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King of Carts

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Above, the team at their location in Surfside Beach

Come Join The Cart Life by Melissa LaScaleia King of Carts in Surfside Beach, sells, rents and services golf cars. They specialize in buying off-lease vehicles and remanufacturing and customizing them for their retail store.  Pat Dye is the general manager, and oversees all day-to-day operations along with his right hand, Todd Barlow. King of Carts has a sales and service team, staff to manage the rentals, and a customer service team to help coordinate custom car builds and accessory sales.  King of Carts was founded in 2009 and has been under its current ownership since 2015. It’s located in the historic Legends in Concert building. Step inside what was once a concert-seating area to find a showroom full of custom golf cars, built to exacting specs and with a full warranty.  King of Carts specializes in remanufacturing and refurbishing golf carts to customers’ specifications. Here, R.J. Hart replaces a seat. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker and Latoya Grayson) “A brand new car similar to ours can cost between $10,000 to $14,000, but our remanufactured, customized ones are around $7,000,” Pat says. “We can completely rebuild a car and it can look brand new. We install lift kits, custom tires and wheels, brush guards, LED lights, blinkers, arm rests, golf bag attachments, custom steering wheels, custom paint, and more.  “We have a lot of people who come in, look around and ask, ‘Do you have anything used in here?’ But the answer is, they all are.”   Since the beginning of Covid, King of Carts began offering a refreshment program for current car owners.  “We can do a lot of different things to increase the looks and value of cars, and also people’s enjoyment of them,” Pat says. “Our refreshment program contains most of the items we use to refurbish our cars for sale.”  Those items include: trim restoration; roof replacement; windshield replacement; limo conversions; battery replacement; engine tune-ups; custom dash replacements; and brush guard, nerf bar, racks and cargo installations.     Don Osika (above), sales manager of King of Carts. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker and Latoya Grayson). “We have a jovial, light atmosphere here,” Pat says. “A lot of the time, we’re the first stop that people will make when they arrive for their vacation. After many hours in the car, they’re ready to decompress. They’ll come here to get their car before they even check into their vacation property, so we try to make it a positive, fun experience.   “It’s a great work environment and everyone is well trained. Everybody has a job to do, but we all have fun while we do it. We also have a tremendous number of customers that come back year after year, and those customers are like family.”   King of Carts has over 200 cars that they rent over the summer. And during June and July, their rentals stay open from 8am-7pm daily to accommodate those customers who may arrive in town later. They offer both short-term as well as long-term rentals; and can deliver your rental so it’s waiting for you as soon as you get to town; or pre-order and pick it up yourself.   They exclusively carry the Club Car brand, because it’s the only major brand that won’t rust in the salty ocean environment of Myrtle Beach.   “Being at the beach, you have a lot of issues with salt air and salt water,” Pat explains. “Our units have an all-aluminum alloy frame which limits corrosion and wear and tear.”  Their laid-back, happy vibe, quality of their offerings, and excellent customer service have paid off; the company has more than doubled in growth in the past few years. And they’re competitively priced.   King of Carts Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

South Strand Dental Associates

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Above, the team of South Strand Dental Associates

Creating Smiles by Melissa LaScaleia South Strand Dental Associates is a general dentistry practice that offers a full range of comprehensive dental services for patients such as dental cleanings, preventive oral care, crown and bridge, implant dentistry, extractions, and cosmetic dentistry. Their team includes three full-time board-certified general dentists, three board-certified registered dental hygienists, four certified dental assistants, and three office staff.   Dr. Daniel Miller, Jr., or Dr. Danny Miller as he is called, grew up in Fayetteville, NC and has been practicing dentistry for forty-two years— initially in Dillon, SC. He attended college at Mars Hill University, in the mountains of North Carolina, and went on to attend the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine for a DMD.  Dr. Miller practiced at South Strand Dental Associates beginning in 1995 and became the primary partner in the business in 2004. Today he owns South Strand Dental Associates with his son, Dr. Daniel Miller III, or Dr. Dan as he’s known in the office.  Dr. Dan has always been rooted in South Carolina. He was born in Dillon and spent his teenage years in Murrells Inlet after his family relocated there. He attended Waccamaw High School and then Wofford College, in Spartanburg South Carolina.  The dentists of South Strand Dental from left to right: Dr. Benjamin H. Collins, Dr. Danny Miller, Jr., and Dr. Dan Miller III. “In college I knew that I was interested in the areas of science, health and medicine, but I wasn’t sure what specific field I wanted to pursue,” he says. “I grew up in a household of dentistry— my dad is a dentist, and his grandfather was a dentist; I finally decided to go that direction too.”  Dr. Dan went to the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated in 2004 from dental school. Directly after graduation, he joined his father’s dental practice at the Beach.   “It’s been really good for us to work together,” Dr. Dan says. “We’ve always gotten along well. He’s a great father and has been helpful to me in my career in every possible way. I’ve always appreciated him as a mentor. Our personalities are just different enough, which I think makes us work better together. We have a really well-rounded team that covers all age groups.” “As a dentist, I like helping people and being able to help people maintain beautiful teeth and smiles,” says Dr. Miller.  Dr. Benjamin H. Collins joined the South Strand Dental team in 2018. He is a native of Georgia and attended Coastal Carolina University where he played football for the Chanticleers. He went to the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University; he is an avid and adept golfer and is on track to joining the Millers in becoming a partner in the practice.  Dr. Dan examines a patient in the newly updated office. “We’re really happy to have Dr. Collins as part of our group,” Dr. Dan says. “He’s an asset to what we offer our patients. His joining our team ensures that we’ll continue to bring excellent dental care to our patients, just as we always have.”  “Choosing to practice dentistry on the Grand Strand was a no brainer for me,” says Dr. Collins. “I fell in love with the area while I was attending Coastal Carolina University. Joining South Strand Dental Associates has been one of my best decisions to date. Not only have I benefitted from the mentorship of both Dr. Millers and our experienced dental team, but I also feel lucky that we have such outstanding patients. I look forward to serving this community for many years to come.” “We all love the rapid changes to this industry, which keeps things fresh, interesting, and always challenging,” Dr. Dan says. “We are constantly working to stay current with new methods, techniques and technology to offer the best in dentistry services. These new procedures make our patients more at ease.” Last year, when South Strand Dental closed temporarily due to Covid, the team invested their time and energy into making their practice even better. They pursued continuing education courses, and worked to update their office equipment and building. The results are a state-of-the-art sterilization area as well as new panoramic x-ray equipment that captures an image of a patient’s full jaw. The technology can diagnose any potential pathology, wisdom tooth complications or failing dental restorations.  “Our dental office has a family feel to it because of the atmosphere we create as a team, and the care we show our patients,” Dr. Dan says. “We take the time to get to know our patients so we can provide them with the best service possible. Many of our patients are retired— it’s interesting to get to know them and hear about their lives.”  Dr. Benjamin H. Collins examines a patient in the newly renovated office. South Strand Dental Associates Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

