SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
The Value of Virtual
ELECTION 2020
THE FUTURE OF THE DESTINATION
FACES OF SMALL BUSINESS
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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IN THIS ISSUE Introducing... your Lowcountry Business Connection. Our popular Chamber Business Monthly magazine has transformed into a bi-monthly publication focused on bringing you a deeper dive on the content you want: business tips, community and chamber updates, and more. We’ll still bring you the ever-popular Who’s Who and Members Making News, as well as pictures from events. As always, follow us on social media at @hhibchamber, and make sure you are subscribed to our emails for the latest updates. Bring us your success stories and content ideas by emailing communication manager Hallie Martin at hmartin@hiltonheadisland.org. This is your Lowcountry Business Connection.
FEATURED:
Election 2020
FEATURED:
4 Questions with BCSO on hurricane preparedness
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LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
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CHAMBER NEWS:
The Making of a Destination Plan, Your Chamber at Work, #BeKindLowcountry and more
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ON THE COVER The Value of Virtual
4 FACES OF SMALL BUSINESS: Coligny Plaza & Corner Perk
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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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FEATURED: The Value of Virtual
THE VALUE OF VIRTUAL
We’ve Been Far Apart But Closer Than Ever
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LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
We bet there’s a good number of us who wished they would have bought stock in Zoom earlier this year. In a time of social distance and isolation, virtual meetings have made us feel closer than ever before. Whether it’s a conference call, business meeting, or quick catch-up, they have become a way of life. And it may be here to stay. Nearly half of the country’s workforce were getting their jobs done remotely this spring, according to research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Companies like Twitter and the Daily News are converting their office spaces to virtual platforms, and they are not alone. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC US), CEOs believe that COVID-19 accelerated technology and turned traditional offices on its head. Here’s what they survey showed:
78%
believe that remote collaboration is here to stay.
76%
believe automation is here to stay.
61%
believe that fewer people will be working in physical offices.
61%
say their businesses will be more digital in the future.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded CEOs of the importance of building resilience into their operating model. Firms that were able to quickly adopt digital working practices or switch their supply chains were better able to withstand the shock,” said Kristin Rivera, Global Leader, Forensics & Crisis at PwC US in an article in Lowcountry CEO. “Not every innovation developed in a crisis is right for the long term, but there is much to learn.” Even if an industry cannot function remotely (like a lot of our tourism-based economy, healthcare workers, and essential employees), COVID-19 will change how we work for the foreseeable future with temperature checks, masking rules, social distancing and more.
YOUR CHAMBER:
Virtually keeping you connected Your Chamber has embraced virtual technology and is working to keep you connected. Since mid-March, we’ve hosted 70+ virtual meetings, including networking sessions, Path Forward meetings, and others. We’ve also hosted over 25 weekly Tele-Town Halls with leaders from the national, state and local stages. We’ll continue to keep you safely connected, informed, and in tune with the community by continuing to virtually host Conversation + Cocktails, Chamber Coffee Chat, learning events and seminars, and State of the Region. See page 33 for some events coming up this September and October, and stay tuned to your email for all of our latest events and learning opportunities!
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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Questions with Col. Neil Baxley
Emergency Management Director, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
How can people stay safe from COVID-19 if they have to evacuate for the hurricane?
The biggest thing that (COVID-19) will impact is where you will go when you evacuate. The first thing that most folks do is look at staying in a hotel somewhere. That becomes challenging if there’s a mass evacuation of the southeast coast. So you have to think about where you are going to go without putting your family at risk of the virus while getting them out of the risk of the hurricane. So we recommend that you think about which family member or friend who has been practicing safe social distancing and stay with them.
How has COVID-19 changed your preparedness planning?
The biggest challenge has been the public shelters. We’ve spent a lot of time preparing the Jasper County High School as a shelter. It used to be able to hold 6,000 people but that number has been cut, so we’ll only be able to put about 700 people in there to keep social distancing to protect them from the virus and the storm. Palmetto Breeze provides transportation to the shelters. Since they can operate at half (capacity), we have to increase the number of lifts. All this is taking additional time, it’s taking additional resources, it’s taking additional planning. The challenges continue to multiply and we are addressing each one to the best of our ability and find solutions. It comes back again to if you have to evacuate, consider family and friends first.
What is the No. 1 mistake people make in a hurricane?
