September 2019 Chamber Business Monthly

SEPTEMBER 2019

WHAT THE LOWCOUNTRY CAN LEARN FROM ONE OF AMERICA’S LONGEST SERVING MAYORS

State of the Region is Oct. 1

ACHIEVING RESULTS: THRIVE LOWCOUNTRY WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

HISTORY IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

Explore our Local Past

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019 Sept. 26-27 Lt. Gov. is the Keynote Speaker

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IN THIS ISSUE CHAMBER NEWS:

Staff in New Positions Utilizing gifts, talents, and passions to the fullest.

FEATURED:

FEATURED: 5 Questions with former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley

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Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference Educate. Engage.

Empower.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

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COMMUNITY FOCUS:

Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie & Bluffton

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ON THE COVER What Can America’s #1 Island Learn from America’s #1 City?

Hear what Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and others have to say at State of the Region on October 1.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:

History in Our Backyard Honoring our heritage.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Members Making News, Who’s Who, Scene and Be Scene, and more

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HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

FEATURED

What Can America’s #1 Island Learn from America’s #1 City?

Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley Talks Developing a Destination at State of the Region on October 1

Fifty years ago, Charleston was a far cry from the destination that it is today. The man who is widely credited with the city’s revitalization and growth will be the keynote speaker at the chamber’s State of the Region on October 1 at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Joe Riley served as the mayor of Charleston for 40 years, from 1975 through 2016, and was at the helm during the city’s transformation into a top destination.

Charleston is now recognized as one of the most livable and progressive cities in the United States. The city has been named the No. 1 city in America

by Travel + Leisure readers for seven consecutive years in the publication’s World’s Best Awards.

unprecedented growth in Charleston’s size and population.

During Mayor Riley’s 40-year tenure, he had his share of challenges. He led the city through the rebuilding after Hurricane Hugo’s devastation in 1989, and the Mother Emanuel AME Church tragedy.

Mayor Riley has held numerous national leadership positions and received many awards and distinctions.

President Barack Obama presented him with the 2009 National Medal of the Arts for cultivating Charleston’s historic and cultural resources.

Under Mayor Riley’s leadership, crime rates decreased, and the city experienced the remarkable revitalization of its historic downtown business district.

State of the Region will also feature updates from our elected officials: Town of Hilton Head Island Mayor John McCann, Beaufort County Council Chairman Stu Rodman, Town of Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka, and Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams.

Hear first-hand about the top three topics you told us you wanted an update on.

Mayor Riley oversaw the creation and growth of Spoleto Festival USA, added significantly to the city’s park system (including Waterfront Park), developed nationally acclaimed affordable housing, and experienced

What can southern Beaufort County learn from Charleston’s revitalization and transformation into one of the world’s top cities? Don’t miss the must-attend political update for southern Beaufort County to find out.

STATE of the

REGION

featuring Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley Tuesday, October 1 11 a.m.: Registration & Networking Noon: Program Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa $55 member $65 future member

REGISTER HERE Thank you to our sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsor

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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Questions

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with Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Mayor Joe Riley graduated from The Citadel in 1964 and the University of South Carolina Law School in 1967, and then served in the S.C. House of Representatives from 1968 to 1974. He was elected mayor in 1975 and served through 2016.

Today, Mayor Riley is a professor of American Government and Public Policy at The Citadel and Executive in Residence at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. He was the first Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Urban Land Institute. Mayor Riley is also currently working to build the International African-American Museum.

You were at the helm as Charleston turned into a world-class destination that has been named the No. 1 city in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers for seven years in a row. What do you feel were the most important elements that led to the renaissance of Charleston?

A sound strategic plan was the foundation of Charleston’s renaissance. Adhering to that plan while maintaining a strong commitment to strong preservation and to achieving excellence and beauty in all development and redevelopment initiatives was essential.

What’s the one thing you wish communities understood about the power of tourism?

Many communities underestimate the potential power of tourism. A strong tourism economy enhances the lives of citizens and their families in the community.

Charleston hasn’t been without its growing pains. What can other communities learn from it about how to manage growth responsibly?

Growth should always be on the community’s terms. At my job, I used what I called the 50-year test. That is, I would ask myself and my staff, “Fifty years from now, will what we are proposing to do be something that the community will rejoice in, or is there a risk that the community will believe mistakes have been made?” I always felt a huge responsibility to the next generations to give them a community in which they would be very proud.

What’s the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned over the years?

When you have reasoned, hard-earned confidence in the rightness of a course of action, don’t quit until your goal is accomplished.