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The devoted team of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. From left to right: Kevin Reed, Jack Luber, and Jocelyn Dewey. Serving homeowners along the Grand Strand and beyond, to give peace of mind when you’re away. Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Do you live out of state or country but own property along the Grand Strand or Waccamaw Neck? Do you have a rental property that you market through VRBO or Airbnb and need a local partner to oversee details to keep your guests happy? Do you worry that while you aren’t here, damage could happen to your home and it wouldn’t be discovered until you came back? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should consider using the services of Coastal Carolina Home Watch. “So many things can happen while you aren’t here, things that could be disastrous if they go undiscovered,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Jack Luber. “HVAC failures, water leaks, mold, insect and rodent infestation — even unwanted human guests. When storms and hurricanes are headed towards our coast, what kind of procedures do you have in place?” Years ago, Jack lived on the New Jersey Shore and owned a second home in Surfside Beach. Like many people, he felt secure when he was away from his vacation property because it was part of an HOA which had a property manager. He assumed they were keeping an eye on things.  Jack found out the hard way, after his Surfside house endured a water leak, that they only maintain the common areas, and that it was his responsibility to make sure there were no problems with his home. The ensuing costs of time, money and stress inspired him to look for a service provider to help manage his property when he was out of town. But he was unable to find any professional company offering a comprehensive service. This realization was the spark that led to him open Coastal Carolina Home Watch in 2005.  “I needed someone to be my eyes and ears,” he says. “Someone to let me know exactly what was happening and act on my behalf and at my direction if a problem was discovered. I knew that if I needed this kind of help, others must too.” Over the years, in addition to home checks, Jack’s company has evolved to include such comprehensive services as: concierge, keyholder, arranging for contractors and service people, cleaning, rental assistance (VRBO and Airbnb), alarm response, pre-and-post-storm services, and handyman services. Coastal Carolina Home Watch does their job with pride and confidence; and they know how much their clients love what they do and how they do it. “When a client engages our company, they know that confidentiality and privacy are our priorities,” Jack says. “They know that we will communicate and report to them using reports that include pictures or videos, and that we use a customized checklist that is time and date stamped that shows our location via geolocation.  They know that we carry not only general, but professional liability as well as workers compensation insurance. We even carry a cyber policy. The idea is to eliminate as many worries as possible from having people in their home.” Kevin Reed inspects every inch of the kitchen. Jocelyn inspecting the chandelier. Previous Next Team members Kevin Reed and Jocelyn Dewey have seen a much-increased need for Home Watch over the past year. “With all of the snowbirds and seasonal residents holding back on coming to the beach because of the pandemic, more people have signed up with us,” Kevin says. “They have homes, but do not want to come back until things become more settled.” “Our Canadian clients were called back home before they would have gone back in a normal year,” Jocelyn adds. “And now, with the Canadian travel restrictions, they need us more than ever.” Because home watch is not a recognized nor regulated business in the U.S. and Canada, Jack founded the National Home Watch Association in 2009. “There are many companies that have the keys and alarm codes to people’s homes and performing what they say is home watch,” Jack says. “But most do not have insurance, bonding or any safety protocols. You could ask a neighbor, friend, or an acquaintance, but if he or she misses something or makes a mistake that causes damage, what then? What if things go missing or your home is used while you aren’t there?” Jack serves as the executive director of the National Home Watch Association, which sets standards, policies and procedures for the industry, as well as accredits its companies. The NHWA has members throughout the U.S., Canada, and now Australia. Coastal Carolina Home Watch became the first member accredited by the NHWA in 2010; its entire team has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professionals. “Coastal Carolina Home Watch is who you call when you need people to visit your home on a scheduled basis, to look for obvious issues, and let you know what is happening in an accurate, concise, and timely manner,” Jocelyn says. “We are the people that you can depend on to look after your best interests when you can’t be there to do that for yourself.” “We will monitor work being performed and service companies that you are paying to provide service — whether you are here or not,” Kevin says. “Even if you have cameras, a security system, the Ring, or a Nest, you still need someone close by to respond if there is an issue. We fill that gap.” “Whatever it is that you need, whatever concerns you may have, we have the local knowledge, education, experience, and the know-how to get things completed or arranged for you in the most professional and cost-effective way possible,” Jack adds. “From Debordieu Colony and Prince George on the Waccamaw Neck, to Grande Dunes and Cherry Grove in the north, and the Golden Mile and the Market Common … Read more

United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store 501(c)(3)

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Alan Marlow (above) began United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store to fund the purchase and distribution of essential hygiene products for Myrtle Beach’s homeless population, thereby empowering them with a tool to gain employment and begin a new life. Changing Lives One Person at a Time by Melissa LaScaleia United Outreach Ministries Thrift Store 501(c)(3) is a hidden gem of a secondhand store with a big-hearted mission: to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in our community who are less fortunate than others. All of the proceeds from the sale of goods from the store are used to purchase much needed hygiene products for the homeless, and everyone who participates with the organization, from the founder to those who fold the clothes, are volunteers. The store was started several years ago by Alan Marlow. Alan grew up in Powell, Tennessee, where the community was divided between those who had and those who didn’t. He remembers an abandoned building on the other side of the railroad tracks in town which he knew, at the age of eight, housed a family or two. “There were so many kids in school that had nothing,” he says. “And I saw how people truly struggled, and how some just couldn’t do it. There were kids who came to school literally in rags. And it was incredibly sad.”  The disparity made a big impression on Alan. But the biggest impression was to come later, when one of his relatives became too friendly with an unhealthy crowd and ended up homeless.  “She was in nursing school and made an awful choice and just couldn’t get out,” he says of the situation. In 2017, when Alan and his wife retired to Myrtle Beach, the long idle days began to make him restless, and his past experiences inspired a desire in him to empower the homeless in our community— and help support them in getting out of their hopeless situation. “Homeless people don’t get the hygiene products they need, like toothpaste or deodorant, either because they don’t have the money, or because SNAP, the government food funding program, doesn’t cover these products,” he says. “We want homeless people to get out of the situation they’re in, to gain employment. But how possible is that without proper hygiene?  “It’s something most people don’t think of as a priority when thinking about homeless people, but it’s a necessity. Especially psychologically, it boosts their morale and confidence, so they are more active and productive. If you are unable to even meet your basic hygiene needs, how likely are you to be able to be inspired to gain employment?”  For Alan, hearing people’s stories has been an oftentimes eye-opening experience. “Everybody that we help has a story and most of the time, it’s not what people think,” he says. “Some people have been laid off from a job. That’s why we’re really trying to help them get back on track and back into the community.”  One of Alan’s goals is to work with the school system to provide a monthly hygiene pack for children in need. “There are a lot of children who are impoverished as well and need support, but so many too, who are in need not only of food, but also just a shower and basic hygiene products,” he says. “These basics can help to boost their self-esteem and help them to feel better about themselves at an age where being accepted by your peers and having friends is healthy and important. “Some people just don’t have the bare basics to survive. If you are so disadvantaged and someone is not willing to help, you’re always going to be stuck where you are. There’s no climbing out. If you don’t have money, then you’re shunned and nobody wants to be around you. For most people, there’s not a whole lot you can do to help everybody. You can’t save the world, but if you can help a few, that’s something. And that’s what we aim to do.” In Tennessee, Alan had friends from church who managed thrift stores, so he was familiar with the concept. He established United Ministries Thrift Store as a nonprofit, so that he could maximize the amount of financial assistance that would be available to purchase supplies for the homeless. The more he sells, the more hygiene products for the homeless he is able to provide.  “I’ve been to a couple of thrift stores in this area and they don’t have the same level of quality that we have,” Alan says. “I feel we are blessed with the quality of goods that we receive, but I want the community to know that we always need more donations, and if you’re cleaning out the closets in your home, we hope you’ll choose to donate to us.”  United Outreach Ministries carries a wide variety of products for sale: clothing, furniture, books, toys, housewares, appliances, pictures and electronics— some that are gently used, and some that are brand new with the tags still attached.  They receive new furniture donations from a local company’s showroom floor every 5-6 weeks, as well as new display mattresses. Alan prices the furniture at less than half of what it would sell for in the store.  “Often people come and are expecting yard sale prices, but they’re missing the point of what we do,” he says. “It’s to help those in our community who really need help, including children. It’s important to keep that in mind when shopping here.” Alan is selective in the clothing he puts out to ensure that he has high quality garments that people will want to buy and wear, and thus maximize the amount of donations he receives. The store carries a wide array of products, and always welcomes donations of goods, time, or money to help support their cause of changing people’s lives in the community. “Our customers come from all walks of life, whether they’re on a budget or more affluent,” he says. “There’s … Read more

