2021 Annual Report
2 0 2 1
Table of Contents 04 06 14
Leadership Message
Mission, Vision & Values
Awards & Accolades
18 24 36
Your Chamber
Membership, Advocacy & Services
Leadership
50 70
Visitor & Convention Bureau
Public Relations
78 86 92
Communications
Financials
Thank You to Our Members & Community
Table of Contents | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
44
Chamber Champions
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
This year was one for the
2021 was a year for entrepreneurship
Lowcountry to shine, bringing
as many small business owners had the
our region economic prosperity,
opportunity to expand their operations or
investments into our community,
start new ventures. We welcomed over 140
new businesses, and more.
new members, and celebrated 50 ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies. That’s more than both 2020 and 2019.
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Annual Report 2021
honored as the #1 Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers, and the #1 Island in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers. It’s the fifth time that the destination garnered these awards in both
We also celebrated the long-awaited
publications. Bluffton had its
opening of the Culinary Institute of the
moment in the spotlight as well,
South that will help keep future chefs and
being named among the Best
hospitality professionals in our area.
Small Towns in the South by Travel + Leisure and garnering other accolades.
This year was not one without challenges. We continue to play a leadership role in the community, connecting our members and
It was a record-breaking year
residents with unfiltered information via our
for tourism - thanks to you. The
Power Hour Tele-Town Halls, and helping
indicators we use to measure
find solutions to issues such as workforce
its economic impact were up
availability, infrastructure and more.
even compared to 2019. That means more taxes collected from visitors that go right back into our beaches, non-profits, parks and pathways, and more. It also means cash registers were ringing at our small businesses, restaurants and stores, making way for more opportunities that we all benefit from.
In the following pages, we’ll take a look back on some of the accomplishments of 2021. It was a great year, and we couldn’t have done it without all of your support and encouragement.
Here’s to a prosperous 2022!
Youth in our community had opportunities to start a career like never before. Your chamber partnered with Apprenticeship Carolinas, which helps students learn in a hands-on environment while helping to fill our workforce pipeline.
Bill Miles President & CEO
Susana Cook Chair of the Board of Directors
Leadership Message | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Hilton Head Island was
We welcomed over 140 new members, and celebrated 50 ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our Mission, Vision & Values
OUR MISSION
Stimulate the regional economy while enhancing quality of life for all.
OUR VISION
A welcoming, world-class community embracing nature, culture and economic vibrancy for residents and visitors. OUR VALUES
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is a professional, results-driven and innovative organization for our partners and our community by being: Ethical, Accountable, Pragmatic, Visionary, and Compassionate.
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Annual Report 2021
What We Believe | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our Five Pillars MEMBERSHIP
EDUCATION
ADVOCACY
Connecting the Community
Helping Businesses Succeed
Working On Your Behalf
1,350+ Members strong 5-Star accredited
Chamber of Commerce by the U.S. Chamber (in the top 1.7% of chambers nationwide)
3-Time National Chamber of the Year Networking
opportunities
Business exposure Seminars and workshop opportunities to learn and grow
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Annual Report 2021
Seminars, workshops and programs
Advocate on the local, state and federal level
SCORE offers free and
Act as the voice of the business community
designed to help your business grow
confidential business advice for new and existing businesses
Leadership program
has been developing our community leaders for over 35 years
Partnership with Apprenticeship Carolinas to reinforce
the workforce pipeline and hands-on education for students and young adults in the area
for business-friendly policies
with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels, and meet with lawmakers on behalf of our membership
Formulate a Legislative Agenda annually that
guides our advocacy efforts
TOURISM
RESEARCH
The Backbone of Our Economy
Planning & Results
2.61 million visitors in 2020. Economic impact on Beaufort County from tourism spending is approximately $1.37 billion
17,902 jobs generated by Hilton Head visitors in 2020 and represents 15.6% of all jobs in Beaufort County
2.7 million website visitors in 2021 with
1.5 million website conversions to partners
One-stop-shop keeper of economic impact
indicators for our region ThinkHiltonHeadIsland.org & ThinkBluffton.org
STR Monthly Reports Destination Metrics/ Inntopia Reports
Partnerships with: USCB /LRITI Clemson/Regional Transactions Concepts, LLC and College of Charleston
$23.4 million net local revenue impact
including hospitality tax, ATAX and beach renourishment fee
Source: Regional Transactions Concepts, LLC & USCB Lowcountry and Resort Island Tourism Institute, VERB Interactive.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Guiding Principles
Serve as a voice and advocate for the business community
1 1
Make decisions based on long-term perspective
Maintain the highest ethical standards in all we do
7
2 2
6
3
Initiate programs for which there are funding and staffing resources
5 5
Develop and implement programs and services that benefit the economic well-being and common interests of our members
4
Work to preserve and enhance the prudent growth, quality of life and character of our region
Develop collaborative partnerships only in areas where the partnership can accomplish that which our organization cannot do alone
What We Believe | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
We’re here to convene, convey, and connect the community.