What are the projects you’re most proud of during your tenure as Mayor of Charleston?

The creation of the Waterfront Park transformed a blighted water’s edge of our city into one of the most beautiful public parks anywhere in the world; it gives joy and inspiration to people of all walks of life who use it. Charleston Place also transformed a blighted section of our downtown and was the correct catalyst for the redevelopment of King Street, a trend that continues northward to this day. The International African American Museum, which is under construction, will be a gift to our country as it will tell the untold story of the experiences of enslaved Africans who were brought here and their many contributions to our community and to our country.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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Pamela Evette, the state’s first female republican lieutenant governor, will

Thursday, September 26 will

headline the third annual Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference from

feature in-depth workshops:

September 26-27 at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa. Presented by SCORE Lowcountry Chapter and the Hilton Head Island-

• “5 Strategies to Boost

Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Thrive will bring together women from

Positive Word of Mouth

the region to learn, engage, inspire, and network.

using the Reputation Matrix” method with Marjorie Young,

The conference includes the first-ever Lowcountry BizPitch competition.

Similar to “Shark Tank,” 10 women-owned businesses or aspiring women entrepreneurs will compete to win prizes that will help them expand or start their enterprises.

Carriage Trade Public Relations • “Develop Your Company’s Business Plan Now” with Mary Butler, SCORE Charleston Chapter • “How to Sell Anything on the Internet and Make Money: From Websites to Search Engine Marketing” with Phil Hudson, Rook SEO • “How to Take Your Idea and Get Your Book Published the Steps and Processes” with Bluffton Book Festival’s Rockelle Henderson

Thursday evening will be rounded out by a reception for all Thrive Conference attendees.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

FEATURED On Friday, September 27, the conference will kick off with registration and networking in the Market Expo. Back by popular demand is emcee and WSAV news anchor, Tina Tyus-Shaw, who will lead participants through the sessions.

The opening session features Billy Watterson, a serial entrepreneur whose latest venture is opening the Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton.

The keynote speaker at the luncheon is South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. The closing session is titled “Women, Fill Your Cups” delivered

by Jill Johns.

Friday’s breakout sessions include: • “Systems Save Lives! Improving Cardiac Arrest Survival” with Tom Bouthillet, Captain of the Hilton Head Island Fire & Rescue • “How I Did it” Business Owner Panel with Lori Marimam, Miranda Gardner, Gerrick Taylor, and Paul Uhls, facilitated by Keri Dylan • “Instagram Secrets Revealed & Underrated Marketing Engine Known as Pinterest” with Altimese Nichole • “Hold the Vision. Trust the Process” with Hilton Head Hospital staff • “L.E.A.P. Into Your Life (Live fully, Exude confidence, Accept truth, Practice love and forgiveness)” with Cynthia Walters • “Success in a Male-Dominated Industry Panel” with Jamie Nash, Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Mary Lee Carns, Mary Woodmansee Green, and Susan Speros, facilitated by Lori Brown • “Workforce Development” with Alan Wolf, director of operations at SERG Group • “Converting Expertise into Dollars” with Jamie Gilleland • “Thriving in Business and Life” with Dr. Elaine Hatala • “Effective Communication – Breaking Down Barriers” with Jennifer Baker Participants who attended previous Thrive Conferences can apply to be a Thrive award winner in either the professional or personal categories.

Women can apply in the conference registration process by answering the question: “What did you learn and apply from last year’s Thrive Women’s Conference, and what were the results?”

Join us today and learn how to Thrive professionally and personally.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Thursday, September 26 12:30-3 p.m.: VIP Workshops | 3:30-5:30 p.m.: BizPitch competition | 6-8 p.m.: Reception Friday, September 27 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: General sessions and concurrent breakout sessions Pricing VIP Workshops (choose one): $49 Full Conference (includes Thursday reception): $149 Market Expo Vendor: $329 To register or for more information:

CLICK HERE

Thank you to our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSORS

BREAKFAST SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR

BREAK SPONSORS

BREAKOUT SPONSORS

• Taylor’s Quality Landscape Supply & Nursery • LUX Medical Spa • Hilton Head BMW • Dills Law Firm 10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

• • • • •

SERG • Speros Merrill Lynch Pinnacle eviCore Healthcare Burnt Church Distillery

FEATURED

Meet the Keynote Speaker

S.C. Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

Creative Cuisine.

Exceptional Service.

Whether you are planning a family gathering, corporate event or an elegant wedding, our experienced staff can help bring your ideas to life!