St. James Dentistry

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The team of St. James Dentistry pride themselves on being partners in their patients’ dental health. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) Partners In Your Oral Care by Melissa LaScaleia St. James Dentistry is a full-service general dentistry practice, which focusses on cutting-edge technology to offer the best care to their patients. Dr. David Savage, who runs the practice, was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated with a degree in dentistry at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, in 2010. At his clinic, Dr. Savage values staying current with the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques. “Our office is as up-to-date with sterilization protocols and equipment as it can be,” he says. “We do a lot of digital dentistry, 3D dental CT, and digital x-rays, as well as digital impressions, and in-office milled crowns. All the equipment helps aid better dental treatment. “We’re a growing dental practice in a growing area. I’m excited by all this growth; and I have a wonderful team.” Brittany Pinson, one such team member since 2012, is an expanded-duty dental assistant. She works closely with Dr. Savage and his patients, assisting during procedures like crowns and fillings. The clinic— located on Holmestown Road in a picturesque setting. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) She appreciates the atmosphere of support that affords her greater growth in her skills as well as greater responsibility the more she learns.  “From my perspective, the more we grow individually, the more we grow as a team,” she says. “And the more that we can learn as a team, the better we can serve patients and keep up with ever-changing technology. The environment keeps me engaged and dedicated to my career.”  The team of St. James Dentistry takes continuing education courses regularly. But an equal priority is offering patients a warm, welcoming, friendly environment within the confines of their modern setting, to ensure going to the dentist is a comfortable experience. Part of creating that comfort is achieved by Dr. Savage’s approach to treating patients.  “No one likes going to the dentist and not being treated well,” he says. “Many people have had experiences of being talked down to, or made to feel wrong or ashamed for the condition of their teeth. That makes us want to give them a better experience. So here, we not only give patients great care, but we also give them great customer service.” “A lot of offices offer the same services,” he adds, “but the number one principle for us is that we’re partners in our patients’ dental health. Modern dentistry has changed from the old dynamic of, ‘Everything I say to you to do, you need to do,’ to more of a results-oriented dynamic of working together with patients to ascertain, together, the solution that’s best and most appropriate for them.” Dr. David Savage, owner. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) To do this, St. James Dentistry utilizes monitors as an aide to help patients better understand their unique dental situation. Once patients have that visual, the dental team will explain solutions that patients can implement in their lives in a practical way, and any treatments, if necessary. “There are often several ways to fix something, but we want to really get on our patients’ level and let them steer the ship,” Dr. Savage says. “Our patients can expect to be treated well and be educated about how their oral health is related systemically to the rest of their body,” Brittany adds. “For example, diabetes and heart disease can affect oral health. Being pregnant, with the fluctuations in hormones, can change things in the mouth— specifically in the gums. We want our patients to understand the benefits of whatever treatment is recommended. In showing them the advantages, we build value for our patients, so that rather than being told what to do, they will take greater responsibility for their oral health.”  St. James Dentistry Facebook Envelope Globe Phone

Pool Stuff

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If you own a pool, chances are you know Greg Brown, or better known as The Pool Guy. He’s the guy to know when looking to purchase a pool, especially if you don’t want to break the bank.