If I were to tell you right now: You have one hour to leave your house. You have to take your important papers. You need to know where you’re going. You need to take with you your prescription medications. Do you have all that ready to go right now? Make a plan. It is imperative that each family and each individual have a plan of what they would do in any number of circumstances.
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LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
“If you have to evacuate, consider family and friends first.” What would you say to someone who thinks: “I’ve been through this before. It’s not so bad. I’ve got this.”
We have not had a major hurricane strike since 1959. We have not had a catastrophic strike since 1893. It will happen again. Everything that they think they’ve experienced, they haven’t. We’ve had misses. We’ve had some wind issues and some flooding issues over the (past four years), but nothing catastrophic. Think about how bad Matthew was. It was not a serious storm. (Hurricane Matthew was a category 1 storm when it passed by Hilton Head Island in 2016).
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
ELECTION 2020: Beaufort County’s Ballot
November 3, 2020 will be an election like no other. Not only will the ballot be long for Beaufort County residents, voting will look different this year amid COVID-19. CLICK HERE for details about absentee voting (please note that as of September 1, an excuse is required to vote absentee. The South Carolina Legislature is taking up this issue when they reconvene in midSeptember. Check the SCVotes.gov website for updates). Are you registered to vote? CLICK HERE to check your registration and to register. Adjacent is a list of South Carolina races and candidates you will see on your ballot in southern Beaufort County. To see your specific sample ballot, CLICK HERE. For more information on the candidates and our forums coming this month, visit our election page at www.HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org/your-vote-your-voice
Lunch with Lawmakers Tuesdays in September and October
Get to know your candidates and where they stand on the issues that are important to you. Join us on Facebook live (@hhibchamber) and via Zoom this month as we bring you live forums with the candidates as they answer your questions. Check your email or our social pages for details and a schedule. 8
LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
Federal
County
U.S. Senate
County Council District 7 (Bluffton) – Logan Cunningham – Jodie Strutek
Beaufort County School Board Lindsey Graham (I), R
Jaime Harrison, D
U.S. Congress SC-01
District 6 (Bluffton) – Angela D. Middleton – Mick Andrews
District 9 (Bluffton/Daufuskie) – Christina Gwodz District 11 (Hilton Head Island) – Ingrid Boatright
Joe Cunningham (I), D
State
Nancy Mace, R
Municipal: Hilton Head Island Town Council Ward 1 – Alexander Brown, Jr. – Peter Kristian
State Senate
Ward 3 – David Ames (I) – Tommy Reitz
S.C. House
Ward 6 – Glenn Stanford (I) – Kent Loper Berry
– Tom Davis (I), R – Nathan Campbell, D
District 118 – Bill Herbkersman (I), R – Mitchell Siegel, D District 120 – Weston Newton (I), R District 123 – Jeff Bradley (I), R – Christine deVries, D
Check hiltonheadislandsc.gov to find out your ward. (D) - Democratic candidate (I) - Incumbent candidate (R) - Republican candidate
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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CHAMBER NEWS
The Making of a
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN Last month, a team of consultants from a leading consulting firm specializing in travel and tourism presented residents, city officials and members of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce with a working strategic plan designed to ensure Hilton Head Island remains a premier vacation destination in the changing and highly competitive travel market. The 10-year Destination Management Plan provides a road map for the future that incorporates two key ingredients: community engagement and an emphasis on more adventurous, authentic travel experiences attuned to local culture.
