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The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) hosted its annual Legislative Luncheon on Oct. 15 at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, bringing together chamber members and local lawmakers to address important issues facing the Grand Strand and its business community.
Members of the Horry-Georgetown Legislative Delegation in attendance included Sen. Stephen Goldfinch (Dist. 34), Sen. Greg Hembree (Dist. 28), Rep. Val Guest (Dist. 106), Rep. Tim McGinnis (Dist. 56), and Rep. Carla Schussler (Dist. 61).
The legislators participated in a Q&A session centered on community priorities and legislative updates, including questions submitted by chamber members.
A central theme of the event was the importance of speaking with one unified voice for the business community, particularly in Columbia, where decisions at the State House directly impact the Myrtle Beach area.
“When we stand together as one voice, we amplify the needs of our members and ensure the Grand Strand is strongly represented,” said MBACC CEO Matt Pivarnik. “This luncheon is a powerful example of how chamber members and lawmakers can work side by side to protect and grow our region.”
MBACC President Jimmy Gray also emphasized how the chamber’s annual Community Priorities help support this unified voice as they’re shaped by its membership and serve as a focused guide for advocacy efforts.
“The luncheon was an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to chamber members while also helping shape our upcoming priorities,” Gray said. “From protecting our natural assets to ensuring smart growth and supporting education, our members drive these advocacy efforts, and we are committed to carrying their voice forward.”
This year’s legislative luncheon discussion highlighted several high-impact community priorities, including:
Natural Gas Access: removing regulatory roadblocks to open up Horry County to commercial natural gas expansion
Insurance and Tort Reform: Establishing policies to keep insurance premiums affordable, while enabling new insurance companies to enter the state and foster competition.
Education: Strengthening schools by ensuring safe learning environments and advancing fair NIL regulations that allow student-athletes to succeed.
Natural Resource Preservation: safeguarding the region’s beaches, wetlands, waterways and natural habitats like Carolina Bays and Waites Island through long-term investments in beach renourishment and ocean outfall projects, as well as strategies to prevent wildfires.
Smart Growth: Expanding infrastructure, including roadways and energy, that support economic development, job creation, ensure evacuation routes, and protect natural resources.
Additional topics were also discussed during the luncheon, one of MBACC’s signature advocacy events, underscoring the chamber’s role in connecting the business community with state leaders. Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, MBACC continues working to ensure Myrtle Beach’s voice is heard on the issues that matter most for the region’s future prosperity.
For more information on how the chamber advocates on behalf of its members, visit https://myrtlebeachareachamber.com/protect/advocacy-news/