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HILTON HEAD ISLAND-BLUFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR August 25, 2026 STANDING COMMITTEES / SUBCOMMITTEES BUSINESS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Connecting businesses with schools to prepare the next generation for success. Chair: Ray Warco Subcommittees: Early Childhood Education High School Internships Colleges internships The committee meets in Bluffton on the third Wednesday of every other month at the Culinary Institute of the South. During the July 15 meeting, we had an update on the committee’s 2026 project: Virtual Field Trips, filming interviews with local leaders across a variety of industries to create a resource for high school students in our four-county area to explore career paths and prepare for their futures. We also discussed the development of a comprehensive college internship program. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. BUSINESS WORKFORCE COALITION Focusing on the four pillars of the working economy: workforce, workforce housing, transportation, and childcare. Chair: Mike Overton
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Subcommittees: LowcountryJobsNow.org Diverse Abilities Encore Opportunities Affordable Childcare Transportation Task Force The committee meets on the second Wednesday of every other month at the chamber. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, when we’ll have updates on our LowcountryJobsNow.org presentation to the Low Country Human Resources Assn,. as well as the Transportation Task Force’s work on Ride Share, Park-N-Ride, and ferry service. Our work on affordable childcare will be addressed during the August board meeting. PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE Advocating for solutions that impact our economy, infrastructure, and quality of life. Chair: Mary Lee Carns Subcommittee: Environmental Affairs Committee The committee meets on the first Wednesday of every other month. During our next meeting on September 2, in addition to national, state, county, Hilton Head Island, and Bluffton legislative updates, we will learn about the exciting work of our Environmental Affairs Committee and share the results of Pathways to Public Service, our candidate recruitment program. We are also planning the South Carolina Chamber’s 2026 Grassroots Tour to be held on Tuesday, September 29, from 11:00 – 1:00 at the Culinary Institute of the South.
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MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS - Nine members applied for membership in the chamber during the month of July resulting in new revenue of $5,325.00. Twelve members applied for membership in the chamber during the month of June resulting in new revenue of $7,425.00. Fourteen members applied for membership in the chamber during the month of May resulting in new revenue of $10,075.00. DROPPED MEMBERS - Sixteen members were dropped from membership during the month of July resulting in lost revenue of $11,010.00. Thirty-three members were dropped from membership during the month of June resulting in lost revenue of $22,267.00. Eleven members were dropped from membership during the month of May resulting in lost revenue of $7,370.00.
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RENEWALS (May, June, July) 9Rooftops Marketing, member since 6/1/2013 A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant, member since 11/1/2022 Alljoy Donut Co, member since 1/1/2022 Amateur Golf Tour, member since 4/1/2017 AMP Electric Service LLC, member since 8/1/2022 Atlantic Pension Planning Corp., member since 11/1/2007 Avocado Bikes, member since 9/1/2023 Barnum Financial Group, member since 2/1/2024 Beach House, Hilton Head Island, member since 5/1/1976 Beach Properties of Hilton Head, member since 6/1/1995 BeachBum Property Management, member since 8/1/2012 Beachside Getaway, member since 4/1/2007 Beaufort County Treasurer's Office, member since 4/1/2017 Beaufort Memorial Hospital, member since 7/1/2003 BESTNEST By Beverly Serral, member since 3/1/2020 Birdie James, member since 4/1/2016 Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, member since 11/1/2021 Breakthru Beverage of SC, member since 7/1/1992 British Open Pub - Bluffton, member since 2/1/2021 Butler & College Law Firm, LLC, member since 5/1/2021 Cambridge Building, Inc., member since 4/1/2017 Carreta de Oro Tequila, member since 4/1/2024 Celeste Coastal Cuisine, member since 12/1/2023 Charter One Realty-Bluffton, member since 7/1/2016 Coast Transportation, member since 6/1/2023
