey, and connect the community. Here are the highlights of what we provided for the community and local businesses.
⊲ Launched the Path Forward Readiness Plan – a guide for businesses to safely operate. Over 150 business owners, residents, community members, and government officials gave their input. The plan has a dedicated landing page and is translated into Spanish.
• 300+ businesses took the Chamber’s “Pledge” to adhere to the Path Forward guidelines to keep customers and their workforce safe. The Path Forward story was picked up in over 140 different media outlets across the country. • The Path Forward plan was adopted nationally as a model for safe reopening by the Vacation Rental Management Association.
⊲ Launched the Staying Safe Together
campaign to remind residents and visitors how we interact safely as we take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
⊲ Launched “The Promise,” a campaign to encourage our visitors and residents to respect and protect our environment and island values, and leave no trace on our beaches.
⊲ Hosted 36 Tele-Town Halls with leaders
from the national, state, and local stage. In partnership with the Beaufort County Channel, we reached thousands of listeners, who heard live, unfiltered updates from the likes of Sens. Graham and Scott, Gov. McMaster, Southern Living editorin-chief Sid Evans, leaders from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other local leaders.
⊲ Launched the Help4Hope campaign
in partnership with the Watterson Family Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. It was an economic stimulus plan that supported our local restaurants as well as numerous laid-off workers. It fed 20,000 people and distributed $250,000 to restaurants.
⊲ Launched our Blue Ribbon campaign
in support of our local healthcare workers and first responders. Hundreds of blue ribbons were tied around trees in the community.
⊲ Launched our Takeout Blitz campaign
to support our local restaurant community and encourage business when they needed it most. 100+ restaurants participated, and the website garnered 28,000+ unique views.
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 7
2 ⊲ Distributed 6,000 free masks to visitors and residents at
grocery stores, resorts and farmers markets, as well as to small businesses, childcare centers, and places of worship, thanks to a partnership and donation from Lowe’s.
⊲ Our staff members have personally called and reached out to over 1,200 members to find out how they’re doing, relay important information and offered assistance in understanding pandemic legislation at the state and local level.
⊲ Hosted twice-monthly Chamber Coffee Talks to keep our
members engaged. These are intimate, virtual networking events where people share how they’ve been coping with and responding to the pandemic.
⊲ Hosted “Cheers to the Community” virtual, community-
wide happy hour to honor the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing.
⊲ Launched the #BeKindLowcountry campaign to remind everyone to be kind in our community and on social media. 20+ local businesses joined us to “chalk the walk” with kindness.
⊲ Answering thousands of calls from the public and
relaying factual information related to the Governor’s Executive Orders and local ordinances.
⊲ Joined with an alliance of state chambers to create the Grow SC agenda for post-COVID recovery and re-opening.
⊲ Hosted webinars during the COVID pandemic on SBA and PPP loans with local banking, tax and accounting experts. ⊲ Assisted local businesses with unemployment filing issues for COVID-related job losses.
⊲ Offered in-person and virtual assistance over two weeks
to those businesses applying for the S.C. CARES Act grant funding.
Chamber Coffee Talks
8 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
“As a chamber member, it is important to participate as much as possible to network for your business and to support our local community. The chamber coffee chats are a great way to remotely meet other businesses, as well as, connect with potential clients or customers. Thank you to the chamber for organizing and you’ll see me on future calls and at events.” - Laurie Brown, Aunt Laurie’s
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 9
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OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES MISSION Envision and advocate the common interests of our partners and stimulate the regional economy while enhancing the quality of life for all.
VISION Leading the Hilton Head Island region, community and partners collaboratively in effective education, advocacy, and innovative programming ensuring tourism development and sustainable growth.
VALUES The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving as a professional, accountable and innovative organization for the community and our partners by being: Professional, Accountable, Innovative, Pragmatic, Visionary, Fair-minded, and Ethical.
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Guilding Principles
Serve as a voice and advocate for the business community
Make decisions based on long-term perspective
1 7
Maintain the highest ethical standards in all we do
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6
3
Initiate programs for which there are funding and staffing resources
Work to preserve and enhance the prudent growth, quality of life and character of our region
5
Develop and implement programs and services that benefit the economic well-being and common interests of our members
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Develop collaborative partnerships only in areas where the partnership can accomplish that which our organization cannot do alone
Our 5 Pillars
We’re here to convene, convey, and connect the community.