We’re here to convene, convey, and connect the community.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | What We Believe
We help bolster the business community by connecting, educating, advocating, and conducting research.
SMALL TITLE SMALL TITLE
The Amazing Title Will Go Right Here
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
HILTON H IS THE #1 ISLAND 14
Annual Report 2021
HEAD
#1 ISLAND IN THE U.S. FOR THE 5TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
#1 ISLAND IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. FOR 5TH TIME
AW AR Parents.com
Best Vacations for Kids:SMALL Parents’ Travel SMALL TITLE TITLE Awards 2021
Condé Nast Traveler 25 Best Island Beaches in the World
The Amazing Title Will Go Right Here MSN
MSN Tra
25 Most Popular Beaches in America
America’s Seaside To
Travel + Leisure Bluffton: Best Small Towns in the South
MSN Money
Best places to retire on the East Coast
Fox News
Top 10 family-friendly vacation spots in the U.S.
16
D R Forbes.com
South Carolina’s Hottest
Up-And-Coming Food & Drink Destination
avel
Beautiful owns
Travel Pulse
Top U.S. Vacation Destinations for Families in 2021
TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards
Men’s Journal
Best Places to Live
PureWow 25 Best Beach Towns in America
YOUR CHAMBER 18
Annual Report 2021
Your Chamber | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
R
MEET US
Your Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2021
Susana Cook
Chris McCorkendale
Chris Corkern
Andrew Schumacher
Chair
Immediate Past Chairman
Vice Chairman, Bluffton Regional Business Council
Vice Chairman, Finance
Palmera Inn & Suites
Hargray Communications
Prudential Insurance
Palmetto Dunes P.O.A.
Jean Beck
Dru Brown
Terry Tadlock
Bill Miles, CCE, IOM
Vice Chairman, Government Relations
Vice Chairman, Small Business
Vice Chairman, Workforce & Education
President & CEO
Hilton Head Area Realtors
Island Time Hilton Head
Correll Insurance Group of Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
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Annual Report 2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Carmines
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Greg Kelly
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Jon Rembold
Hilton Head Island Airport
Andrea Bragg
Sonesta Hilton Head Island Resort
Forsythe Jewelers
Mary Lee Carns
Jeremy Clark
Technical College of the Lowcountry
Casey Lavin
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Michael Scioscia
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Ahmad Ward
Mitchelville Preservation Project
Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
Diana McDougall
Coastal States Bank
Jerome Smith
Disney Hilton Head Resort
Steve Wilmot
Heritage Classic Foundation
Alan Wolf
Caleb Graham
Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations
Dr. Al Panu
University of South Carolina-Beaufort
Steve Stauffer
McGriff Insurance Services
SERG Restaurant Group
Your Chamber | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Chris Bracken
MEET US
Meet Your Chamber Staff EXECUTIVE
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Bill Miles
Connie Killmar
President & CEO
Assistant to the President
Ray Deal
Kelly McCallister
Controller
Assistant Controller
Charlie Clark
Megan Goheen
Hallie Martin
Lilly Strickland
Vice President, Communications
Visual Communications Coordinator
Communications Manager
Visual Content Manager
COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBERSHIP, WORKFORCE, AND EDUCATION
Kelli Brunson
Cathy Havens
Director of Membership
Events Manager
Special Events & Programs Manager
Beverly Maloney
Kim Nelson
Shelby Wielgus
Senior Membership Executive
Membership Administrator
Membership Executive
Laura Higgins Programs Assistant
VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
Linda Lanier
Ariana Pernice
Kayla Boyter
Robin Bridgers
Vice President, VCB Visitor & Convention
Senior Marketing Manager
Group Sales Coordinator
Information Specialist
Seth Richardson
Zack Shedd
Cristian Slaton
Kathy Winings
Director of Sales & Partnership Management
Multi Media Sales Manager
Research & Digital Marketing Coordinator
Information Specialist
Your Chamber | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Michelle Pivik
MEMBERSHI ADVOCACY SERVICES 24
Annual Report 2021
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
IP, &
Membership, Advocacy & Services The membership team is focused on providing benefits, programs, initiatives and services that support, enhance and inform the business community, with a focus on small business. They also play a leadership role in the area’s business education partnership.
