September Chamber Business Monthly 2018

COMMUNITY FOCUS FEATURED Use Content Mapping to Get Your Customer to the Finish Line The Business Case for Volunteering to Drive Engagement PAGE 20 ADVOCACY AT WORK Let Your Voice Be Heard! PAGE 4 PAGE 2 HILTON HEAD ISLAND-Bluffton Chamber of commerce CHAMBER BUSINESS DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT Crescendo: Celebrating Arts, Culture, and History SEPTEMBER 2018 MONTHLY PAGE 6 Sources: hubspot.com, Google and CEB's The Digital Evolution in B2B Marketing report Want to learn more about content marketing? The Content Marketing Institute provides valuable articles, research and insight how to do it right. Read their article: 6 Ways to Use Reviews in Your Content and Pitfalls to Avoid Nurtured leads produce, on average, a 20% lift in sales opportunities. uSe content mapping to get  your customer to the finish line 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase. From awareness to purchase or engagement, making sure your content is personal, seamless, and relevant is critical to your business success. If your customer experiences any roadblocks with content that doesn’t address their pain points or answer their questions, the risks are high you will lose them to a competitor whose content does. Successful brands and businesses use customer journey mapping and optimization to increase their odds of closing more business. This means addressing each stage of the buying journey and creating content that moves customers down the path to the final sale. As you begin your content mapping exercise, it is important to think about your potential customer from their point of view, not yours. Keep in mind that their journey will not always be linear or predictable. Don’t rely solely on your website to serve up engaging content. Utilize all your communications channels to reach more customers. Then, drive home valuable content through a variety of ways. Content mapping requires attention to three specific stages of your customer’s journey. 1. Awareness Stage - This is the first point of contact for potential customers. They are trying to solve a problem, get an answer, or address a specific need. If you provide them with content that is both engaging and helpful, the odds are good you can effectively move them to the next stage. Content Focus: answers, resources, education, research data, opinions, and insight Content Types: videos, white papers, blog posts, thought leadership articles, how to’s, tips, checklists, FAQs, etc. Communications Channels: website, blog, YouTube, e-communications, social media, digital ads 2. Evaluation Stage - This stage is focused on the customer taking a deep dive into your products or services to determine if they are a good fit. At this point, you have already caught their attention. Now you need to serve up content that provides a valuable solution that differentiates you from the competition. Think “persuasive content” to ultimately shift them to buy. Content Focus: your products or services, and the solutions they provide Content Types: product/service video demos, webinars, customer case studies, product data sheets, FAQ expert guides, live interactions, whitepapers that compare your features and benefits against your competitors Communications Channels: website, blog, drip campaigns, YouTube and other video channels 3. Purchase Stage - The "purchase" stage takes place when your potential customer is ready to buy, but has not yet committed to buying from you. To push them over the finish line, you need content that converts them through the right offer, and compelling calls-to-action. The content you create must make it easy for them to finally say “yes, please!” Content Focus: your products or services, solutions and value Content Types: free trial, live demo, consultation, estimate, coupon, testimonials, case studies Communications Channels: website, email communications, YouTube, print, digital ads The key to turning potential customers into buyers is providing the right content that pushes them seamlessly through their buying journey. By mapping out each stage, defining relevant content topics, and delivering it through a variety of communication channels, you can increase your odds of converting your leads into actual sales! Have an idea for a future featured article? Email sburnash@hiltonheadisland.org. {{page}} 68% of B2B organizations haven’t even defined the stages in their sales funnels. Did You Know? Potential customers are 60% of the way through their buying process before they’re ready to talk to someone about making a purchase. FEATURED ARTICLE 88% of B2B marketers are using custom content marketing. Did You Know? {{page}} Did You Know? Did You Know? 65% of marketers are confused as to the types of content that are effective. Workforce housing is among the largest obstacles for growth in our dynamic tourism economy. Simply put, it impedes our business community’s ability to recruit and hire workers. Not only is there limited housing available, but what is available is often above an appropriate price point for entry and mid-level managers. This challenge most notably affects those businesses that directly serve our nearly three million visitors each year in the resort, restaurant, and retail sectors. However, this is also a critical need as we hire teachers, nurses, firefighters, and non-profit workers. There is currently little to no availability of apartments