FROM THE DESK OF STUART BUTLER
Every now and then, it’s worth stepping back and asking a simple question: Are we making progress?
Looking at the past two months, I believe the answer is yes.
Recently, Resonance ranked Myrtle Beach among America’s Top 5 Best Small Cities, while Tripadvisor identified Myrtle Beach as the nation’s most popular domestic summer destination. Those recognitions are encouraging, but they’re really just evidence of something many of us have been seeing for quite some time.
Progress often happens gradually. It’s easy to miss when you’re living it every day. But when you step back, the signs are everywhere.
You can see it in the success of the Myrtle Beach Classic and Carolina Country Music Fest, two events that generated national attention while creating meaningful economic impact for businesses across the Grand Strand. It’s evident in major private investments like Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing at Broadway at the Beach and Downtown Flavortown, alongside dozens of additional hotel, restaurant and attraction projects taking shape throughout the region. You can find it in the renewed energy in downtown Myrtle Beach and in the confidence businesses continue to show by investing here.
Success isn’t something that happens to a community. It’s something a community chooses through business investments, new ventures, improved infrastructure, better public spaces, volunteerism and a commitment to collaboration over competition.
Individually, these decisions may seem small. Together, they create momentum.
That’s one of the themes beginning to emerge from our Collaborate2031 work. As we’ve listened to residents, business leaders and community partners, we’ve heard honest conversations about the challenges we face. We’ve also heard optimism, pride and a shared belief that our greatest opportunities still lie ahead. The work ahead won’t always be easy, but it’s encouraging to see so many people committed to shaping the future of this region together.
As you read through this report, I hope you’ll see more than a collection of updates. I hope you’ll see the story of a community choosing progress through partnership, investment and a shared commitment to something bigger than any one organization can accomplish alone.
If the past two months are any indication, the answer is yes. And if we continue choosing collaboration over competition, investing in one another and working toward a shared vision, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish together.
Stuart Butler President, Visit Myrtle Beach
Boards Adopt New Mission Statements
New missions were approved for Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Myrtle Beach in May. The updated statements provide a shared strategic foundation for each organization’s work while clearly defining the distinct role each plays in strengthening the Grand Strand.
Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative Mission Statement: We unite and align leaders and businesses of the Myrtle Beach region to drive community success.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement: We champion prosperity for business, communities and residents. Our advocacy and resources strengthen and unite the Myrtle Beach region.
Visit Myrtle Beach Mission Statement: The Myrtle Beach region is America’s most desired, vibrant, and welcoming coastal destination.
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic Delivers Economic Impact, National Exposure
Economic Boost
Visit Myrtle Beach served as a co-title sponsor and official hospitality partner for the 2026 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, held May 7–10 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
The event is expected to deliver approximately $15 million in economic impact to the region, with the PGA Tour contributing $250,000 in charitable donations for the third year in a row to local nonprofits including the Boys & Girls Club of Myrtle Beach, Champion Autism Network, and Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach.
Celebrity Spotlight
The Celebrity Pro-Am drew a marquee lineup including Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, tennis legend John McEnroe, actor Kurt Russell, and North Myrtle Beach native Vanna White, who served as this year’s tournament ambassador. The week’s concert series also featured actor John Stamos performing with The Beach Boys.
Strengthening Key Relationships
VMB hosted an 18th Green VIP Suite offering tournament views, food and beverage, and suite-style seating for invited guests and community partners providing a hightouch experience that reinforced key relationships across the destination.
Destination Activation
On-course, VMB coordinated a fan zone activation in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach Visitor Center Staff and the Myrtle Beach Attractions Association, extending destination branding directly to the tournament audience throughout the four-day event.
Looking ahead, the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic has been confirmed to return May 13–16, 2027, with the Dunes Golf and Beach Club hosting for a fourth consecutive year. Serving as a continued testament to the tournament’s growing roots in the Golf Capital of the World.
Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative Announces New Board Members
The Collaborative Board of Directors Nominating Committee met on June 23 to deliberate on candidate nominees for board positions opening in 2027. The committee’s recommendations were subsequently ratified by The Collaborative’s full board of directors. The following board members will begin terms in January 2027.