1,350+
50+
140+
Members Strong
Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreaking Ceremonies
New Members in 2021
70+
in-person and virtual networking events, learning seminars, and meetings, reaching 10,000+ people
Re-Accredited 5 Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce We’re in the top 1.7% of 7,000 chambers nationwide in the U.S. have this distinction, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 3-Time National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
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Annual Report 2021
Thank you Second Helpings for presenting us with the 2020 Founders Award.
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau won two prestigious awards for its Path Forward Readiness Plan, the postCOVID-19 business recovery guidelines:
⊲ Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International: Gold Adrian Award for its “Best Practice Recovery Strategy” ⊲ Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives: Communication Excellence award More information on the Path Forward Readiness Plan can be found on www.ThePathForward.org.
MEMBERSHIP, ADVOCACY & SERVICES
Connect & Grow 70+ Virtual & In-Person Events in 2021 We returned to in-person events, including ribbon cuttings, Conversation + Cocktails, Executive Connection, Chamber Young Professionals & more.
70+
EVENTS 28
Annual Report 2021
February 20-27, 2021 54 Participating Restaurants 14,033 visits to our website, chamberrestaurantweek.com (+29% increase over 2020) In tandem with Restaurant Week, we hosted the Taste of the Lowcountry silent auction that offered residents the chance to get Lowcountry culinary experiences. Local businesses stepped up to provide these certificates, and the program infused $17,170 into 79 local restaurants.
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RESTAURANTS
Chamber Business Golf Classic March 22, 2021 The Golf Club at Indigo Run 128 Players, Two Shotgun Starts
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PLAYERS
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Chamber Restaurant Week
“As a chamber member, it is important to participate as much as possible to network for your business and to support our local community. ” - Laurie Brown, Aunt Laurie’s
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Annual Report 2021
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | Membership, Advocacy & Services
Chamber Tele-Town Hall 15 Zoom Calls Live, unfiltered updates straight from national, regional, and local leaders.
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Annual Report 2021
Small Business Week May 10-14, 2021 We celebrated the return of our Small Business Week with Pork in the Parking Lot, a Social Media Workshop, Bluffton Block Party, Thankful Thursday, and “PopIns” to local businesses.
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | Membership, Advocacy & Services
MEMBERSHIP, ADVOCACY & SERVICES
Small Business, Workforce & Education Named a “Neighborhood Champion”
again for the November 27 Small Business Saturday by American Express. Hosted a series of small business roundtables with local entrepreneurs as listening sessions so we can find out what issues matter to you the most. Partnered with SCORE and the SBA to host small business webinars for COVID related loan programs, and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. In partnership with Burr Forman Law Firm, LLP, hosted six small business seminars Coffee & Counsel. Partnered with Apprenticeship Carolinas to host a week-long awareness week, celebrated the signing of its first youth apprentice, and hosted office hours for businesses and youth to get more information about the program.