or homes, priced for these workers to live and work on the island. We often hear someone feels lucky if they find housing. The alternative of a long commute from a rural, off-island area is a deterrent. Our ask of Governor McMaster is a comprehensive review of the Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC)—specifically the scoring criteria used to determine the eligibility of a development site. We believe our area will become more attractive to those seeking federal tax credits by reviewing the requirements set in the state’s Qualified Allocation Plan. Since the critical workforce demands on Hilton Head Island are not currently addressed in the allocation plan, we cannot encourage or spur development without changes made to the existing policies. It is imperative for local business leaders and employees to rally behind this discussion. A perfect opportunity to do so is to attend the Grassroots Tour, referenced on the previous page. Current Housing Tax Credit Impacts Workforce Availability September 7 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM 1 Chamber of Commerce Dr. (HHI) Join us for an interactive discussion with the  SC Chamber of Commerce. Register Now! October 4 | 5:30 - 7 PM Hilton Head Christian Academy 55 Gardner Drive, Hilton Head Island Complimentary | No Registration Required Attend the Chamber’s Mayoral Forum  to hear from the candidates about  the issues affecting the island. SET THE STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA -  AT THE GRASSROOTS TOUR! 100% Member Voter Registration Goal - Let's Do It! At the chamber we have a big goal: for 100 percent of our members to be registered to vote in the upcoming elections. We can achieve this together if you start the registration process right now. As a reminder, the following deadlines will impact your ability to register and vote in the General Election this year. October 5 by 5 p.m. - Deadline to register to vote in person October 7 by 11:59 p.m. - Deadline to register to vote online or by fax October 8 - Deadline to register to vote by mail (must be postmarked by this date) November 2 by 5 p.m. - Deadline to apply for absentee by mail ballot November 5 by 5 p.m. - Deadline to vote absentee in person November 7 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. - VOTE! See polling locations for details where to vote. Please be sure to bring a valid driver's license or identification card issued by South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Penny Sales Tax Approval Imperative {{page}} ADVOCACY AT WORK Let Your Voice Be Heard MAYORAL CANDIDATES FORUM FOR  TOWN OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND {{page}} On November 7, 2018, there will be a question on the ballot to determine if you are in favor of a 1% sales tax increase to be used toward repairing and installing roads, bridges, and sidewalks in Beaufort County for four years. The Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has voted to support this referendum, referred to as the "Special Transportation Sales and Use Tax Proposal" and "Penny Sales Tax." The ballot language will read: "I approve a special transportation sales and use tax in the amount of one percent to be imposed in Beaufort County for no more than 4 years, or until a total of $120 million dollars in resulting revenue has been collected, whichever comes first." Investments in transportation infrastructure remain a key component in maintaining our long-term economic competitiveness. Our residents and community businesses depend on a reliable transportation network. If the referendum fails, other funding options would put more burden on our residents and visitors. Learn more at bcgov.net. How will the money be spent? $80 million will be spent on Hilton Head Island to make traffic improvements to the U.S. 278 corridor. $10 million will be spent on the installation and repair of sidewalks and multi-use pathways in Beaufort County. $30 million will be spent on Lady's Island to make corridor traffic improvements. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping you connected to the issues that impact your business at the local, state, and federal level. We want you to stay informed and get involved so we can continue to advocate for you. Attend The Interactive Grassroots Tour Coming Soon An interactive discussion on state-wide policy issues, led by South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President Ted Pitts, will swing through the lowcountry on Friday, September 7 in the Chamber Boardroom from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. You can join the discussion! We'll learn about the state chamber's legislative positions for the next sesseion and contribute to the upcoming agenda. The meeting will be interactive, where participants will use polling devices to measure levels of support. The collective data will ensure that items on the agenda are important to you. More than 600 volunteers keep VIM open daily throughout the year, providing more than 50,000 hours of service each year. To fund their operations and the patients they serve, the clinic relies on the generosity of donors and local volunteers. There is a large need for professional volunteers, like physicians, dentists, nurses, and medical transcriptionists. Non-medical professionals are also needed as interpreters, wellness program volunteers, and appointment reminder callers. Whether it's four hours a week or