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“Residential satisfaction has become a key measure of our success.” Bill Miles, Chamber President and CEO To formulate the plan, MMGY NextFactor conducted surveys, one-on-one interviews, focus groups with local stakeholders and town hall sessions with residents over a period of several months. They revealed their findings – and the proposed “shared vision” for the island – during two interactive virtual workshop meetings held Aug. 17 and 18. The workshop also solicited input from participants on what the priorities should be. Recognizing the critical role residents play in sustaining the island’s tourism economy, the chamber contracted with MMGY NextFactor last year to assess community sentiment and engage both residents and business interests in the development of the Destination Management Plan. “Residential satisfaction has become a key measure of our success,” said Chamber President and CEO Bill Miles.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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The working vision focuses on three unique destination signatures: • The legacy of sustainable development in harmony with the natural environment forged by the modern founders of Hilton Head Island. • A celebration of family values and multi generational experiences. • A deep appreciation for cultural experiences, outdoor activities and an active lifestyle. The consultants also put forth a series of initiatives to strengthen tourism – the island’s primary economic driver – by capturing the growing market for “experiential travel.” The initiatives conceived by MMGY and chamber professionals with community input hit those marks, while safeguarding residents’ quality of life. “With the island’s legacy of environmental stewardship, our rich Gullah heritage and stunning Lowcountry setting, we are well-positioned to create the kinds of authentic personal experiences and active, nature-based adventures today’s travelers seek,” said Dru Brown, chairman of the chamber’s marketing council. Participants in the August meetings had the opportunity to vote on the suggested initiatives to establish priorities for the future. One of the most popular proposals is a culinary and culture experience trail system to showcase small businesses and unique local history while dispersing visitors to different areas of the island. There also is widespread support for promoting Hilton Head Island as a year-round epicenter for holistic physical, mental and emotional well-being. The island’s 12 miles of beaches, green spaces and recreational amenities provide the perfect setting to relax and detoxify, the consultants said.
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Other top vote-getters include expanding opportunities that celebrate the local waterways and creating community-driven concerts, events and festivals to engage a broader array of locals and visitors. The plan also recommends: • Promoting the development of a five-star hotel on the island. • Providing incentives to spur re-investment in local hotels. • Creating an island-wide park-and-ride trolley system for visitors, residents and the workforce. • Investing in childcare and family support services for the local workforce. • Redeveloping dated residential and commercial buildings for workforce housing. • Enhancing the integrated, island-wide biking/ walking trail system. • Supporting the development of a community owned, multi-purpose event facility. • Upgrading the island’s connectivity infrastructure with 5G. • Enhancing and promoting awareness of the hospitality culture training program in collaboration with local educational institutions.
“Visitor volumes are not necessarily the end goal,” said Greg Oates, MMGY senior vice president of innovation. “The overarching mission is to address the needs of the community and use tourism and the visitor economy to support those needs.” The new Destination Management Plan is expected to be finalized over the next several months, and then presented to the community.
Marketing Update The Visitor & Convention Bureau has been ramping up some of its marketing efforts as partners and the region continue to put safety first for visitors and guests. Here’s the marketing partnerships that are on deck this fall and winter:
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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CHAMBER NEWS
COVID-19
Your Chamber at Work COMMUNITY SUPPORT H
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 the numerous laid-off workers in the workforce. It fed 20,000 people and distributed $250,000 to restaurants.
H
Launched our Blue Ribbon Campaign in support of our local healthcare workers and first responders.
H
Launched our Takeout Blitz campaign to support our local restaurant community and encourage business when they needed it most.
H
Hosted twice-monthly Chamber Coffee Chats 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.
H
Hosted a “Cheers to the Community” virtual, community-wide happy hour to honor the RBC Heritage.
H
Thanks to a partnership and donation from Lowe’s, distributed 3,000 masks to small businesses, childcare centers, and places of worship.
H
Distributed 6,470 masks to visitors and residents at grocery stores, resorts and farmers markets. Thanks to Lowe’s and WaterWalk at Shelter Cove for their donations!
H
Launched the #BeKindLowcountry campaign to remind everyone to be kind in our community and on social media.
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY H
Weekly Community COVID-19 Tele-Town Halls with leadership at local, state and federal level - including U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, and the U.S. Chamber. In partnership with the Beaufort County channel, thousands of residents are tuning in each week. Click HERE to register.
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Our staff members have personally called and reached out to each of our 1,600 members to find out how they’re doing, relay important information and offered assistance in understanding the new legislation on the state and local level.
H
Answering thousands of calls from the public and relaying factual information related to the Governor’s executive orders, local ordinances, and recent updates.
H
Utilizing and sharing on social media as well as email communication to keep members informed.
H
Surveyed membership numerous times to track trends on business’ sentiment.
H
Hosted 70+ virtual zoom calls and workshops on the CARES Act, how to take advantage of PPP and SBA loans, how to market and communicate effectively during and after COVID-19, how to take advantage of Google Your Business, and other topics.
H
Commissioned and distributed research of the economic impact of COVID-19 to our business community.
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Providing real-time COVID-19 information on our landing page on both hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org and the destination website at hiltonheadisland.org.