#Shop Local Lowcountry
LEADERSH 36
Annual Report 2021
“ I learned way more than I ever anticipated learning about our area, our island, and Beaufort County in general. Professionally, I have made so many connections that have grown my business. ”
HIP
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Kaci Hollingsworth, Bluffton Sales Manager at Weichert Realtors
MEMBERSHIP, ADVOCACY & SERVICES
Leadership We welcomed 19 local professionals to the 2021-2022 class The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce began its Leadership program in 1985. It was designed to cultivate leadership resources within the community by giving participants the opportunity to study and experience the community. In the past six class years, leadership classes have raised and invested over $103,000 into the community through annual projects.
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Annual Report 2021
$103,000 into the community
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
We welcomed 39 students in our 20212022 Junior Leadership class from Bluffton High School, Heritage Academy, Hilton Head Christian Academy, Hilton Head High School, Hilton Head Preparatory, John Paul II Catholic School, May River High School, South Carolina Connections Academy, and South Carolina Virtual Charter School.
The class of 2020 celebrated the graduation of 37 students from the Junior Leadership program.
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Junior Leadership
MEMBERSHIP, ADVOCACY & SERVICES
Advocacy This division serves as the voice and policy advocate for our Lowcountry business community. Our goal is to be a proactive voice for business and facilitate communication between government and the business community and encourage participation in the public policy realm at the local, state and federal level.
State of the Region April 28, 2021 The virtual summit featured an update from Sen. Lindsey Graham, as well as our local mayors. Rep. Nancy Mace joined us for intimate business roundtables with local leaders, as well as for the Back To Business Seminar with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Hosted the annual S.C. Chamber “Grassroots” meeting to help craft the upcoming state legislative agenda. Hosted SCDOT officials and provided updates on the U.S. Hwy. 278 Corridor bridge project.
Our goal is to be a proactive voice for business 42
Annual Report 2021
Local
State
Federal
Oppose Police Tax on Hilton Head Island Businesses and
Support renewing efforts on a comprehensive education
Pandemic Relief: To continue advocacy efforts for swift
Residents in its current form.
reform bill to include increasing teacher pay, intervention for failing schools and reviewing testing metrics and procedures.
action on COVID-19 relief and recovery.
Support regional activity and efforts, as well as policy measures, to develop affordable housing for the local workforce. Collaborate with and support growth at local airports. Monitor and contribute dialogue toward the U.S. Hwy. 278 Corridor bridge project as it pertains to historic/ cultural preservation, design and aesthetics, and overall function. Encourage utilization of regional Opportunity Zones to attract business investment, jobs and workforce housing.
Advocate for the passage of a liability protection bill that protects businesses and organizations that plan, prepare, promote and prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers from COVID-19. Support grants/forgivable loans to small business and non-profits to fund sustainable business practices, retain employees and purchase essential PPE for safe operations. Support for new and existing state investments for our state’s vital travel and tourism industry.
Economic Stimulus for Small Businesses, Non-profits and 501c6 organizations. Advocate for protections on those businesses that received COVID-19 grants and stimulus and face unexpected tax liabilities. Support continuing federally reimbursed pandemic unemployment compensation. Urge bi-partisan support of targeted legislation providing for tax credits and incentives for those activities supporting group and business travel, meetings and conventions, business entertainment and meals, and individual/family travel expenditures through the year 2021. Infrastructure modernization. Support the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.
Membership, Advocacy & Services | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Advancing Our Region
CHAMBER CHAMPION 44
Annual Report 2021
Chamber Champions | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
R NS
“ One of the reasons we became a Chamber Champion is because of the exposure that we get in the community. It’s high visibility that it affords us as well as advertising opportunities. We know that when first-time visitors are coming to the island, they’re likely to visit the Chamber’s website. It gives us exposure early on to potential customers. ” Robert Welch, Marriott Vacation Club
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Annual Report 2021
Chamber Champions | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Chamber Champions | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
VISITOR & CONVENTI BUREAU 50
Annual Report 2021
VCB | HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org
ION
VCB
Visitor & Convention Bureau
The Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) is the destination marketing division of the chamber. This division works to enhance tourism through its marketing efforts cultivating leisure as well as meetings and group business. The VCB strives to improve awareness and understanding of the economic impact of travel tourism to the region.