Jiffy Lube

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Jiffy Lube prides itself on top-notch customer service and quality attention for you and your vehicle. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) Red Carpet Service For You and Your Vehicle by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Allison has been in the automotive service industry for over thirty years. Beginning on the West Coast in his native Portland, Oregon, he relocated to Myrtle Beach in 1994 to purchase his first quick lube franchise location— eventually acquiring a total of six.  In 2008, he teamed up with good friend, Al Chance, and together the two purchased multiple Jiffy Lube franchise locations in Florida and also converted their six Grand Strand Shell Rapid Lube locations into Jiffy Lubes. It took them less than five years before Jiffy Lube International recognized their dedication, hard work and customer service, naming their company as Franchisee of the Year across their network of approximately 2,000 service centers.  The Grand Strand Jiffy Lube locations that are owned and operated by the two business partners consistently deliver on that classification, taking customer service to the next level.  “We are super proud of the Franchisee of the Year award,” Steve says. “And we intend to continue to live up to the designation. We have been able to surround ourselves with an amazing team that elevates the customer experience. Our customer service score across the company continuously ranks among the highest of all the Jiffy Lubes.” As part of their Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, they will run a full safety inspection on your vehicle; check and top off the vital fluids; and set the tires to the proper manufacturer specifications— all in about 15-20 minutes. The best part: you never need an appointment.  They also offer a free top off service, so between oil changes you can go into any location and get your vital fluids as well as your tire pressure checked and adjusted. Since March and the advent of Covid, the company has changed with the times, and expanded its repertoire of offerings to include in-vehicle service, right up to the payment. That way, customers and technicians all stay safe. All Jiffy Lube Locations offer a free top off service in between oil changes. All Jiffy Lube Locations offer a free top off service in between oil changes. Previous Next “It’s all about the customers’ choice,” Steve says. “Our customers can go into our comfortable lounges, or stay in their vehicle while we perform their service. We realize that they appreciate a choice.  “For many, staying in the comfort of their vehicle is more enjoyable, fun, and makes them feel protected during the pandemic. The positive comments have been overwhelming since implementing this option. “Our customers love to be a part of the show and watch the technicians. We found that it also adds an element of trust. Even when the CDC allows people to gather openly once more, we intend to allow people the choice to stay in their vehicle.” Jiffy Lube is equipped with basements, enabling customers to pull over the open floor and have their vehicle worked on from below, making the option to remain in-vehicle even more appealing. In the rare occurrence that work requires being on a lift, the vehicle only rises a foot or so in the air; it’s very safe. For the hot summer months, the company invested in cooling units that keep customers cool in their vehicles while technicians complete the work below. They are also quiet—as this Jiffy Lube team is passionate about the small details that make a big difference. With the advent of Covid, Jiffy Lube now allows customers to remain in their vehicle for service if they so choose. Each facility is equipped with basements, enabling customers to pull over the open floor and have their vehicle worked on from below. Regardless of which way you choose to have your vehicle serviced, the Grand Strand Jiffy Lubes continue to prize fast, high quality service. “We understand that your time is valuable,” Steve says. “That’s why all our team members are trained and certified to get you back on the road in 15-20 minutes. We know having your vehicle serviced isn’t your favorite thing to do, so we try to give you your time back, without the worry and stress of vehicle maintenance.” Back in the days when gas stations were full-service, an attendant would rush out to your vehicle to serve you when you pulled in. Today, each of Steve’s Jiffy Lube locations delivers that same type of old-fashioned service.  When you pull into one of their locations, a service technician will actually jog out to your vehicle to greet you and get you taken care of right away. “I believe it’s just the right way to welcome someone to our business,” Steve says. “We believe first impressions are everything. We built our business doing things like this— nobody else does it. “Moreover, we know that we are only as good as the team members that we have in each local store. So we are always looking to hire great people that will go above and beyond— men and women with great attitudes that truly understand our “at your service mentality.”  When you come into any of our locations, our stores are clean, our technicians— their uniforms and their hands are clean, and your vehicle is clean. We care about the details.    “We know people can go anywhere to get an oil change and they chose us, and we simply want to show our appreciation with great service. These are the things that we are known for, and why our customers return to us each time they need their vehicles serviced. It’s our mission to create a customer for life and take care of the family fleet of vehicles.”  Jiffy Lube has adopted to Covid times. From start to finish, customers never have to leave the comfort of their own vehicles, including for payment. For Steve, taking care of a vehicle means prolonging its shelf-life. “We believe that if … Read more

Carolina Limousine & Coach

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Joe Reinhardt (left) with his wife Gillian (right), aboard one of Carolina Limousine & Coach’s luxuriously appointed motor coaches. “I like to break the status quo in everything I do to build memorable experiences for both my clients and my staff,” says Joe. It’s Not Where You Journey, It’s How by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Limousine & Coach began in Myrtle Beach in 2007. Over the years, owner Joe Reinhardt has grown his business into a full-service transportation company— the only one that serves in entirety the areas of the Grand Strand, Wilmington, and most recently, Charleston. With their newly updated fleet of twenty-two vehicles that includes sedans, SUVs, limousines, motor coaches, vans, minibuses, party buses and trolleys, the company offers transportation services for weddings; airport travelers; corporate, marketing, retail and special events; schools; bachelor/bachelorette parties; and medical transport. In Joe’s words: “In terms of transportation, what we offer is unlimited.” Last year, Carolina Limousine & Coach signed a university contract to transport college students in Charleston along a shuttle route throughout the peninsula, springboarding the company into the Charleston market. “Most people don’t think of transportation as being that exciting,” Joe says. “But we’re probably one of the few companies in the entire country operating at our level. We’ve set a standard and are now competing on a national level.” Joe is on the board of directors for the National Limousine Association— an organization that’s typically reserved for top industry operators from bigger markets like NYC, LA, and Chicago. “It’s totally unique that I was voted in from Myrtle Beach,” Joe says. “And I’m proud and honored to be included. I think I bring a different perspective to the table both in my approach in the way I run my business with my employees, as well as the service that I provide.  “I like to break the status quo in everything I do to build memorable experiences for both my clients and my staff. As a company, we look at ourselves as a service organization delivering concierge-level attentiveness. Our whole premise is that we offer chauffeured transportation; we see that as so much more than a driver.” For Joe, a chauffeur is a cross between a Captain Stubing from Love Boat and Alfred from Batman. He is engaged and professional, someone you can trust and who always goes the extra mile— versus someone who gets behind a steering wheel and just drives. Joe’s chauffeurs have a wide array of talents and personalities. The family business atmosphere that he’s created at his company means they are loyal and passionate about their jobs; Joe has one chauffeur who has been with him since 2007. “They believe in what we are doing,” he says. “We are a boutique service, and like a big family. There are no limits to the good service that we provide. If something goes wrong, we’ll fix it asap. We’re solution providers. If we are at a wedding and the bride has a headache, we’re going to go to the store and get a Tylenol for her. I had one chauffeur who even gave the bride away. “I’m not willing to sacrifice service to be bigger. Too many companies make that mistake and become corporate America. You can feel that when it is; and you can feel that when it isn’t.” Inside the party bus – Myrtle Beach’s most entertaining way to get around town – or to have a party aboard with no destination in mind. Inside the party bus – Myrtle Beach’s most entertaining way to get around town – or to have a party aboard with no destination in mind. Previous Next Joe has used the additional downtime Covid has mandated to become even better at what he does. “We were always so busy performing the work, but Covid has allowed us to pull back and open our minds to new modes of operating so that we could expand our business and evolve it in the way that we were already headed,” Joe says. “We’ve reorganized as a company and become a technological juggernaut with our communications. The technology allows us to be consistent with polices and procedures and the service that we offer.” Joe and his team can do anything— they’ll even help you organize your event logistics. Joe’s wife, Gillian, is one of the top wedding photographers in the area. Her experience in the industry has given him a unique perspective and understanding of what is needed at a wedding when arranging guest transportation. “Transportation is something that people don’t really want to deal with and often they don’t know what they need,” Joe says. “I’ve been doing this for so long, I can narrow it down quickly. We have completed over 10,000 weddings in my career.” Additionally, in the past, they’ve provided transportation for corporations attending the Super Bowl, presidential campaigns, celebrities, and the Myrtle Beach Marathon.  They accommodate almost any size party, from one person to groups up to 500, and can go anywhere in the country. New for 2021, Joe plans on introducing local trolley tours. “I do a lot of traveling and always use airport service and a transportation company, to see what else is out there and what is offered in the world of transportation,” he says. “And I’m proud to say that we are one of the best. It goes back to what my people do and the type of people on my team. “I think it also ties back to Myrtle Beach. There’s an energy here. People move to the beach for excitement, for an easier and better life. They still want to feel important, they want to work— but because they love what they do. You can feel that passion. I feel so blessed I’ve run into the right people in my life to support my business and my vision for it.” Carolina Limousine & Coach is part of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Council. The National Limousine Association … Read more

