Chamber Business Monthly March 2020

MARCH 2020

Business Golf Classic MARCH 30, 2020 at Berkeley Hall

CHAMBER BALL 2020 It Was a Night Like No Other!

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

1

DESTINATION MARKETING RECAP

IN THIS ISSUE Destination Marketing Recap The impact of marketing

6

Community Focus Bluffton news

18

Travel Season is Almost Here!

Local airports are gearing up for seasonal flight service

8

Chamber Ball 2020 It was a night like no other

12

2

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

ON THE COVER Scene & Be Seen Lowcountry Speaker Series, Conversation + Cocktails and more.

25

Business Golf Classic at beautiful Berkeley Hall.

4

Community Focus Hilton Head Island news

20

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

3

FEATURED

Fore!

BUSINESS GOLF CLASSIC MARCH 30

4

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

B

usiness happens on the golf course, and there’s no better place to get together with the region’s leading executives than the chamber’s Business Golf Classic. Held annually at one of the area’s exclusive private courses, this year’s host is the Berkeley Hall Club, a Tom Fazio designed course patterned after the classic designs of the 1920s and home of the USGA’s 2020 U.S. Women’s MidAmateur Championship. Join us for a fun shamble tournament with the backdrop of majestic live oaks and beautiful marshes along the Okatie River.

All players will receive: • Box lunch by Chicken Salad Chick • Complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, water and snacks during play • Catered awards reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

Raffle Prizes/Awards • Opportunity to win the Hole-in-One car, brought to you by Hilton Head BMW • Longest drive, closest to the pin contests • Mulligan package and 50/50 cash split available for purchase

BUSINESS GOLF CLASSIC Monday, March 30 10 a.m. Registration; Noon Shotgun Start Berkeley Hall Club $195/Golfer or $780/team Mulligan: $40 50/50 Cash Raffle: • 1 chance: $10 • 3 chances: $20 • 5 chances: $30 Pin Sponsor: $250

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

5

DESTINATION MARKETING RECAP HEALTH CHECK

WEBSITE VISITS

ORGANIC SEARCH

DIRECT TRAFFIC

AVG TIME ON PAGE

154.5K

64.4K

1:17

171%

13%

7%

HiltonHeadIsland.org

Oct - Dec 2019

36.4K

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

SESSIONS

94%

71%

OF TRAFFIC FROM

OF TRAFFIC FROM

FACEBOOK

MOBILE Oct - Dec 2019

PUBLIC RELATIONS

STORIES/ MENTIONS

928

IMPRESSIONS

AD VALUE

3,086,386,472

$3,720,744.17 Oct - Dec 2019

OCCUPANCY

4.2%

Source: VERB Interactive, and 2 Source Report, Burrelle’s / Cision

ADR

-1.0%

REV PAR

3.1% Jan - Dec 2019 Calendar Year

TOTAL REVENUE GENERATED BY

HiltonHeadIsland.org

$57,362,054 Jan - Dec 2019 Calendar Year

6

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

DESTINATION MARKETING QUARTER 1 DIGITAL PROMOTIONS LINKED IN • 6 Month B2B campaign • Focused campaign, speaking to meeting planners and event planners • Build & implement VCB profile that focuses on meetings & groups

FOODIE FEBRUARY • January 22 - February 29, 2020, campaign promotion • Over-arching campaign that speaks to our rich culinary offerings, various culinary-focused events and includes Chamber Restaurant Week • This campaign has a dedicated landing page: hiltonheadisland.org/hilton-head-island-foodie-february

HILTON HEAD ISLAND GULLAH CELEBRATION • January 24 - February 28, 2020, campaign promotion • Digital, social, enewsletter effort supporting the partners marquee events • Visitors interested in this event are driven to the dedicated landing page: hiltonheadisland.org/hilton-head-gullah-celebration/

HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL • November 8, 2019 - March 1, 2020, campaign promotion • Campaign efforts include digital, social, enewsletter, P.R., and sweepstakes • Visitors interested in this event are driven to the dedicated landing page: hiltonheadisland.org/seafood-festival

HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL • November 11, 2019 - March 15, 2020, campaign promotion • Campaign efforts include digital, social, enewsletter, P.R., and sweepstakes • Visitors interested in this event are driven to the dedicated landing page: hiltonheadisland.org/wine-and-food-festival HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

7

‘Tis The Travel Season Local airports are gearing up for seasonal flight service, and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport will welcome new routes on Allegiant Air. Here’s where passengers (maybe you!) will be coming and going:

SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD ISLAND AIRPORT

HILTON HEAD ISLAND AIRPORT

Air Canada

Delta Airlines

American Airlines

Toronto

Atlanta

Charlotte

Boston

Washington/Dulles

Allegiant Air

Detroit

Washington/Ronald Reagan

Allentown, Penn.

New York/JFK

Dallas Fort Worth International

Baltimore

New York/LaGuardia

Chicago/O’Hare

Belleville, Ill.

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Philadelphia International Airport

Cincinnati

Frontier

Delta Airlines

Cleveland, Ohio

Philadelphia

Atlanta

Chicago/Midway

Columbus, Ohio

New York/LaGuardia

Grand Rapids, Mich.

JetBlue

Houston, Texas

New York/JFK

United

Indianapolis

Boston

Washington/Dulles.

Louisville

Chicago/O’Hare

Nashville

Sun Country Airlines

New York/Newark

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Newburgh, N.Y. Pittsburgh

United

Punta Gorda, Fla.

Chicago Denver

American Airlines

Houston

Charlotte

New York/Newark

Chicago/O’Hare

Washington/Dulles

Dallas/Fort Worth Miami New York/LaGuardia Philadelphia Washington/Ronald Reagan

8

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

New York/Newark

C HAM BE R RE STAU R ANT W E E K W R A P UP

restaurant week February 3-9, 2020 HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Thank you to the diners and 60+ restaurants who participated in the 12th annual Chamber Restaurant Week! The website, www.chamberrestaurantweek.com garnered nearly 40,000 visits for Restaurant Week!

JU NIO R L EA D E RS H I P H E ADS TO CO LU MB IA

The Junior Leadership Class made its inaugural trip to Columbia for State Government Day. HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org

| MARCH 2020

9

5

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE U.S. CENSUS

What is the Decennial Census?

Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a population count of everyone in the United States. Data from the census provide the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy.

They also are used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

When Will I Complete the Census?

Beginning this month, people will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. Once you receive it, you can respond online (but you can still respond by phone or mail if you prefer. Responding should take less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee.) In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that haven’t responded.

What Information Will Be Requested?

Basic information about the people living in your household on April 1, 2020.

10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

What Information Will Not Be Requested?

The Census Bureau will never ask for: social security numbers; bank or credit card account numbers; money or donations; anything on behalf of a political party.

Will My Information Be Kept Confidential?

Strict federal law protects your census responses. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual, and employees take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality.

No law enforcement agency (including the DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA) can access or use your personal information at any time. Data collected can only be used for statistical purposes that help inform important decisions, including how much federal funding your community receives. The Census Bureau has a robust cybersecurity program that incorporates industry best practices and federal security standards for encrypting data.

Information courtesy of 2020Census.gov

ADVOCACY

Why respond to the Census?

Everybody Counts. There is $675 Billion on the table for state and local governments to use for schools, hospitals, infrastructure, and public projects!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NON-PROFITS

REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS

Census data affects...

HOSPITALS

INFRASTRUCTURE

SCHOOLS

PUBLIC SAFETY HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

11

Chamber Ball

2020

… A Night Like No Other

Congratulations to Our Award Winners The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island won the Organization of the Year Award for its dedication to Lowcountry’s children and their families for the past 30 years.

Carolyn Vanagel, former president & CEO of the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance, won the John Curry Tourism Award. She’s credited with growing the festival into one of the top Concours in the country.

Kathi Bateson, former president of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, was honored with the Zonta Woman of the Year Award for her work growing the organization and its educational offerings.