Membership
Connecting the Community • 1,400+ Members strong • 5-Star accredited Chamber of Commerce (One of the top 1.9% of chambers nationwide) • Destinations International Accredited
Education
Helping Businesses Succeed
• Networking opportunities • Business exposure • Seminars and workshop opportunities to learn and grow
Working On Your Behalf
• Seminars, workshops and programs designed to help your business
• Advocate on the local, state and federal level for business friendly policies
• SCORE offers free and confidential business advice for new and existing businesses
• Act as the voice of the business community with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal level and meet with lawmakers on behalf of our membership
• Leadership program has been developing our community leaders for over 30 years
• 3-Time National Chamber of the Year
Advocacy
• Small business toolkit: learn online about marketing, cash flow and how to hire and retain great employees
Tourism
The Backbone of Our Economy
• Formulate a Legislative Agenda annually that guides our advocacy efforts
Research
Planning & Results
• Economic impact on Beaufort County from tourism spending is approximately $1.6 billion
• One-stop-shop keeper of economic impact indicators for our region
• For every ATAX dollar invested in marketing, $15.90 is returned to the local economy in net local government revenue
• ThinkHiltonHeadIsland.org
• 2.8 million website visitors in 2020 with 924,000 website conversions to partners • $1.2 million net local revenue impact including hospitality tax, ATAX and beach renourishment fee
• ThinkBluffton.org • STR Monthly Reports • Destination Metrics / Inntopia Reports • Partnerships with: USCB / LRITI Clemson / Regional Transactions Concepts, LLC and College of Charleston • Partnership with MMGY/ NextFactor for the Destination Management Plan
Source: Regional Transactions Concepts, LLC & USCB Lowcountrywww.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org and Resort Island Tourism Institute, VERB -Interactive. 13
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YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Board of Directors Executive Committee 2020
CHAIRMAN
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Hargray
The DeSoto
Chris McCorkendale
Jay Wiendl
VICE CHAIRMAN, BLUFFTON REGIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL
Steve Stauffer
McGriff Insurance Services
VICE CHAIRMAN, FINANCE
VICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
VICE CHAIRMAN, WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Retired
Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
Palmera Inn & Suites
VICE CHAIRMAN, VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
GENERAL COUNSEL
Ray Warco
Dru Brown
Jeremy Clark
David Tigges Burr Forman
Island Time Hilton Head
14 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Susana Cook
PRESIDENT & CEO
Bill Miles, IOM, CCE
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2020
Jean Beck
Steve Birdwell
Andrew Carmines
Chris Corkern
Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors
The Sea Pines Resort
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks
Prudential Insurance
Tim Freisen
Casey Lavin
Diana McDougall
Walter Nester
Retired
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Dr. Al Panu
Karen Ryan
University of South Carolina-Beaufort
Jerome Smith
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Andrew Schumacher
Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties
Terry Tadlock
Correll Insurance Group of Hilton Head
Coastal States Bank
®
Palmetto Dunes P.O.A.
Baker Wilkins
NAI Carolina Chapter
Alan Wolf
Burr Forman
Michael Scioscia Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
SERG Restaurant Group
Warren Woodard Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
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Your Chamber Staff EXECUTIVE
Bill Miles
President & CEO
COMMUNICATIONS
Charlie Clark
Vice President, Communications
Hallie Martin
Communications Manager
Connie Killmar
Assistant to the President
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Ray Deal Controller
16 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Kelly McCallister Assistant Controller
MEMBERSHIP, WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Hannah Horne
Vice President, Public Policy & Programs
Ashton Harmon
Director of Membership
Laura Higgins
Programs Assistant
Kelli Brunson
Events Manager
Beverly Maloney Senior Membership Executive
Cathy Havens
Special Events & Projects Manager
Shelby Wielgus
Membership Executive
VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
Ariana Pernice
Kayla Boyter
Cristian Slaton
Alyssa Whitehouse
Vice President, Senior Marketing Manager Visitor & Convention Bureau
Research & Digital Marketing Coordinator
Creative Manager
Kim Nelson
Sales Manager
Kathy Winings
Information Specialist
Zack Shedd
Multi Media Sales Manager
Linda Lanier
Information Specialist
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 17
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ACCOLADES & AWARDS
Chamber awarded
5-Star Accreditation
by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, its highest designation
Condé Nast Traveler
#1 Island in the U.S. 4th Consecutive Year
Bluffton
Hilton Head Island named among Southern Living’s
named among Southern Living’s
“South’s Best Beach Towns”
“South’s Best Small Towns”
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Hilton Head Island
“Best Places to Travel in May”
25 best beaches in the U.S.
named among
named among Travel + Leisure’s
Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Inn & Club at Harbour Town named among Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
“The Top 15 Resort Hotels in the South” 18 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport named
The Top Domestic International Airport
Daufuskie Island
named among Condé Nast Traveler’s
The Best Place to Visit in Every U.S. State
Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards
Montage Palmetto Bluff, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort named among Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards
“Best Resorts in the South”
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
named among Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
“Best Domestic Airports”
Montage Palmetto Bluff
receives Forbes 2021 Travel Guide’s 5-Star Award
Hilton Head Island named Condé Nast Traveler
“The Best Family Vacation Spots in the U.S.”