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We are constantly in touch with our local, state, and federal legislators to advocate for our members and business community.
A PLAN FOR GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS H
Launched The Path Forward Readiness Plan – a guide for businesses, childcare centers and houses of worship to safely reopen. Over 350 business owners, residents, community members, and government officials gave their input. The plan has a dedicated landing page and was translated into Spanish.
H
Hundreds of businesses took the Chamber’s “Pledge” to adhere to The Path Forward guidelines to keep customers and their workforce safe. The Path Forward was picked up in over 140 different media outlets across the country.
H
The Path Forward plan was adopted nationally as a model for safe reopening by the Vacation Rental Management Association and made national news.
H
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.
H
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.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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CHAMBER NEWS
Be Kind There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind. - Mister Rogers Your chamber launched the #BeKindLowcountry campaign to remind people to be kind to one another, especially on social media.
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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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CHAMBER NEWS
CHAMBER News
Chalk the Walk
On August 21, your chamber organized a “Chalk the Walk” event where people decorated driveways, sidewalks and streets with messages of kindness. Thanks to the numerous business and organizations that were a part of it.
The Path Forward Gets National Attention
Hilton Head Island’s Path Forward Readiness Plan story was syndicated 130+ times to national and regional outlets including Yahoo Finance, Markets Insider and others. Vacation Rental Management Association, an industry leader for home and villa rental companies, also adopted the plan as a national model. Programs like the chamber’s Path Forward Pledge work. Recent research shows that consumers are more likely to patronize a business that has taken safety measures to protect its customers, and display those precautions at their business, according to Peter LaMotte, Senior Vice President at Chernoff Newman, who reviewed insights from a recent consumer survey conducted by his firm. Read the insights here.
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Mask Up
In June and July, your chamber handed out 3,000 masks to small businesses thanks to a partnership with Lowe’s, as well as an additional 3,350 reusable masks to Hilton Head Island and Bluffton residents and visitors.
Congratulations Leadership Class of 2020
The Leadership Class of 2020 completed its project of installing Sunshine Stands, complimentary sunscreen in five Hilton Head Island park restrooms. HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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FACES OF SMALL BUSINESS
Faces of
SMALL BUSINESS Your chamber will be featuring the stories behind some of the small businesses on Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. Follow along and watch the videos on Facebook or Instagram at @hhibchamber.
COLIGNY PLAZA
J.R. & Leslie Richardson, Owners www.ColignyPlaza.com
“We do a lot of things for charities around here and we support all the local people.” J.R.’s parents, Norris and Louis Richardson, opened the first grocery store on Hilton Head Island in 1955, in what is now the Piggly Wiggly in Coligny Plaza.
When did Coligny Plaza start to build out?
J.R.: It’s been a process over the years. When dad bought this piece of property, Fred Hack told him, “Norris, this is going to be the only commercial spot on Hilton Head Island.” Of course that didn’t happen. I came here in ‘75 to run it for my parents, and bought the last piece of property about 10 years ago.
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What makes Coligny tick?
Leslie: What J.R. has really focused on here in Coligny is the idea of shopkeepers. Coligny is a happening place. And when you walk in the stores, you really get a chance to feel the passion. They really care. J.R.: It’s eclectic. It’s got a little bit of everything. You see all the fun things there is to do around here.
CORNER PERK
Josh Cooke, Owner www.CornerPerk.com
What’s your favorite part about doing business on Hilton Head Island?
J.R.: Opportunity. And helping people. We do a lot of things for the different charities around here and we try to support all the local people. Leslie: One really amazing thing that we have on Hilton Head are the people. We have incredible people. Whether you came five minutes ago or 65 years ago like J.R.’s family, the people that come here love this place and they really get involved at a deeper level. And I think that’s special.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business? J.R.: Some people don’t have the tenacity or inkling to do so because they are afraid to do it. My advice would be to not be afraid to do it because it can happen. It happened one piece at a time for us. I also think that it’s something that if you stick to, you can make something work over time.
“I love the Lowcountry because it’s a place where small businesses can thrive.” How did the Corner Perk get started?
We started in April 2009, down the street at Burnt Church and Bruin Road. We were able to build this building (in the Promenade) in 2014.
What do you look forward to each day?
Each day I look forward to seeing people, walking in and saying good morning to the staff at the different locations, getting to see some of the regulars, and having my favorite cup of coffee.