• Cocktail Parties • Off-Premises Catering • Wedding Brunches, Rehearsal Dinners & Receptions • Family Celebrations • Holiday Parties • Military Events • Group Golf & Tennis Outings • Conferences & Seminars • Corporate Events Palmetto Dunes venues include: The Dunes House, Centre Court Pavilion, Alexander’s Restaurant, Arthur Hills Golf Course and more!

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is an entrepreneur and businesswoman, and the first female republican lieutenant governor, elected alongside Gov. Henry McMaster in 2018.

CALL 855-807-1934

She founded Quality Business Solutions, Inc. in 2000. Under her leadership, the payroll, human resources, and benefits services firm has grown from start-up to serving clients all over the continental United States. Her company has also been repeatedly honored among the fastest growing and best places to work in South Carolina.

Evette has received numerous business and professional accolades, and is a member of the Impact 50, an annual ranking of the most powerful women leaders of Inc. 5,000 companies.

Evette is passionate about improving educational performance in her community, assisting the elderly and the young, and helping small- and women-owned businesses.

DunesCateringAndEvents.com PalmettoDunes.com HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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CHAMBER NEWS

SAME FACES, DIFFERENT ROLES

for Chamber Staff

Kayla Boyter

Kelli Brunson

Hallie Martin

Contact me for: Marketing strategy, branding, and partner relationships.

Contact me for: Upcoming events (want to host a Conversation & Cocktails?) and our Chamber Young Professionals program.

Contact me for: Monday Morning Briefing, Chamber Business Monthly, or other local initiatives.

Senior Marketing Manager

Tenure at the Chamber: 4 years Hometown: Ware Shoals, S.C. Years in the Lowcountry: 13 total (4 on HHI, 9 in Charleston) Fun fact: I have been skydiving.

Events Manager

Tenure at the Chamber: 3 years; I started as an intern and was then hired as the research and digital marketing coordinator.

Hometown: Manning, S.C. Years in the Lowcountry: 7 years

Communications Manager

Tenure at the Chamber: 2 years from 2016-2018, and returned in April 2019.

Hometown: Long Island, N.Y. (Westhampton Beach and Sayville) Years in the Lowcountry: 10 years Fun fact: I used to play roller derby!

Fun fact: I grew up on a farm and love working with my parents when I go home for the weekend!

Cristian Slaton

Research and Digital Marketing Coordinator Contact me for: Analytical information and assistance on the Partner Portal.

Tenure at the Chamber: Since July 1; intern since January of this year.

Hometown: Charleston, S.C. Years in the Lowcountry: My whole life!

Fun fact: Holds three college school records in track and field.

Alyssa Whitehouse Creative Manager

Contact me for: Graphic design, branding, and creative.

Tenure at the Chamber: 5 months Hometown: Houston, Texas. and Delray Beach, Fla. Years in the Lowcountry: 1 year Fun fact: I lived on a yacht for 5 years in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

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Shelby Wielgus

Public Relations Coordinator Contact me for: Chamber social media and destination PR. Tenure at the Chamber: Since June 4 and I also interned here last summer.

Hometown: Colorado Springs.

Years in the Lowcountry: I have spent most of my summers here growing up, and became a full-time resident on June 1.

Fun fact: My parents met here! My dad, Chuck Wielgus, helped open the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center.

2019-2020 Leadership Class Announced Did you know that in the past five years alone, The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program classeses have raised and invested $85,000 into the community through their cornerstone class projects?

Participants will be immersed into the economic, cultural, political and historical facets of southern Beaufort County, and will complete a class community project. Welcome, class of 2019-2020: Aaron Benton, Mortgage Network Inc.; Thomas Bouthillet, Hilton Head Island & Fire Rescue; Rob Dills, Dills Law Firm; Cassidy Dunn, Okatie Youth Ballet; Brannon Edgerton, eviCore healthcare; Michelle Elliott, Weichert Coastal Real Estate; Allen Freeman, Freeman Wealth Advisors; Ansley Goodman, South Atlantic Bank; Josh Gruber, Town of Hilton Head Island; Elaine Hatala, World Financial Group; Nicole Hinnant-Locke, Lowcountry Food Bank; Melody Jones, Pinnacle Plastic Surgery; Amanda Keefer, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School; Hallie Martin, Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce; Teri Rough, Carey & Company P.A.; Tierra Schaffer, Charter One; Blair Streitenberger, Lowcountry Legal Solutions, LLC; Paula Tilley, Cross Schools; and Peter Vukelic, The Travel Team.

