Partnership Grand Strand Bulletin

FEBRUARY, 2024

Series 2, Issue 2 

An Update from Your Director, Peggy Masterson

Town Hall Meeting on February 21

We’re looking forward to seeing each of you at our 2nd Town Hall event on Wednesday, 2/21/24. 

It’s not too late to RSVP, but please note that our location has changed. We will now hold this meeting at the Chamber Boardroom instead of the Sheraton Convention Center.

Space is limited, so please register today!

Click Here to Register

New Donation Capability for Smaller Businesses

Many of our smaller businesses and individual partners have expressed a desire to support our efforts, but are unable to make a multi-year commitment. We listened, and we have designed a way for partners to support us at multiple levels. Our website now has the capability for donors to set up monthly donations that can be automatically debited to their accounts.

Introducing our Supporter, Patron and Ambassador Level sponsorships. ($30, $50 and $100 per month respectively). We’re excited to broaden our family of sponsors.

We will have the link available very soon!

Partnership Grand Strand is now on Instagram!

PGS's presence on social media continues to grow. In addition to Facebook and LinkedIn, you can now find us on Instagram. Like, Share, and Spread the Word!

Instagram * Facebook * LinkedIn

PILLAR UPDATE - PROSPERITY

Mark Shaaber, Entrepreneur Retention Manager

ASK MYRTLE

Partnership Grand Strand has partnered with Chat Prism to develop an artificial intelligence-based Small Business Guide.



The idea is to create an interactive learning tool that responds to queries more like a business coach than a website search engine.

People interested in starting their small business, improving their small business, or growing their small business will be guided to the information they need through a series of questions to and from the tool. General, regional, and local data and information will be used to guide the user thus saving the user significant research time by focusing the conversation on exactly what the user needs. 

The initial launch is anticipated to take place in March as a pilot program. Feedback from users will be used to continually refine and improve the capability.

Chat Prism has offered the community the opportunity to name our Small Business Guide - How about “Ask Myrtle”?

If you have ideas, feel free to reach out to Mark Shaaber, 703-772-5757 or mark.shaaber@partnershipgrandstrand.com

PILLAR UPDATE - TALENT

BJ Beaver, Workforce Talent Manager

GED By 23 Initiative

The General Educational Development (GED) program was established to provide individuals with an alternative route to attaining an equivalent high school diploma. The GED credential is recognized nationwide and serves as a valuable tool for those who may not have completed their high school education through traditional means.

The General Educational Development (GED) program was established to provide individuals with an alternative route to attaining an equivalent high school diploma. The GED credential is recognized nationwide and serves as a valuable tool for those who may not have completed their high school education through traditional means.

What is GED by 23?

The South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) have partnered together to make obtaining a GED more accessible for South Carolina residents. The GED by 23 program will allow SC residents to complete a secondary diploma (GED or high school diploma) and assist with the transition into occupational training. According to the South Carolina Technical College System website the program will be utilizing $3.5 million in funding over three years.

READ MORE

Labor force participation update

Year to date, Horry County is pacing behind in labor force participation from December 2022.

With Workforce being a key area of focus for state and local agencies, we expect to see continued programming and advocacy to develop workforce in South Carolina.

Construction Apprenticeship Hiring Event

Download the flyer

HCS Student Job Fair

Saturday, April 20, 2024 10:00am – 1:00pm

Myrtle Beach High School

Connect with high school job candidates that want to work for you.

Space is limited

Register today!

PILLAR UPDATE - PUBLIC POLICY

James Toy, Public Policy Manager

Ride IV Public Information Sessions

Horry County residents are encouraged to actively engage in a comprehensive public participation process dedicated to shaping the future of our transportation network through RIDE IV. As the county's upcoming road infrastructure improvement initiative funded by the one-cent sales tax, this initiative holds significant importance for daily commuters, local business leaders and all citizens invested in the county's economic and social well-being.

Be part of the conversation during these informative sessions designed to foster open dialogue and community input. Your perspective is invaluable in the decision-making process that will influence critical aspects such as mobility, safety and connectivity. There are a couple more opportunities to participate.

Mark your calendars for these informative sessions:

   Monday, Feb. 12, 4-6 p.m.

Myrtle Beach Train Depot

851 Broadway St., Myrtle Beach

  Thursday, Feb. 15, 4-6 p.m.

Carolina Forest Recreation Center Multipurpose Room

2254 Carolina Forest Blvd., Myrtle Beach

Don't miss this opportunity to actively shape the future of Horry County's infrastructure network. Attend a session, get informed and make your voice heard!



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