Sherman’s Travel features
Hilton Head Island as one of the
“25 Islands in the U.S. for an Affordable Getaway” www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 19
5 Hilton Head Island
Daufuskie Island
“Best Beach Towns in the Off Season”
Top Day-trip in South Carolina
in Departures
in Reader’s Digest
Bluffton
Hilton Head Island
“20 Small Towns that Leave an Impression”
“Most Educated City”
in Country Living
in South Carolina by Insurify
Hilton Head Island
MSN named
featured as the
is featured as one of the
is listed as among
was named the
Hilton Head Island
is included in AFAR’s roundup of
The Best Small Cities in the United States in 2020
among
America’s Most Beautiful Seaside Towns
TripSavvy listed
Daufuskie Island
Hilton Head Island
was named the
“Best Place to Visit in the State” by Condé Nast Traveler
among its
The Ultimate East Coast Beach Road Trip
20 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Travel + Leisure named
Insider named
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island
among
The 15 Best Islands in the U.S.
13 Best Weekend Beach Getaways in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure named
Hilton Head Island is named among
Coligny Beach Park among one of the
25 Best Beaches in the U.S.
The Most Beautiful Beaches in the United States in Woman’s Day magazine
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Montage Palmetto Bluff
“Best Weekend Road Trips”
World Gold List
was a featured destination for future travel and as a spot in in Travel + Leisure
is named to Condé Nast Traveler’s
one of only 17 resorts in the U.S.
USA Today recently named the
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival as one of the
10 Best Food & Wine Festivals in the Southeast
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 21
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2020: A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER
⊲ Partnered with the Lowcountry Speaker Series; Condoleezza Rice was the kickoff speaker. ⊲ Hosted community meetings with over 100 residents charting the course for the island’s future. ⊲ HGTV Home 2020 - Hilton Head Island episode airs, reaching 5.2 million viewers with 872 million content views.
January
⊲ Launched our weekly Chamber Tele-Town Halls, offering unfiltered information on the pandemic and local updates. ⊲ Launched Take Out Blitz to assist closed restaurants.
February
⊲ Chamber Ball honored local heroes, and welcomed Marc Murphy, Philippe Feret, and 10 other former Windows on the World Chefs. ⊲ Hosted Chamber Restaurant Week during Foodie February.
22 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
March
⊲ Convened over 150 residents and business leaders and Launched the Path Forward Readiness Plan to outline safe reopening practices in nine sectors.
April
May
June
⊲ Launched Help4Hope with the Watterson Foundation to feed 20,000 out-of-work families and support local restaurants.
⊲ Launched Staying Safe Together & The Promise to encourage visitors to respect and protect the Lowcountry.
⊲ Launched the Blue Ribbon campaign to honor our healthcare and frontline workers.
⊲ Began mask distribution of over 6,000 masks to businesses, residents, and visitors.
⊲ Hosted #CheersToTheCommunity in partnership with the Heritage Classic Foundation.
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⊲ Began Lunch with Lawmakers, a 7-part series with candidates running for office. ⊲ Launched Project Connect and distributed over $5,000 in school supplies in partnership with the Walmart Foundation and local businesses.
⊲ Launched the #BeKindLowcountry campaign.
July
August
⊲ Hosted Grassroots Tour with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce to help set the legislative agenda for state chamber.
24 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
September
⊲ Our Adopt-A-Polling Place fed 290+ volunteers in conjunction with local businesses. ⊲ Earned 5-Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the second time. ⊲ Southwest Airlines announces its routes beginning in March 2021 to Baltimore/Washington, Chicago/Midway, Dallas/ Love Field, Houston/Hobby, and Nashville.
October
November
December
⊲ Hosted our Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction. ⊲ Earned the #1 Island in the U.S. from Condé Nast Traveler for the 4th consecutive year. ⊲ Southwest Airlines announces service to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
⊲ Ended 2020 with over 115 virtual meetings in support of members and community, reaching over 60,000 people.
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MEMBERSHIP & SERVICES The membership team is focused on providing benefits, programs, initiatives and services that support, enhance and inform the business community, with a focus on small business. They also play a leadership role in the area’s business education partnership.
1,400+
15
110
Members Strong
In-person events
New Members in 2020
115+
Virtual networking events, learning seminars, and meetings, reaching 60,000+ people
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Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreaking Ceremonies
5 Star accredited Chamber of Commerce We’re in the top 1.9% of chambers nationwide as one of only 132 out of 7,000 chambers in the U.S. to have this distinction, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 3-Time National Chamber of the Year Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Destinations International Accredited 26 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 27
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Connect & Grow Lowcountry Speaker Series
Chamber Ball 2020
February 1, 2020 11 Windows on the World Chefs + 5 Local Culinary Artists = 1 Incredible Night
28 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Chamber Restaurant Week
February 3-9, 2020 57 Participating Restaurants | 14,033 visits to hiltonheadisland.org/restaurantweek
restaurant week February 3-9, 2020 HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
7 Chamber Tele-Town Hall
36 Zoom Calls, Every Wednesday ⊲ Hosted weekly updates where local, national, and regional leaders gave live, unfiltered updates.