Three-year term ending 2029
Radha Herring, Watermark Realty
Matt Klugman, Vacation Myrtle Beach
• Carlton Lewis, HTC
Steve Mays, Sky Zone
Kelly Tyler, First Citizens Bank
• Monica Vehige, McLeod Health Seacoast
One-year term ending 2027
Mendel Bell, Touch Med Spa
Chad Carlson, Burroughs & Chapin
• Scott Dietrich, Edward Jones
Shawn Godwin, Palmetto Corp
Patrick Norton, Brittain Resorts & Hotels
We are pleased to welcome these individuals in 2027 and look forward to the expertise, leadership, and perspective they will bring to the board. Their collective experience will help guide our organization as we continue to advance our mission and strategic priorities.
BJ
Beaver Shares Expertise on Workforce Panel
Partnership Grand Strand Executive Director BJ Beaver participated as a panelist for the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Workforce Development, joining community leaders from across the state to discuss best practices for connecting high school and college students to meaningful workforce opportunities.
During the discussion, Beaver highlighted the collaborative approach that has helped launch and sustain workforce initiatives across Horry and Georgetown counties. From building strong partnerships among education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations to leveraging grants and private-sector investment, the conversation emphasized that lasting workforce solutions are achieved through shared leadership and community collaboration.
LGS Welcomes New Board Members
Each year, the Leadership Grand Strand Class elects representatives from their cohort to serve on the LGS Board of Regents. Joining the board from LGS Class XLVI are: Jessica Gregory, general manager of EdVenture Myrtle Beach, Matt Lake, a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, and Lauren Mazurkiewicz, vice president and portfolio manager at South Atlantic Bank.
Terms for three board members ended in June. We are grateful to Kasey Herrington, chief operating officer for OrthoSC, Davis Skipper, vice president at Conway National Bank, and Kristy Yelle, vice president of Palmetto Protection Films, for their service to the program.
Visit Myrtle Beach Connects with Thousands at Carolina Country Music Fest
Visit Myrtle Beach activated on-site at Carolina Country Music Fest with a branded experience near the main gate, putting the destination in front of tens of thousands of country music fans at one of the Grand Strand’s signature summer events.
The centerpiece of the activation was a glambot camera experience that captured shareable social videos of festival attendees — an on-brand, high-energy way to invite fans to capture their “Myrtle Moment” and spread
World Oceans Day
In partnership with Carolina Country Music Fest, Love Tito’s, and SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful co-hosted a beach clean-up on Sunday, June 7 in honor of World Oceans Day.
Held along the oceanfront at the SkyWheel, the event brought festival attendees and community volunteers together to give back to the beach they were celebrating all weekend. More than 25 volunteers turned out for the effort, collecting over 30 bags of trash from the shoreline, the dunes and nearby Plyler Park.
The initiative reflects VMB’s commitment to destination stewardship, ensuring Myrtle Beach remains as beautiful for future visitors as it is for those here today.
destination awareness organically across social platforms. On opening night, Senior Marketing Manager Jen Brunson took the stage alongside Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark Kruea to welcome the crowd, reinforcing Visit Myrtle Beach’s role as a leading community and festival partner. The activation directly supports VMB’s “Music’s Favorite Beach” positioning, connecting the destination brand to one of the region’s most-attended annual events.
New Members
53 businesses joined the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative in May and June. Grand Strand Young Professionals added 62 new members.
Myrtle Beach Hosting 2027 CACCE Meeting
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative will serve as the host chamber for the Carolinas Association of Chamber Executives annual Staff Leadership Development Conference in 2027, following a successful bid by Visit Myrtle Beach’s group sales department. The conference will bring chamber executives from across North and South Carolina to Myrtle Beach in March 2027.