What’s your favorite part about having a small business in Bluffton and Port Royal?
I love the Lowcountry because it’s a place where small businesses can thrive. I grew up here … people in this town really support small business and the beautiful thing about that is we are supporting the local economy. It’s just a loop.
What would you want people to know about owning a small business? It’s really wonderful in a lot of ways. It gives me the chance to dream and do what I really want to set out to do. Sometimes there’s money to be made, sometimes there’s not money to be made. You’re always on call. I’ve accepted it. It’s just a way of me being able to serve people more and help them learn and grow and try new things.
What’s your go-to drink?
I almost always drink black coffee … my favorite right now is an Indonesian coffee from the island that’s shaped like a “K.”
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND Update Lowcountry Celebration Park Opens This Fall The Town of Hilton Head Island is getting closer to completion of the Lowcountry Celebration Park, scheduled to open later this fall. The park’s anchor will be the Adventure playground, modeled after and named for the vessel that explorer Capt. William Hilton traveled on to Hilton Head Island in 1663. He sailed the Adventure from Barbados to explore new lands and named Hilton Head Island after a headland near the entrance to Port Royal Sound. Click here for a preview. The park also features a large lawn and stage, The Sandbox Children’s Museum, walking trails and boardwalks, exercise stations, additional parking and improved access to beach parking.
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New Park Proposed for HHI Bridges
Funding Also Secured for U.S. 278 Corridor Project, Exit 3 The bridges between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton could soon become a linear park and trail with bike and walking lanes. State Sen. Jeff Bradley unveiled his proposal for repurposing the bridges between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. The South Carolina Department of Transportation will unveil the preferred plan for the U.S. 278 Corridor this fall.
Last month, the State Infrastructure Bank approved $120 million in state funding to Beaufort County for the U.S. 278 Gateway Corridor to replace and widen the bridges to Hilton Head Island, and $56 million in funding to Jasper County for Exit 3, a new interchange on I-95 that will connect Hardeeville and the future Jasper Port.
If the SCDOT proposes to demolish the current bridges (in favor of building new ones), your chamber supports the park to expand connectivity between Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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IN THE NEWS
IN THE NEWS Hilton Head Island was named the “Most Educated City” in South Carolina by Insurify. 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 in the article A Milestone for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grant will support new archeological research on the site. Hilton Head Island is included in AFAR’s roundup of The Best Small Cities in the United States in 2020. MSN named Hilton Head Island among America’s most beautiful seaside towns. What they said: “A breathtaking holiday spot in South Carolina, Hilton Head Island has excellent sandy beaches, great golf courses and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails.” Daufuskie Island was named the “Best Place To Visit In The State” by Condé Nast Traveler. GOLF.com features Hilton Head Island in “Which city is the best place to miss a cut and have the weekend off?” What they said: “But which locale is the best place to miss a cut and hang out? According to Charley Hoffman, it’s Hilton Head.” Southern Living named Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks a stop in The Ultimate South Carolina Shrimp Road Trip. What they said: “Watch the catch come in from a dockside table at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks while sampling the absolute freshest shrimp served every which way.” 24 LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
The Points Guy named Hilton Head Island among the four road trips you can take from Charlotte. What they said: “Renting bikes and kayaks is also popular to explore the island and its waterways.” 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. TripSavvy listed Hilton Head Island among its The Ultimate East Coast Beach Road Trip. What they said: “Learn about South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Gullah history and culture at the Coastal Discovery Museum and enjoy the area’s natural beauty at the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and Sea Pines Forest Preserve.” Insider named Hilton Head Island among The 15 best islands in the U.S. What they said: “This island in South Carolina is best known for its stunning beaches, golf courses, and restaurants.” Travel + Leisure named Hilton Head Island among its 13 Best Weekend Beach Getaways in the U.S. What they said: “Hilton Head is consistently ranked among the best, and once you visit its white-sand beaches, you’ll see why.” Daufuskie Island is featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. What they said: “After disembarking from the ferry and getting my golf cart (essential for getting around on the island), I soon began to experience the simple life I had heard about.”