FOR THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE …

Announcing our 2019-2020 Season – Buy a SEASON SUBSCRIPTION Today!

OR buy ONE concert of your choice!

THE

September Song

SEPTEMBER 20th • 7PM

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH | 24 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island

IN US ALL

The Sounds of Christmas DECEMBER 13th • 7PM

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island

Music, By Georg e MARCH 27th • 7PM

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | 540 William Hilton Pkwy., Hilton Head Island

America Sings!

MAY 24th • 7PM

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH | 24 Pope Ave., 13 Head Island HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019Hilton

843-341-3818 • TICKETS at hiltonheadchoralsociety.org

COMMUNITY FOCUS: HILTON HEAD ISLAND & DAUFUSKIE ISLAND

Community Focus

The Town of Hilton Head Island received the gold level Bicycle Friendly Community designation for the second time in May. The town hosted a bicycle education and celebration program in July at the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, where children received helmets and other prizes.

SAVE THE DATE

Concours d’Elegance October 25-November 3 Start your engines...the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival returns to the Lowcountry next month. In its 18th year, the festival kicks off with race partner SVRA at the Savannah Speed Classic from October 25–27 and continues on Hilton Head Island from November 1–3 at both the Hilton Head Island Airport and the Port Royal Golf Club.

Exclusive for chamber members: Enjoy 15% off all general admission ticket offerings through October 20 by using the code HHIChamber19.

For more information and tickets, visit hhiconcours.com.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS: HILTON HEAD ISLAND & DAUFUSKIE

Hilton Head Island & Daufuskie in the National News

Daufuskie Island was named among Oprah Magazine’s “8 Places You’ll Definitely Want to Visit When You Retire.” What they said: “Sure, there’s kayaking alongside dolphins and horseback riding under mossy oaks—but the best activity of all may be napping in a waterside hammock.

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks featured in “America’s 35 Best Seafood Shacks” in the dailymeal.com. What they said: “This place allows you to drink in the views of the Port Royal Sound while indulging in the freshest seafood around. Hudson’s employs the largest dayboat fishing fleet on the island, and they’re bringing local seafood straight from the sea to the Skull Creek docks to your table.”

Haig Point featured in “This 1800s Lighthouse Is Rumored to Be Haunted, and You Can Spend the Night There” in HouseBeautiful.com. What they said: “The 40-foot tower stands on the shore of the luxurious community of Haig Point best known for the Haig Point Club—one of the top residential golf courses in the country. The historic lighthouse features two bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and a breathtaking rocking chair-lined porch, where you can see the ever blue Calibogue Sound.”

Al Roker mentioned Hilton Head Island on the Today Show for it’s beautiful summer weather.

Haig Point Presents Vibes & Tides October 18-20 Join James Beard award-winning chefs for an all-inclusive wine and food weekend with a backdrop rich in southern culture and hospitality. The event celebrates the flavors and story of Daufuskie Island and benefits the Haig Point Foundation, which engages Haig Point members in supporting the island through preservation of green space, community enhancements and other special needs.

For more information and tickets, visit daufuskieislandvibesandtides.com.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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COMMUNITY FOCUS: BLUFFTON

Community Focus Crescendo 2019 Returns October 10 through November 15 The month-long festival is jammed packed with activities across the full spectrum of the arts and history featuring more than 75 unique programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, educational offerings and more.

For more information and tickets, visit hiltonheadartsdaily.org/crescendo

The Town of Bluffton broke ground on the Wright Family Park property on August 20. The passive park will provide additional public access to the May River as well as 28 parking spaces. The town will also rehabilitate the Squire Pope Carriage House, which was built circa 1850 and is one of the very few structures in the Bluffton Historic District to survive the 1863 “Burning of Bluffton� during the Civil War.

Candidate Filing Period Open Through Sept. 6 Voters in the Town of Bluffton Municipal General Election on Tuesday, November 5 will cast their ballot for mayor and two town council seats. The filing period for candidates for Town Council closes at noon on September 6. Visit townofbluffton.sc.gov for more information.

Voters must be registered no later than October 4 to participate in the election.

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Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival Returns October 12-20 Get your fill of fine art and fresh seafood at the 15th annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival.

The highlight of the festival is the Streetfest, which includes a juried fine art show featuring over 100 artists from 10 different states, delicious food provided by the area’s premier restaurants and caterers, and great music and entertainment on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.

For more information and tickets, visit blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com.