four hours a month, the clinic works around their volunteers' schedule to ensure that they have the best overall experience. More information around volunteering can be found on their website vimclinic.org, or you can call (843) 681-6612, or email sstolarcyk@vimclinic.org. With VIM, the local hospital conservatively saves $2.5 million annually in uncompensated emergency room visits. annually. {{page}} Dr. Raymond L. Cox, M.D. Executive Director at Volunteers in Medicine Clinic - Hilton Head Island  "May we have eyes to see those rendered invisible and excluded, open arms and hearts to reach out and include them, healing hands that touch their lives with love, and in the process, heal ourselves." - VIM Vision Statement Volunteering as a team helps employees feel they are making valuable contributions to the community, while simultaneously helping to forge stronger bonds with their peers. These social bonds are crucial for employee engagement and retention—and can also help with visibility and reputation of your business within the community. If your business or organization needs a little encouragement to get started, keep in mind: Volunteering leads to stronger teams. A stronger bond at the workplace can come from spending time with each other outside the office. It's a good idea to assess the motivators of your team and align them with the mission of a local non-profit organization to provide a positive collective impact. Volunteering demonstrates company values. Volunteer efforts don’t have to be related to your company’s product to make them meaningful. Rather, link your company values with another mission that your team can rally behind to get them energized about helping others outside the office. Volunteering increases profitability. Once your team finds a passion about a cause and shows dependability and selflessness, people will notice—and it becomes easier to establish a mutually beneficial practice of sharing resources and connecting with other business leaders in the community. Whether you are volunteering with your team for the first time or already have an established program, it's important to stay flexible and reassess the energy your team has around the cause. After all, if the intention is to drive engagement and increase workforce happiness, there are plenty of exciting ways to get involved that add real value for other organizations and also boost productivity and profitability for your business. VIM Hilton Head Island serves as the flagship model for 97 medical clinics across the country. By the Numbers Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) was established on Hilton Head Island in 1993 to provide free medical, dental, mental health, vision, and prescription drug care for medically under-served residents who live and/or work on Hilton Head or Daufuskie Islands. Providing care in 23 medical specialties and five disease management clinics, VIM reports that two-thirds of the patients they see are in service related positions and ineligible for any health care support. Last year VIM HHI provided for the health and wellness needs of our medically underserved neighbors with over 28,000 patient visits. With so much need, the costs of running the clinic are great. For their doors to remain open, it costs approximately $8,800 each day and more than $2.2 million a year. Community foundations play valuable community service roles. They nurture the nonprofit sector as a whole, and help it to integrate and grow. They promote organized philanthropy by individuals, corporations, and organizations. They recognize change and convene leadership to respond to it. To build stronger communities, our own Community Foundation of the Lowcountry works with a broad base of donors, professional advisors, nonprofits, and volunteers to connect people and resources to community needs. Since 1994, they have been leading the community in making positive, sustainable change. Through grantmaking and leadership initiatives, they help foster academic achievement, build economic prosperity, achieve healthy ecosystems, encourage healthy people, support social enrichment, and create vibrant neighborhoods. If you're interested in making a difference in your community, want to learn more about local issues that impact your neighborhood, or want to be a catalyst for positive change, engage with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry for an effective way to start. Through their Lowcountry Volunteer Connections, you can create your own unique profile with specific information about your volunteer and service interests. The platform then provides an opportunity to connect with local nonprofits that have specific needs. Learn more about the Community Foundation, volunteering, and more: www.cf-lowcountry.org {{page}} Community Foundation Connects Volunteers with Local Needs The Business Case for Volunteering to Drive Engagement Nonprofit Spotlight: Volunteers in Medicine Clinic COMMUNITY FOCUS Volunteers Help Keep The Doors Open 1 in 5 of our neighbors in this community is under-insured or uninsured. MEMBERSHIP MATTERS {{page}} 1 2 Photograph someone using your product or service (if necessary, add your logo in Photoshop). New Partner Portal for Chamber Members is Live! Note: Logo images alone will no longer be accepted for the primary image of your Free Member Listing. Use a photo of a promotional product that includes your logo. The Partner Portal is an easy way