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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BLUFFTON Update
Town Launches Sewer Project
The Town of Bluffton will convert septic systems in Old Town Bluffton between Pritchard Street and Verdier Cove to sewer by 2024. The six-phase project is designed to help protect the May River. “This project directly supports the Town’s May River Watershed Action Plan by protecting the town’s surrounding rivers and watersheds from failed septic tank run-off,” Mayor Lisa Sulka said. “This project will connect residents, who are located in close proximity to the May River, to public sanitary sewer lines. … This project, along with the Town’s past and future sewer projects, provides environmental protection to the Town’s most cherished natural resources.” The first phase of the project will be complete by the winter of 2021.
Digitization Of Records Complete
The Historic Bluffton Foundation completed the “Digitization of the Surname and Oversize Files and Storage Project” that was funded through a $4,096 grant by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The digitized files are available online by clicking here.
K9s Get Support From Kiwanis
Bluffton Police Department K9s Hunden and Teeko are about to get some company. Thanks to a $3,500 donation from the Kiwanis Club of Bluffton, the police department will be able to obtain and train additional dogs.
Lutzie Virtual 5K Helps Scholarship Fund
The Town of Bluffton held its second annual Lutzie 5K - virtually. Participants ran in their neighborhoods or local trails and donated to the scholarship fund. A special thanks to the Kiwanis Club Of Bluffton and CrossFit843 that donated a total of $3,535. Your chamber’s Alyssa Whitehouse and Charlie Clark also participated in the 5K on August 1.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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MEMBERS MAKING NEWS
MEMBERS
Making News Congratulations to The Inn & Club at Harbour Town and Montage Palmetto Bluff for being named among the top resorts in the South in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Awards. The Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport was also named among the top domestic airports. Hugaroo, Inc. was awarded a grant from Long Cove Club Community Charitable Advisory Committee to continue expanding in the Lowcountry.
Ward Edwards Engineering partnered with TCL by offering the Healthy Community Builder Scholarship, which will help deserving students complete training in the Building and Industrial Technology Associate Degree or Certificate Programs.
Hilton Head PSD’s Johnny Malphrus built a demonstration well at The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island as part of the PSD’s outreach related to the history of water on the island.
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Collins Group Realty was named one of America’s most productive sales teams as a part of REAL Trends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, and ranked number 2 for the state of South Carolina
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Palmetto Breeze. Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 10th consecutive year. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded 156 local students with a collective $717,600 in scholarships. The students will head off to 68 different colleges and universities across the country majoring in engineering, music, business, political science and a number of other fields of study. In 25 years, more than $7.8 million has been awarded to over 1,000 deserving recipients.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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MEMBERS MAKING NEWS
Second Helpings has received $3,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help purchase fresh food for some of its agencies that are most impacted by the increased need for food during the pandemic. To date, 35 organizations have received a total of $475,717 in grants from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry so they can address critical needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students enrolled in critical workforce programs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry - including field of study in healthcare, computer and information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction, hospitality and tourism, and transportation - can attend tuition free this fall thanks to the SC WINS Scholarship. The Greenery was named among the top 30 landscaping companies nationwide by Lawn & Landscape Magazine.
The County Channel’s award-winning nature series Coastal Kingdom is nominated for a 2020 Southeastern EMMY Award. This is the third time Coastal Kingdom has been nominated for Best TV Host. Coastal Kingdom is hosted by naturalist and educator Tony Mills and is a production partnership between The County Channel and The Lowcountry Institute on Spring Island.
StoneWorks employees picked up 12 bags of trash in its most recent community clean up on Hunter Road on Hilton Head Island.
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WHO'S WHO
Who’s Where
Danielle Adams received the Daisy RN Award for Extraordinary Nursing at Coastal Carolina Hospital. She currently works in the medicalsurgical unit.
Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts has named Nikki Lucas as principal of the school. She was previously the assistant principal there.
Bluffton Police Officer Frank Ginn Jr. was awarded the prestigious J.P. Strom Award upon his graduation from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Diana Rideout of Correll Insurance was named the CSR of the year for South Carolina. Janice Robinson is the new president of the Hilton Head Area Council of Estate and Financial Advisors.
Kevin Ashdown received the Daisy RN Award for Extraordinary Nursing at Hilton Head Hospital. He works in the emergency department. May River High School graduate Adeline Dewig received the Society of Bluffton Artists’ Naomi McCracken Scholarship, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree of fine arts at Clemson University.
Courtney Heidik has joined Charter One Realty as a real estate professional.