The VCB is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for both the Town of Hilton Head Island and the Town of Bluffton, as well as Southern Beaufort County. The VCB is accredited by Destinations International (DI), one of less than 200 accredited DMOs in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS As a result of our Path Forward efforts in 2020, which laid the groundwork for our business community to safely reopen and our residents and visitors to once again enjoy our community, this year was a successful one. We were able to welcome visitors back to our region.
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Annual Report 2021
From welcoming guests to all over the country, to hosting marquee events and meetings, Southern Beaufort County continues to be a safe, inviting area. As a result of that groundwork, a group of travel experts – known as the Travel + Leisure Advisory Board (TAB) – held its first in-person meeting in over a year on Hilton Head Island. The group is composed of influential travel experts that advise numerous tourism brands across the U.S. and abroad, and is responsible for a combined $14.5 billion in annual sales. For many participants, it was their first time visiting the Lowcountry, and we had the opportunity to showcase the destination, several partners, and our culture and history.
VCB | HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org
The VCB is accredited by Destinations International (DI), one of less than 200 accredited DMOs in the world.
HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org | VCB
Bluffton Vacation Planner The first Bluffton Vacation Planner was produced and published. It can be found online, at Chamber offices, Heyward House, Bluffton hotels, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and state welcome centers. The publication features all there is to do in Bluffton, and our partners!
VCB
Shaping the Future of Tourism The VCB finalized, and the Board of Directors adopted, its Destination Management Plan, a 10-year roadmap to shape the future of the Lowcountry. It included extensive input from residents and business leaders in the community and shows partnership with the Town of Hilton Head Island and aligns with their strategic initiatives of holistic and sustainable tourism. In ensuring one of our goals, we kicked off our first Resident Sentiment Survey on tourism, where over 3,000 local residents responded.
In March, Southwest Airlines launched year-round direct flights between the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Nashville, and later expanded direct service to Denver and St. Louis. American Airlines began seasonal, direct service between the Hilton Head Island Airport and Boston-Logan airport on April 10. Welcome back to Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH), United Airlines! In May, United Airlines restarted nonstop seasonal service to nine cities: Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Newark, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and WashingtonDulles. The airline is flying United’s newest aircraft, the CRJ-550, which has room for first class seating.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES RIBBON CUTTING at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
VCB | HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org
Air Service Expansion
VCB
The Impact of Tourism in 2020
2.61 Million Visitors $1.37 Billion Economic Impact of Hilton Head Island Tourism in 2020 17,902 Jobs
Tourism accounts for 15.6% of all jobs in Beaufort County
$1
invested
$15.90 returned to local economy
ROI For Visitor Spending For every $1 ATAX dollar invested in marketing, $15.90 is returned to the local economy in net local government revenue.
Source: College of Charleston School of Business, Office of Tourism Analysis Note: Numbers pulled from the 2020 Economic Impact Report. The 2021 Economic Impact Report will be available in April 2022.
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Annual Report 2021
Our Partners
Note: Categorized in event order
VCB | HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org
VCB
2021 Hilton Head Island Website Performance
HiltonHeadIsland.org The website is our virtual front door that serves as the window to our destination and plays an integral part in the traveler’s decision making process. The insight and data taken from this platform allows for us to better serve our partners, anticipate trends, and react to consumer behavior.
3,646,703 Sessions to HiltonHeadIsland.org (+46.16%) 52.1% Website Conversion Rate (Clicks to Partner Sites) 1,572,684 Link Clicks to Partners (+34.46%) Source: Google Analytics Note: Forecasted metrics are based on current performance.
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Annual Report 2021
2021 Bluffton Website Performance
VisitBluffton.org As a stand-alone website, VisitBluffton.org was launched on March 31, 2021. The website has been finely tuned with imagery and a new video series as well as the addition of local advertisers to increase partner referrals and conversions.
