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 Myrtle Beach area into the community it is today. Thompson’s story is deeply connected to that growth. Carolina Cool sponsored the award.

A Myrtle Beach native born in 1934, Thompson grew up on his family’s farm in Bucksport before graduating from Clemson University and serving in the U.S. Army. He began his professional career as a teacher at Myrtle Beach High School, where he taught in the late 1950s and early 1960s during a period of rapid change along the Grand Strand.

As Myrtle Beach evolved, Thompson saw opportunity in the area’s growing tourism industry. In the 1960s and 70s, he transitioned into business, helping develop one of the area’s early high-rise oceanfront hotels and operating successful amusement and go-kart attractions that became part of many families’ Myrtle Beach memories. With the help of family, he also led the area in agro-tourism using the family farm as an event space.

His impact, however, extended far beyond tourism.

For more than four decades, Thompson has played a significant role in the infrastructure supporting the region’s continued growth. He has served on the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority Board since 1982, including time as chairman, helping guide critical utility investments across the area. He also co-chaired the Carolina Bays Parkway Task Force Executive Committee, supporting efforts to advance what would become one of the Grand Strand’s most important transportation corridors.

He continues attending Grand Strand Water and Sewer meetings, contributing his insight and experience.

Throughout his life, Thompson has remained grounded in service, family and community. Whether in education, business or public service, his leadership helped lay the foundation for the Grand Strand’s growth while preserving the values that define the region.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Sidney Thompson as the 2026 Ashby Ward Pioneer of the Year for his lasting impact on the community and his lifetime of leadership.