Myrtle Beach hosts eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge. Who won?
- Eight tech companies presented new golf-related products at the eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge in Myrtle Beach.
- The event aims to establish Myrtle Beach as a hub for golf technology businesses.
- Innovations included an AI booking agent, a multiplayer simulator, and an Apple Watch club-fitting app.
- Flash Weather won "Best in Show" for its localized lightning prediction and turf management system.
An Apple Watch that helps recommend golf clubs. A simulator where friends can hit shots simultaneously. A booking platform that lets golfers make an offer for a tee time someone else already holds.
Those were among the ideas presented Thursday at the eMYRge Golf Tech Accelerator Challenge, where eight companies pitched technology designed to change how golfers play and how courses operate.
The three-day showcase organized by eMYRge, a nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization based at Myrtle Beach’s HTC Aspire Hub, concluded Thursday. It was supported by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina University and Golfweek, along with a Relentless Challenge grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce; the program combined mentorship, industry discussions and investor connections. Thursday’s presentations put the companies before judges, the area’s golf business community and potential investors.
The region wants companies to see it as a place to establish headquarters and grow golf businesses. Its courses offer potential customers and places to test products. Its tourism industry brings a steady flow of golfers with different needs and expectations. Coastal Carolina University adds opportunities to connect companies with students and future employees.
| | Palmetto Coast Industrial Park | Phase 2 | | Palmetto Coast Industrial Park (PCIP) — the Myrtle Beach market’s first Class A industrial park. Totaling 130 acres and 1,214,000 SF across seven (7) buildings, the project provides users with a best-in-class park setting capable of accommodating users from 25,000 SF up to 253,000 SF. Positioned along Water Tower Road with uninterrupted access to SC HWY 31, SC HWY 22, and US HWY 17, the park provides outstanding connectivity to the entire Myrtle Beach MSA in addition to Wilmington, NC and Charleston, SC. | | |
Upcoming SC Council on Competitiveness Events
SC Decoded + Tech Talk 2026: December 3: brings together business leaders, technology professionals, supply chain executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, researchers, and innovators for a boutique day of insight, collaboration, and forward-looking conversations on the trends shaping South Carolina’s economy.
SC Defense Summit 2027: April 2, 2027. Join SC Competes for the inaugural SC Defense Summit, a new statewide event bringing together defense industry leaders, military partners, government agencies, educators, and innovators to explore the future of South Carolina’s defense ecosystem.
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Nov. 9: Made in America: Manufacturing Future, Regenerative Farming & Agriculture
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Nov. 10: Supply Chain Procurement & Contracting: Corporate Supply Chains & Federal Marketplace Growth
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Nov. 11: Observance of Veteran’s Day
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Nov. 12: Capital Access & Acquisition Financing: SBA Funding Opportunities, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
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Nov. 13: Specialized Training & Veteran Resources: Manufacturing, IT, Construction, SI, Procurement
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Aalberts
Aalberts integrated piping systems engineers the most advanced integrated piping systems for the distribution and control of liquids and gases for key verticals, like industrial, utilities, commercial, and residential. We offer fully integrated piping systems in valve, connection, fastening and piping technology. We are the only business that truly offers its customers a single sourced and complete integrated piping solution, each and every time.
Don’t just buy products, buy solutions.
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Aalberts is hiring 70 new full-time positions with benefits! Located in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area off Highway 501
Apply online through the links below
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Day 1: Industry Awareness Class Kicks Off with Local Industry Tours
The MBREDC Industry Awareness Class kicked off its first day with visits highlighting the diversity and strength of Horry County’s industrial community. Participants toured HGTC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center to learn about workforce training and technology supporting modern manufacturing, followed by a visit to Vulcan Materials and an overview of how RJ Corman transports the rock used in Vulcan’s operations.
The group also enjoyed lunch at Coastal Carolina University’s Science Center, where representatives presented academic programs that support manufacturing and workforce development. The day concluded with a visit to Yahnis Company, offering another look at the businesses and industries contributing to our region’s economic growth.
These visits provide MBREDC members with firsthand insight into the companies, educational resources and supply chains that help drive Horry County’s economy.
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Day 2: Industry Awareness Class Explores Aviation, Technology and Manufacturing
The MBREDC Industry Awareness Class continued its second day with a look at the diverse industries and infrastructure supporting Horry County’s economic growth. Participants visited Myrtle Beach International Airport and DC BLOX to learn more about the region’s aviation and technology sectors.
The group enjoyed lunch at the General Aviation facility, sponsored by Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), with guest speaker Col. Buddy Styers of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority. He shared insights into the former base’s redevelopment and its continued impact on the local economy.