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Coastal Employment, member since 12/1/2001 Coastal Home Indoor & Outdoor Furnishings, member since 6/1/2013 Coastal Treasures, member since 4/1/2017 Compassus Hospice, member since 4/1/2017 Complete Network, member since 6/1/2001 Court Atkins Architects, member since 5/1/2011 Crane's Tavern & Steakhouse Restaurant, member since 3/1/1999 Crush Entertainment, member since 10/1/2014 Dataw Island, member since 7/1/2018 Daufuskie Island Trail Rides, member since 3/1/2019 Destination Creative Group, member since 8/1/2017 Dick Broadcasting, member since 2/1/1989 Dunes Real Estate, member since 4/1/1980 East Coast Entertainment, member since 7/1/1997 Elevator Lift Systems, Inc., member since 5/1/2011 Ellis Construction Co., Inc., member since 1/1/1994 Emry's Bookshop, member since 5/1/2025 Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton, member since 6/1/2020 Erickson Associates, member since 5/1/2011 Fab'rik, member since 4/1/2017 First Citizens Bank, member since 6/1/2004 First South Insurance Agency, Inc., member since 8/1/1985 Forsythe Jewelers, member since 6/1/1986 Fraser & Allen, LLC, member since 5/1/1993 Full Spectrum Studio, member since 5/1/2021 Grace Community Church, member since 5/1/2001
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Grayco Building Center, member since 7/1/1997 Gullah Heritage Trail Tours, member since 4/1/1997 H2O Sports, member since 7/1/1994 Hair By Denice, member since 4/1/2024 Hampton Hall Club, member since 6/1/2018 Harbour & Home Real Estate, member since 3/1/2020 Hardee Greens, member since 12/1/2022 Heyward House Museum/HBF, member since 2/1/1999 HH Cleaning Services, LLC, member since 5/1/2008 Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island, member since 7/1/1978 Hilton Head Dance School/Theatre, member since 7/1/1994 Hilton Head Dermatology & Skin Cancer Care Center, member since 5/1/1993 Hilton Head Exterminators, Inc., member since 9/1/1985 Hilton Head Financial Advisors, Inc., member since 1/1/1998 Hilton Head History Tours, member since 8/1/2020 Hilton Head Humane Association, member since 5/1/1995 Hilton Head Island Recreation Association, member since 6/1/1988 Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, member since 4/1/2014 Hilton Head Medical Center, member since 6/1/1979 Hilton Head Nannies, member since 7/1/2018 Hilton Head Plantation Property Owners' Association, member since 7/1/2001 Hilton Head Social Bakery South LLC, member since 3/1/2022 Hilton Head Social Bakery, LLC, member since 12/1/2016 Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, member since 8/1/2007 Howell-Chase Heating & Air Conditioning, member since 5/1/2011 Hudson's Seafood House On The Docks, member since 4/1/1977
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i2 Recycle, member since 7/1/2020 In & Out Cleaning & Steaming, member since 6/1/2012 Inspired Closets, member since 3/1/2021 Integrity Home Care, member since 4/1/2024 Island Getaway Rentals, member since 5/1/1989 Island Rentals of Hilton Head, member since 7/1/2018 Island Skiff Adventure Tours, member since 7/1/2017 Island Time Charters, member since 5/1/2009 Ivonel Art Custom Balloon Decor, member since 6/1/2023 J. Banks Design, member since 6/1/1988 Jane Bistro & Bar, member since 12/1/2016 John W. Molony Law Firm, LLC, member since 9/1/2024 Johnson & Davis, PA, member since 6/1/2002 Kayak Hilton Head and Dolphin Discoveries Boat Tours, member since 12/1/2006 Keith Funeral and Cremation Services, member since 2/1/2016 Kennickell Print & Communications, member since 7/1/1991 Land Speed Automotive, member since 3/1/2021 Laura C. Knobel, MD, LLC, member since 8/1/2017 Lavon Stevens, member since 6/1/2011 Lawton Stables, member since 5/1/2025 Lean Ensemble Theater, member since 7/1/2016 LegalShield, member since 8/1/2025 Liberty Wealth Management, LLC, member since 4/1/2022 LINKS Magazine, member since 2/1/1988 Local Legend Brewing Company, member since 2/1/2025 LowCountry Community Church, member since 4/1/2018
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Lowcountry Finishes Painting & Carpentry, member since 4/1/2017 Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, member since 7/1/2024 Lowcountry Paver, member since 5/1/2011 LUX~A Medical Spa Hilton Head Island, member since 7/1/2019 Maggie & Me, member since 12/1/2020 Masala Mantra Indian Bistro, member since 9/1/2024 MAVCO, member since 7/1/2022 May River Financial Group, member since 11/1/1998 May River Manor, member since 3/1/2024 May River Theatre Co., Inc., member since 2/1/2003 Michael Anthony's, member since 4/1/2002 Milkshake Factory, member since 5/1/2025 Monarch Roofing, member since 7/1/2019 Montage Palmetto Bluff, member since 6/1/2004 Moonlit Lullaby, member since 11/1/2024 Motiva Marketing, member since 6/1/2018 Native Island Business & Community Affairs Association, member since 6/1/1997 NHC Healthcare Bluffton, member since 11/1/2009 Nunzio Restaurant + Bar, member since 8/1/2019 Ochsner 65 Plus, member since 11/1/2023 Old Town Flooring, member since 8/1/2021 Old Town Flooring, member since 8/1/2021 One Hot Mama's American Grille, member since 7/1/2005 Operation Patriots FOB, member since 5/1/2022 Optim Orthopedics, member since 8/1/2015 Outside Hilton Head, member since 8/1/1984