Peace, Love and Little Donuts

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Peace, Love & Little Donuts offers catering for weddings and special events and can delight guests with any of the sixty plus types of donuts they carry. They can also custom create flavors to make your occasion that much more memorable. Catering Weddings, Parties and Special Events by Melissa LaScaleia Since they first opened their doors in the Market Common in 2017, Peace, Love and Little Donuts has established itself as a funky and happy neighborhood hang-out spot. It’s an easy, cheerful space, where a spirit of fun prevails. And how could it not be, when donuts and coffee are what’s on the menu? There are over sixty possible combinations of available types of donuts, which include several popular cereal and candy bar toppings, as well as more exotic toppings like salted caramel macchiato, and the all-time customer favorite— maple bacon. They even offer doggie donuts— ones with peanut butter frosting with a milk-bone biscuit on top.  They are forever creating new flavors of donuts, some even influenced by patrons’ requests. The donut itself, the canvas upon which a tapestry of gastronomic delights is bedecked, is no ordinary, generic cake recipe.  The franchise, which began in Pittsburg, created a specialized donut to appeal to epicurean tastes, resulting, in the words of Clayton Matthews, the owner of the shop in the Market Common, in “A gourmet donut kind of experience.” To begin the experience, you first stand at the counter as your donut is freshly fried in front of you. Then, on to the donut bar, and witness your selection being dressed before your eyes.  There are three levels of donut decadence: Groovy, Far Out, and Funkadelic, which range, as their titles imply, from something pretty cool to the works. Their rotating Groovy selections are made up of plain, powdered sugar, glazed, and cinnamon sugar. Far Out donuts come with just frosting; and Funkadelic ones are frosted plus any toppings.  In keeping with their theme of fun, they also specialize in catering weddings, special events, and hosting birthday parties at their event space in their store. “We get many wedding requests,” says Clayton. “They’ve evolved into a big part of the events that we cater— everything from being one of the dessert options, to being the only dessert.” Clayton and his team can outfit a wedding with any of the 60 plus donut flavors that they carry, as well as custom-make donuts for your special day to your exacting specifications.  They can create a donut cake, or a donut tier, in which donuts are placed on clear acrylic or gold towers, and range from 2-7 layers high. They also offer 2-pack boxes as wedding favors.  Peace, Love & Little Donuts has beautifully appointed donut tiers in gold and acrylic. Ranging from 2-7 layers high, they artfully show off whatever custom donut-creations you choose. “We can do any custom colors or designs the bride and groom want,” he says. “Since we’ve been open, we’ve done everything from a couple dozen to a thousand custom donuts for one event. “We can even do a hot donut bar onsite at the wedding. The bride and groom choose 6-10 of our donuts, and we make them in front of guests at the wedding just as if you came into our store. Some people offer the donut bar during cocktail hour while the wedding party is doing photos, some do it during dinner, and many do it during both. During the wedding, people can come pick out the donuts they want and we’ll make them for them.” Peace, Love and Little Donuts offers a complimentary in-store tasting for the bride and groom as well as your entire wedding party should you so choose. “What we offer is something different and extremely memorable,” Clayton says. “It’s a lot of fun for everyone because it’s innovative, and because donuts are, simply put, fun.” It’s significantly less expensive than a traditional cake too, and the younger millennial set, the demographic heading to the altar the most often these days, are more in favor of innovation than tradition. But no matter your event, Peace, Love and Little Donuts has you covered. They also host birthday parties for kids of all ages in the private function room in the back of the store where each child has the opportunity to make their own donut.  Peace, Love and Little Donuts Open S-Th 8am-6pm; Fr & Sa 8am-7pm Facebook Envelope Globe Phone

Parker Insurance

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A Passion to Help and Educate People in the Ever-Changing Medicare World by Melissa LaScaleia David Parker is an independent insurance broker serving the residents of the Grand Strand. He specializes in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans and also offers clients life, dental, vision and hospital plans. In an interview, the Insider asked David about his experience in his industry and how he came to work as an independent insurance broker. For most of his career, David worked for two of the largest health insurance carriers in the nation. Humana, when they expanded their Medicare program, hired him as one of their first agents in Virginia. After working for them for thirteen years, they offered David an early retirement option and assistance in branching out on his own as an independent insurance broker. The offer afforded him and his wife the opportunity to move to Myrtle Beach full time and for him to expand his business outside of his native Virginia. “We’ve had a house in Myrtle Beach for the past nine years,” he says. “My wife Sally and I always loved the Market Common area and decided to build here in 2019. We love the lifestyle; it’s so active here and we have met some incredible people.  “We joined a wonderful church, and overall, it is just a great, close-knit community. You have access to everything you need here. My wife can work remotely and I am continuing to grow my business in South Carolina.” “I can’t say enough good things about Humana,” David continues. “But it is nice for my clients to be able to pick from all carriers because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution— everybody has different needs.  “This path is an opportunity to stay with my clients long-term; as their needs change throughout their lives, I can continue to refine the plans and options that would best serve them, and help them through every step of the process. “I’ve been in the insurance industry for almost 25 years, and I’ve focused on Medicare for the last twenty. I have a lot of expertise in this industry, and I make sure I stay on top of things in the ever-changing Medicare world with continuing education and certification courses.”  Today, David continues to present all available options to his clients. He acts as a mentor, educating them on the differences between plans, helping them to enroll, and assisting them with any questions or needs they have afterwards. “Medicare allows you to change your plan every year,” David says. “And when that time comes, you want to be working with someone you trust, that is knowledgeable and that can help you navigate through the changes and answer your questions. That’s my passion— educating and helping people. I love what I do. I pursued my own path because it offered an opportunity for me to continue to do what I really love, but on a broader basis.” David’s mission is to educate and assit the community in their health care needs. As an independent agent, he represents all carriers, and is able to help his clients select the plan that is the best fit for them. As part of his mission to educate and assist the community, David hosts presentations for people approaching Medicare or getting close to that time. “When I began, Medicare was much simpler,” he says. “But with the numerous Medicare options available, it can be very overwhelming and confusing for most people. I’m there to answer their questions, help them gain a better understanding and feel comfortable with the plan they choose.  “I also pride myself on always being available to my customers after the sale is made. It’s a long-term-relationship that I have with them. For most people, it’s a big decision, as it impacts their health as well as their finances, so I want to make sure they get enrolled in the right plan.” “My main goal is to make sure the people I deal with stay happy,” he adds. “I treat them the way I want to be treated, and the way I would want my parents to be treated.” Parker Insurance Envelope Phone