Chris Sanders, the client market advisor for Collins Group Realty, has earned the pricing strategy advisor designation from the National Association of Realtors. Adam Kushner was named the general manager and chief operating officer at Berkeley Hall Club. He joined Berkeley Hall Club HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org in 2015 as the director of golf.
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WHO'S WHO
Who’s Where Cont.
Monarch Roofing has appointed Doug Sheeran as their new commercial project manager. He previously worked for the Sonesta, and has a background in senior sales management for hotel giants such as Hyatt and Marriott.
The Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity designated one of its new houses at The Glen to be named in honor of retiring President/CEO Pat Wirth. Charlie Stone was promoted to Senior Project Manager at the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation. He’s been there since 2018.
Farrah Snow has joined HUB Carolina as a commercial advisor. She relocated from the company’s Oklahoma City office.
High Tide Restoration and Cleaning welcomes Chris Wells to the team as vice president. He has lived in the Lowcountry since 1997 and was most recently the director of operations at Uniform Work & Sport.
Dunes Real Estate welcomes new realtors: Lori and Tal Crandell (left) Lisa Medford (right) 32 LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
Second Helpings welcomes new coordinators: Paula Fanelly (top) Angela Ziuraitis (bottom)
Collins Group Realty welcomes new staff: Sara Loveys (right), Real Estate Agent Lori Martin (left), Client Concierge
Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties has welcomed the following realtors:
Shavonda Beckett
Steve Jessie
Linda Kurecki
Kevin Lombard
Joshua Ward
COMING UP
At Your Chamber
Chamber Tele-Town Halls 9:15 a.m. every Wednesday
Tune in for the “power hour” of the week and get all your COVID-19 information about our economy, education, policies, and more from leaders across our community, state, and nation. Click here to register.
Chamber Coffee Chat
9:30 a.m. Thursdays, September 3, 17, October 1, 15 & 29 Find out why chamber members call the Coffee Chats a valuable hour. Join us and an intimate group of chamber members for an open discussion of what’s going on in your world. This is an informal chat with a small group of chamber members and staff to connect you with others. Click here to register.
Lowcountry Speaker (Virtual) Series Former FDA Administrator Dr. Scott Gottlieb 7:30 p.m. September 29 Platon 7:30 p.m. October 27 & 28 Join us for live, virtual, interactive events! Visit www.LowcountrySpeakerSeries.com for details and to sign up!
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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Welcome MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
NEW MEMBERS South Magazine
First Presbyterian Day School Island Bagel Company I 2 Recycle Coastal Countertops and Tile
Hilton Head Physical Therapy High Tide Rooftop Bar at Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head Island Essential Disinfection Services
Little Steps Daycare and Preschool
Beard Branding
Blue Laguna Grill
Chez Georges Bistro & Bar
FMS Running
Enclave at Bluffton Park Apartment Homes
Dog People ROC Dental Group lot 9 brewing co. Harden Creative Parker Paton Design
Atlantic Investment Advisory Group Purifly Disinfection Services Hilton Head History Tours Ernst W. Bruderer
Coastal Carolina CBD & Wellness
ANNIVERSARIES 30+ YEARS
30+ YEARS (Cont.)
20-29 YEARS (Cont.)
The Seabrook of Hilton Head, Inc.
East Coast Entertainment
Camp Hilton Head
The Vacation Company
Furniture Direct
Coligny Plaza Limited Partnership
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Grayco Building Center
Thomas C. Barnwell, Jr.
Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head
Bank of America, N.A.
Dr. Martin Pauls/Dr. Robert Savarese Hampton Inn Hilton Head Island
Vagabond Cruise
Hargray
WebsterRogers LLP
ITS CLASSICS
Wood + Partners Inc.
LaSource Home HHI, LLC dba/ Plantation Interiors
Camellia Art
Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Marriott Vacation Club McGriff Insurance Services Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc. Regions Bank Schembra Real Estate Group, LLC Seashore Vacations, Inc. Shelter Cove Towne Centre Shore Beach Service, Inc. South Beach General Store The Greenery, Inc. The Sea Pines Resort
H2O Sports Hilton Head Dance School/Theatre Kelly & Sons Plumbing, Inc. Kennickell Print & Communications
Daufuskie Difference
Mortgage Network of South Carolina
First South Insurance Agency, Inc.