Visit Myrtle Beach President Featured by eTourism Summit
Visit Myrtle Beach President Stuart Butler was featured by eTourism Summit, one of the travel industry’s leading conferences and thought leadership platforms for destination marketers, in a leadership spotlight recognizing professionals shaping the future of destination marketing. The profile highlighted Visit Myrtle Beach’s innovative approach to destination marketing, including the use of artificial intelligence, behavioral data and strategic storytelling to engage travelers and strengthen the destination’s competitive position.
Partnership Grand Strand Named Education Partnership Champion
Partnership Grand Strand was honored by Horry County Schools as the 2026 Education Partnership Champion in recognition of its outstanding commitment to advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and expanding careerconnected learning opportunities for students across the district.
The award was presented during the inaugural CTE Champion Awards Dinner, an event that celebrated students and their achievements through Career and Technical Education while recognizing the educators, business partners, and community organizations that support their success.
The Collaborative Celebrates Business Growth Across the Grand Strand
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative hosted 25 ribbon-cutting ceremonies in May and June, celebrating new businesses, expansions and milestone anniversaries across the region. These events reflect continued business investment and The Collaborative’s commitment to supporting member success and economic prosperity throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
Myrtle Beach Earns Top
Five National Ranking
Myrtle Beach was ranked No. 5 Best Small City in America by Resonance Consultancy, while also earning No. 2 for Lovability and No. 7 for Livability.
The national recognition reflects the region’s continued investment in quality of place, visitor experiences and economic vitality, reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s appeal as a destination where people choose to visit, live and invest.
CEO Shares Collaborative Model on DMOU Podcast
Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative CEO Matt Pivarnik joined DMOU, a leading podcast for destination marketing professionals, to discuss how destination marketing, business advocacy and community development can work together to strengthen communities. The conversation highlighted The Collaborative’s organizational model, the value of regional partnerships and lessons in leadership that are helping shape the future of the Grand Strand.
Red, White & Remember Parade
Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative staff and ambassadors participated in the City of Myrtle Beach’s annual Memorial Day Parade.
Celebrating 40 Years of Entertainment
Visit Myrtle Beach launched its 40 Years of Entertainment campaign to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Carolina Opry and celebrate the destination’s evolution into one of the nation’s premier live entertainment destinations. Through original editorial content, a documentary, a summer-long video series and a promotional giveaway, the
U.S. Rep. Russell Fry Attends Chamber Advisory Board Meeting
Congressman Russell Fry joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board to provide an update on key issues before Congress, including permitting reform, government efficiency, appropriations and national security. He also highlighted recent legislative action supporting agriculture, housing and efforts to streamline the federal permitting process. Congressman Fry reaffirmed his support for the temporary work visa program and beach renourishment, both of which remain vital to the Grand Strand’s economy.
campaign highlights Myrtle Beach’s theater partners while positioning live entertainment as a year-round driver of visitation. The initiative reinforces the destination’s “beach plus” story by showcasing more than four decades of entertainment that continues to generate overnight stays and support the local visitor economy.
Regional Leaders Meet to Advance Shared Priorities
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative recently convened area mayors and Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner for a regional leadership luncheon focused on strengthening collaboration across the Grand Strand. Each municipality provided updates on key projects and initiatives before the group discussed shared priorities,
including parking, beach access, workforce development and transportation improvements. Leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen regional advocacy efforts in Columbia and Washington, D.C., reinforcing the value of a unified voice on issues affecting the region.
Membership Renewal Process Begins
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative mailed approximately 1,800 membership renewal notices in late June, launching the 2027 renewal cycle. The renewals reflect the new membership investment model approved by the Board of Directors, aligning membership levels with organizational size while expanding opportunities for member engagement and investment in the region’s future. Billing is also underway for the Amplified Marketing Program (AMP) contracts. AMP sales close Aug. 31.
New Credit Card Processing Affinity Partners Approved
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative approved new affinity partnerships with Toast and Simpay to provide member businesses with credit card processing solutions. Toast will serve as the exclusive partner for restaurants, while Simpay will support all other business categories. The partnerships also create new non-dues revenue opportunities for The Collaborative through revenuesharing agreements tied to member participation.