The day concluded with tours of PIA and Control Solutions, giving participants additional insight into the specialized businesses and industries operating right here in our community. These visits continue to broaden members’ understanding of the region’s economic diversity and opportunities for growth.
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Update your company information on the MBREDC website
Has your address changed? New employees? Update your information.
#1. Check here to see your current information
#2. Complete form to update information
#3. Email completed form to Sandra James
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The Myrtle Beach Regional Development Corporation (MBREDC) is hosting its THIRD
"Made in Myrtle Beach," an Existing Industry Expo.
Existing industries from Horry County will have the opportunity to display and share their products with other MBREDC business leaders
and highlight the diverse industries that call
the Myrtle Beach area home.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thomas C. Maeser Conference Center
950 Crabtree Lane
Horry Georgetown Technical College
Grand Strand Campus
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Join the MBREDC as we showcase many of the industries that are currently thriving in Horry County. Learn about what's being created, manufactured, and distributed in our area, and the jobs that may be available. Talk to industry leaders about the latest trends. Network with business leaders.
Drop in and bring a friend! Share with your neighbors and co-workers.
SOS Bean Dreaming Coffee Truck will be available and sponsored by Pinnacle Financial.
If you are an Existing Industry in Horry County and would like to participate, email Sandra James to reserve your table
Sponsored By
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MBREDC October Event:
The MBREDC Fall Social
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MBREDC Fall Social Brings Members Together
The MBREDC recently hosted its annual Fall Social at the House of Blues, bringing together more than 100 members for an evening of fun, fellowship, and networking. Guests enjoyed great food and drinks, live music, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow MBREDC members.
With perfect fall weather providing the backdrop, it was a great evening to celebrate our members and the strong business community we continue to build together.
A special thank you to our event sponsors—Carolina Cool, Corning Credit Union, and Eagle Strategies—for helping make the evening a success!
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Interested in learning about membership with the MBREDC? Contact Sandra James.
Already a member of the MBREDC but would like to take your membership to the NEXT LEVEL? Contact Sandra James.
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SPELLBOUND Grand Prize Winner Announced — A Magical Finish to Community Art Exhibition!
Jillian Tomkovich's "Spellbound" wins in a nail-biting People's Choice vote, 51.6% to 48.4%
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — October 17, 2026 — The votes are in, and the magic has spoken! Jillian Tomkovich (JBeans) has been named the SPELLBOUND Grand Prize Winner for her artwork “Spellbound”, following an incredibly close final round of public voting.
The competition came down to two outstanding finalists, with “Spellbound”, representing Vision Arts Gallery, receiving 51.6% of the vote, narrowly edging out “Enigma" by Claudine Scheu, representing Gallery 320, which received 48.4%.
The Grand Prize winner is being officially announced tonight, October 17 at 6 p.m. at Lazy Gator, 3986 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC.
The SPELLBOUND exhibition featured 46 original works of art by local and regional artists celebrating magic, mystery, coastal folklore and the marsh. The two gallery winners advanced to a special finalists exhibition at Lazy Gator, where the public was invited to cast the deciding votes.
Presented in partnership with Grand Strand Witches Night, SPELLBOUND benefits the Children's Recovery Center, with participating artists donating a portion of artwork sales to support children and families affected by abuse.
The exhibition demonstrates the power of art to bring people together, celebrate creativity and make a meaningful difference in the community.
Congratulations to both finalists and to all 46 participating artists who helped make SPELLBOUND a magical success!
Media Contact
Vision Arts Gallery & Academy
Kathy Strauss | 703-304-1031
Jillian Tomkovich | 843-447-9771
Gallery | 843-839-0242
gallery@visionartsgallery.com
www.visionartsgallery.com
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Spotlight on: Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association
Who We Are
MyrtleBeachGolf.com is the official golf course partner of Myrtle Beach, renowned for planning Grand Strand golf trips for over 40 years, with more than 20 million rounds booked. We offer live tee times at 67 championship courses and over 1,000 exclusive lodging options, all without platform fees. Our local Golfmasters review every trip to ensure a perfect experience
Mission
We specialize in planning custom golf trips to Myrtle Beach, offering a wide range of services to make your golf vacation seamless and enjoyable. Here's what we do:
- Tee Times: Book live tee times at 67 championship golf courses across the Grand Strand.
- Lodging: Provide access to over 1,000 exclusive lodging options, from oceanfront resorts to golf villas.
- Packages: Create golf packages that bundle accommodations, tee times, and sometimes meals or transportation at discounted rates.
-Local Expertise: Our local Golfmasters review every trip to ensure a perfect experience, offering personalized advice and recommendations.
Thank you, Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association, for your continued support of the MBREDC!
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