2020 Business Golf Classic
June 22 & November 16: Oldfield Golf Club ⊲ Temperature checks, social distancing, and other safety measures taken.
30 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Small Business
⊲ Named a “Community Champion” for Small Business Saturday by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Express. ⊲ Held numerous small business webinars for COVID related loan programs, unemployment insurance, labor laws and cash flow issues. ⊲ Collaborated with the Towns of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton on a GIS reopening map for local businesses. ⊲ Assisted small and minority businesses, as well as non-profit organizations, needing help with the S.C. CARES Act grant.
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 31
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Leadership
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce began its Leadership program in 1985. In the past six years, leadership classes have raised and invested $95,000 into the community through projects. The class of 2019/2020 graduated 19 local professionals. The class year, although cut short due to COVID, provided meaningful team building, community service and increased knowledge of local and state issues. The class’ annual project, Sunshine Stand, installed 10 sunscreen dispensers in local parks and led skin cancer awareness campaigns in local schools. The class raised nearly $8,000 to complete the effort.
Junior Leadership
The Chamber’s Junior Leadership class celebrated its 20th anniversary with completion by 39 high school juniors. The class year included several new additions, including a trip to the State House in Columbia and the required completion of an Individual Service Learning Project in their school or community.
32 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
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ADVOCACY Your chamber is the voice and policy advocate for our Lowcountry business community. Our goal is to be a proactive voice for business and facilitate communication between government and businesses, and encourage participation in the public policy realm at the local, state and federal level.
2020 Highlights ⊲ Hosted Lt. Governor Pamela Evette for a transportation roundtable to gather ideas on efficient, viable solutions to the local and regional transportation needs. ⊲ Collaborated with the U.S. Census to encourage participation in the 2020 Census count. ⊲ Hosted the annual S.C. Chamber of Commerce “Grassroots” meeting to help craft the upcoming state legislative agenda. ⊲ Encouraged the use of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce“Vote4Jobs” website for national election information and data. ⊲ Offered pre- and post-election updates to members on the issues and outcomes of the June and November elections. ⊲ Hosted SCDOT officials and provided updates on the U.S. Hwy. 278 corridor and bridge project. ⊲ Weekly on-air contributor to WHHI-TV for business and advocacy issues in the Lowcountry
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 33
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Advocacy Issues We Are Following Federal ⊲ Additional COVID stimulus for small business ⊲ Tourism tax incentives for meetings/groups and business travel ⊲ H2B Visa program reforms to help seasonal workforce shortages ⊲ Infrastructure funding for interstates and bridges
State ⊲ Renewal of the Education Reform Bill measures ⊲ Travel and tourism funding ⊲ S.C. Housing incentives for the development of workforce and affordable housing ⊲ Expansion of broadband to rural areas
Local ⊲ Workforce housing development opportunities ⊲ Establishment of the Regional Housing Fund ⊲ Town/County agreements on policing and waste management ⊲ Airport development and growth ⊲ U.S. Hwy. 278 Corridor Project design
Election 2020 ⊲ Hosted a series of virtual candidate forums “Lunch with Lawmakers,” for those mostwatched races for local, county and state races. Over 4,000 people tuned in over 7 weeks. ⊲ In partnership with 18 businesses, we fed 290 poll workers at 27 voting polling places in southern Beaufort County as part of our Adopt-A-Polling Place program. 34 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Business Education Partnership ⊲ Project Connect distributed $5,000 for school supplies for teachers in partnership with the Walmart Foundation and local businesses. ⊲ Organized a meeting of regional employers interested in participating in the Apprentice S.C. program. ⊲ Led the collaboration between USCB and the business community to offer summer housing for workers in its dorms. ⊲ Continued the Principals’ Partnership with efforts focused on Assistant Principals at local high schools. ⊲ Collaborated with TCL’s Culinary School to partner students with nationally-known chefs during the annual Chamber Ball. ⊲ Participated in U.S. Chamber’s Assessments and Accountability Education Working Group to bring awareness to states’ efforts to reshape testing needs post-COVID. ⊲ The chamber’s VP of Policy & Programs, Hannah Horne, was selected into the 2020-2021 U.S. Chamber Business Leads Fellowship to collaborate with other chambers and policy leaders on business and education partnerships.