Careers at the Coast Connects Employers with Job Seekers
Approximately 200 job seekers attended the Careers at the Coast hiring event on May 4, connecting local employers with prospective employees from across the region. Hosted in partnership with Destination North Myrtle Beach and the Loris Chamber of Commerce, the event also welcomed Horry County Schools students exploring future career paths. The event demonstrated the value of regional collaboration in strengthening the talent pipeline and supporting local businesses’ workforce needs.
Visit Myrtle Beach Strengthens James Beard Foundation Relationship
Visit Myrtle Beach PR Manager Denielle Van Dyke attended a James Beard Foundation event in New York City to strengthen relationships with Foundation leadership and support the destination’s growing culinary reputation. Building these connections helps create future opportunities to elevate Myrtle Beach chefs and restaurants while reinforcing the area’s position as an emerging culinary destination.
Collaborative Holds First All-Staff Retreat
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative held its first allstaff retreat on May 29 at the Diamond at Pelicans Ballpark, bringing employees together for a day of team building, collaboration and professional development. Facilitated by management consultant Gary Campbell, the retreat included discussions on team priorities, organizational core values and navigating change, while providing opportunities for staff to strengthen relationships across the organization. The event reinforced The Collaborative’s commitment to building a connected, high-performing team culture.
STAFF NEWS
Cindy Gettig retired after 13 years with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Gettig served as the executive vice president of business development.
Zavier Jones earned the Certified Faith-Based Meeting Professional (CFMP) designation from the Religious Conference Management Association, strengthening Visit Myrtle Beach’s expertise in the faith-based meetings market. Four members of the group sales team now hold the certification, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to serving this important segment of the meetings industry.
Cyndi Mohr was elected to the board of directors for the S.C. Society of Association Executives. This appointment reflects her dedication to advancing South Carolina’s meetings and events industry while strengthening relationships within the association community. Serving on the SCSAE Board provides an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, support professional development initiatives, and help shape the future of association meetings throughout the state.
Matt Pivarnik Aristen Baku Liz Higginbotham
Matt Pivarnik , CEO, Aristen Baku , graphic designer, and Melissa Kavanagh , director of research and technology celebrated their one-year anniversaries while Liz Higginbotham , Airport Visitor Center specialist, celebrated five years with the organization in May and June.
Amanda Bailey and Yaritza Tinoco attended Institute for Organization Management, a continuing education program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Tinoco has one year remaining before earning the IOM designation, while Bailey has three more years to complete. In the end, both will have completed 96 hours of training in nonprofit management.
Kema Faulk Parsley became a grandmother for the second time with the arrival of her granddaughter, Eiress Lillie, on May 10.
Melissa Kavanagh
Amanda Bailey Yaritza Tinoco
Group Sales - Sports Tourism Event Updates
New Travel Baseball Tournament
Memorial Day Weekend marked the launch of a new travel baseball tournament at Styers Athletic Complex, the Firecracker Baseball Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Dash.
Boost on the Beach
June kicked off 10 weeks of summer sports tourism events along the Grand Strand. Highlights included the start of nine straight weeks of week-long youth baseball tournaments at The Ripken Experience; Travel Ball Select and Athletx Baseball and Softball Youth Nationals at Styers Athletic Complex; the National Travel Basketball
Association (NTBA) Girls Nationals at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center; Next Level Greats Flag Football at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium and Ashley Booth Field; and Grand Strand Juniors’ Coastal Classic Championships at the Sports Center and Convention Center.
Numerous other dance, cheer, basketball, and softball events brought thousands of participants and teams to the Grand Strand.
Varsity Spirit brought 5,000+ cheerleaders to Myrtle Beach across two competitions, showcasing talent from across the country
National Travel Basketball Association (NTBA) hosted 225+ teams over two events, adding to a strong lineup of spring tournaments.
Visit Myrtle Beach Visits NCAA Headquarters
Jonathan Paris and Taylor Sellers from the VMB Sports Team, along with Tim Huber of the City of Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Department, traveled to Indianapolis for a series of meetings at NCAA Headquarters on several upcoming championship bids the destination will submit this fall. Target sports and championships include golf, track & field, baseball, and potentially softball.
