Partnership Grand Strand Bulletin

SEPTEMBER, 2025

Series 3, Issue 9


Fall is always welcome after a hot and humid summer. It also brings a beautiful change to our surroundings with all the amazing fall colors.


Well, just like the seasons change, PGS is evolving as well. I will be officially retiring from the director role by the time you receive this newsletter. BJ Beaver will be acting director for the short term as the organization goes through a strategy reassessment process.  


The newsletter and most programming will continue without a hitch, so please continue to stay connected to us!


As I close this window of my career, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank every investor, supporter, participant that has touched Partnership Grand Strand. Without each of you, the progress we have made to date would not be possible. Like every great organization, change is necessary and updating strategy is imperative.  It has been my pleasure to serve as your Executive Director and I’ll be watching as the next phase of PGS takes shape.  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.       


 Peggy

Editor's Note:


Attached is the press release issued by the MBACC announcing Peggy's retirement and BJ's appointment as Interim Executive Director.


We appreciate Peggy's leadership and congratulate her on her retirement; and we look forward to continuing our work with BJ at the helm as Interim Executive Director.

Record Breaking August!

Last month, the PGS newsletter hit a record-breaking open rate of 70 percent!


According to Nonprofit Tech for Good, the industry average open rate for nonprofits is 28.59 percent.


We thank you, our readers, for your engagement and support!

Website Update

Have you seen our website lately? PGS has a new look – a revamped website, where you will find all the latest info about our progress.


In our focus areas (pillars), you will find info on our programs, resources, upcoming events, news and related articles.

Log on and take a look!

PGS Benchmark Report


The PGS 2024-2025 Benchmark Report is now available. In it you will find a recap of PGS programming, initiatives and results.


You can view it online or download a copy.




September is Workforce Development Month

in South Carolina!

We’re grateful for our partners who continue to strengthen and support a thriving workforce pipeline in our community. Together, we’re creating opportunities that prepare talent for today and tomorrow.


Here are some upcoming ways your business can get involved and engage with our local workforce:


Join us for Careers at the Coast on September 22 - a regional hiring initiative designed to connect local employers with job seekers across the Grand Strand. Through job fairs, virtual events, and employer spotlights, Careers at the Coast showcases career opportunities in key industries like hospitality, healthcare, skilled trades, and more. The goal is to support local workforce development by promoting available positions, highlighting competitive wages, and helping employers find talent right here in our coastal communities.


Register Now

Partner with Horry County Schools and Partnership Grand Strand to explore local Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and connect with future workforce talent.


Kickoff Meeting:

Thursday, September 18 at 9:00 AM Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce with multiple showcase dates from October to March



Click here to register...

Questions?

Contact BJ Beaver

bj.beaver@partnershipgrandstrand.com


BIG Mentor Experience 


Are you ready to grow or scale your business with intention?

 

The BIG Mentor Experience is your chance to step out of the daily grind and into focused planning mode. This 5-part workshop series is designed to help local business owners create — or update — a strategic workbook that will serve as your roadmap for growth.


Each session is $25, or bundle all 5 for just $100 and unlock exclusive early access to a BIG Mentor Moment — where you'll present your completed workbook to a panel of local subject matter experts for real-time, valuable feedback on your business plans.



Invest in your future with the

BIG Mentor Experience



Don't just work IN your business — take the time to work ON it!

Invest in your future with the BIG Mentor Experience.


There are 5 sessions through November 5


For more information, please visit our website or

contact Sarah Dahlstrom

sarah.dahlstrom@partnershipgrandstrand.com


Act now! Starts September 11!

Reserve your seat today



August Highlights

Here's what has been happening recently at PGS...

The Big Mixer

The BIG Mixer on August 6, 2025 was another fantastic evening of networking with local businesses! Attendees made great connections and had fun competing in Networking Bingo, with lots of prizes given out to keep the energy high.


BIG Deal Contest Winner!



Local business

Family Wellness Center

will be treated to lunch on PGS

 after being selected as the August winner

of the BIG Deal contest!


The BIG Deal Contest

just got even BIGGER!


For the months of July, August, and September, the consumer with the most entries each month will win a $200 Visa Gift Card!


To enter, simply post on Facebook or Instagram giving a shoutout to a local business and use the hashtag #BIGDealContest.


Start posting and good luck!


Click here for more details!




Congratulations

to this month's consumer winner

of a $200 VISA gift card!


ULITZA KRONEMEYER

Upcoming Events

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to attend these great events.

Click on the links below for details and to register:


Starts September 11 - Big Mentor Experience

Starts September 18 - Career Readiness Showcase

September 22 - Careers at the Coast



Looking Ahead...


October 21 - PGS Town Hall Social - CANCELLED

December 4 - The BIG Holiday Mixer



Coming Up Next on Thrivin' at the Beach


Workforce Development Month

Featuring our Partners


  • September 9 - Eileen Patonay, SC Dept of Employment and Workforce
  • September 16 - Rusty Gaskins, Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments 



Listen to our podcast on the PGS YouTube page or wherever you get your podcasts to get a ‘behind the scenes” peek at all the great things brewing in our community! A new episode airs on Tuesday mornings.


So take Thrivin' with you on your morning commute!

For more info on Thrivin' at the Beach, visit our website.


Tune in... and keep thrivin'!

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