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CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
“The chamber is involved in so many great things going on in this community. As a long-time Chamber Champion sponsor, we continue to enjoy these special benefits and opportunities to grow our brand and business.� - Steve Stauffer, Vice President, McGriff Insurance Services
2020-2021 PINNACLE
PLATINUM
NAVION SENIOR SOLUTIONS
GOLD
SILVER Beaufort Memorial Hospital Burr Forman McNair MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc.
Prudential Financial Christopher Corkern Synovus
TD Bank USCB
BRONZE Ace Hardware Hilton Head Assured Partners Dividend Asset Capital, LLC DX Print & Mail
Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors Hub International
Riedel Computer Services RMC Your Destination Connection Technical College of the Lowcountry
COPPER Andy Twisdale, Realtor
NAI Carolina Charter
United Community Bank
Court Atkins Group
Sign D’Sign
Wood+Partners
Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 37
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VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
The Visitor and Convention Bureau is the destination marketing division of the Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. This division works to increase tourism through its marketing efforts cultivating leisure as well as meeting and group business. The VCB also strives to improve awareness and understanding of the economic impact of travel and tourism to the region. After an extensive RFP process, the chamber was awarded the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) contract for both the Town of Bluffton and the Town of Hilton Head Island. The VCB is accredited by Destinations International (DI), one of less than 200 accredited DMOs in the world.
Southwest Airlines We partnered with the airport to help secure Southwest Airlines service to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in 2021. The airline will have non-stop, daily flights to Baltimore/Washington, Chicago/Midway, Dallas/Love Field, Houston/Hobby, and Nashville.
38 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Economic Impact Of Tourism Commissioned and distributed research of the economic impact of COVID-19 to our business community. Many travel and tourism experts believe that our area is well-poised for recovery, thanks to our wide open spaces, beautiful nature, pristine beaches, outdoor opportunities, and huge inventory of homes, villas, and resorts.
$1.5 BILLION
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND TOURISM IN 2019 Source: 2019 Economic Impact on Hilton Head Island
ROI For Visitor Spending For every $1 ATAX dollar invested in marketing, $15.90 is returned to the local economy in net local government revenue.
FOR EVERY ATAX DOLLAR INVESTED IN MARKETING
$1
$
15.90 IS RETURNED TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY IN NET LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE
Sources: *2019 Economic Impact on Hilton Head Island and **2020 Visitor Profile Study
Shaping the future with MMGY/NextFactor We’ve hosted 100+ residents for input on shaping the future of our destination. Our Destination Management Plan is a 10-year roadmap to shape the future of the Lowcountry. It included extensive input from residents and business leaders.
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Our Event Partners
Introducing Adara We’ve engaged powerful technology that helps us track the travel habits of our potential and current visitors. With Adara, we can tell after a person visits our website or clicks on one of our digital ads or clicks on a story written about Hilton Head Island: • If they book a plane ticket and/or hotel room • How long between when they visit the website and book a plane ticket • How long between when they visit the website and book a hotel room • If they book travel to anywhere else That doesn’t include the economic impact of restaurant and activity bookings, and other visitor spending.
40 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Destination Website & Social Media The HiltonHeadIsland.org website is our virtual storefront. The website serves as the window to our destination and plays an integral part in the traveler’s decision-making process. The insight and data taken from this platform allows for us to better serve our partners, anticipate trends, and react to consumer behavior. In the past year, our website has generated $170 million in hotel and plane bookings alone.
2.8M 17%
32.9%
VISITORS TO HILTONHEADISLAND.ORG & BLUFFTON.ORG IN 2020
1.1M
WEBSITE CONVERSION RATE
22%
LINK CLICKS TO PARTNERS IN 2020
VISITS BY SOURCE
2.61% 11.15%
4.64%
46.74%
CONVERSION CLICKS BY CATEGORY TO OUR PARTNERS
10.05% 2.36% 13.78%
73.81%
34.86%
ORGANIC SEARCH
HHI PARTNER LINKS
PAID MEDIA
GOLF PARTNER LINKS
DIRECT
BLUFFTON PARTNER LINKS
REFERRAL
DOWNLOADS + INSIDER THANK YOUS
OTHER
Source: VERB Interactive. YTD compared to last year.
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Destination Social Media @VisitHiltonHead
49,515 FOLLOWERS
24.1%
487,306 ENGAGEMENTS
228,722 FOLLOWERS
6.6%
1.6M
ENGAGEMENTS
21,902 FOLLOWERS
4.9%
112,154 ENGAGEMENTS
3,619 FOLLOWERS
10.3%
108,665 ENGAGEMENTS
842
FOLLOWERS
22%
33,537 ENGAGEMENTS
Source: Sprout Social. YTD compared to last year.