Partnership Grand Strand Helps RISE Program
Reach
Record Participation
This summer marks the largest RISE Internship Program cohort to date, with more than 40 college students gaining paid, hands-on experience with employers across Horry and Georgetown counties. Through these internships, students are building valuable professional skills while helping local businesses develop the talent pipeline needed for longterm success.
Partnership Grand Strand is proud to support the RISE Internship Program as part of our commitment to strengthening the region’s workforce. This effort aligns with the South Carolina Office of Workforce Development’s call for employers to expand paid internship opportunities for both high school and college students, creating meaningful pathways from education to employment and helping retain talented young professionals in our community.
Ignite Women’s Brunch Brings Leaders Together
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Ignite Women’s Brunch, bringing together women from across the business community for networking, leadership development and inspiration ahead of the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, the event featured keynote speaker Dr. Debbie Conner, who encouraged attendees to lead with purpose while supporting and empowering others in the workplace and community.
Visit Myrtle Beach Earns Two Silver Telly Awards
Visit Myrtle Beach received two Silver Telly Awards for “Where It All Began: A Myrtle Beach Love Story,” earning recognition in the People’s Telly – General Promotional Video and Travel & Tourism categories. The international awards honor excellence in video and television production, recognizing creative work that engages audiences and advances strategic storytelling.
Educational Foundation Supports Junior Achievement Initiative
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation invested $25,000 to support the launch of 3DE by Junior Achievement at Conway High School, helping bring an innovative, case-based learning model to Horry County Schools.
As the first district in South Carolina to implement the program, Horry County is serving as a pilot for an approach that connects classroom learning with real-world business challenges and workforce skills, with the potential to expand to additional schools in the future.
PGA TOUR Joins Beach Cleanup
Professional golfers Grant Haefner and Nicholas Marchese were among the volunteers with Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful for a beach cleanup held during the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. Their participation highlighted the tournament’s commitment to giving back while helping preserve one of the Grand Strand’s greatest natural assets.
Chamber Supports Statewide Small Business Summit
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the South Carolina Small Business Hospitality and Tourism Summit, bringing together entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals and resource partners from across the state at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Director of Information & Technology Melissa Kavanagh also served as a presenter, sharing expertise with attendees during the day-long program. The event connected participants with resources on topics including access to capital, workforce development, federal contracting, technology and legal issues, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening small businesses and supporting long-term economic growth across the Grand Strand.
Honoring Destination Tourism Champions
In celebration of Global Meetings Industry Day, Visit Myrtle Beach recognized four Destination Tourism Champions for their outstanding contributions to growing the Grand Strand’s meetings and conventions industry. The 2026 honorees—Nick Blake (RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar), Kathryn Hedgepath (Myrtle Beach History Trolleys & Step-On Tours), Ken Ivey (Municipal Association of South Carolina) and Toronda Webb (Alore Meetings & Events)— were celebrated for their partnerships and leadership in attracting events, enhancing the attendee experience and supporting the destination’s meetings economy.
Expanding Esports Industry Connections
Visit Myrtle Beach participated in the EsportsTravel Summit hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, where Jonathan Paris met with more than 20 esports event organizers and industry partners to explore future opportunities for the destination. The conference also provided insights into emerging trends and best practices in the growing esports events market.
Visit Myrtle Beach Showcases Destination to Student Travel Planners
Lori Lampo hosted a familiarization (FAM) tour in partnership with Group Travel Leader, welcoming 11 qualified student travel planners to experience Myrtle Beach as a premier destination for educational and performance-based group travel.
The itinerary highlighted the destination’s diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) experiences, showcasing attractions and programs that provide meaningful educational opportunities while delivering memorable group experiences. It included a mini-golf-themed marketplace that connected
local tourism partners with planners in an interactive networking environment.
In addition to the in-market experience, the FAM generated significant editorial exposure for the destination. Myrtle Beach was featured in an 8-page spread in the June edition of Group Travel Leader, providing extensive coverage of the area’s educational attractions, performance venues, and group-friendly experiences. This national feature further elevated Myrtle Beach’s visibility among student travel planners and reinforced the destination’s position as a top choice for educational and performance-based group travel.