The Town of Bluffton received a Municipal Achievement Award for the May River Road and Dr. Mellichamp Drive streetscape projects. These projects established the two locations as gateways, adding 220 parking spaces, 98 street lights, nearly 5,000 linear feet of sidewalks, as well as benches and improved stormwater drainage.

Bluffton in the National News Palmetto Bluff mentioned in TravelPulse.com story “20 Off the Beaten Path Destinations for Labor Day.” What they said: “The Lowcountry town of Bluffton has got everything you need for a memorable weekend and plenty of Southern charm.”

Palmetto Bluff’s canine ambassadors featured in “These Hotels Can Help Cure Your Puppy Fever” in thepointsguy.com. What they said: “Travelers can also hang out with a trio of canine ambassadors (River, May and Cooper) at Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. Though the three English Labrador retrievers can be spotted wandering around the property.”

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

History

in Our Backyard History is woven into southern Beaufort County, and there are many ways to explore and learn right in our own backyard. Here are a few places to visit that will take you back in time.

Church of the Cross

Wilson Village Ruins

Heyward House

Bluffton Campbell Chapel AME Church:

Garvin-Garvey House: A freed

Built in 1853, the church was sold to nine former slaves in 1874. They organized the AME congregation and purchased the cast-iron bell that is still in the cupola. The church was not just a house of worship; it was a safe gathering place for African-Americans during the Reconstruction Era. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

slave constructed the home on the property that was likely owned by his former owner, Joseph Baynard.

The house is an example of Carolina Lowcountry vernacular architecture of the late 19th century, and a rarity since it was constructed and owned

by African-Americans in Bluffton. It was rehabilitated by the town in 2016.

Church of the Cross: For 165 years, the building has been a place of worship overlooking the May River. It survived the Burning of Bluffton in 1863 and a destructive hurricane in 1898, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Wilson Village Ruins in Palmetto Bluff: Wealthy businessman R.T. Wilson, Jr. built his 72-room “Palmetto Lodge” overlooking the May River around the turn of the 20th century. It burned in 1926, and its remains are still in the community’s Wilson Village.

Secession Oak: The seeds for Heyward House: Built by slaves in 1841 as a summer home for a plantation owner, the antebellum house was one of only eight structures that survived the Burning of Bluffton in 1863. The Heyward family lived in the house from the early 1880s through 1998. It is now home to the Bluffton Historical Society and the offical welcome center for the Town of Bluffton.

South Carolina’s secession from the union were planted here when U.S. Representative Robert Barnwell Rhett railed against a tarrif in July 1844, starting the Bluffton Movement. The tree still stands on private property.

Francis Jones House

Haig Point Lighthouse

Daufuskie Island Bloody Point Lighthouse & Museum: Overlooking the southernmost point where Native American battles took place in the 1700s, the lighthouse was built in 1882.

First Union African Baptist Church: Built in 1881 on land sold to former slaves, the original church burned in 1884 and was rebuilt in 1885. It served as both a place of worship and schoolhouse for children.

Francis Jones House: The iconic little blue house perched under a grand oak is a restored “oyster house.” It is believed to be built in 1865 and is named after a teacher and principal at the Mary Fields school. The restoration was the inaugural project of the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation.

Haig Point Lighthouse: Built in 1873 to help guide ships through the Calibogue Sound, it was decommissioned in 1924. Many visitors say they can feel the friendly presence of Maggie, whose family lived in the lighthouse for its first 18 years.

School Houses: The Mary Fields School was for the island’s African-American children. Famed Lowcountry author Pat Conroy taught there and his experiences were the basis for his book “The Water is Wide.” The Jane Hamilton School educated children from 1938-1950, and is now home to the Gullah Learning Center and Daufuskie Island Community Library. The White School House educated white children until the last one graduated in 1962.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Hilton Head Island Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn: Located on 68 acres, the Smithsonian Affiliate-museum tells the cultural and natural history of Hilton Head Island.

The Discovery House was built in 1859. The property was purchased in the early 1950s and the Hack family lived there. The First Presbyterian Church was also founded in a chapel on the property.

Coastal Discovery Museum

Coligny: The shopping plaza - the first of its kind on modern Hilton Head - was founded in 1955.

The Richardson family opened the first supermarket (now the Piggly Wiggly) in 1956.

Liberty Oak at Harbour Town: The Harbour Town Basin was designed to preserve this centuriesold oak tree. Charles Fraser, the developer of Sea Pines and Hilton Head Island, is buried next to the Liberty Oak.

Liberty Oak at Harbour Town

Mitchelville

Mitchelville: The home of the first freedmen’s village along Beach City Road. More than 1,000 slaves were freed after the Battle of Port Royal in 1861, and established the town in 1862. The freed slaves who lived there made their own laws, elected officials, and enacted the first compulsory education in the state.