to upload images that best represent your business to your target audience. Although logo images alone will no longer be accepted for the primary image of your Free Member Listing, there are many ways to be creative for maximum brand recognition and impact. Here are a few ideas to incorporate your logo in a creative and clever way! The chamber is excited to announce the launch of a new Partner Portal for chamber members. The new Partner Portal is designed to allow our businesses to easily manage their free member listing, submit upcoming events to our Connect Calendar, post job openings via Indeed, and submit specials/package offers relevant to the Island visitor, such as golf packages, hotel deals, etc. The Portal was designed to create an easier and more streamlined way for you to conduct your business with the chamber and VCB all in one place. The goal is to provide you, our members, with more opportunities to promote your businesses to our residents and visitors alike. Sign Up to be an Administrator If you want to sign up to be an administrator for your business, visit partners. hiltonheadisland.org/ user/login and select “Create a Personal Profile.” Your request for access will be reviewed by the Chamber team within 24 hours, and you will receive further instructions for login and management of your Free Member Listing. For questions, please contact Kelli Brunson (kbrunson @hiltonheadisland.org). Partner Portal Quick Facts How do I find the Partner Portal online?  Bookmark this URL: partners. hiltonheadisland.org/user/login How do I know who the administrator is for the company I work for?  Speak to your team to decide who will be your company’s administrator. Any further questions, contact Kelli Brunson (kbrunson@hiltonheadisland.org). What size photos should I use in our listing?  The optimal size for photos is 1200px x 750px; with a preference for center-focused images. What kinds of offers are considered visitor focused? Offers like vacation packages, golf packages, offers for restaurants or excursions, etc. Are there any opportunities to promote other business offers? The Chamber is currently working on some ways to help our businesses promote specials to other businesses and our community. Stay tuned! More questions on the new Partner Portal?  Contact Kelli Brunson (kbrunson@hiltonheadisland.org) or Lindsy Bentz (lbentz@ hiltonheadisland.org). {{page}} 3 Business Promotion is Easy – All In One Place! Take advantage of the ease and convenience of our new Partner Portal to promote your business. Don’t miss out on these important steps! Update/add copy to your Free Member Listings that describes your business. Adding a description to your listing greatly increases the potential for your business to be listed in Google and Bing search results when someone is looking for assistance in our area. Manage your Free Member Listing photo which represents your business. Be sure to note that the use of logos as the Free Member Listing image or the use of the logo image overlaid onto photos in an un-organic way will be asked to be replaced. Logo usage should be organically incorporated into photos such as through signage or other branded materials like menus, t-shirts on employees, etc. Submit events for promotion to the Connect Calendar on either the Chamber or VCB websites. Submit travel offers relevant to visitors and accessible on hiltonheadisland.org. Post your open jobs to Lowcountryjobsnow.org via Indeed to attract business and service professionals looking to connect with employers in Beaufort County and beyond. How to Create Images That Make Your Listing Shine The Partner Portal is an easy way to upload images that best represent your business to your target audience. Here are a few ideas to incorporate your logo in a creative and clever way! Use a photo of your business storefront that shows your signage. Conversation + Cocktails SEPT 19 | 5:30 – 7 PM  Hampton Hall Club 170 Hampton Hall Boulevard (Bluffton) Register Now Join us for our September networking event at Hampton Hall Club. Make new contacts, renew acquaintances, and exchange business information to expand your business network for ongoing success. Price: $10 Chamber Members |  $20 Non-members SC Chamber of Commerce Grassroots Interactive Tour SEPT 7 | 8:30 AM  - Register Here This one-hour meeting will outline the state chamber’s legislative agenda for the upcoming session. It will also provide a chance to discuss what issues the state chamber can assist us with in the new legislative year. MEMBERSHIP MATTERS RIBBON CUTTINGS & GRAND OPENINGS Leadership Class Orientation AUG 15 | 8 AM – 1 PM Chamber Headquarters For new Leadership class members who have been officially accepted into the 2018 – 2019 program. FEATURED EVENT COMMITTEES/COALITIONS Calendar at a Glance 9/5 |1 PM - Workforce Coalition Committee @ Chamber Headquarters 9/5 - 9/6 – Thrive Women's Conference @ Sonesta Resort 9/7 | 8:30 - 9:30 AM - SC Chamber Grassroots Meeting @ Chamber Headquarters 9/13 | 5 PM Ribbon Cutting @United Webworks Bluffton 9/19 | 5:30 - 7 PM - Conversation & Cocktails @ Hampton Hall (Bluffton) 9/24 | 2 PM - Ribbon Cutting WHHI @ Sonesta Resort (HHI) 9/26 | 8:30 AM - Maximize Your Membership Morning Coffee @ Chamber Headquarters 9/27 | 12 PM - Ribbon Cutting @ Delta Discovery (HHI) 9/28 | 12 PM - Ribbon Cutting @ Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine (Bluffton) 9/28 | 5 PM - Ribbon Cutting @ Moreland