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Overhead Door Company of Hilton Head, member since 8/1/2025 Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, member since 7/1/1978 Palmetto Dunes POA, member since 3/1/2014 Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc., member since 10/1/2001 Palmetto Exterminators, LLC, member since 3/1/2005 Palmetto Hall Golf & Country Club, member since 3/1/2017 Palmetto Pops LLC, member since 3/1/2022 Palmettoes, Inc., member since 1/1/2007 Patel's Liquors, member since 4/1/2023 Pockets Full of Sunshine, member since 4/1/2023 Poseidon, member since 6/1/2015 Providence Presbyterian Church, member since 7/1/2020 RMC Resort Management, member since 5/1/1991 RMC Your Destination Connection, member since 7/1/2015 Royal Dunes Resort, member since 6/1/2024 Roy's Place Cafe & Catering, member since 6/1/2013 SCORE, member since 4/1/1998 SDR - Southern Disaster Recovery, member since 5/1/2022 Sea Pines Country Club, member since 3/1/2003 SERVPRO of Hilton Head, Bluffton, member since 3/1/1996 Shelter Cove Towne Centre, member since 7/1/1983 Shipyard Property Owners Association, member since 8/1/1999 Skull Creek General Store, member since 5/1/2022 South East Coastal Underwriters, member since 6/1/2015 SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hilton Head Island, member since 4/1/2023 St. Joseph’s/Candler Immediate Care-Bluffton, member since 6/1/2013
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St. Joseph's/Candler Medical Group-Bluffton, member since 4/1/2001 Stellini Italian Restaurant, member since 5/1/1993 StretchLab Hilton Head, member since 1/1/2024 Studio One Awards, member since 2/1/2013 Sure Network Solutions (DBA: SNS Technologies), member since 6/1/2015 Tanger Outlets Hilton Head, member since 9/1/1988
Taylor's Landscape Supply, member since 3/1/2010 TD Bank Hilton Head Main, member since 8/1/1985 Terry Lee Contracting, member since 6/1/2013 The Children's Center, Inc., member since 6/1/1998 The Elle Apartments, member since 5/1/2024 The Etheridge Group - Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty, member since 3/1/2022 The Greenery, Inc., member since 7/1/1978 The Juice Hive & Health Emporium, member since 3/1/2016 The Sea Pines Resort, member since 7/1/1979 Thomas C. Barnwell, Jr., member since 7/1/1980 Thompson Turner Construction, member since 8/1/2016 Tribus Interior Design, member since 5/1/2023 Truffles Cafe - Belfair, member since 4/1/2001 Truist (Indigo Run), member since 9/1/1992 United Community Bank, member since 3/1/2007 United Way of the Lowcountry, member since 2/1/1988 USCB Small Business Development Center, member since 5/1/1996
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Vaden Automotive, member since 6/1/2025 Vagabond Cruise, member since 7/1/1979 Veronica Navarro, Realtor at The HomesFinder Realty Group, member since 12/1/2022 Washington Square DBA Speyside Partners LLC, member since 12/1/2023 WebsterRogers LLP, member since 7/1/1976 Wheelz of Hilton Head, member since 2/1/2020 Windermere Insurance Group, member since 4/1/2017 Zonta Club of Hilton Head, member since 6/1/2002
VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU
CNT Readers’ Choice Awards Voting Social Plan 2026 - Recap Overview The purpose of this campaign was to encourage loyal followers, locals, and past visitors to vote for Hilton Head Island as America's Favorite Island® in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, while positioning the destination as a top vacation location in the country. This campaign had a two prong approach of organic social posts and email by VisitHiltonHead and a paid campaign in partnership with Conde Nast Traveler. Campaign dates: April 17 - June 30, 2026 Wrap Up Report • •
Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards voting campaign generated 5.9 million impressions, 72,000+ clicks to the voting page, and 128,000 engagements through an integrated digital, social, display, and email campaign. Meta social advertising was the campaign's strongest performer, delivering 4.26 million impressions and 71,606 clicks, with a click-through rate 33% above benchmark.