42 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
@ExploreBlufftonSC
@VisitBluffton
2,591
11,022 FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
12,012
171,098
1,577
FOLLOWERS
ENGAGEMENTS
ENGAGEMENTS
625
ENGAGEMENTS
Source: Sprout Social / Social launched July 2019.
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 43
Advertising ADVERTISEMENT
Escape to Hilton Head Island Voted #1 Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 World’s Best Awards, Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination this spring.
Seaside splendor, local eats, and outdoor adventures have made Hilton Head Island a top pick among Travel + Leisure readers year after year. This classic American resort destination on the coast of South Carolina is brimming with fascinating history, family-friendly activities, and serene natural beauty. No matter where you live, getting here is simple thanks to nearby Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
LOWCOUNTRY LUXURY Designed as one of the country’s first eco-planned communities, Hilton Head Island continues to enjoy
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its well-deserved reputation for stunning scenery and luxury accommodations. Islanders cherish and protect their beautiful surroundings where 24 worldclass golf courses exist in harmony with sea turtle habitats, over 200 species of birds, white-tailed deer, and bottlenose dolphins. For a touch of beachfront bliss, stay at an elegant resort steps from a forest preserve, or unwind in a private home or villa.
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES With 12 miles of beaches to explore, Hilton Head Island is very much the postcard image of a quintessential beach town, starting with its iconic, red-and-white-striped lighthouse built in 1969. Along the sandy coastline facing the Atlantic, each beach truly has its own charms: Driessen Beach, or “Bradley Beach” as locals call it, feels like a hidden gem with lots of space, a lengthy boardwalk, and a playground for kids. The ever-popular Coligny Beach is loaded with amenities like a fun water fountain for kids to splash in, chair rentals, and outdoor showers. The wide beaches of Hilton Head Island also make for great oceanfront biking adventures.
are more than 60 miles of public trails and paved paths for hiking and biking, as well as nature preserves for spotting wildlife and bird-watching.
RICH HISTORY A large part of what makes Hilton Head Island so special is its rich culture and history. For more than 300 years, the African-American Gullah community has upheld its traditions of music, basket sewing, quilt-making, and folklore. While on the island, visitors are able to enjoy a variety of historic sites, museums, folk art, and annual festivals; delving deeper into the Gullah culture is as simple as setting foot on Hilton Head Island!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE For anyone who loves to stay active and soak up the fresh air, Hilton Head Island has some of the warmest water on the Eastern Seaboard making it ideal for water sports and aquatic adventures of all kinds. Go on a dolphin-watching excursion, set sail on a boat tour, or kayak through tidal waters. On land, there
FLAVORFUL FINDS
© 2019 TIME INC. AFFLUENT MEDIA GROUP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
10
Adding to the layers of history, South Carolina is known for delicious regional specialties like gumbo, fried okra, and peach cobbler. With more than 250 restaurants within its shores, Hilton Head Island offers food lovers an authentic taste of the Lowcountry, from upscale eateries to legendary spots serving up peel-and-eat shrimp and oysters by the bucket. For a real-deal culinary experience, try hand-shucked oysters in nearby historic Old Town Bluffton at the 100-year-old Bluffton Oyster Company.
PLAN NOW Whether you’re looking for kid-approved attractions like interactive museums and pirate cruises, or a quiet place to recharge and reconnect with your partner, Hilton Head Island is the all-around perfect beach escape. For more information, go to hiltonheadisland.org.
Getting There Voted among the Top 10 Domestic Airports by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2018 World’s Best Awards, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) makes getting to Hilton Head Island easy with plenty of flights from around the country. Situated just under 40 minutes from the island by car, the airport is a gateway for exploring the coast. Designed with colonial touches and shopping and dining areas reminiscent of a quaint town square, SAV offers an all-around pleasant experience, from checkin to boarding. Sample classic Southern fare at the PGA TOUR Grill or indulge in sweet treats from local purveyor Leopold’s Ice Cream. At the Hilton Head Marketplace, pick up any last-minute essentials you might need before hitting the beach or grab Hilton Head Island gifts on your way home. Spend less time traveling and more time enjoying Hilton Head Island by flying in and out of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Learn more at savannahairport.com.
Opposite page: Biking on the beach; sailing the coastline. This page: A stunning sunrise view; the “Town Square” welcome area at the Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport.
Travel + Leisure
{BEYOND THE WAVES} ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY
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Awaits
FIND YOUR LOWCOUNTRY SOUL
With some of the finest art galleries, live music venues, and dance and theater productions happening year-round, Hilton Head Island’s arts and culture scene is second to none. Browse the Coastal Discovery Museum or Heritage Library and take a step back in time, discovering the Lowcountry’s fascinating history. No matter which artistic pursuit or cultural experience you choose, we can guarantee you’ll be entertained! HiltonHeadIsland.org
Escape to Hilton Head Island and experience the authentic spirit of the Lowcountry. Reconnect with your soul in this seaside retreat, voted #1 Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers every year since 2016.