Sea Pines Forest Preserve Shell Ring: The Shell Ring dates back nearly 4,000 years and is comprised of oyster, clam and mussel shells. It is one of only 50 known rings along the coasts of South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.

Zion Chapel of Ease & Baynard Mausoleum: The oldest structure on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding cemetery are all that remains of the chapel that was built in 1786. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery has the remains of some Revolutionary War patriots, and the Mausoleum was built in 1846.

Zion Chapel of Ease

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Sources: Town of Hilton Head Island, Discover South Carolina, Haig Point, Town of Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff, The Island Packet, Daufuskie Museum, The Sea Pines Resort.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

s r e b m e M g News n i k a M Hilton Head Island Airport’s passenger boarding numbers soared by more than 225 percent in the first half of 2019. Thanks to additional airline service from Delta and United, more than 96,000 passengers made their way through the Island’s Airport in the first half of 2019. This year has seen the addition of new route and seat capacity by American Airlines as well as the entry of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Gloria S. Taggart, the former CEO and daughter of the founder of Hargray Communications, was honored by Gov. Henry McMaster with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

The Beaufort County School District is partnering with Purposity, a mobile app that allows users to identify students in need and make donations to help them.

On the eve of its 30th anniversary, the Old Oyster Factory will join the Coastal Restaurants and Bars (CRAB) family of restaurants. Overlooking Broad Creek, the restaurant was built on the site of an original oyster cannery.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry was selected as a recipient of the Hardeeville Walmart’s 2019 Community Grant, which will help youth in Jasper County receive STEM programming.

LAVA 24 Fitness of Hilton Head Island has opened an 8,000-square-foot facility in Palmetto Dunes.

Owner Nate Dixon also opened a new Power Plant Café that features healthy, plant-based food in Palmetto Dunes.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

s r e b Mem ng News i k a M Hilton Head Hospital was recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2019-20 by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide. Less than a third of all hospitals received a high-performing rating.

Coastal Carolina Hospital received the 2019 Get with the Guidelines Stroke GOLD PLUS with Honor Roll Elite Plus award from the American Heart Association.

The Hilton Head Choral Society recently donated more than 55 costumes - valued at over $4,000 to the Youth Program at the Hilton Head Ballroom Dance studio, which will use them in upcoming recitals and other events.

Two of Custom Audio Video’s team recently attended a hands-on training led by an expert Control4 instructor in Charlotte, N.C. The course provided the essential training needed to be successful C4 installers and programmers in the field.

The Beaufort County School District will receive 18 new school buses – the district’s first buses powered with propane – through the state’s settlement agreement with Volkswagen. These replace 31-year-old models.

Vacasa will buy Wyndham Vacation Rentals from Wyndham Destinations.

SERVPRO of Beaufort County received the Founder’s Bronze award at SERVPRO’s recent 50th Annual Convention.

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Ahmad Ward, the executive director of the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, was named to the board of directors of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM), a non-profit member organization established to support African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Hargray Communications is acquiring Kings Bay Communications, Inc., an Internet and cable TV provider based in Kingsland, Ga. Hargray will invest in Kingsland Cable’s network to provide next-generation products and services to its residential and business customers.

The Outside Foundation took over 20 visuallyimpaired kids from Camp Leo kayaking on Broad Creek. This is the 28th year these two organizations partnered to create a one-of-a-kind experience for Camp Leo attendees.

Publix Pharmacy and Beaufort Memorial Hospital will collaborate for in-hospital delivery of patient prescriptions from Publix, as well as in-store telehealth centers at two Publix locations in Beaufort and Bluffton. Powered by the BMH Care Anywhere online virtual care service, each telehealth center will have a private room with teleconferencing and medical diagnostic equipment, including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, high-definition cameras and other tools used for common diagnoses.

Montage Palmetto Bluff, in partnership with the Town of Bluffton, will host the first May River Music Festival, a weekend event dedicated to bringing singers and songwriters together along the banks of the Lowcountry’s majestic May River.

The lineup kicks off Friday, September 20, Under the Stars at Moreland Village with Nashville’s Clare Bowen and Brandon Young, followed by acclaimed singer-songwriter and Irish music legend Foy Vance. The festival continues on Saturday, September 21, at the Village Green with Lele Rose and Ben Rector. Tickets for the May River Music Festival are available at www.mayrivermusicfestival.com.