Old Savannah Tours
Hilton Head Preparatory School
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Jones, Simpson & Newton P.A. Outside Hilton Head
Servpro of Beaufort County
TD Bank
South State Bank (Bluffton)
Walmart Supercenter Hilton Head (Store #728)
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
20-29 YEARS
TidePointe, a Vi Community Belfair Carolina Cleaning
Ben Arnold Sunbelt Beverage Company
Epperson Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Broad Creek Care Center at TidePointe, a Vi Community
First Baptist Church of Hilton Head
Cisco
Lowcountry Council of Governments
Collins Septic Tank Service, Inc.
34 LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION
Companions, Nurses & Nannies/ Health Services
June & Associates CPA’s PA
McGriff Insurance Services
20-29 YEARS (Cont.)
4-9 YEARS
1-3 YEARS
Memory Matters
Aegis Capital Corp
Air Duct DR LLC
Minor, Haight & Arundell, P.C.
Charter One Realty-Bluffton
Anchors Away Sailing Charters
Old South Golf Links
Diamond Pools & Spas, LLC
ARC Tax Resolution Services, Inc.
Publix #0473
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
Beach Play Company
Hilton Head Landscapes
Dataw Island
Red Fish Sea Pines Montessori Academy
Lean Ensemble Theater
Shipyard Plantation South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals
Lighthouse Consulting, LLC
South State Bank
Lisa Staff Photography
Truist (formerly Suntrust/BB&T) Sea Pines
Logan Homes LUX~A Medical Spa (Bluffton)
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Namaste Spa at Marriott’s Barony Beach Club
10-19 YEARS
Nimmer Turf Farm
Aurora Diagnostics-Biopsy Diagnostics Beaufort Memorial Hospital Bluffton High School Global Family Medicine Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners’ Association Kaufman Photography One Hot Mama’s American Grille Right at Home Sea Shack Skillets Café & Grill St. Francis Thrift Shop Areawide Lock & Key Beaufort County Council Callawassie Island Club Carolina Realty Group Coastal Carolina Hospital Crescent Moon Pictures, Inc. Oyster Reef Robber’s Row Grille Tennis Association of Hilton Head Island
OC Welch Ford Lincoln, Inc. Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations Republic Finance
Culinary Institute of the South Duck Donuts Hilton Head Nannies & Companions Island Club of Hilton Head Island Rentals of Hilton Head Island Skiff Adventure Tours Kim Murphy Lighthouse Realty Luna & Lillie’s LUX~A Medical Spa Hilton Head Island Monarch Roofing Papa John’s Pizza Bluffton
RMC Your Destination Connection
Papa John’s Pizza Hilton Head Island
Rockfish Seafood & Steaks @Bomboras
POP - Purge Organize Paint
Roy’s Place Cafe & Catering
Silver Oak Transportation, LLC Tio’s Latin American Kitchen
Southern Barrel Brewing Co. Stage Front Presentation and Production Systems The Lowcountry Radio Group Whitaker Laboratory, Inc. BeachBum Property Management Daufuskie Island Ferry ELA’S On the Water Freedom Boat Club HHI Hampton Lake Harbour Town Yacht Basin Honorable Mark Sanford In & Out Cleaning & Steaming Optical Solutions of Bluffton Premium Properties of Hilton Head LLC TD Bank
Vivid Gallery Century 21 Diamond Realty Destination Creative Group HHI Carolina Shag Club - Dancing Hope Performance Systems Huntington Learning Center Bluffton Independent Benefit Advisors Inc. Laura C. Knobel, MD, LLC Legacy History Tours Nunzio Restaurant + Bar One Hot Mama’s American Grille Bluffton Pizza Co. Rotary Club Of Hilton Head Island Shiny Bins, LLC Sweet Frog of Hilton Head The Haven Boutique The Iron Fish Gallery
The Indigo Spa
Thank you ThompsonTurner Construction ZipLine Hilton Head
The Island Funeral Home & Crematory The Other Sister’s Wine Bar
Women’s Association of Hilton Head (WAHHI)
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020
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@HHIBCHAMBER HILTONHEADBLUFFTONCHAMBER.ORG 1 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DRIVE | HILTON HEAD ISLAND | 843.785.3673 216 BLUFFTON ROAD | BLUFFTON | 843.757.3673
36 LOWCOUNTRY BUSINESS CONNECTION