Hilton Head International Piano Competition 44 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Travel + Leisure
Meetings & Groups Lodging Performance
3,540
62
GROUPS SERVICED
-41%
-69%
CONSUMED GROUP NIGHTS
YTD October 2020. Decreases due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 YTD Lodging Performance
51.6%
$171.60
53.3%
-33%
$91.42
-7.6%
-28.7%
$176.80
-7.3%
$91.20
Bluffton Hotels
-27.5%
52%
Hilton Head Island Hotels
-23%
$344.00
+14.1%
$179.00
+14.5%
Hilton Head Island Home & Villa
+.4%
+2.5%
51.5%
+12.3%
ADR
$284.00
-8.7%
RevPAR
$147.00
OCC
Hilton Head Island 2-Source - Hotel and Home & Villa Compbined
Source: Destmetrics STR Report. YTD October 2020 compared to the same time last year.
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 45
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PUBLIC RELATIONS HIGHLIGHTS STORIES AND MENTIONS
1,669
IMPRESSIONS
7,598,192,427
AD VALUE
$17,258,085.07
YTD November 2020. Source: Burrells Luce; Weber Shandwick Worldwide.
HGTV Dream Home Partnership The HGTV Dream Home attracted strong media attention, and garnered outstanding coverage for the destination, reaching 5.2 million viewers with 872 million content views.
46 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Hosted Journalists & PR Events Lifestyle influencer Carter Fish, and Getaways for Grownups blogger were blown away by the Chamber Ball. Getaway for Grownups features a recap of the weekend in the story titled, Culinary Weekend: Hilton Head Island.
Staff writers and contributors from Forbes, Passion Passport, Tastemade, Wide Open Eats and Forbes, and influencer partner Dennis Prescott joined the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival to capture the excitement of the annual culinary festival.
Budget Travel and Lonely Planet journalist Laura Brown got an inside look at Hilton Head Island’s socially distant offerings and the Path Forward Readiness Plan. Laura discovered the destination’s socially distant offerings as part of the publication’s Rediscover America campaign. As a result of her visit, Laura featured Hilton Head Island’s socially distant activities in the story titled, ‘Socially distant adventures on the Carolina coast. www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 47
11
Great Stories & Mentions Hilton Head Island is featured as one of the places where “Vacation Home Demand Soars During Pandemic” in the Wall Street Journal.
Daufuskie Island featured as a place in the Daily Beast article “Here’s How To Work In Paradise.”
Hilton Head Island is featured as one of the “Best U.S. Islands You Can Drive To” in Insider.com.
Beaching, biking and Sunset watching on Hilton Head Island is featured in Budget Travel’s “Socially Distant Adventures on the South Carolina Coast.”
Craig Melvin fondly remembers his vacations on Hilton Head Island during a segment on the Third Hour on the Today Show.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort’ “Most Valuable Pup” package is featured in “30 Fall Staycations and Road Trips Hotel Deals” in NerdWallet.com.
Montage Palmetto Bluff is featured as a top resort for a socially distant stay in Haute Living, and Essence.com.
The signature “Pear Of The Dog” from Montage Palmetto Bluff is featured in Forbes.com’s “23 Hotel Cocktails To Make This Fall.”
Architectural Digest highlights the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park as one of 27 recipients of the National Historic Trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
48 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
GOLF.com features Hilton Head Island in “Which city is the best place to miss a cut and have the weekend off?”
Southern Living named Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks a stop in The Ultimate South Carolina Shrimp Road Trip.
The Points Guy named Hilton Head Island among four great road trips you can take from Charlotte.
Daufuskie Island’s Sallie Ann Robinson was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine in “This Woman Returned to Her Island Home to Keep Her Ancestors’ Memories Alive.”
Daufuskie Island is featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
CBS Travel Expert Peter Greenberg mentions Hilton Head Health in a roundup of virtual vacation experiences.
The “Goddess” burger from CharBar and the “Baby Back” burger from One Hot Mama’s were profiled in Islands Magazine list of Best Burgers.
Airbnb’s CEO notes on Good Morning America that the travel trends the platform has seen recently, and notes that Hilton Head Island is currently one of “the most sought after Airbnb destinations.”
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks hushpuppies are featured in Country Living’s “Comfort Food to Make at Home.”
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 49
11 The Coastal Discovery Museum and Harbour Town Lighthouse are featured in What to do in South Carolina in AFAR magazine.
Daufuskie Island is named in the Forbes article Where to Vacation Safely Once Travel Restrictions are Lifted.
How to Make the Shrimp and Grits from Haig Point on Daufuskie Island is featured in Islands.com.