NAMI Lowcountry moved to its new location on Plantation Park Drive in Bluffton, across from the Bluffton Volunteers in Medicine Clinic.

For the first time in the law firm’s history, The American Lawyer ranked Nexsen Pruet in the AM Law 200, a list that highlights law firms with the highest gross revenue.

Coastal Carolina Hospital hosted a party to celebrate five years of its Women’s Pavilion.

Doctors there have delivered 3,532 babies – 1,880 boys and 1,652 girls – since they opened.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

o h W s ’ Who Kristen Parson is a real estate specialist at the Collins Group Realty’s Bluffton Office. She had a 21-year career as an educator.

Diane Shott has been hired as an administrative assistant at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Her previous experience includes teaching positions and serving as assistant to the president at Bluefield College.

Mary Stratos is the new district chief instructional services officer at Beaufort County Schools.

She was previously a principal at Forest Hill Community High School in Palm Beach County, Fla.

Meaghan Beck was named the listings manager at Collins Group Realty in the group’s Hilton Head Island office. She has over 10 years of experience in project/program management.

Jill Dawson will serve as a program associate at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. She previously worked at Dills Law Firm in Bluffton, served as clerk of court on Hilton Head Island and worked at several other law firms.

Jason Rodriguez was named this year’s Bluffton Police Department Officer of the Year.

He was also chosen by the American Legion Post 205 as the Officer of the Year.

Jessica Weaver was hired as the employee benefits account executive at McGriff Insurance Services. She has over 18 years of experience as an employee benefits insurance professional.

Arno Dimmling, Linda Fiore and Paul Moeri were named to the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s board of directors.

Julia Moore is a program associate at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

She previously was a cruise director for American Cruise Lines and is a certified yoga teacher, licensed massage therapist and a certified chiropractor’s assistant.

Steve Schidrich is the new principal at Hilton Head Island High School. He was a teacher at Hilton Head Island High for 13 years and an assistant principal at Bluffton Middle School for the past seven years.

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Keith Weaver joined the real estate team at Weichert, Realtors® - Coastal Properties He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and has 16 years of teaching and coaching experience.

Welcome, New Members!

Nunzio Restaurant & Bar

The Haven Boutique

One Hot Mama’s American Grille Bluffton

The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

Pizza Co.

The Other Sister’s Wine Bar

Shiny Bins, LLC

Happy Anniversary 30+ Years

20-29 Years Cont.

4-9 Years

Adventure Cruises, Inc.

Kennickell Print & Communications

Alliance Consulting Engineers

Camellia Art

Minor, Haight & Arundell, P.C.

BeachBum Property Management

Camp Hilton Head

Brighton Builders, LLC

Coligny Plaza Limited Partnership

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

First South Insurance Agency, Inc.

South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals

Forsythe Jewelers

TidePointe, a Vi Community

Hampton Inn Hilton Head Island

Brookdale Hilton Head Court Builder’s First Source Elevator Lift Systems, Inc. Fresh Produce

Hargray

15-19 Years

Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort

Aurora Diagnostics-Biopsy Diagnostics

Lighthouse Consulting, LLC

Hilton Head Island Recreation Association

Beaufort Memorial Hospital

OC Welch Ford Lincoln, Inc.

Carolina Realty Group

Palmetto Breeze

Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head

Stage Front Presentation and Production Systems

Hilton Head Preparatory School Jones, Simpson & Newton P.A. McGriff Insurance Services

Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners’ Association

McNair Building Construction, Inc.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Sea Shack

Seashore Vacations, Inc.

Town of Bluffton

Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Truffles Cafe - Belfair

The Greenery, Inc.

Zonta Club of Hilton Head Island

The Sea Pines Resort The Vacation Company The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Holy Tequila Logan Homes

WJCL-ABC Whitaker Laboratory, Inc.

1-3 Years Aqua Blue Pools Boatwright Law Firm, LLC

10-14 Years

Dataw Island

A Taste of Hilton Head

Old Town Trolley Savannah

Tom Peeples Builder, Inc.

Art Cafe

WebsterRogers LLP

Harvey & Battey, P.A.

Mia’s Harbour Gifts & Boutique

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

20-29 Years Commander Zodiac, Inc. Furniture Direct Hilton Head Dance School/Theatre

One Hot Mama’s American Grille Right at Home Royal Restrooms Windmill Harbour Real Estate

Kelly & Sons Plumbing, Inc. HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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2019–2020 PINNACLE

SM

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER Burr Forman McNair

Hub International

SunTrust Bank

Beaufort Memorial Hospital

MLS of Hilton Head Island, Inc.