Bike Shop (HHI) 10/4 | 5:30 PM - Mayoral Candidates Forum (Town of Hilton Head Island) @ Hilton Head Christian Academy 10/9 | 3 PM - In The Know - SC Economic Trends & Business Education with Dr. Peter Brews, Ph.D., Dean USC Moore School of Business Interested in hosting a ribbon cutting or grand opening at your place of business? Email Beverly Maloney. BMaloney@hiltonheadisland.org Maximize Your Membership Coffee SEPT 26 | 8:30 AM  1 Chamber of Commerce Dr. Register Now Learn more about the many ways you can leverage your chamber membership for maximum business success. Open to all chamber members and invited guests. United Webworks Bluffton Studio SEPT 13 | 5 PM 167 Bluffton Road Suite 1 (Bluffton) Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island (WAHHI) SEPT 24 | 12 PM Sonesta Ballroom (HHI) Delta Discovery SEPT 27 | 12 PM 35 Bill Fries Drive Suite C (HHI) ERA Evergreen Real Estate SEPT 27 | 5:00 p.m. 6 Lagoon Road, Suite 3 - Coligny Plaza (HHI) Bluffton Jasper Volunteers in Medicine SEPT 28 | 12 PM 29 Plantation Park Drive Building 600 (Bluffton) Moreland Bike Shop SEPT 28 | 5 PM Palmetto Bluff/ Moreland Village Visit our Connect Calendar for all upcoming chamber and community events and to submit your upcoming events: hiltonheadchamber.org. MEMBERSHIP MATTERS {{page}} Taste of the Season NOV 16 | 6 – 9 PM USCB Center for Event Management  and Hospitality Training - One Sand Share Dr. (HHI) Registration Coming Soon Mark your calendars for this year’s Taste of the Season at the new USCB Center for Event Management and Hospitality Training on Hilton Head Island. The event features food samplings from local chefs and eateries, a silent auction, and entertainment. To donate an auction item or volunteer, contact Penny Hughey phughey@hiltonheadisland.org. {{page}} Women In Business Luncheon Special Guest: Pamela Evette, President of Quality Business Solutions & Republican Candidate for Lt. Governor SEPT 25 |11:30 AM The Golf Club at Indigo Run 101 Berwick Drive (HHI) Registration Coming Soon Join other women business leaders for networking and lunch with special guest speaker, Pamela Evette, the Republican candidate for South Carolina Lieutenant Governor. She is also the President of Quality Business Solutions (QBS) in the Upstate, which provides payroll and other services to businesses in 39 states. QBS has 30 employees and generates more than one billion dollars in revenue annually. Pamela has an inspiring message from her point of view as a wife, mom, business owner, and as a political newcomer on the campaign trail. SAVE THE DATE Public Policy Council AUG 3 | 8 AM Chamber Headquarters Meeting Focus: Committee members will present municipal, county, state, and federal updates. Junior Leadership Class Orientation AUG 19 | 3 - 5 PM Park Lane Hotel For new Junior Leadership class members who have been officially accepted into the 2018 – 2019 program. State of the Region OCT 26 | 12 PM Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa Registration Coming Soon From transportation to new development and workforce to housing, there's a lot to keep up within Beaufort County. Join more than 800 fellow business and community leaders to hear about key regional accomplishments and pressing issues facing our region. Featuring Senator Tim Scott. 2018/2019 LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Does your company have news to share? Send your news or announcement to sburnash@hiltonheadisland.org. Please include a JPG photo or graphic image. Peggy Edwards, Director of Communications and Editor of TennisPro Magazine, has been awarded a 2018 APEX Award for Publishing Excellence. Charter One Realty welcomes CCIM and Commercial Broker Michael Mark to the company’s commercial division. MEMBERS MAKING NEWS SHARE YOUR NEWS Local Teachers Need Member Support Learn how to support our local teachers through the chamber's Golden Apple Project. The program connects retailers and businesses with teachers to provide discounts and special pricing so teachers can stretch their hard earned dollars further throughout the school year. Carolyn Grant, Ph.D., has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as its new Communications Director. Business Owners Summit Comes to Bluffton The premier business event of the year, the 2018 Business Owners Summit, is set for September 27th at Venue 1223 on May River Road in Bluffton. Designed to be a day where entrepreneurs and business owners can step back and take inventory of today’s challenges and opportunities, the summit provides a unique opportunity to network with other business owners, and get advice from notable experts. A variety of topic experts will discuss some of the most critical issues business owners face. Keynote speakers include: Dave Ferguson, book author, nationally published columnist and renowned leadership coach; Chris Hook, Technology Strategy Consultant; and Ryan Dohrn, Sales Leadership Coach More details about the event: www.businessownerevents.com. Chamber members receive special pricing with code: CH1. {{page}} USCB Opens Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Conference to the Public The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) will hold its fourth annual Gateway to Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Conference (GIGS) on September 14th. This year the conference will be open to the public to showcase quality graduate education opportunities available to