Visit Myrtle Beach Strengthens International Travel Partnerships at IPW
Mary Carman Isenberg, Bob Harris, and Diane Charno represented Visit Myrtle Beach at IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale this May, the U.S. travel industry’s premier international marketplace hosted annually by the U.S. Travel Association. IPW brings together U.S. destinations with international tour operators, travel buyers, airlines, media, and travel trade professionals from around the world to generate future inbound travel to the United States.
During the conference, the Visit Myrtle Beach team participated in a full schedule of pre-qualified business appointments, educational sessions and networking events, promoting Myrtle Beach as a premier destination for international leisure travel, meetings, and multicity itineraries. The team strengthened relationships with existing global partners while cultivating new opportunities with tour operators and travel buyers from key international markets.
Participation in IPW helps expand Myrtle Beach’s global presence, increase international visitation, and generate future overnight stays and visitor spending throughout the Grand Strand. The conference also provides valuable market intelligence on international travel trends, allowing Visit Myrtle Beach to refine its global sales and marketing strategies while creating additional opportunities for local hotels, attractions, restaurants, and tourism businesses.
Executive Exchange Highlights Collaborate2031 Progress
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative’s June Executive Exchange, presented by Bank of America, featured Amy Holloway of Aha! Advisors. She provided business and community leaders with an update on Collaborate2031, the countywide strategic plan currently in development. The program gave attendees an opportunity to learn about the planning process and discuss the long-term vision for Horry County’s future.
Exploring Innovation at Simpleview Summit
Mary Carman Isenberg and Seth Holek attended the 2026 Simpleview Summit, where destination marketing professionals explored emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and best practices for destination marketing. The conference provided insights into CRM optimization, digital marketing, data analytics and partner engagement that will support ongoing enhancements to Visit Myrtle Beach’s technology, reporting capabilities and services for tourism partners.
Culinary
Scene
Highlighted at People
Inc. Event
Visit Myrtle Beach partnered with People Inc. to host a Taste of the Grand Strand reception in New York City, introducing national travel and lifestyle media to the destination’s growing culinary scene. Michelin-recognized Chef Jerrett King of O.A.K. Prime and Grand Strand Brewing showcased local flavors while Visit Myrtle Beach strengthened relationships with editors from publications including Southern Living and Food & Wine.
Tourism Works for the Grand Strand Sponsors Statewide Debate
Tourism Works for the Grand Strand was proud to sponsor the South Carolina Republican gubernatorial runoff debate at Coastal Carolina University on June 16, helping bring statewide attention to the Grand Strand and the issues that matter to our residents, businesses and tourism economy.
Expanding Media Presence
May and June are busy times on the public relations front both locally and nationally. Hot topics included the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, Memorial Day, CCMF and Summer Travel. The national press release “Sun, Sand and Serious Savings” earned widespread attention while locally, the Collaborate2031 Initial Findings release and MID Support statement generated solid media pickup. While Stuart did several national interviews about the impact fuel has on tourism, Diane spoke about the community impact of CCMF and Shannon was live on Carolina AM discussing the LGS Legacy Project. Matt Pivarnik continued his press tour revealing the organization’s new alignment under the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative by speaking on several trade industry podcasts.
Generating National Headlines
Visit Myrtle Beach’s public relations efforts generated more than 915 million media impressions in May, including national coverage in Forbes and Travel + Leisure. Year to date, earned media has exceeded 11.9 billion impressions, continuing to elevate Myrtle Beach’s visibility among travelers nationwide.
Singing in the Sun Returns to Myrtle Beach
Visit Myrtle Beach’s Lori Lampo partnered with the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to secure the return of Singing in the Sun, one of the nation’s premier Christian music and worship events. The event brings thousands of attendees to the Grand Strand, generating significant economic impact while reinforcing Myrtle Beach’s position as a leading destination for faith-based meetings and events.