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High-impact display advertising and a dedicated email campaign reinforced Hilton Head Island's visibility throughout the voting period, generating additional awareness and engagement among Condé Nast Traveler's premium audience. Overall, the campaign maintained a strong presence across Condé Nast Traveler's platforms, leveraging an integrated marketing approach to encourage voting and elevate Hilton Head Island's visibility during the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.
VisitHiltonHead CNT Voting Campaign
Wrap Up Report • •
The Condé Nast Traveler social campaign included 18 social posts (12 videos), generating 122,045 impressions, 5,965 engagements, and 36,773 video views with an impressive 49% engagement rate. The campaign drove continued audience interaction with 104 link clicks to Hilton Head Island content.
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audience engagement.
• Top-performing content focused on Hilton Head Island's Readers' Choice Awards nomination and destination storytelling, generating the highest
America’s 250th Campaign Overview The America's 250th campaign was designed to showcase Hilton Head Island's significant role in America's history while inspiring visitors to explore the destination's rich cultural heritage and Revolutionary War sites. Through an integrated social media, paid advertising, and dedicated landing page strategy, the campaign promoted historic landmarks, commemorative events, and partner experiences to increase awareness and drive engagement. Social Media Campaign Dates: May 22 – July 4, 2026 Wrap Up Report
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The America 250th campaign included 36 social posts (10 videos), generating 393,709 impressions, 8,517 engagements, 111,217 video views, and 508 link clicks. The America 250 Landmarks boosted campaign delivered 96,332 impressions, 75,974 unique users reached, 425 clicks, and 286 landing page views, with top-performing audiences in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. The dedicated landing page recorded 1,122 sessions, a 67.2% engagement rate, and 554 partner clicks, demonstrating strong interest in Hilton Head Island's America 250th content and partner
offerings. Top-performing content highlighted Hilton Head Island's culture, heritage, landmarks, and Fourth of July celebrations, driving strong audience engagement.
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Continuing Education To continue learning about tourism trends and insights, Hilton Head Island & Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and VCB staff members attend sales and tourism tradeshows, conferences, and events throughout the year. Two of our top events are the annual Destination International Convention in July and ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) in August. Destination International had us walking away with a lot of impactful information and reiterated that we are aligned with all current trends. AI and Storytelling Insights •
Luxury travel remains the most resilient market, continuing to outperform other travel segments despite economic uncertainty.
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DMO-influenced visitation: ~2% lift from paid media exposure, ~7% lift from website visits (see photo below) Mindtrip (AI travel planning) case study with Visit Truckee Tahoe: AI-engaged users showed 51% higher visitation than landing page only; 21% overall lift vs. 14% for landing page U.S. travel is still destination-led. Travelers are choosing where to go first, then selecting accommodations, restaurants, and activities, reinforcing the importance of strong destination branding. Storytelling outperforms discounts. Authentic experiences and compelling destination stories are more effective at driving visitation than promotional pricing. Human voices and faces are becoming more valuable in the age of AI. As AI-generated content becomes more common, authentic people, local stories, and genuine experiences help destinations stand out and build trust. Destination marketing is a talent attraction tool. Marketing a destination not only attracts visitors but also influences where people choose to live, work, invest, and start businesses.
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International Marketing Insights •
HHI international marketing strategy is well aligned with current trends. o The United Kingdom remains the most valuable outbound international market and is adopting AI-powered travel planning tools at a rapid pace. o Instagram continues to be the leading social platform for travel inspiration among travelers from the UK and Europe. o Our destination aligns well with German travelers' preference for balancing relaxation with adventure, and that audience continues to consume more print media than many other international markets.
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The Economic Impact of Tourism •
Tourism's impact extends well beyond tax revenue. Visitor spending brings new dollars into the local economy through food and beverage, retail, entertainment, and attractions. Those dollars continue to circulate throughout the community, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and benefiting families. Families then reinvest their earnings into the community.