12 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Presented by

Thanks to our members, chefs, and sponsors who made the 2020 Chamber Ball truly a night like no other as we honored those in the community who make a difference. We also gathered former chefs from Windows on the World to partner with our local culinary artists.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

13

On the Friday before the Ball, the guest and local chefs gathered at the Lucky Rooster for dinner with each other and the community.

Hargray Communications CEO Michael Gottdenker

Technical College of the Lowcountry students 14 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY cooked alongside the guest and local chefs for a great learning experience.

Wine expert and former Windows on the World wine director Kevin Zraly held a book signing at the Sea Pines Country Club on Friday before the Ball.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

15

Chamber Ball

2020

Thank you to Our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

EVENT SPONSOR

SPIRITS SPONSOR

16 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

DECOR SPONSOR

PROGRAM SPONSOR

CLOSE TO THE ACTION. FAR FROM ORDINARY.

APRIL

13 19

HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC GET TICKETS NOW AT RBCHERITAGE.COM

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

A HISTORY OF GIVING IS THE HEART OF OUR HERITAGE.

17

COMMUNITY FOCUS: BLUFFTON

BLUFFTON NEWS

The Don Ryan Center’s HUB construction is coming along!

The center plans to open its doors this spring.

The first two projects to be funded by the Beaufort County School District bond referendum passed by voters in November are underway at Bluffton’s River Ridge Academy and May River High School.

IN THE NEWS Montage Palmetto Bluff is featured as “One of the World’s Best Resorts Is Tucked Away in Bluffton, South Carolina” in Travel + Leisure magazine. What they said: “Montage Palmetto Bluff has turned that renowned southern comfort into an art form.

In fact, the staff puts all other hospitality to shame.”

18 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

COMMUNITY FOCUS: HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Luck O’ the Irish:

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns Hilton Head Island will be seeing green on March 15 when the 37th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches down Pope Avenue.

Find out more information at www.hiltonheadireland.org.

Photos courtesy of the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

19

COMMUNITY FOCUS: HILTON HEAD ISLAND

WI N E + FO O D F E STI VA L Celebrates 35 Years MARCH 9-15 www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com One of the area’s most beloved festivals celebrates its 35th year with a lineup of events for all wine and food lovers, including spectacular local chef showcases, intriguing wine education sessions, live entertainment and the famed Grand and Public Tastings. Here’s a rundown of the week:

THE BLUFFTON ROOM ZIATA WINE DINNER 6-8 p.m. March 9

YOU HAD ME AT MERLOT MOVIE NIGHT AT PARK PLAZA 6-9 p.m. March 10 | Park Plaza Cinemas

NEWTON WINE DINNER WITH WORLD CLASS PIANIST PROTÉGÉ RECEPTION 6-9 p.m. March 11 | Private Residence at Long Cove

VAGABOND SUNSET CRUISE 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 11 | Departs from the Harbour Town Yacht Basin

SIP AND STROLL 1-4 p.m. March 12 | Harbour Town

STAY GOLD: A LOWCOUNTRY WINE, FOOD AND MUSIC EXPERIENCE 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 12 | Harbour Town

GRAND TASTING 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 13 | Harbour Town Clubhouse

VIP LOUNGE AT THE PUBLIC TASTING 11 a.m.–3 p.m. March 14 | Harbour Town Yacht Club

PUBLIC TASTING Noon–3 p.m. March 14 | Harbour Town

BEACHSIDE BRUNCH AND BUBBLES 11 a.m.–1 p.m. March 15 | Sea Pines Beach Club 20 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Hilton Head Island & Daufuskie Island

In the News 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. What they said: “Early spring is Hilton Head Island’s best-kept secret.”

Hilton Head Island featured in “The 46 Most Quaint and Charming Beach Towns in America For Your Best Vacation Yet” in Good Housekeeping. What they said: “The Lowcountry island has long been a favorite vacation destination, where people come year after year to see the region’s stately homes and lovely natural landscape.”

“Savannah & Hilton Head: One Airport, Two Vacations” on OpenJaw.com. What they said: “Canadian visitors flock to Hilton Head for rest and relaxation, cuisine, and golf, while Savannah is known for its lively bar and music scene.”