Leadership Grand Strand Sees Strong Application Growth
Leadership Grand Strand closed applications for Class XLVII with 51 applicants, the strongest application pool in recent years. The increase reflects continued interest in the region’s premier leadership development program and a growing commitment among local professionals to invest in community leadership.
Visit Myrtle Beach Hosts Canadian Tour Operators and Media
In partnership with the South Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Visit Myrtle Beach hosted Canadian tour operators and U.S. travel media during the Myrtle Beach Classic PGA TOUR event in May.
The familiarization tour showcased the destination’s golf, accommodations, dining and attractions while introducing participants to one of Myrtle Beach’s premier sporting events.
The program strengthened relationships with key travel influencers and is expected to generate future travel packages, media coverage and increased visitation from the Canadian market.
The Collaborative Welcomes Summer Interns
The Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative welcomed three summer interns through Coastal Carolina University’s RISE Program, providing hands-on experience in destination marketing, content creation and group sales. Working alongside staff across multiple departments, the interns gain practical industry experience while supporting key organizational initiatives throughout the summer.
Sports Team Hosts Key Site Visits
May and June were active months for sports tourism site visits as Taylor and Jonathan welcomed representatives from Triple Crown Sports, Huddle Up Group and the International Combat Organization. The visits showcased the destination’s facilities and hospitality while supporting future sports event opportunities for the Grand Strand.
Chamber Supports Regional Hurricane Preparedness
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce participated in a regional hurricane preparedness meeting with emergency management officials, nonprofit organizations and community partners to strengthen coordination ahead of peak hurricane season. Advocacy Manager Robert Whitehurst, who serves as co-chair of the Waccamaw Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), joined discussions focused on emergency planning, resource coordination and community resilience. The meeting reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to supporting business continuity and preparedness across the Grand Strand.
CEO Featured on Chamber Chat Podcast
Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative CEO Matt Pivarnik appeared on the Chamber Chat Podcast to discuss the organization’s collaborative model, regional partnerships and the role of shared services in strengthening the Grand Strand. The conversation also highlighted Collaborate2031 and the importance of aligning business, tourism and community leaders around a shared vision for Horry County’s future.
Chamber Recaps Legislative Session for Business Leaders
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Update following the conclusion of the 2026 South Carolina General Assembly, providing business leaders with an overview of newly enacted legislation and key policy issues affecting the Grand Strand. Chamber President Jimmy Gray and Advocacy Manager Robert Whitehurst highlighted tax reform, business tax relief, infrastructure investments and other priorities from the Chamber’s 2026 Advocacy Agenda, reinforcing the organization’s role in keeping members informed and engaged on issues impacting the regional business community.
Group Sales Generates Qualified Leads at HelmsBriscoe Conference
Cynthia Mohr and Zavier Jones represented Visit Myrtle Beach at the HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference (ABC) in Los Angeles, one of the meetings industry’s premier events for connecting with HelmsBriscoe associates and qualified meeting planners. Throughout the conference, they participated in partner fairs and four networking events, strengthening relationships with key industry contacts while positioning Myrtle Beach for future meetings and conventions business.
The conference generated 11 qualified leads, all with strong potential to convert for meetings taking place between 2027 and 2029, representing an estimated 1,425 room nights and approximately $577,395 in projected economic impact for the destination. The team noted that attendee quality was excellent, with planners actively sourcing future business and several leads already converting to definite bookings following the event.
LGS Celebrates Class XLVI Graduation
Leadership Grand Strand celebrated the graduation of 33 participants from Class XLVI, recognizing the completion of the organization’s 10-month leadership development program. Graduates explored key issues shaping the Grand Strand while building lasting relationships and strengthening their capacity to serve as community leaders.
Collaborate2031 Releases Initial Research Findings
Collaborate2031 reached a key milestone and released initial findings from the Benchmark Analysis Report conducted by Aha! Advisors, the firm leading the facilitating the development of the countywide strategic plan. Also released were key findings from the resident sentiment survey completed by more than 1,900 Horry County residents.