Infinity Hair Salon

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Treating Your Hair Right and You Safely by Melissa LaScaleia Joyce and Gary Myers are the owners of three distinct, full-service hair salons located along the Grand Strand: Infinity Hair Salon in Myrtle Beach; Hair Etc. in Surfside Beach; and Hair Trends in Murrells Inlet.  Each salon has a slightly different feel and personality— the culture influenced by that area of the Grand Strand where it’s located, as well as the clientele that patronize it.  All of their centrally-located salons offer the same services, and cater to everyone from children to seniors. Joy and Gary have been working in the salon industry for the past twenty-three years— garnering a lot of experience along the way so they can best help people to nourish their locks and combat the deleterious effects ocean living takes on one’s tresses. “Beach living is beautiful, but it takes a heavy toll on your hair,” Joyce says. “You need to protect it from the sand, sun and salt water. There’s an excess of wind and humidity that your hair is exposed to constantly, as well as the damaging effects of the salt water.  “A lot of people relocate down here or come for a short stay and don’t realize the effect the climate has on their hair, or how to manage it optimally in this new environment. That’s what we focus on with our clients.” Carolyn Taft, the manager of Infinity Hair Salon in Surfside Beach, stands in the back room ready to make some color for a client’s hair. Previous Next “In order to protect your hair, you need to use the right products,” Joyce adds. “And those products change seasonally. Now that we’ve officially moved into winter down here, you need to make sure that you’re using the right products that are optimal for these harsher months. It’s winter hair care versus summer hair care. We offer keratin treatments, which, if they’re right for your hair, will help to control frizz from the extra humidity, and last for several months. “We offer the best services to keep your hair in optimal shape. And we are very selective in terms of who we hire as stylists— they are all excellent at analyzing the current state of your hair and making the best recommendations to help you reach your goals.” The stylists at all three salons are dedicated to their profession— committed to continuing their education, striving to grow their skills and staying current with what’s trending in the hair industry in terms of solutions as well as designs.  “We have wonderful managers at each salon who have been with us for years,” Joyce says. “Carolyn Taft is at Infinity, Sheila Michelsohn is at Hair Etc., and Grace Smeallie is at Hair Trends. They are passionate about what they do, and help make our salons as successful as they are. “At our salons, we try to listen to our clients’ wants and needs along with sharing our ideas, in order to find the hairstyle that not only makes people feel their best but is easy to maintain. Part of our mission is to build lasting relationships with our clients, and with the community as well.”  Kelsey Miles, a hair stylist at Infinity Hair Salon, shows off her colorful locks for our photographers. Each of the salons has their own unique personality and vibe based on the architecture of the space, the area in which it’s located, and the clientele. Previous Next In keeping with that mission to make a positive impact on our community, Joyce continuously holds donation drives at the salons to help our more vulnerable populations, including youth, and local animal shelters.  “Our philosophy at our salons is: ‘Be your best, feel your best, and do your best,’” Joyce says. “So we invest in those relationships in our community where we feel we can make a difference just as we invest in our relationships with our clients.”  This February, Infinity Hair Salon, the youngest of the group, will be celebrating its third year in business. After the first wave of temporary closures due to Covid, all the salons reopened. Joyce remembers all the hair that needed to be fixed from people trying to DIY at home. “Please don’t cut your hair at home,” she says earnestly, but not without a chuckle. “It’s much harder to fix in the aftermath. We follow all the guidelines that the CDC has put into place. We practice social distancing in the salons, and everything is thoroughly sanitized and disinfected.” Infinity Hair Salon, Myrtle Beach Facebook Globe Phone Hair Etc., Surfside Beach Facebook Globe Phone Hair Trends, Murrells Inlet Facebook Globe Phone

WFXB Fox

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Your Friends, Your Favorites, Your Fox, Locally by Melissa LaScaleia WFXB is a Fox affiliate news station broadcasting locally from the Market Common. They host three shows daily: Carolina AM, a live morning talk show hosted by Greg Rowles and Audra Grant; live coverage of Fox midday news; and in the evening, Not the News— a lighthearted satire of the news, also hosted by Greg and Audra. “The morning show is something to engage the community,” says Audra, who co-produces the show with her colleague, Laura Pence. “It’s unique in this market— something where people can grab a cup of coffee and sit down to be informed and entertained.” For the first ten minutes of the show, Greg and Audra chat unscripted— and as it’s a live broadcast— anything spontaneous or quirky, or both, can occur. “It could be something funny that happened before the show began,” Audra says. “We let it go where it leads.” Carolina AM covers a variety of topics. There is always something health-related, like statistics on exercise, or a latest nutrition find. Sometimes a dating tip. They’ll always do a show biz highlight, in which they relay the top four news-worthy stories involving celebrities. And then there’s a cooking segment.  Often top chefs will appear as guest educators; at other times Greg and Audra will teach each other how to prepare a dish. “But it’s the things that people can relate to,” Audra says. “How to save $30 at the Dollar Tree, or create your own spa at home. I’ll bring something in from my home that I love, whether it’s an appliance or a favorite cleaning product, and do a segment about it.” It’s also highly interactive. “We’re always looking for ideas from our viewers,” Audra says. “The show is a real give-and-take. We want to engage with our audience. We get notifications from our audience in the moment, and we’ll relay that content and respond to it. “Our goal for the show and in general is connecting with the community. We share information in a different light, and a personal one. The world can get so heavy. We want people to be able to relax and watch the program with their kids or their best friend, engage with us in real time if they choose, and not worry about having a heavy heart afterwards.” Audra went to school for journalism at Winthrop University. Her first job out of college was as a weather anchor and a reporter. Audra Grant (right) on the set of Not the News, which airs weekdays at 10:30pm. Audra co-hosts the witty, lighthearted evening show with colleague Greg Rowles. “It’s so much fun”. she says. Audra Grant on the set of Not the News, which airs weekdays at 10:30pm. Audra co-hosts the witty, lighthearted evening show with colleague Greg Rowles. “It’s so much fun”. she says. Previous Next “I still had a few more months of school left when I was offered a full time job as a weatherwoman and reporter at a small local station in Rock Hill, SC,” she says. “I didn’t know anything about the weather, so I would watch all the other weather networks in the area, and take the average as my prediction.”   “What else was a college student going to do?” she says laughing. “It was a low budget cable station, and there was no cable affiliate. In between classes, I would draw the weather patterns with a magic marker, then run over to the station and give the map of my predictions to the graphic designer who would design it for the show. Then, after class I would record it.”   Later, Audra’s career took her to WPDE in Florence where she left the duties of the weather for Channel 15 to Ed Piowtroski.   “He was hands down the best meteorologist in this area,” she says. “And when I told him about what I did, he had a good laugh.”   Audra worked as a general assignment reporter, then as an investigative journalist, then moved into anchoring and producing. She is best known for an expose she wrote on the Florence County treasurer’s office many years ago.   “As a journalist, people send you info all the time,” she says. “And one day I got a tip that I felt I should pursue. Over the course of six months, I followed a trail and put the pieces together to discover that the treasurer for the county owed about 1 million in taxes that he hadn’t paid. He ended up being indicted.” A behind the scenes look at WFXB Fox 43 News Studio in Myrtle Beach. In camera, Audra Grant gets ready to film Carolina AM, the morning show she co-produces with Laura Pence. Previous Next Audra first worked at WFXB ten years ago, covering feature stories and co-hosting Not the News. While taking time to raise her family, she worked as a freelancer. Then, this August, WFXB called and asked her to fill in for Not the News once more, as well as their newly formatted Carolina AM with Greg; and she never stopped. Not the News follows the 10pm news at 10:30pm so that people can relax and unwind with something humorous before bed. “Not the News is so much fun it doesn’t feel like a job,” Audra says. “I’ve learned a lot from it. Initially it was very challenging for me to do because it’s a spoof, and I was trained as an anchor to be serious. But Greg has a great sense of humor and can come up with puns relating to a story. I’m not funny at all, but I know how to set him up, so we work together really well.” The general format of the show follows a protocol that is designed to be so ridiculous that you can’t believe the topics are being discussed. “We make fun of the news, of off-the-wall things, and bring an air of light-heartedness to our viewers … Read more

