PGS Bulletin

Partnership Grand Strand Bulletin

AUGUST, 2024

Series 2, Issue 8

Did you know that the month of August is often referred to as “The Dog Days of Summer?”

Well…. Here’s hoping you find plenty of ways to stay cool and enjoy a Happy August!

New Structure for Partnership Grand Strand

We are so pleased to announce that BJ Beaver has moved into the leadership role for both our workforce and prosperity pillars. His new title will be Business Retention and Development Manager.

It had become clear over the last few months that much of the work being done in small business (prosperity) had a significant overlap with workforce, so the decision was made to streamline the organization and ask BJ to lead both areas.

We are also very excited to introduce the newest addition to our PGS family, Sarah Dahlstrom. Sarah will be our new Business Retention and Development Coordinator.

Sarah will be focusing on our business retention and expansion interviews as well as supporting BJ on his multiple pillar initiatives. Sarah begins her role with us this week, so you will get an opportunity to meet her shortly.

PGS's Inaugural Community Advisory Council Meeting

Last month we announced that PGS has established the new Community Advisory Council, composed of community leaders from all across the Horry County area. Our theme is “We are Stronger Together” .

We are pleased to announce that the council is now complete with the addition of the following new members:

David Dorman

Palmetto Farms

Patricia Mallett

Atlantic Beach SC Gullah Geechee Organization

Brian Schmitt

City of Myrtle Beach

Carole vanSickler

Carolina Forest Civic Association

The Community Advisory Council met for the first time on July 31. The purpose and expectations of the group were set, and we look forward to their continued advice, counsel and input as we roll into our 2024/25 fiscal year.

The Community Advisory Council's First Meeting on 7/31/24

Our next Town Hall is coming up soon!

We are excited to share not only the progress we have made over the last 6 months, but also a "peek under the tent" of what's coming next.

We are taking an innovative approach by converting this meeting to a social event at the Historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot. The program will include a leadership panel discussion.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 25 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Sign up today!

PGS NEW PODCAST

We have started recording our first episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach!

Be on the lookout for an invitation to be a guest on the show!

RISE Graduation Celebration

The PGS/RISE Internship Reception was held at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce on July 23. Twelve Coastal Carolina University students presented their research on sustainability while networking with key community leaders at the event.

The RISE Internship Program, a workforce development pipeline for Horry County, celebrated a significant achievement: five out of the twelve interns have already secured positions, and several others are currently interviewing with their employers.

Congratulations to our interns, and a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, HTC and Bank of America, for making this workforce pipeline possible.

If your business has interest in participating in next year's cohort of RISE Internship students, please contact BJ Beaver at 843-653-3331 or bj.beaver@partnershipgrandstrand.com

Industry Snapshot & Demographics Widgets for Horry County, SC

Labor Market Index

PGS has made it easy for you to gain actionable insights into market trends and audience characteristics in Horry County. Utilize our Industry Snapshot & Demographics Widgets to help you make informed decisions.

Coming Soon - Engage @ eMYRge

Partnership Grand Strand is collaborating with eMYRge to deliver a dynamic workshop series. Engage @ eMYRge is aimed at boosting the prosperity of the Grand Strand by empowering local businesses to thrive.

This series is designed to enhance the skills of small business owners and entrepreneurs in crafting and refining their business pitches, leading to greater success and growth within the community.

Participants can expect to gain the following key takeaways:

Confidence: Build the confidence to present your business story effectively.
Storytelling Skills: Master the art of telling your business story in a compelling way.
Business Life Cycle Awareness: Understand your current position in the business life cycle and learn strategies to advance to the next level.

SubCommittee Update

The Workforce Subcommittee welcomes Jeff English to the team!

We are still looking to add more members to the Policy and Prosperity (Small Business) subcommittees.

If you (or your representative) are interested in joining one of these subcommittees, please contact info@partnershipgrandstrand.com.

Jeff English

Conway Medical Center

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Groundbreaking News from Coastal Carolina University

On July 22, Coastal Carolina University held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new theatre facility. It will be built in Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District along historic Main Street. CCU will use the theatre for its performing arts programs and other cultural events.

Do you have something newsworthy to talk about? We invite you to share your achievements with us in YOUR newsletter. Let us know!

Send your submissions to marianne.joy@partnershipgrandstrand.com

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