Synovus

DX Print & Mail

Prudential Financial - Christopher Corkern

TD Bank

BRONZE Ace Hardware Hilton Head

Dividend Asset Capital, LLC

RMC Your Destination Connection

Assured Partners

Riedel Computers

Wood+Partners

COPPER Andy Twisdale, Realtor

Sign D’ Sign

Court Atkins Group

Summit Landscape Group

Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors

Sun City Hilton Head Community Association, Inc.

Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance 26 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY & Motoring Festival

Technical College of the Lowcountry

NAI Carolina Charter

United Community Bank

Scene & Be Seen

CONNECT + ENGAGE

Chamber Champions enjoyed a reception at the home of Bob and Tracey Gregory in Colleton River.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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The Sea Pines Country Club Fitness Center celebrated the opening of its facility.

Southern Beaufort County principals and the new superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez enjoyed the chamber’s Principals’ Reception, a meet and greet complete with school supplies from Staples at Skull Creek Dockside.

McGriff Insurance celebrated a ribbon cutting of their new offices on Hilton Head Island.

Local author and business coach Scott Beebe gave a day-long seminar on “How to Burn Your Business” to a group of 28 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY senior leaders at local businesses.

CONNECT + ENGAGE

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare celebrated the opening of Tidewatch, its free-standing emergency room.

A group of 40 young professionals met for a happy hour at AR Workshop and got to bring home a beautiful piece of art.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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CONNECT + LEARN

Upcoming Chamber Events

Public Policy Meeting

Features Coastal Conservation League 8 a.m. Friday, September 6 Chamber Headquarters Guest speaker Rikki Parker, area director of the Coastal Conservation League, will discuss several issues that effect Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, including bridge construction and the May River.

Open to all members.

MAXIMIZE your MEMBERSHIP 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 4 Chamber Headquarters Learn more about the many ways you can leverage your chamber membership for maximum business success. Register here.

Business Education Partnership Committee:

SC Wins Scholarship with TCL 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 10 Chamber Headquarters Ali Cadmus, the director of recruitment and admissions at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, will discuss the SC Wins Scholarship, which helps low-income students and those enrolled in “critical” fields of study, including culinary, hospitality and tourism.

CYP Happy Hour 5 p.m. Thursday, September 17 Carrabba’s Italian Grill 14 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island Join us for some post-summer networking with fellow young professionals. Connect, enjoy complimentary appetizers and one drink. Free event; register here.

Grassroots Tour with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce:

Help Shape the 2020 Legislative Agenda 10 a.m. Thursday, September 12 Chamber Headquarters Join us and Ted Pitts, CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, to share some of the challenges your business faces. The feedback received from the meetings will shape the state chamber’s 2020 Competitiveness Agenda and its priorities for the 2020 legislative session. Register here.

30 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

CONNECT + LEARN

Conversation + Cocktails 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, September 12 Tio’s Latin American Kitchen Shelter Cove Towne Centre Connect with your fellow members at Shelter Cove Towne Centre’s newest restaurant, Tio’s Latin American Kitchen. Enjoy great food and drinks, while expanding your network and business contacts.

Register here.

Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference Thursday, September 26, 12:30-3 p.m.

(VIP Workshops) 3:30-5:30 p.m. (BizPitch) 6-8 p.m. (Reception) Friday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Join us for the third annual premier women’s gathering focused on enhancing and empowering personal and professional growth. This year’s keynote speaker is South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

New this year: VIP Workshops will offer in-depth, skill-based in a hands-on setting with experts.

Register here.

State of the Region featuring Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley 11 a.m.: Registration & Networking Noon: Program Begins Tuesday, October 1 Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley - one of America’s longest-serving mayors - will share his accomplishments and leadership over his 40-year tenure, and what the Lowcountry can learn from Charleston’s success. Our local elected officials will also share updates. Register here.

Conversation + Cocktails

with the Italian American Club 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 2 Nunzio Restaurant + Bar 18 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head Island Conversations build relationships and relationships build business. Join us while enjoying samples of Nunzio’s fresh, simple and local cuisine and getting an exclusive look at Hilton Head Island’s newest Italian restaurant with the Italian-American Club.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | September 2019

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

The Connect Calendar is Here!

Whether it is the latest big festival, a schedule of upcoming plays and concerts, or sporting events, the Connect Calendar will be the source for upcoming events around the Island.

We’ll connect you with all the latest events in one easy-to-search calendar.

32 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

LowcountryConnect.org