Wild Birds Unlimited

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Wild Birds Unlimited, in Surfside Beach, is the premier place to find every product imaginable for outdoor birds, bird-enthusiasts, and nature-lovers in your life, or for those who are budding birders or simply curious to learn more about their natural environment.

Anderson Brothers Bank

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Anderson Brothers Bank is a local institution that was founded in the early 1930s, when tobacco farmers needed financing for their crop. During the recession, there wasn’t an option for farmers to secure funding, so the Anderson family offered it to them out of the back of an old tobacco warehouse in Marion County.

Clemmons Law Firm, LLC

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Clemmons Law Firm, LLC provides legal services in the areas of bankruptcy, community associations and real estate law. The firm also provides other essential legal services associated with estate planning such as wills, trusts, health care directives and related services.

Indigo Family Law Firm

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Committed to Protecting You, Your Family, and Your Legacy. Lawyer Brana Williams is from Georgetown County and grew up on a tobacco farm. Graduated from USC Law in 1991 and in 2001, she opened her own firm at the Beach, William’s Law Firm, where she practiced criminal and family law. Written by Melissa LaScaleia.

HUMANA with Laura Mandujano Urban

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Read all about how Laura and Jim urban serve seniors with their Healthcare needs in English and Spanish. Born in Mexico, Laura could never have imagined that she would come to work for and love her career with leading health and well-being company Humana, Inc.

CertaPro Painters

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Written by Melissa LaScaleia. She talks all about CertaPro and how they got started. A family owned and operated franchise, CertaPro Painters is one of 330 national franchises. They offer residential and commercial interior and exterior painting as well as kitchen and bathroom cabinetry refinishing, and some carpentry work.

Dr. Gwynn Hardee and His Special Bond with Animals

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Veterinary Medicine with Meadowlawn Animal Services by Melissa LaScaleia Horry County native Dr. Gwynn Hardee has been practicing veterinary medicine at his clinic, Meadowlawn Animal Services, for more than forty years.  He grew up on his family’s farm in Loris, where, as a boy, he nursed his dog Brownie back to health after the animal was hit by a car. As a teenager, Gwynn enrolled at Clemson University as a chemistry major.   “I loved chemistry, but I forgot there was more quantum mechanics and math involved in it than I was used to, so I transferred into animal science,” he says. “I hadn’t really thought about being a veterinarian at the time.” He moved to Atlanta after he graduated from college and began work with Dekalb County Animal Control in the early 1970s. With a limited budget and handling about 20,000 sick and unwanted animals a year, Gwynn was determined to find a better way of managing things. So he formed an advisory board of veterinarians to improve conditions in the shelter.  “After a couple of years, one of these veterinarians looked at me, said, ‘You need to go to veterinary school,’” says Gwynn. He applied and was accepted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. In 1979, he graduated and returned to his stomping grounds in Conway, where he opened his first practice, Meadowlawn Animal Services. Today there are three locations in Conway, Loris and the Market Common.  The veterinary day-clinic provides full health care onsite, including exams; vaccinations; in-house lab testing; OTC prescription products; radiographs (x-rays); laser therapy; dental care; surgeries; and boarding.  A Televet app even allows clients to email, Skype or video chat their questions to save them a trip to the office. House calls are also an option. “Being a vet is a two-fold reward,” says Gwynn. “One: you’re helping the pet to have a better quality of life, which is why I originally became a vet. You also help the owner to enjoy, lengthen and strengthen their bond with their pet, which is really an amazing bond.”   “Some decisions that pet owners make cut that time short, and we try to help them to make better decisions,” he continues. “Sometimes it does boil down to economics, as in, they know what the best thing is for their pet, but can’t afford it. And we always work with that constraint.”  But, no matter what, the staff at Meadowlawn goes above and beyond their duties at the clinic in their love and care for animals.  “We believe that there’s a right way to do things, and if you do it right, you get better results,” says Gwynn. “We really care about the pets and everybody that comes in here knows that.” When Dr. Hardee is off-duty, he’s still surrounded by animals on his farm in Loris, which he shares with the love of his life, Peggy, a horse vet.  They have eighteen quarter horses, nine poodles, one Chinese crested, five Russian wolfhounds, one Scottish deerhound, one golden retriever, one Chesapeake Bay retriever, one Scottish terrier and a cat named Boo Kitty the Terrible.  Meadowlawn Animal Services Envelope Globe Phone-alt