USCB students across disciplines, while lending perspective to the high quality of USCB undergraduate research. The GIGS conference will feature presentations by invited faculty members from area universities, Q&A sessions about diverse graduate programs, scholarships and fellowships offered by area universities, and a graduate school workshop. Speakers will represent Nova Southeastern University, the Medical University of North Florida, the University of North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a USCB returning alumni panel. Learn more: www.uscb.edu/gigs. Weichert, Realtors® Coastal Properties welcomes realtor Colleen Post to their sales team. Palmetto Dunes Resort Pickleball Director of Pickleball Instruction Sarah Ansboury has been voted as the 2018 “Athlete of the Year” by the Grand Canyon State Games Commissioners. ON THE MOVE {{page}} MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Weichert, Realtors® Coastal Properties welcomes realtor Karent Grant to their sales team. Palmetto Dunes Celebrates  50 Years This year, fifty is the magic number on Hilton Head Island. Joining RBC Heritage presented by Boeing’s “Celebrating 50 Years,” Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is celebrating and marking their Golden Anniversary too. The resort’s history is rich and noteworthy: from its early visionaries to Greenwood Development, who in 1978 acquired it as well as the land that would become Shelter Cove Harbour and Palmetto Hall Plantation. To mark their journey, Palmetto Dunes has created a 50th anniversary website. On it you can learn more about their history through videos, articles, a timeline, and visitor stories. If you have a memory, vacation photos, or special stories about Palmetto Dunes then and now that you would like to share, visit www.palmettodunes50.com. School District Announces Five Finalists for the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year Five classroom teachers were recently named finalists for Beaufort County’s 2018-2019 District Teacher of the Year. The five finalists are: Brittany Carter, science teacher at Bluffton High School Tamekia Ford, sixth-grade English Teacher at Whale Branch Middle School Cora Lugo, literacy teacher at Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts Kelly Hall, theater arts teacher at Beaufort Middle School Karen McKenzie, eighth-grade social studies teacher at H.E. McCracken Middle School The District Teacher of the Year will be announced next month at an awards ceremony. Palmetto Dunes Celebrates Golden Anniversary. This year Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort turns fifty. Dating back to the purchase of 2,000 acres, once considered to be no man’s land in the 1960’s, the resort’s evolution has earned itself an impressive reputation. From Palmetto Dunes early visionaries to Greenwood Development who in 1978 acquired it¸ and the land that would become Shelter Cove Harbour and Palmetto Hall Plantation, the resort’s history is rich and noteworthy. Learn more through historical videos, articles, a timeline, and visitor stories on their dedicated website www.palmettodunes50.com. Journey back in time through the 1968 Edition of the The Islander. program news MEMBERSHIP MATTERS MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Imagination Train PSA Awards  More Attention Did you hear the good news? The Lowcountry Radio Group was presented with an award by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association for its PSA in support of the Chamber's Leadership Class of 2018’s project The Imagination Train. The project focused on the installation of a signature playground structure designed for residents and the visitors of Charles Frazier Park in Bluffton. New Leadership Class in Full Swing This year's Leadership Hilton Head Island-Bluffton program is underway. Designed to cultivate leadership resources within the community, the program gives class members the opportunity to study and experience the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie, and Daufuskie Island communities, history, government, economy, human services, and culture. The class will also be engaged in a group-initiated community project. Does your company have news to share? Send your news or announcement to sburnash@hiltonheadisland.org. Please include a JPG photo or graphic image. Marketing and Digital Powerhouses Merge Bluffton-based marketing and public relations agency Bragg Media has merged with United WebWorks (UWW), a long-standing website development and digital marketing company in Savannah. The UWW headquarters resides in Savannah with an 8-person staff of marketing specialists, designers, and developers. Heather and Mike Bragg recently opened the Bluffton studio near Old Town Bluffton. Pickleball Coach Certification Rolled Out Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) conducted its first ever Pickleball Certification Workshop over the weekend at Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center on Hilton Head Island. Twelve coaches from seven states, including Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, participated in the workshop conducted by Sarah Ansboury, PPR’s Education Consultant and Lead Clinician. PPR Clinicians Linh Ansboury and Randy Coleman assisted. {{page}} USCB Exhibit Features Work from the Department of Visual Art & Design Faculty The Sea Islands Center Gallery at the University of South Carolina Beaufort