133,004 Visitors to VisitBluffton.org 8% Website Conversion Rate 6,060 Link Clicks to Partners Source: Google Analytics Note: Website launced March 31,2021. No website analytics at this time. Forecasted metrics are based on current performance.
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Annual Report 2021
Destination Social Media
HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org | VCB
Hilton Head Island
59,547
followers (20% increase)
337,581
engagements
231,314
followers (1% increase)
1.2M
engagements
21,842
followers (-.3% decrease)
49,636
engagements
Bluffton
5,825
followers (91% increase)
39,800
engagements
22,951
followers (89% increase)
331,929
engagements
627
followers (1% increase)
621
engagements
YTD October 2021, compared to the same time last year. Source: Sprout Social
VCB
Advertising
Southern Living Bluffton Print Publication Ad
BEACHES
HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org | VCB
Did you know Loggerhead sea turtles can weigh around 400 pounds and live to be 100 years old. Learn more with HHI’s sea turtle ambassador, Stella C. Turtle.
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H I LTO N H E A D I S L A N D
EST KNOWN FOR ITS spectacular beaches, Hilton Head Island is a favorite among Travel + Leisure readers thanks to its warm hospitality, wide-open spaces, and stress-free pace. A haven for natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure year-round, it feels miles away from it all—though it’s less than an hour from the Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). NATURAL WONDERS In this distinctive landscape with its gentle, tree-lined coast, nature beckons in all its unfiltered and calming glory. Birds soar overhead, dolphins frolic in the surf, and endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest on clean and welcoming beaches
from May to October. Enjoy invigorating sunshine and fresh air as you bike or explore more than 60 miles of leisure pathways, and in the evenings, relax under starry skies free from the glare of neon signs. In the heart of it all, try the ever-popular Folly Field Beach with its wooden boardwalk bridge leading to the sand, or head to Coligny Beach Park, which is just across the street from the new Lowcountry Celebration Park and its spectacular maritime-themed playground. For something quieter, spend a day at Fish Haul Beach Park, where you can watch for migrating birds and wandering crabs, or stroll down the winding boardwalk at Driessen Beach to its wide, spacious stretch of sand.
G O O D E AT S
CULINARY DELIGHTS For those who follow their taste buds to adventure, Hilton Head Island brims with regional flavors and talented chefs—not to mention more than 250 restaurants that are largely locally owned. (Not bad for a place that measures less than 5 miles wide and 12 miles long!) On the impressive culinary checklist, you’ll find everything from briny oysters and shared buckets of peel-and-eat shrimp to signature Lowcountry dishes, such as Gullah rice and gumbo with fried okra. Along with celebrating fresh ingredients grown and harvested locally, the dining scene has embraced sustainability through initiatives like oyster shell recycling. Oyster shells are used to “feed” the oyster habitats in quiet estuaries for future harvests. It’s delicious eating you can feel good about.
Did you know Seafood is a yearround point of pride for local food lovers and chefs. Fall and winter bring peak season for Atlantic oysters, sourced fresh from clean creeks and wetlands. For a taste of popular, local varieties, try Blue Point, Baritaria Blade, and Wellfleet.
On the palate, these shellfish delicacies have a crisp texture and a savory flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a refreshing cocktail or white wine—and one of Hilton Head Island’s glowing sunsets. Shuck away!
Travel + Leisure Print Publication Ad
VCB
2021 Year-To-Date Lodging Performance HILTON HEAD ISLAND LODGING
66.2%
$260.28
64.1%
+41.4%
$166.87
+80.2%
Hilton Head Island Hotels
+27.4%
$324.00
+7.8%
$215.00
+38.5%
Hilton Head Island Home & Villa
+28.5%
+45.9%
65.0%
+14.4%
ADR
$301.00
+27.5%
RevPAR
$196.00
OCC
Hilton Head Island 2-Source - Hotel and Home & Villa Combined
Source: Inntopia DestiMetrics, Smith Travel Research. YTD October 2021 compared to the same time last year.
68.2%
+67.1%
$327.39
+36.7%
$223.35
+128.3%
Bluffton Hotels
VCB | HiltonHeadIsland.org | VisitBluffton.org
BLUFFTON LODGING
PUBLIC RELATION 70
Annual Report 2021
Public Relations | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
NS
Public Relations 2,188 Stories and Mentions 12,473,042,625 Impressions $10,926,484 Ad Value YTD November 2021 - Source: Burrells Luce; Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Hosted Journalists & PR Events The destination hosted journalists, influencers and proactively pitched stories to keep Hilton Head Island and Bluffton in the travel news and lifestyle media.
Visiting Influencer Highlights
JQ Louise
Leo Chan
@sweetcarolinaj 199,000 followers
@jqlouise 108,000 followers
@levitatestyle 116,000 followers
Alicia Mara
Mustafa Kacar
Affie Kacar
@aliciammara 11,300K followers
@mustafakacar 263,000K followers
@affiekacar 36,200K followers
Matt Hranek
Yolanda Edwards
Dana Berez
@wmbrownproject 84,800 followers
@yolandaedwards 90,300 followers
@danaberez 119,000 followers
Public Relations | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Caroline Quincy
Public Relations
Great Stories & Mentions
Bluffton featured among “10 Best Small Town Food Scenes in
the United States”
Palmetto Bluff’s Window to the Wild
Bluffton named among “Small Towns That Leave a Big Impression”
Hilton Head Island named among “9 Cool Places You Didn’t Know
You Could Fly on Southwest”
Hilton Head Island featured among “18 Easy but Epic Mini-Moon
Destinations” The “Good Neighbor” segment highlights cancer survivor Allie and UPS driver Al’s friendly and admiring relationship during COVID-19 amidst her cancer diagnosis, and gifts them a trip to Hilton Head Island
Daufuskie Island’s Lighthouse featured in “6 Incredible Lighthouses
You Can Stay In”
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Annual Report 2021
Hilton Head Island featured among “Best Fall Trip Ideas”
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa and Hilton Head Island featured among “10 Luxury Destinations for a Passport-Free
Honeymoon” The Indigo Spa was named among “Best Spas”
The Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort named among “Best
Beach Hotels and Resorts in Every State”
Poseidon was named among “Best Restaurants In the United States”
Hilton Head Island’s Beach Ambassadors were featured in “The Best
Beach Hacks Recommended by Experts”
Hilton Head Island among its “Best Summer Vacation Spot”
Hilton Head Island featured in “Here’s Where Airbnb Users Are
Looking to Travel This Summer,” as well as ”Fall Beach Trips Are Rising In Popularity This Year, According to VRBO”
Hilton Head Island and Bluffton listed among “Cities Americans Are
Flocking To” and “Great Places To Retire”
Public Relations | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Craig Melvin shared his favorite memories of vacationing on Hilton Head Island this past summer
Sea Pines Country Club’s Executive Chef Brian Coseo is featured in Golf.com’s “The Secret To Perfect Grilling”
Hilton Head Island featured in its article on mini-vacations
Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head featured in “A Mysterious Beach
Discovery on Hilton Head” The Inn & Club At Harbour Town was named among the “Best
Hotels in the U.S.”
Hilton Head Island and Bluffton were named among ’s “The 25 Best
Beach Towns in America”
Lowcountry Celebration Park featured
Hilton Head Island and Hilton Head Health was featured in the article,
“Have Vaccine, Will Travel”
Daufuskie Island among the “5 Best Romantic Getaways For Couples.”