, c i s u M

By

e g r o e G

WITH FULL CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

MARCH 27th

21 HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020 Island 7pm • First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head

843-341-3818 • TICKETS at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

MEMBERS MAKING NEWS The University of South Carolina Beaufort has earned a silver award on the 2020 Military Friendly School list, a compilation of the top 20 percent of American colleges, universities and trade schools that provide a supportive environment for military personnel making the transition to civilian life.

Beaufort County School District students have won a record 60 southeast regional recognitions in the 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition. There were 45 winners at Hilton Head Island High, nine at May River High and six at Bluffton High.

Clinicians and staff members at Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital wore red on February 7 as part of National Go Red Day to to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.

SERG Restaurant Group has created SIGNATURE Catering & Events by SERG that will offer high-quality luxury, corporate, wedding, and event catering services.

The Greater Island Council has unveiled its new website, www.GreaterIslandCouncil.com.

Ten Beaufort and Jasper County seniors from six high schools were named Heritage Classic Foundation Scholars: Beaufort Academy: Albert (Cal) Harvey; Beaufort High School: Rhea Desai, Brigid Murphy; Bluffton High School: Ethan Helms, Elena Senouillet; Hilton Head Christian Academy, Daniel Harrington, Joseph Reindl; Hilton Head Preparatory School: Felipe Mendoza; Holy Trinity Classical Christian School: Caroline O’Neal; Homeschooled: Brodie Brant. Over $4.45 million will have been awarded to 342 students after the 2020 distribution.

The National Association of Home Builders presented Minto Communities with 22 gold and silver awards at the 2020 International Builders Show, including five Best of 55+ Housing Industry Council Gold awards for Latitude Margaritaville.

CharBar Co. has announced the addition of a sushi bar to their menu.

22 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

For the third consecutive year, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has received the prestigious “Couples Choice Award” from WeddingWire.com, receiving 4.8 out of 5.0 stars.

WHO’S WHO & WHO’S WHERE

Congratulations to the Sonesta Hilton Head Island Resort’s Jeff Anthony for being awarded the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Manager of the Year.

Dr. Kathleen Casey was named the medical director at the Greater Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine. She had a 32-year career at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Alan Jordan has been appointed the new president and CEO of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. He was previously executive director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

Rosemary Morrison, linen room attendant at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, won the Hospitality Employee of the Year from the Lowcountry Tourism Commission.

Jeffrey S. Reeves was appointed the chief executive officer at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Reeves was previously the executive vice president and chief operating officer, having joined the Arts Center in October 2001.

Douglas Simmons of the Indigo Run Security Department was named the 2019 Security Officer of the Year by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Sarah Tillman has been appointed controller at Outside Brands. She has enjoyed a 33-year accounting career since moving to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1986.

Billy and Brenda Watterson are the admirals for the Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s 2020 Yacht Hop of Hilton Head Island.

Leslie Rohland, owner of The Cottage Cafe and The Juice Hive, was recognized by The Good Food Foundation as the winner of a precedent-setting four Good Food Awards for her Black Garlic “All Hail” Caesar, Pickled West Indian Gherkin, Watermelon Rind Kimchi and Shiso, Sweet Potato and Asian Sour Leaf Kimchi.

Brad Marra has been promoted to chief operating officer at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. He has been with the company for 15 years and was previously the vice president HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020 of23 resort operations.

Welcome MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

NEW MEMBERS & ANNIVERSARIES

NEW MEMBERS Docu-Graphics

Slapfish

Extraordinary Moments Travel LLC

So Clean Softwash

Island Water Sports

St. Gregory the Great Catholic School

Matador Core Performance

SYNERGY HomeCare of the Lowcountry

Pizza Hut - Fresh Market Shoppes

Weston Design, Inc.

SEAnic Paddle Co.

