Category Archives: News

Horry County Businesses Affected by Drought Eligible for Disaster Loans

The following release was provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in North Carolina to offset economic losses caused by a drought beginning on April 28. The disaster declaration covers the North Carolina […]

Sidney Thompson Named 2026 Pioneer of the Year

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Sidney Thompson as the 2026 Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year during its Annual Meeting in April, honoring a lifetime of leadership, service and contribution to the Grand Strand. Named for longtime chamber president Ashby Ward, the award recognizes individuals whose vision and dedication helped shape the […]

Marilyn Hatley Named 2026 Citizen of the Year

Marilyn Hatley, the former Mayor of North Myrtle Beach, smiles for award with Todd Setzer from A&I Fire and Water Restoration. Marilyn is wearing a pink dress, Todd is dressed in a blue suit and tie.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recognized former North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley as the 2026 Citizen of the Year during its Annual Meeting in April, honoring decades of leadership and public service to the Grand Strand. The Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by A&I Fire and Water Restoration, recognizes individuals whose […]

Kidz With Abilities Celebrates Grand Opening in Myrtle Beach

Kidz With Abilities has officially opened its new pediatric occupational therapy clinic in Myrtle Beach, creating a sensory-rich space designed to help children of all abilities grow, learn and thrive. The clinic celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the milestone. Led by owner Valerie Torosian, Kidz With Abilities meets children where […]

32 Local Professionals Graduate Leadership Grand Strand

Leadership Grand Strand (LGS), a program of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the completion of its 46th class with a graduation ceremony on May 1, giving 32 professionals from across the Grand Strand certificates for completing the 10-month program. The curriculum provided each graduate with broad-based leadership perspectives and firsthand experiences to […]

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber Now Part of Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is now part of the newly launched Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative, a unified enterprise organization designed to better align business advocacy, tourism promotion and community development efforts across the Grand Strand. The Collaborative was officially introduced during the organization’s 2026 Annual Meeting in April and brings together the […]

2026 Annual Meeting Award Winners

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated leadership, innovation and community impact during its 2026 Annual Meeting in April, recognizing businesses and individuals making a difference across the Grand Strand. The annual awards program honored organizations and leaders representing a wide range of industries and missions, from tourism and small business to nonprofit service […]

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Awarded Five-Star Accreditation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves. “Earning the Accreditation designation is a testament to a chamber’s unwavering dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in […]

Collaborate2031 Seeks Resident Input to Guide Countywide Strategic Plan

A new countywide effort is underway to help guide the future of Horry County, and community input will play a central role. Collaborate2031, launched by Partnership Grand Strand, brings together residents, businesses and community leaders to align priorities and create a shared roadmap for the region’s future. The initiative is focused on strengthening economic vitality, […]

Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Annual Meeting Award Finalists

Each year, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting brings together leaders, businesses and community champions to recognize those who represent the best of the Grand Strand business community. The 2026 awards honor organizations and individuals who exemplify innovation, leadership, service and a shared commitment to strengthening our region’s economy and quality of […]