will present an exhibition featuring a diverse collection of work, ranging from themes of military conflict and strategy to ruminations on the word ‘touched’. Chris Robinson’s digital prints and drawings display images of jets and chessboard-like patterns. Joanna Angell is showing embossed, printed, and stitched words on paper, as well as a graphic ink drawing on wood and one of her signature ceramic bird bowls. The exhibition is on view until September 21st. {{page}} Jr Leadership Program Gets Started Thirty four students from six high schools have joined this year's Junior Leadership Class. Over the next nine months, as part of the program, they will spend time with community leaders, visit historic sites, and learn valuable team-building and interpersonal skills to positively impact their futures. Each student was invited to become a member of the program after a thorough application and interview process. SHARE YOUR NEWS Members making news Hilton Head Island Community Church to Host Free Soccer Clinic HHICC will host a free soccer clinic for boys and girls between 7 and 12 years old on September 13th from 5 -6 p.m. at Chaplin Park. Sponsored by ADIDAS, the clinic will cover basic ball skills, dribbling, ball striking, juggling, and 3v3 games. The clinic is limited to 50 players. More information is available online at forhhi.org. {{page}} “Inside Out: Expressing Our Inner Voices” Exhibition Opens At USCB Twenty-five women from 12 different states have organized an extensive abstract art exhibition called “Inside Out: Expressing Our Inner Voices” that will be on display at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Campus’ Center for the Arts, located at 801 Carteret St. in Beaufort. The exhibition runs September 4th through October 12th, with an opening reception from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on September 6th. DESTINATION NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS {{page}} Insider’s Guide to the Top 25 Markets for Buying a Vacation Rental Hilton Head Island has been ranked as one of the top five markets for buying a vacation rental in the U.S., according to Vacasa, a vacation rental property management company. The company analyzed home sales data in vacation markets throughout the country. It then overlaid that with the actual performance data for more than 500,000 vacation rental properties. By comparing each region’s net operating income with the cost of buying a home, a market’s cap rate was calculated. Rankings were based on the cap rate. Read more on USA Today. Start Planning Today MEMBERSHIP MATTERS New Public Sculpture Honors Hilton Head's Cycling Community The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the Town of Hilton Head Island, and friends and family of Dr. Jeffrey Garske held a public dedication ceremony on August 18th for the newest piece of public art, “Cycle.” The sculpture was dedicated on the anniversary of the death of Garske, an avid Hilton Head cyclist and founding member of a USA Cycling-sanctioned competitive team, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver on the Cross Island Parkway in 2016. Town of Hilton Head Island’s Office of Cultural Affairs Prepares to Open Municipal Gallery The Artist’s Gallery at Town Hall, an initiative of the Town of Hilton Head Island’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is slated to open October 2nd. Presented in partnership with the Arts & Cultural Council of Hilton Head, the gallery initiative celebrates contributions from Hilton Head Island’s arts community to the Town. The works of 22 local artists have been selected for display in the exhibit at Town Hall. The selected works include many different mediums including oil and acrylic paintings, sculpture, fabric arts, photography, and more. The artists range in age and experience from a high school student at Hilton Head Preparatory School to seasoned professionals. The gallery is set directly outside the Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers on the administration hallway. chamber NEWS Town of Bluffton to Host 9/11 Memorial Ceremony A memorial service will take place on September 11th at 8:30 a.m. at the Town of Bluffton Law Enforcement Center to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Members of the Bluffton Police Department and Bluffton Township Fire District Honor Guard will present the colors and the St. Gregory the Great Catholic School Children’s Choir will sing. The keynote speaker is John Ring. Mr. Ring was living in Baltimore, Maryland on September 11, 2001. Following the attack on the Pentagon, he worked at a church and was caring for children who didn’t know if their parents, who were assigned to the Pentagon, had survived the attack. His story encompasses how the tragedy directly affected him that day, as well as the long-term effects of 9/11 on so many others. Hannah Horne Joins Chamber Staff Concours d’Elegance Heads To Hilton Head Island The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance takes center stage on America’s favorite island November 2nd - 4th. View a display of some of the country’s finest classic cars as 500 vehicles assemble on the fairways of Port Royal Golf Club. From one-of-a-kind, priceless French automobiles to historic military aircraft, vintage wooden watercraft to an exhibit paying homage to the original days of the Orient Express showcasing cars of Southern Europe, the 2018 event will