Wheelz of Hilton Head

Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation & Burial Services

ANNIVERSARIES 30+ YEARS

10-14 YEARS

1-3 YEARS

Andy Twisdale Real Estate at Charter 1 North

Birdie James Bluffton

Black Marlin Bayside Grill

Burnt Church Distillery, LLC

BrightStar

20-29 YEARS

Chef Lynn Michelle

Carson Realty, LLC

Coastal Plains Insurance of the Lowcountry

Chow Daddy’s

Keller Williams Realty

Chow Daddy’s Bluffton

KPM Flooring

H.O.P.E. Lymphedema & Rehabilitation

4-9 YEARS

Hilton Head Discount Golf

A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant

Hilton Head Island Airport

Burr Forman McNair United Way of the Lowcountry

Ellis Construction Co., Inc. Fraum Center for Restorative Health Heyward House Museum & Welcome Center/BHPS Hilton Head Christian Academy Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Arrhythmia Alliance Berkeley Hall Club Certa Pro Painters Clinical Intelligence, LLC

15-19 YEARS

Congregation Beth Yam

ArtWare

Gifted Hilton Head

Charlie’s L’etoile Verte, Inc.

It’s Greek to Me

Honey Baked Ham Co. and Cafe

Keith Funeral and Cremation Services

Boardwalk Properties LLC

Hilton Head Social Bakery, LLC Housekeeping Services of Hilton Head, LLC Now We’re Talking Therapy Services The Hilton Head Island Bridge Association Turbeville Insurance Agency

Thank you Jackson Maintenance & Electric, Inc.

LowCountry InsideTrack, Ltd.

Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head

Studio One Awards

24 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

LUX~A Medical Spa

SCENE & BE SEEN

SCENE & BE SEEN The Lowcountry Speaker Series, in partnership with the chamber, kicked off on January 14 with a lecture by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Sec. Rice with Lowcountry Speaker Series founder James Lamar.

Sec. Rice at a private reception before the event.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

25

SCENE & BE SEEN

Chamber members kicked off the new year with networking at the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra’s new venue, SoundWaves, during Conversation + Cocktails.

26 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Leaders from local businesses gathered for Executive Connection at the Harbour Town Yacht Club in January.

Over 20 representatives from the hospitality industry attended a housing seminar to learn more about housing their working summer college students at USCB. HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

27

SCENE & BE SEEN

The Island Recreation Center celebrated the opening of Gregory’s Playground, an inclusive playground, with a ribbon cutting.

A representative from Apprenticeship South Carolina spoke at the Business Education Partnership Committee on how local businesses can take advantage of hiring high school students as apprentices.

Fresh Market Shoppes welcomed Pizza Hut with a ribbon cutting.

28 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

CHAMBER EVENTS

CHAMBER EVENTS MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4 Ward Edwards Engineering 119 Palmetto Way, Suite C, Bluffton

TRANSPORTATION

LET’S TALK: TRANSPORTATION with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 6 Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa Lt. Governor Pamela Evette has taken the lead on finding transportation solutions across the state.

CONVERSATION + COCKTAILS: Palmera Inn & Suites 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, March 19 12 Park Lane, Hilton Head Island Get a first-hand look at the newly renovated and rebranded Palmera Inn & Suites at Park Lane. Enjoy great food and drink while connecting with fellow business professionals.

BUSINESS GOLF CLASSIC Monday, March 30 10 a.m. Registration Noon Shotgun Start Berkeley Hall Club

LOWCOUNTRY SPEAKER SERIES: Paul Nicklen

Tuesday, March 10 6 p.m. Doors Open; 7:30 p.m. Lecture Begins Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa National Geographic photographer, filmmaker and marine biologist Paul Nicklen will talk conservation and climate change at the next Lowcountry Speaker Series lecture.

PLAID PAR-TEE 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 2 Port Royal Clubhouse Get your plaid on! We are kicking off the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing in full Tartan style at our fourth annual “Par-Tee.” HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | MARCH 2020

29

BVA

@HHIBCHAMBER HILTONHEADBLUFFTONCHAMBER.ORG 1 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DRIVE | HILTON HEAD ISLAND | 843.785.3673 216 BLUFFTON ROAD | BLUFFTON | 843.757.3673

30 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY