Chamber Business Monthly - January 2020 - HHI-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 2020

Chamber Ball2020

A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER...

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK

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FOODIE FEBRUARY

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CYP WELLNESS MONTH

CONTENTS

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7 Questions with Marc Murphy Chef and “Chopped� star talks life in the kitchen.

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Foodie February Celebrating the unique cuisine of our region.

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Leading the Way New Additions to the Board of Directors

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Community News Montage Palmetto Bluff, Hilton Head Island Dream Home 2020 and more.

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Advocacy Corner Summer workforce housing, Census 2020, record low unemployment and more.

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Members Making News Businesses making a difference.

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Upcoming Events CYP Wellness Month, Lowcountry Speaker Series, Tourism Planning Community Workshop and more.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Featured

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Chamber Ball 2020 A night like no other...

Chamber Ball2020

A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER...

6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 1 Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa GET TICKETS HERE

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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FEATURED

Chamber Ball

2020:

Meet the Guest Chefs

Kevin Zraly Marc Murphy Marc Murphy was the executive chef at Windows on the World and went on to open restaurants such as Landmarc and Ditch Plains, along with creating the Benchmarc Restaurants empire. He is also a judge on the Food Network’s hit series “Chopped,” and is currently involved in the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership.

Arnaud Briand Arnaud Briand is now the owner of Ventano Italian Corner and Oyster Bar. He was executive chef at Cellar in the Sky at Windows on the World.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Kevin Zraly is America’s ultimate wine guru and a recipient of a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the wine director at Windows on the World and the author of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Coursebook with over 3 million copies sold.

He now teaches at his Kevin Zraly Wine School, where he’s taught over 20,000 students. He’s widely considered one of the world’s leading authorities on wine.

Martin Doyle Martin Doyle was the executive chef and executive sous chef at high-profile restaurants such as The Red Eye Grill and Windows on the World. He most recently opened and served as executive chef for Susanna Foo’s Suilan at the Borgata in Atlantic City.

Florian Bellanger French-born Florian Bellanger owns Mad Mac Macarons and is a judge on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” He is a former pastry chef at the 3-Michelin Star Le Bernardin and Fauchon.

Eric Bedoucha Executive Pastry Chef and coowner of Financier Patisserie, Eric Bedoucha has previously worked at Maxim’s, La Grenouille, Lutece, and Bayard’s.

George Delgado

Frederic Kieffer

Georges Masraff

The former Windows on the World head bartender, he now owns George’s Wine Gallery in Branchville, N.J.

Frederic Kieffer’s career began in the kitchen of Tentation Caterers in New York City, running the culinary side of The Museum of Natural History and he was instrumental in helping re-open Windows on the World. He most recently opened l’escale at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel.

A Michelin-star chef, he was previously the culinary director at Windows on the World and executive chef at Tavern on the Green. He also holds a medical degree and worked for Doctors Without Borders before pursuing his passion as a chef. He is currently the executive chef at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Sean O’Connell The general manager & vice president of food, beverage and culinary operations at Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas. He was previously a chef at Canyon Ranch Resort and the Desert Mountain Club in Arizona.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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Chamber Ball

2020:

Meet the Local Chefs

Clayton Rollison

Philippe Feret

Chaun Bescos

A native of Hilton Head Island, Clayton Rollison attended the Culinary Institute of America and then went on to work in restaurants across the country, including the acclaimed Gramercy Tavern in New York and Merchants Restaurant in Nashville. He opened the Lucky Rooster on Hilton Head Island in 2013, and the Lucky Rooster Market Street in 2019.

Award-winning chef Philippe Feret grew up working in his father’s bakery in Paris, and was previously chef of the renowned Windows on the World, Tavern on the Green, The Regency Hotel, and many others. He now owns Hilton Head Social Bakery.

The executive chef at WiseGuys, Chaun Bescos is a true culinary extraordinaire and is known for using local ingredients. Raised in Hawaii on an organic farm, he is a graduate of the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon.

Brian Coseo

Cesar Acevedo Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Executive Chef.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Brian Coseo is now the Executive Chef at the Sea Pines Country Club and is known for his creative dishes that are both healthy and delicious.

Two islands... one incredible night.

Some of Manhattan’s revered chefs will share a kitchen with five Hilton Head Island chefs for the Chamber Ball.

E at.

It was called the “Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World.” Manhattan’s famed

Windows on the World chefs will partner with our local culinary artists to bring you course after course of tapas-style haute cuisine.

D rink.

The world’s leading wine guru Kevin Zraly and former Windows on the World

head bartender George Delgado will host wine and cocktail bars in the grand salon.

E njoy. Pick your seating: Premier Lounge (front-row lounge-style seating), Main Salon

(corporate tables available, as well as seating for 10, individuals or couples at long or round

tables), or Haute Social (hi-tops grouping for 10 or for couples and individuals). Dance to the music of an eight-piece showband.

Honor & Celebrate.

The Chamber Ball brings together the biggest names in business and honors those in our community who go above and beyond to

make a difference in our region. We’ll celebrate you – our members – and a year full of accomplishments, awards, milestones and successes. Come see who will be honored with the prestigious Alice Glenn Doughtie award, as well as the Organization of the Year and Zonta Woman of the Year awards. With over 500 attendees and a 30-year legacy, the Chamber Ball has become a signature event that unifies our community unlike any other.

Premier Lounge

Main Salon Long Tables

Main Salon Round Tables

Haute Social Hi-tops

A portion of the proceeds from the Chamber Ball will benefit Hurricane Dorian hunger relief in the Bahamas.7 HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

7 FEATURED

questions

with Marc Murphy

Marc Murphy is a renowned New York chef, and has led kitchens all over the world for the past 30 years. He is the founder of the Landmarc restaurants empire, as well as a judge on the Food Network’s top-rated shows, “Chopped” and “Chopped Junior.” He’s also appeared on “Guy’s Grocery Games,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” the “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” and others. Murphy is the author of Season with Authority: Confident Home Cooking and host of the podcast Food 360.

1. Do you have a favorite memory or moment while you were at Windows on the World? What does it mean to you to get back in the kitchen with some of these chefs?

One of my favorite memories was when my grandparents visited from France and came in for dinner. It was an incredibly proud moment for me because they both meant so much to me and had a very large impact on why I love food and ate so well as a child visiting them. To get back into the kitchen with some of these chefs is emotional but I’m very grateful to be a part of this very special weekend.

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CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

2. What can other businesses learn from the business model of a successful restaurant?

I always say restaurants are a very hard business.

You have to love what you do and do it well but it’s also a business where you really have to know everything. From HR, to marketing, to accounting, and IT and events, if you own a restaurant you earn a degree in so many different categories. You’re not just one thing. And if you’re successful, that’s a great tool to have in other businesses as well.

3. You’ve been involved with City Harvest, New York’s largest food rescue organization, and Share our Strength. Why is it important for chefs and restaurateurs to be involved in these non-profit endeavors?

I think that, at the end of the day, our job is to feed people. And I take that literally. As a chef and also a dad, I feel responsible to help make sure our neighbors and our children have access to fresh healthy food and hopefully three meals a day. Both of these organizations do amazing work and I’m so grateful to have been a part of them for a long time now.

4. In your 30+ years in kitchens, did you ever expect for food to have its own network, and what is your favorite part about working with the Food Network?

No! I’m just a chef and never dreamed of being on TV! I thought I’d be working the line the rest of my life and I would have been fine with that. Then came along Food Network and what it has done is incredible. It really has taught Americans and people around the world a lot about food and that’s why I love to be a part of the Food Network family. We get to teach people and entertain them at the same time.

6. Do you have a favorite cocktail at the moment?

I’m usually into a Negroni or Campari and soda lately.

7. You’re headed to Hilton Head Island…

What are some of your favorite southern dishes?

d Chicken Barbecue or Frie p Oysters or Shrim Sauce or Vinegar Barbecue Sauce Mustard Barbecue Greens Okra or Collard Lowcountry Boil Shrimp & Grits or

5. What trends do you anticipate in the culinary world in 2020?

It’s not a trend because it’s already popular ... but just people eating more of a plant-based diet and really caring about where their food comes from and now how it’s made.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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FEATURED

Foodie February Now in its third year, the Lowcountry Foodie February has some can’t-miss culinary events that celebrate the unique cuisine of our region.

Chamber Restaurant Week

FEBRUARY 3 - 9, 2020 www.hiltonheadisland.org/restaurantweek We’re digging into Foodie February with our 12th annual Chamber Restaurant Week!

Over 70 Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants will offer specially-priced or prix-fixe menus. View participating restaurants on www.hiltonheadisland.org/restaurantweek.

Whether it is a place that has never been tried or the area’s newest hot spot, Chamber Restaurant Week is the best way to dine your way through the Lowcountry!

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Hilton Head Island’s Gullah Celebration January 30-February 29 Celebrate the Lowcountry’s roots with the food, stories and culture of our local Gullah traditions. A full list of events is at www.gullahcelebration.com/gullah-events, but here are the highlights: OPENING PARTY 6 p.m. January 30 Art League of Hilton Head Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina ARTS OB WE PEOPLE: WINTER EXHIBITION AND SALE February 1-28 Art League of Hilton Head Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina TASTE OF GULLAH Noon-3 p.m. February 8 Arts Center of Coastal Carolina THE GULLAH MARKET & BLOCK PARTY: AN ARTS, CRAFTS AND FOOD EXPO Starts at noon, February 15 & 16 Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival February 24-March 1 The celebration of the bounty from our waterways continues next month with a week packed with seafood and celebration. Here are some highlights for the week: LOWCOUNTRY SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER Three tours are running daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. February 24 - 28 PITMASTER 101 4:30-6 p.m. February 27 Waddell Mariculture Center FRIENDS OF JAMES BEARD SOUTHERN SUPPER 6-10 p.m. February 27 The Shorehouse located at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort PIG PICKIN’ + OYSTER ROAST 6-9 p.m. February 28, 2020 Waddell Mariculture Center SEAFOOD FESTIVAL 11 a.m.-4 p.m. February 29 Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn SEAFOOD & CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 1 Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks For more information: www.hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com 12 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

Chef Chaun Bescos, Bill Miles, and Hilton Head Social Bakery owner Philippe Feret.

Thank you to all of our restaurants and attendees who came out for our 30th annual Taste of the Season!

Congratulations to the winners of our “Best Cuisine,” voted on by attendees. It was a three-way tie!

Healthy Habit:

Thanks to our Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Five Spice Braised Brisket, Hand Crafted Kim Chi, Pickled Cucumbers, Shredded Cabbage, Sriracha Aioli on a Crispy Steam Bun

Hickory Tavern: Ring of Fire Taco

Entertainment Sponsor

WiseGuys: Braised beef short ribs, Aligot potatoes, root vegetable Demi glacé, crispy parsnips

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER Welcomes New Additions to the

Board of Directors

Andrew Carmines

Michael Scioscia

Diana McDougall

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Shell Ring Oyster Company, and David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Coastal States Bank

We thank the directors who are rotating off the board for their leadership and guidance.

Patricia Owen

Ronnie Albritton

Justin Rice

Faces DaySpa

Shelter Cove Towne Centre

First Citizens Bank

Greg Kelly

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

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Help

Shape the Future of Our Destination

Tourism Planning Community Workshop 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 15 USCB Hilton Head Complimentary; Reservations required Tourism is the backbone of our economy, but what will our destination be like in 10 years? The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community town hall to gather input from people who live and work on Hilton Head Island to help shape the Destination Management Plan, a roadmap that ensures the growth of the tourism industry while preserving the quality of life in the Lowcountry. Facilitated by MMGY NextFactor, the 10-year planning process involves a steering committee and eight focus groups, as well as extensive community input.

Attend this interactive session to share your thoughts on the future of the destination, sustainable growth, and more. Refreshments will be served.

RESERVE HERE

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COMMUNITY NEWS: BLUFFTON

Jeffrey Robinowich Inducted into Town of Bluffton’s Wall of Honor Jeffrey Robinowich, owner of Morris Garage and Towing, Inc. was inducted into the Bluffton Wall of Honor in November. He moved to Bluffton in 1962 after his father opened a general store on Calhoun Street and later Morris Garage in 1972. Robinowich bought that business from his father in 1987.

Jeffrey has contributed to the Bluffton community in numerous roles: Bluffton Men’s Club: (1986 - Present) Hardeeville Masonic Lodge (1986 - Present) Bluffton Township Fire District board of directors 1988 - 1996, and chair in 1990

IN THE NEWS

Montage Palmetto Bluff

is named to Condé Nast Traveler’s World Gold List, as one of only 17 resorts in the U.S. What they said: Never mind that Justin Bieber had his wedding here—Palmetto Bluff is nothing if not lost in time, and that’s precisely the appeal. Set on 100 acres of wildlife sanctuary on South Carolina’s May River, it’s a romantically haunting landscape of Southern oaks draped in Spanish moss, the iconic state palmetto, cranes flying overhead, and live ’gators sunning on the banks in the hazy early morning.

“Montage Palmetto Bluff Furthers Its Mission for Continued Conservation and Preservation” in TravelPulse.com. What they said: South Carolina’s Montage Palmetto Bluff is furthering its mission for environmental conservation and preservation, recently welcoming a new sustainability representative, Lucky the Dolphin. … The five-star luxury resort has partnered with the University of South Carolina at Beaufort to support the school’s Dolphin Research Program.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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COMMUNITY NEWS: HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Tune in to See

Hilton Head Island on HGTV

HGTV shined a spotlight on Hilton Head Island in the premiere of the HGTV Dream Home 2020 episode on January 1. Encore episodes will air throughout the month and in February.

Millions of eyes will be on Hilton Head Island, reminding people that the Lowcountry is a great place to visit and call home. In 2019, the sweepstakes garnered over 135 million entries and the HGTV Dream Home 2019 Special had over 5.6 million viewers during its premiere and encore airings.

We’re incredibly proud to partner with HGTV on the Dream Home. There will be video vignettes on life in the area, extensive promotional efforts on social media to their millions of followers, coverage in HGTV magazine, online tours and opportunities for us to showcase the home located in Windmill Harbour to local media

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outlets and influencers to garner additional awareness and coverage.

We’re excited that HGTV has chosen Hilton Head Island as their next HGTV Dream Home location and know that it will serve to further enhance our reputation as an outstanding community to call home.

ICYMI … You can enter to win the Dream Home 2020. Sweepstakes are open until February.

Enter daily HERE

LET’S MAKE IT 5 IN A ROW

Help

Hilton Head be the #1 Island Voting is underway for Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Awards.

Help us be the No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S. for the fifth year in a row! Vote before March 2 HERE. A rising tide lifts all boats. These accolades help lift our destination’s reputation as a desirable place to visit and live.

“Why You Should Visit Hilton Head Island in the Fall” in Condé Nast Traveler. What they said: One amazing fall destination—largely overlooked after the end of summer or in favor of larger cities—is Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. …

The island is a serene locale for seafood gourmands and nature lovers. It’s also a nobrainer destination for those who appreciate pristine classic cars, thanks to the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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“HGTV’s 2020 Dream Home Is Officially Here!

Find out Where It Is and How You Can Win It” in People Magazine. What they said: HGTV is unveiling their 2020 HGTV Dream Home — and it may just be the best one yet. …This year’s Dream Home, the network’s 24th, is located on beautiful Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, which has been named America’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure four years in a row. …The annual HGTV Dream Home Giveaway is one of the network’s most beloved traditions, as they design, build and give away a fully-furnished family home, in one of the country’s most sought-after destinations, to one lucky winner.

“Daufuskie Is a Laid-Back Island With No Stoplights” in Condé Nast Traveler. What they said: Though Daufuskie Island is just 14 miles from Savannah as the crow flies and one nautical mile from Hilton Head, the laid-back isle knows nothing of those destinations’ crowds. …Don’t leave before horseback riding on the beach, keeping an eye out for Bottlenose Dolphins somersaulting above the waves.

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ADVOCACY CORNER

Summer Workforce Housing Information Session 10 a.m. Thursday, January 23 USCB Hospitality Campus 1 Sand Shark Dr. Hilton Head Island Do your summertime employees or interns need housing? The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Bluffton campus has summer-dorm housing for college-enrolled students who want to live and work in the area over the summer months. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and USCB will hold an informational meeting for Lowcountry businesses that are looking for summer workforce housing options (please note that these dorms are available to college students during their summer breaks).

Thank You for Shopping Small SHOP SMALL SUCCESS

EVERYONE COUNTS The 2020 Census is around the corner. Make sure you participate in the once-a-decade count of America’s entire population, and encourage your colleagues and employees to do so as well.

Data from the Census helps draw congressional districts as well as helps businesses open their doors, and helps the community get grants for schools, infrastructure and more.

For the first time ever, people will be able to answer the Census online (as well as by mail). CLICK HERE for more information.

They may be small, but they have a big impact.

This year, U.S. shoppers who shopped local on Small Business Saturday reported spending an estimated $19.6 billion – a record high – according to American Express.

Thank you for doing your part in helping our local economy by shopping small this holiday season and year round!

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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Record Low Unemployment Rate Recorded in S.C. Less than 10 years ago, South Carolina’s unemployment rate was at 11 percent. In 2019, it was at an all-time low of 2.9 percent, and the state will drop its unemployment insurance tax rates by a third this year.

“It truly is a great day for business in South Carolina,” said Ted Pitts, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO (pictured). “Less than a decade ago, the state owed the federal government $1 billion, we had 11 percent unemployment, and look where we are today. With almost a $2 billion swing, the trust fund is fully funded and unemployment is at an all time low.”

Gov. Henry McMaster said the unemployment tax levy, on average, will drop 34 percent next year, on top of an 18.8 percent drop in 2019.

More than half of Americans leave unused vacation time on the table… Are you one of them?

It’s time now to map out your time off for 2020.

National Plan for Vacation Day is January 28.

The majority (83%) of Americans want to use their time off to travel—but they aren’t.

Americans who plan their vacation time are more likely to prefer to use it to travel (76 percent) versus non-planners (50 percent). Nearly one-quarter of non-planners have not taken a vacation or trip in the last two years. Planners tend to be happier in general—with everything from their personal relationship to their health and well-being and their job.

Staycation or vacation... plan now to take your time off in 2020.

768 M 236 M TOTAL UNUSED VACATION DAYS

DAYS COMPLETELY FORFEITED

$65.6 B IN LOST BENEFITS

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MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Outside Hilton Head is hosting a “Recycle Your Jacket” program at its store in Shelter Cove Plaza from January 18 through February 2. People can donate a sweater, coat or jacket for Deep Well and get a new jacket for up to half off.

Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital collected basic necessities for infants and families devastated by Hurricane Dorian during the Bahamas Baby Shower Supply Drive.

The Beaufort County School District named its Citizen-Led Oversight Committee to serve as an independent watchdog to help monitor building projects, schedules, budgets and expenditures from the $344 million school bond referendum approved by Beaufort County voters.

The committee is comprised of CPAs, urban planners, civil engineers and project managers and includes: David Ames, Ted Barber, Derrick Coaxum, Carlton Dallas, Kim Fleming, Ron Groteluschen, Michael McNally, Richard Tritschler, and Ray Warco.

The Long Cove Fund is accepting grant applications.

To be considered, organizations should have plans for a project to improve health, housing, hunger or educational issues. The application can be found at www.longcoveclub.com under the “People” tab and “Caring Community.”

Pinnacle Medical Group presented $5,140 to representatives of DragonBoat Beaufort as a result of its fifth annual “The Bra Project,” a competition that featured one-of-a-kind bras created by students from Hilton Head High School, May River High School and Bluffton High School.

The Foundation for Educational Excellence awarded 19 Innovative Teacher and School Resource Grants totaling more than $23,000, including “Racing into Robotics at River Ridge Academy.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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Comcast Spotlight has changed its name to Effectv to reflect its new data-driven TV advertising strategies, targeting and attribution products, cross-screen capabilities and a self-service buying platform for advertisers.

Thanks to contributions from the Wexford Charitable Fund, the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Long Cove Foundation, and Belfair 1811, Second Helpings has a new refrigerated truck for food rescue operations

Hilton Head Public Service District’s water quality laboratory has once again been recognized as a Laboratory of Excellence as part of its annual certification by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Bloom Senior Living has partnered with The Weston Group to launch Enlighten, which will enhance memory care programming for its Belfair, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island locations.

Brighton Builders brought home four awards at the Lighthouse Awards: two for Best Kitchen, Best Overall in the New Home category, as well as the covenant Premier builder of the year award.

Color Day, a Bluffton Special Olympics tradition, was celebrated at the Callawassie Club on November 20 by 35 participants and many more volunteers.

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MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Who’s Who & Who’s Where

Libby Benedict is the new marketing coordinator for LUX~A Medical Spa. She was previously a retail specialist there.

Michelle Elliott was promoted to sales manager of the Hilton Head Island office at Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties.

She was promoted after completing Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Management Academy class.

Dr. James Field was awarded the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Honored Islander Award in recognition of his service and contributions as a volunteer doctor at Volunteers in Medicine.

Kathryn Hickey has joined the real estate team of Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties.

She moved to Bluffton from Long Island, N.Y. after vacationing here for many years.

Darlene Johnson has joined the real estate team of Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties. She has over 30 years of real estate experience.

Wes Kitashima, senior sales manager at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, was appointed vice president of the South Carolina Sports Alliance, a non-profit organization that promotes and develops continued success of the sports industry of South Carolina.

Kim McElman has joined the real estate team of Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties.

She moved to the Lowcountry after a career in Chicago.

Ward and Karen Kirby were awarded the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Honored Islander Linda Peterson was awarded Award in recognition of their the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s service and contributions to Honored Islander Award in helping needy individuals on recognition of her service and the island.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020 25 contributions to address and prevent human trafficking.

Latoya Robinson has joined the board of directors for Second Helpings. She is the student support services director for the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Regional Campus.

Evie Schoepf has joined the real estate team of Weichert, Realtors® – Coastal Properties.

She has experience in home renovations, ownership and management of vacation rental properties.

Kathy Tortorella was awarded Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s Judy Berg Volunteer of the Year Award for her superior service to patients and their families.

Gregg Russell dropped the ball from the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Rich and Suzanne Thomas were awarded the Hilton Head Island Mayor’s Honored Islander Award in recognition of their service and contributions to organizations throughout the community.

Judy and Ron VanWie were awarded the Hospice Care of the Lowcountry’s Charles Schuetz Hos-Pet Volunteer of the Year Award for their work with their dog, Brie, in providing comfort to patients, as well as residents in nursing and assisted living facilities.

Doug Weaver, the director of instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, was ranked among Golf Digest’s best teachers in the state of South Carolina. He was also recently awarded the 2019 “Player of the Year” for the CPGA’s Lowcountry area.

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS & ANNIVERSARIES

New Members

MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Carolina Coffee & Crumbs

N2itive Consulting, LLC

Equinox Entertainment

Signarama

MG AEC Technology Partners

The Sandbar Beach Eats

Munchies Gr8 Bites

Wyld Creative

Anniversaries

10-14 Years

30+ Years

Dan Robinson at Aurora Beauty Salon

Correll Insurance Group of Hilton Head

May River Dermatology, LLC

20-29 Years BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Broad Creek Public Service District Deep Well Project Express Restaurant Delivery Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta Hilton Head Accommodations LowCountry Golf Course Owners Assn., Inc. Old South Golf Links 15-19 Years Bluffton Today Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton Clover Glass of Bluffton, Inc. Custom Audio Video, LLC Custom Security Specialists, Inc Giuseppi’s Pizza & Pasta - Bluffton Hilton Head Golf Vacations Kaufman Photography Sea Turtle Getaways, Inc The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum Weichert, Realtors® - Coastal Properties Willie J. Rice, Photographer

Osprey Village Powerhouse Gym Family Fitness Rabbi Dr. Arthur & Ellen Segal Family Charitable Trust for the Arts, Cultural Diversity & Health Care 4-9 Years A Wedding in Paradise A&C Gold and Diamonds Beachside Hilton Head Island Island Improvements Kroger Grocery Store – Hilton Head Lavon Stevens Parker’s Pink Magazine/Spa Guide of the Lowcountry Southeastern Development Associates The Cottage Bakery & Tea Room 1-3 Years Coastal Carolina Sailing School Destination Creative Group Foundation For Educational Excellence Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Head I Design LLC Low Country Oyster Trail Fund Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations Savannah Music Festival, Inc Sea Pines Circle Immediate Care, LLC HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org ThompsonTurner Construction |

Your Hilton Head Agent

JANUARY 2020

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CONNECT & GROW

Scene & Be Seen

One Hot Mama’s celebrated its return to Bluffton with a ribbon cutting and Conversation + Cocktails.

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The Haven Boutique celebrated its opening in Old Town Bluffton with a ribbon cutting.

Congratulations to chamber champions Navion, which celebrated the name changes at Harbor Cove Memory Care, Island Cove at Hilton Head and Village Cove Assisted Living.

HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 2020

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CONNECT & GROW

Upcoming Chamber Events

Lowcountry Speaker Series:

CYP WELLNESS MONTH 2020 Chamber Young Professionals Wellness Month 2020 January 1-31, 2020 Cycle. Row. Breathe. Sweat. Stick to your wellness resolutions with the CYP Wellness Month, where you’ll get access to one free class at a variety of local fitness centers.

Participating centers include Stretchzone Hilton Head, CycleBar, LAVA 24 Fitness, and Peak Performance Center.

CLICK HERE to sign up.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 14 Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is coming to Hilton Head Island, and you have the chance to see her lecture live. Don’t miss out on the inaugural season of the Lowcountry Speaker Series; get your tickets at www.lowcountryspeakerseries.com.

Other speakers include: • Dr. Sanjay Gupta: February 11 • Paul Nicklen: March 10 • Robert O’Neill: April 7

TOURISM PLANNING COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 15 USCB Hilton Head

Complimentary; Reservations required Tourism is the backbone of our economy, but what will our destination be like in 10 years?

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community town hall to gather input from people who live and work on Hilton Head Island to help shape the Destination Management Plan. Refreshments will be served; CLICK HERE to RSVP. 30 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY

CONVERSATION + COCKTAILS 5:30-7 p.m.

Thursday, January 16 SoundWaves 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island Get a head start on your business goals for 2020 with great networking, food and drink at the first Conversation + Cocktails of the year. Conversations build relationships, and relationships build business. Join us and grow your network. RSVP Here.

February 3 - 9, 2020

www.hiltonheadisland.org/restaurantweek

SUMMER WORKFORCE HOUSING

Information Session

10 a.m. Thursday, January 23 USCB Hospitality Campus 1 Sand Shark Dr., Hilton Head Island Do your summertime employees or interns need housing? The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Bluffton campus has summer-dorm housing for college-enrolled students who want to live and work in the area over the summer months.

Chamber Ball

2020

Saturday, February 1 Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa

It will be a night like no other ... chefs from some of the most famous kitchens in the world will prepare course after course of haute cuisine alongside our Lowcountry culinary artists while we honor those in the community who make a difference. Get your tickets HERE.

“The Forest Is More Than Trees” 10 a.m. | Monday, January 6 Hilton Head Island Library A presentation and workshop brought to you by The Nature Exploration Group of the Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island in partnership with the Town of Hilton Head Island and your chamber. Free workshop, but reservations are required by emailing gillymarch@gmail.com.

Our panel of experts: • Sally Krebs, Sustainable Practices Coordinator at the Town of Hilton Head Island • Jane Hester, President of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society • Laura Lee Rose CES Advisor, Lowcountry Master Gardener Association • Kelley Ferda, General Manager of South Island Public Service District HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org | JANUARY 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

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.

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LowcountryConnect.org