offer a number of truly jaw-dropping experiences. For more information, visit www.HHIConcours.com. I am thrilled to rejoin the Chamber team as the Vice President of Public Policy and Programs. I am so thankful for the many kind words I’ve heard from our chamber members and community on my returning to the office. In my new role, I will continue to lead the advocacy efforts on the local, state, and federal level. I will also oversee the programs of the chamber that engage and involve our membership for learning, growing, and prospering. This fall marks my 5th year on Hilton Head Island, and I continue to feel blessed to call this my home. While we face many issues as a community, I hope to be among those collaborating the efforts and talents of our residents and businesses. It’s often said that you “bloom where you’re planted.” I’ve since learned, firsthand, you “bloom where you’re loved.” It is truly here, among my Chamber family, I bloom the brightest. Hannah Horne VP of Policy and Programs "Bloom where you're loved!" MEMBERSHIP MATTERS MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Ribbon Cutting - DX Print & Mail 4-9 YEARS BeachBum Property Management Big Bamboo Brighton Builders, LLC Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island Hampton Lake, a Reed Development Community IMC Resort Services, Inc. Lighthouse  Consulting, LLC OC Welch Ford  Lincoln, Inc. Old Town Dispensary Optical Solutions of Bluffton St. Joseph's/Candler The Store Happy Anniversary, Renewing Members 1-3 YEARS Amazing Event Rentals Beach Play Company Century 21 Diamond Realty Commissioning  Services, LLC Compassus Hospice Duck Donuts Freedom Boat Club HHI Laura C. Knobel, MD, LLC Logan Homes Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations Optim Orthopedics Papa John's Pizza Bluffton Papa John's Pizza Hilton Head Island RLB Squared- Geoff Block & Kim Block RMC Your Destination Connection Rotary Club Of Hilton Head Island Sunspire Health Hilton Head Sweet Frog of Hilton Head ThompsonTurner Construction Caught on Camera Looking for a service or product, a local collaborative partner, or a business referral resource? We encourage you to keep your fellow members top of mind! Search our Chamber Member Directory 15-19 YEARS Areawide Lock & Key ArtWare Belfair Callawassie Island Club Memory Matters Tennis Association of Hilton Head Island MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Conversation & Cocktails + a Taste  Waterwalk Apartments Shelter Cover July Ribbon Cuttings Adventure Pediatric Dentistry HHI Carolina Shag Club - Dancing Hope Performance Systems Independent Benefit Advisors Inc. Women's Association of Hilton Head (WAHHI) {{page}} 30+ YEARS Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Coligny Plaza Limited Partnership Daufuskie Difference Forsythe Jewelers Greenery, Inc. Hampton Inn Hilton Head Island Hargray Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Hilton Head Marriott  Resort & Spa Hilton Head Preparatory School Hilton Head Regional Healthcare - Hilton Head Hospital Island Packet Jones, Simpson & Newton P.A. McNair Building  Construction, Inc. Outside Hilton Head Palmetto Electric  Cooperative, Inc. Schembra Real Estate Group, LLC Seashore Vacations, Inc. TD Bank The Sea Pines Resort The Vacation Company The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Tom Peeples Builder, Inc. WebsterRogers LLP 10-14 YEARS BCarolina Realty Group Harvey & Battey, P.A. One Hot Mama's American Grille Red Roof Inn Right at Home Royal Restrooms Six Oaks Perpetual Care Cemetery United Community Bank Windmill Harbour Real Estate Welcome New Members {{page}} 20-29 YEARS Ben Arnold Sunbelt Beverage Company First Baptist Church of Hilton Head Furniture Direct Hilton Head Dance School/Theatre June & Associates CPA's PA K. Hovnanian Homes of SC & GA, Inc. Kelly & Sons Plumbing, Inc. Kennickell Print & Communications Minor, Haight &  Arundell, P.C. Peddling Pelican Bike Rentals, Inc. Sam's Club Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport Servpro of Beaufort County Synovus Bank TidePointe, a Vi Community DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT CELEBRATING ARTS, CULTURE, AND HISTORY The Heart and Soul of the Lowcountry {{page}} Crescendo Opening Night September 27 | 5 - 7 PM Coastal Discovery Museum Crescendo kicks off on September 27th and extends through November 15th. A regional event, organized in honor of October's National Arts and Humanities month, Crescendo highlights and showcases the vast array of arts, culture, and history organizations, individual artists, performers, and authors residing and working in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area. This year's month-and-a-half celebration will feature more than 50 unique arts and cultural programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences, and educational offerings. Presented by The Arts & Cultural Council of Hilton Head, Crescendo is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees from all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. Learn more about Crescendo, scheduled events, and activities, etc., at hiltonheadisland.org {{page}} Help inaugurate Crescendo! and the  2018 Public Art Exhibition sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry  featuring 20 large scale sculptures  created by artists from across the country. exhibitions ~ guided art tours ~ poetry readings performances ~ ticket giveaways ~ refreshments