Montage Palmetto Bluff’s signature Peaches & Bourbon was featured in Islands.com.
Montage Palmetto Bluff is featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s “11 Spa Weekend Get-Aways You Need in 2020.”
Ursula Rigg’s Haig Point home was named the runner-up in The Wall Street Journal’s House of the Year competition.
Hilton Head Island featured in “Spring break spots that are blissfully free of spring breakers, from Barbados to Portland” in USA Today.
Hilton Head Island featured in “The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet” in Good Housekeeping.
“Savannah & Hilton Head: One Airport, Two Vacations” on OpenJaw.com.
50 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
“How to get the looks from the HGTV Dream Home 2020” in USAToday.com.
“15 Unforgettable Spring Break Trips for Families Your Crew Will Love” in GoodHousekeeping.com.
“South Carolina’s Lowcountry Is Cozy Like a Good Plate of Shrimp and Grits” in worldsbestgolfdestinations.com.
“Why You Should Visit Hilton Head Island in the Fall” in Condé Nast Traveler.
“HGTV’s 2020 Dream Home Is Officially Here! Find out Where It Is and How You Can Win It” in People Magazine.
“I really meant it when I said that our association dues to the Chamber is the best money I have spent so far. The fact that your organization is nationally recognized is no surprise to me!” - Joseph Demerly, Simplicity: Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services
www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 51
12
COMMUNICATIONS
Introducing Lowcountry Business Connection
Redesigned our digital newsletter to the in-depth bi-monthly Lowcountry Business Connection to bring you the content that means the most to you.
Keeping You Up-To-Date & Informed Amid COVID, sent 300+ emails to keep you updated in real time with the latest information and what it means for your business. Introduced popular 3 Things to Know email with all the latest facts and figures about COVID-19 and other updates.
Tele-Town Hall
Hosted 36 Tele-Town Halls where leaders gave live, unfiltered updates to residents and the business community each week. To date, we’ve reached 60,000+ people.
Chamber Social Media Growth @hhibchamber
10,660 FOLLOWERS
34%
9,410 LIKES
20%
198,452 ENGAGEMENTS
52%
3.16 M
4,254 FOLLOWERS
85%
26,413 ENGAGEMENTS
124%
1.4 M
IMPRESSIONS
246%
5,830 FOLLOWERS
4%
4,049
ENGAGEMENTS
15%
223,366 IMPRESSIONS
26%
November 2019 YTD compared to the same time last year.
IMPRESSIONS
54% www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 53
13
FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 Independent Audit Report
The accounting firm, J.W. Hunt & Company, performed the chamber’s annual independent audit in August 2020 and presented the results of the fiscal year 2019-2020 findings at the September 22, 2020 board of directors meeting. The chamber again received an unqualified (clean) opinion from J.W. Hunt, which reported that the audit complied with generally accepted accounting principles and revealed no material misstatements, no reportable conditions, no disagreements with management and no management letter.
Financial Result Recap: June 30, 2020
The Change in Unrestricted Net Assets at fiscal year-end show revenues more than expenses of $8,806 compared to a budgeted gain of $1,181, or $7,625 favorable to plan. As a result, retained earnings increased from $628,160 to $636,966
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget
Budgeted for fiscal year 2021 revenues are $6,039,880 and expenses are 6,038,464, representing a change in unrestricted net assets of $1,416. The primary reason for the reduction in budgeted revenue is related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Stability
Total cash increased from $613,604 to $1,415,388 during the fiscal year. The chamber’s long term debt remained at $0 since the mortgage for the building was paid off in June 2018.
Transparency
Your chamber is committed to continuing to provide information about its mission, operations, revenue generation, plans and accomplishments in a completely transparent manner. This information, including independent financial audits for the past ten years, is posted on our website, thinkhiltonheadisland.org. Financial information is provided to town, county and state officials on an annual basis. Marketing plans are submitted for review and results are reported annually. Details as to how accommodations tax dollars are spent is provided each year to elected officials, thus further demonstrating our long-term track record of accountability.
54 - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2020 Annual Report
Fiscal year 2019-2020 Actual Review
$7,420,067
State of South Carolina Matching Grant Program
Total Revenue
Town of Hilton Head Island Accommodations
Membership & Program Dues
Beaufort County Accommodations
4% 3%
Private Marketing Investment
Town of Bluffton Accommodations Building
Operating
2% 4%
Salaries, Payroll, Taxes & Benefits
$7,411,261 Total Expenses
Marketing
Membership Programs www.hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org - 55
BVA
@HHIBCHAMBER | HILTONHEADBLUFFTONCHAMBER.ORG 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive | Hilton Head Island | 843.785.3673 216 Bluffton Road | Bluffton | 843.757.3673