Together with feedback gathered through community focus groups, the research will help guide development of a countywide strategic plan focused on long-term economic vitality and quality of life. The benchmark report and key findings from the resident survey are available to review at Collaborate2031.com
LGS Completes Legacy Project at Barnabas Horse Foundation
Leadership Grand Strand Class XLVI completed its annual legacy project at Barnabas Horse Foundation, delivering facility improvements that will enhance the nonprofit’s ability to serve clients through its equine-assisted programs. Class members funded and constructed a memorial garden, installed approximately 580 feet of vinyl fencing to improve safety and built a covered storage structure to protect feed and equipment. The project reflects Leadership Grand Strand’s ongoing commitment to developing community leaders while creating lasting improvements for local nonprofits.
Myrtle Beach Featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show
Visit Myrtle Beach received national television exposure on The Kelly Clarkson Show as part of a travel series hosted by nationally recognized travel expert Emily Kaufman, known as “The Travel Mom.” The segment showcased the destination’s family-friendly attractions, coastal experiences and affordability while introducing Myrtle Beach to millions of potential travelers nationwide. Visit Myrtle Beach supported the production through destination coordination, local logistics and promotional assets.
Visit Myrtle Beach Named Finalist for National Marketing Award
Visit Myrtle Beach was named a finalist for the 2026 OnCon Top 100 Marketing Team Award, recognizing organizations that demonstrate innovation, leadership and measurable impact in marketing. The national recognition highlights the team’s creativity and strategic efforts to promote the Myrtle Beach area while advancing the destination’s visibility and competitiveness.
Grand Strand Communities Earn National Recognition
The Myrtle Beach region continued to receive national recognition from respected travel publications and rankings, reinforcing the Grand Strand’s reputation as a premier destination for beach vacations, family travel, outdoor recreation and quality of life. These third-party endorsements help increase awareness among prospective visitors while supporting the region’s tourism economy.
Recent accolades included:
• Pawleys Island named Best Beach in South Carolina in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Award for the third consecutive year
• Go World Travel listed Myrtle Beach among the nations top beach destinations
• FamilyVacationist included Myrtle Beach among its top affordable family vacation destinations in the United States
• Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach, located in Conway, was recognized by Travel + Leisure as on of the top campgrounds in the United States
• Travel + Leisure listed Myrtle Beach as No. 8 out of 10 most affordable places to travel in the United States this August
• MyFamilyTravels included Conway in its list of most affordable retirement destinations
• Condé Nast Traveler named Myrtle Beach one of the best East Coast beaches for an All-American Summer
Visit Myrtle Beach Builds Industry Ties
Diane Charno represented Visit Myrtle Beach at several national industry engagements, including Sojern’s Destination Advisory Board Annual Meeting in Denver in May and Skift’s Women Leading Travel Summit in New Orleans in June. She also presented a marketing update at the Coastal Network Cooperative’s June meeting. These engagements keep our destination visible among national travel marketing leaders and strengthen key industry and regional partnerships.
Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful Recognizes Regional Art Contest Winner
On behalf of PalmettoPride, Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful coordinator Yaritza Tinoco presented a regional award to Yara Al Aswad, a fourth-grade student at Ten Oaks Elementary School, for winning the Pee Dee Region of the 2026 Governor’s Litter Prevention Art Contest. The annual contest encourages elementary students across South Carolina to promote litter prevention and environmental stewardship through art, inspiring the next generation to help keep their communities beautiful.
Visit Myrtle Beach Builds Group Travel Partnerships at TAP Tradeshow
Lori Lampo represented Visit Myrtle Beach at the Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) Annual Tradeshow, one of North America’s premier group travel marketplaces connecting destinations with tour operators, travel buyers, and industry partners.
Lori participated in 20 scheduled business appointments and several networking opportunities strengthening relationships that support future motorcoach and group travel while generating overnight stays and economic impact for the Grand Strand.
Collaborate2031
Steering Committee Advances Planning
The Collaborate2031 Steering Committee continued work to develop a countywide strategic plan.
The committee met in June at the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors’ office to review benchmark research findings, results from the resident sentiment survey and from focus groups conducted earlier in the year.
The review of this research marks the halfway point in the development of the countywide strategic plan.