Upcoming Events, Kingdom Cup 2026 Kingdom Cup Event dates: September 10-13, 2025 Event location: The Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC
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Kingdom Cup 2026 is an exclusive two-day amateur golf tournament, originally founded and created by Arnold Palmer, held at The Sea Pines Resort. The event features premium golf on Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links, along with food stations, special guest appearances, and VIP hospitality.
International Journalism Award Visit USA UK Media Award – Travel for Good Annabel Grossman, The Independent "You've probably never heard of Mitchelville – but it might be the most important place you visit in America." Overview Annabel Grossman received the 2026 Visit USA UK Media Award for Travel for Good for her feature in The Independent, "You've probably never heard of Mitchelville – but it might be the most important place you visit in America." The article highlighted the significance of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park as the site of the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States, while showcasing Hilton Head Island's rich Gullah heritage, history, and cultural experiences to a UK audience. The recognition underscores the success of Hilton Head Island's international public relations efforts in generating award-winning editorial coverage in one of our key overseas markets.
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2027 Vacation Planner
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Research Update In April 2026, we soft-launched Mindtrip.ai on the Hilton Head Island destination website, an AI-powered trip planning integration designed to meet travelers at the exact moment their planning begins. The tool moved to a full launch in June 2026, offering conversational trip building, personalize itineraries, and real-time recommendations, positioning Hilton Head Island at the forefront of generative search and reinforcing the destination’s premier status.
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April-June 2026 Stats • • •
14K Users 2.5K Partner Handoffs 131 Itineraries Created
Starting in July of 2026, hotel performance is sourced from CoStar rather than Keydata. CoStar is the industry standard provider for hotel benchmarking. Because the underlying data source has changed, figures in reporting may not reconcile with historical numbers previously reported under Keydata. This reflects the improved data source, not a shift in underlying market performance.
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Forecasting is now conducted at the market level, encompassing the broader Beaufort County region rather than just one destination. This provides greater insight into visitor trends and cross-pollination between areas in the region, better reflection visitor behavior. Keydata remains our data source for short-term rentals.
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HHI Airport Enplanements/Deplanements
Enplanements
2023 2024 2025 2026 January February March
April
May.
June
July
Septemb Novemb Decemb August October er er er
2023
3,852
3,564
5,310
9,785
13,266
12,951
14,316
12,943
11,527
9,905
4,512
3,692
2024
3,651
4,423
6,026
11,026
13,760
13,192
13,444
12,586
10,744
10,646
5,965
4,824
2025
3,593
3,453
7,521
12,765
14,309
14,799
15,105
14,402
12,063
11,500
6,432
4,736
2026
3,344
4,438
7,532
14,593
17,344
16,009
Deplanements
2023 2024 2025 2026
January February March
April
May.
June
July
August
Septemb Novemb Decemb October er er er
2023
3,658
3,725
5,905
10,346
13,100
13,466
14,758
12,950
11,967
9,565
4,532
3,756
2024
3,498
4,718
6,213
11,024
13,838
14,012
13,929
13,304
10,372
10,453
5,724
4,950
2025
3,412
3,772
7,853
13,491
14,621
15,942
16,125
14,509
11,775
11,563
6,109
4,832
2026
2,806
4,821
8,217
15,128
17,133
16,804
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SAV Airport Enplanements/Deplanements
Enplanements
2023 2024 2025 January February March
April
May
June
July
Septemb Novemb Decemb August October er er er
2026
2023 113,592 117,200 161,231 188,411 192,157 183,472 187,742 164,104 156,498 177,658 163,318 139,408 2024 116,066 127,303 176,567 193,997 206,880 200,972 190,225 166,810 162,858 188,292 173,625 159,687 2025 114,508 124,731 182,081 199,750 207,137 205,334 205,366 185,657 172,197 190,986 172,462 153,763 2026 122,614 129,779 184,119 210,380 209,630
Deplanements
2023 2024 January February March
April
May
June
July
August
Septemb Novemb Decemb October er er er
2023 113,125 121,793 170,031 186,222 188,709 184,675 189,937 163,366 160,398 178,436 155,748 140,301 2024 118,759 132,250 182,538 190,872 206,164 199,001 196,322 166,905 162,802 190,868 165,951 158,667 2025 116,214 129,954 183,690 200,210 203,355 205,864 211,009 181,861 171,568 196,740 164,493 155,601 2026 121,501 136,710 193,337 206,955 202,991
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2025 2026