Hilton Head Island’s Eddie Days was featured in the company’s web series, “On The Road With FedEx”
A Daufuskie Island home was featured in the article “For These Urban
Refugees, Country Living Isn’t Quite Second Nature”
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“Vacation Home Demand Soars During the Covid-19 Pandemic”
highlights the real estate surge in Bluffton
“16 Thanksgiving Getaways That Are Calling Your Name”
“The Best Luxury Hotel In Every State”
The Octagon named among “11 U.S. Hotels With the Best Restaurants”
“9 Unforgettable Family Vacation Ideas”
“30 Luxurious Spas That Are Worth The Drive”
“Best Places to Travel In June”
“Room Service Is Different Now. Here’s How 14 Hotels Are Doing It Right”
Public Relations | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
“Want to Live Near the Shore? Here Are Six Emerging Areas”
COMMUNIC 78
Annual Report 2021
Communications | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
CATIONS
Communications
2021 Podcast Series Launched
It’s news for your ears. The Chamber Channel launched the “5 Questions With” podcast, where we sit down with regional thought leaders on the issues that matter the most to the community. Find and subscribe to the Chamber Channel on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or listen online at hhibchamber.podbean.com.
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Annual Report 2021
We recently revamped the chamber website, HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org to make it more user-friendly.
All of the popular features on the website – event listings, member directory, and more – are still there, and we’ve added new ones, too. You will also find newly-expanded resources for living and working in the Lowcountry, the latest business indicator statistics, and much more.
Communications | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Chamber Unveils New Website
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | Communications
COMMUNICATIONS
Keeping You Up To-Date & Informed
The chamber continues to keep you informed of what’s happening in the business community and the chamber through its popular Monday Briefing and 3 Things To Know weekly emails. This year, we also introduced the Lowcountry Lowdown e-newsletter, which is a rundown on all the events happening in the community. We also continue to keep you informed through event emails and announcements.
COMMUNICATIONS
Social Media Growth @hhibchamber 23,803 Total Followers
5,580
followers (31% increase)
37,690 917,355
impressions
12,062
followers (13% increase)
engagements
88,826 engagements 1.3 Million impressions 5,530
followers (1% increase)
5,760 212,822
impressions
631
followers (new in 2021)
4,613 70,393
engagements
engagements impressions
Communications | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
FINANCIAL 86
Annual Report 2021
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
LS
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Independent Audit Report The accounting firm Holland, Bromley, Barnhill & Brett, LLP (HBBB) performed the chamber’s annual independent audit in August 2021 and presented the results of the fiscal year 2020-2021 findings at the September 28, 2021 board of directors meeting. The chamber again received an unqualified (clean) opinion from HBBB, which reported that the audit complied with generally accepted accounting principles and revealed no material misstatements, no reportable conditions, no disagreements with management and no management letter.
Financial Result Recap: June 30, 2021 The Change in Unrestricted Net Assets at fiscal year-end show revenues more than expenses of $82,462 compared to a budgeted gain of $1,414, or $81,048 favorable to plan. As a result, retained earnings increased from $636,966 to $719,428.
Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Budgeted for fiscal year 2022, revenues are $7,827,400 and expenses are $7,826,326, representing a change in unrestricted net assets of $1,074.
$8,840,192 Revenue
$8,757,730 Expenses 88
Annual Report 2021
Financials | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
TOTAL REVENUE $8,840,192
TOTAL EXPENSES $8,757,730
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Annual Report 2021
FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021
Total Cash increased from $1,415,388 to $2,634,931 during the fiscal year. The chamber’s long-term debt remained at $0 since the mortgage for the building was paid off in June 2018.
Transparency Your chamber is committed to continuing to provide information about its mission, operations, revenue generation, plans and accomplishments in a completely transparent manner. This information, including independent financial audits for the past 10 years, is posted on our website, thinkhiltonheadisland.org. Financial information is provided to town, county and state officials on an annual basis. Marketing plans are submitted for review and results are reported annually. Detail as to how accommodations tax dollars are spent is provided each year to elected officials, thus further demonstrating our long-term track record of accountability.
Financials | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
Financial Stability
THANK YOU TO OUR MEM & COMMUNI 92
Annual Report 2021
Thank You | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
U MBERS ITY
Thank You | HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org
HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | Thank You
@hhibchamber | hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org 1 Chamber of Commerce Drive | Hilton Head Island | 843.785.3673
216 Bluffton Road | Bluffton | 843.757.3673