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

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A Resource For Our Community During Covid-19 and Beyond by Melissa LaScaleia The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB is a hybrid chamber that performs two essential functions in our community.  On the chamber side, they provide business services, small business advocacy and support, and networking advocacy.  The CVB receives public tax payers dollars to run tourism and marketing campaigns to promote the Grand Strand area.  Both of these services help our area to grow and thrive, and are essential especially during these challenging Covid-19 times. “Our mission is encapsulated in our tagline,” says Karen Riordan, the president and CEO of the Chamber. “To promote, protect, and improve.”  “We want to promote everything we have to offer. We want to make sure our community stays business friendly so businesses can thrive and prosper, thereby protecting the people who live here.  “Improve speaks to our larger values— we see our footprint as helping to improve the whole community. The more employment and the more businesses that are successful, the greater the benefits to everyone.  More people want to live here, and the financial success imbues all aspects of the community in a positive way.” Unlike other cities that were built with commerce in mind, Myrtle Beach has always been a quintessential tourist beach town. Over the past 100 years, the area has morphed and grown to house a university, a technical college, an internationally renowned culinary institute, as well as technology and healthcare-sector jobs. “Our mission is to make this not just a place for people to visit, but to live and work,” says Karen. “I see a very high rate of entrepreneurs in this area. Many people have relocated here. There are some third and fourth generation residents, but more and more people are transplants who come from someplace else and fall in love with the climate, culture, and the way of life, and decide they want to stay. “There’s a unique dynamic that exists between people who come from somewhere else as tourists and then decide to move here. We can’t understate or overstate the connection between people knowing the Myrtle Beach brand, and then thinking about relocating or starting a business here.” Per a recent census, Myrtle Beach is the second fastest growing metro area in the U.S. “This labor pool is changing a lot because new people are coming into the workforce all the time,” Karen says. “Contrary to what most people believe, a large percentage is a segment between 25 to 54 that are looking for jobs, or looking to create jobs.” Hospitality is still the bread and butter of Myrtle Beach, however. And with the onset of Covid-19, the area jumped from 4% unemployment to 20% in a week. As of the writing of this article, the percentages have stabilized to 10%. “The Chamber is working to continue to diversify our economy, so moving forward we’re not as vulnerable as we find ourselves today,” Karen says. Part of the Sending Some Sunshine Campaign. The intention of this campaign was to simply keep people dreaming about the future; to say, ‘We understand you can’t be traveling right now, but we’re here and will be ready when you’re ready.’ Karen, who recently celebrated two years in her current position in Myrtle Beach, was recruited from Williamsburg, VA where she previously served in a similar capacity.  Since the inception of Covid-19, she and her team have ramped up and reimagined what the Chamber offers to best support the community during these challenging times. “We are serving as the source for all things Covid-related for the business community,” she says. “That entails a hugely expanded section on our website as well as daily emails to our businesses keeping them apprised of guidelines, regulations, and recommendations. When things were shifting rapidly, sometimes it was 3-4 times per day.” The chamber spearheaded a recovery task force called Excelerate Myrtle Beach. Its focus was to look at the major sections of the area’s economy, including things like lodging, restaurants, attractions, golf courses and the retail sector, and examine what CDC guidelines they were going to voluntarily employ in the local business community. “We began in April,” Karen says. “It was a huge endeavor. We had representation all over the community, and reached out to leaders in each sector for their input. We also had representation from the Myrtle Beach police department so that they would be able to give feedback on what were workable ideas to execute and enforce and what were not. And we created a communications task force to relay breaking news to our members daily.” A lot of the recommendations suggested by the Chamber to area businesses were also suggested to the Governor of SC and his task force— and many were implemented.    The Chamber also shifted the majority of their in-person business courses to an online medium, creating webinars to replace them so members could still access the information. On top of that, they added 2-3 additional webinars per week that addressed Covid-related concerns. “It’s been a Herculean effort to move all of that online,” Karen says. “We also have been fielding hundreds of calls weekly from our business community to be an of-the-moment resource for them.” “The work has been intense,” she adds. “It’s a bit like running a crisis operation center.” Myrtle Beach was built as a tourist destination and has always been a quintessential laid back beach town. But Karen Riordan has been working to support the area’s business community to diversify and thus support the economy on a larger scale. On the tourism side, Karen’s work was just as all-encompassing, as they had to relinquish their marketing plan for the year and create a new one by March, then update social media accounts and all advertising platforms accordingly.  Karen and her team created a three-phase approach. During the first phase, in March, with closures and very few visitors, the goal was simply to remain in people’s minds and hearts. “We created … Read more

The Seacoast Artists Gallery

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Our Local Community Art Spot by Melissa LaScaleia The Seacoast Artists Gallery in the Market Common is a non-profit 501(c)(3), created for the furtherance and development of the arts in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s an organization which exists to create an atmosphere of cooperation, sharing, and mentoring amongst artists in the Grand Strand area. The Seacoast Artists Gallery was started about six years ago by the Seacoast Artists Guild. The gallery functions as an artist and art-lovers community spot where guild members can showcase their pieces to the public, as well as convene to share ideas and give and receive support. Today, the guild has over 300 members from a wide geographical area that encompasses the Grand Strand, Calabash, as far south as Charleston, and inland to Columbia, as well as out of state. The guild holds monthly meetings as well as presentations on art topics by a guest lecturer, affording members the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with other artists. “We want to make sure we have a place for local artists to congregate, to mingle and mix and mentor each other, and share their skills with other artists in the area,” says Nick Mariano, the gallery’s new director. “Covid-19 has put a temporary halt to these meetings but we hope to resume them when things improve.” Nick took over the position of director two months ago. A former special agent with the State Department, Nick and his wife lived all over the world, traveling for eleven years, before Nick retired in 1996 and they moved to Myrtle Beach. “I’ve always taken pictures, but my travels inspired me to take more,” he says of how he found himself in the Myrtle Beach art scene. “My wife Pat is an artist too, and encouraged me to submit my pictures to art shows.” Over the years, Nick has produced a wide range of visual art, and has won many awards both locally and nationally. His newest hobby is writing books; he’s published over twenty on Amazon, including his autobiography. As director, Nick’s main goal is to share with the community everything that the Seacoast Artists Gallery, which is the biggest repository of art along the Grand Strand, has to offer. “The gallery hosts a wide variety of art,” he says. “We have beach and landscape photography and paintings; long murals that portray the current political climate in America as well as traditional still lives; photography; bronze castings; ceramics and pottery and handmade ceramic earrings; glass-blown sculptures; and sculptures made from old instruments.  “This is not your typical gallery. It’s quite a lot of fun. We have over 70 artists and many mediums with new offerings every month. There is something here for every taste and every budget. “We have art classes that are open to the public in a lot of different mediums, which we’re hoping to recommence by November. I’m trying to draw more people walking by off the street and into our gallery. Many people stop and look in the window, but they don’t come inside.  “We want people to come in even if they’re not looking for art; just stop in, come meet us, look around, and appreciate what we have to offer. We are not intimidating. We want everyone to feel welcome to simply come and see the artistic expression of our local community.” As part of his effort to add a fresh vibe to the gallery and attract more visitors, Nick selects an artist who is not affiliated with either the guild or the gallery and showcases their work as a featured visiting artist throughout the month. “Many of the artists aren’t sure they want to be shown in a gallery, but I think their art is so good, I give them the space to try it out,” Nick says. “I’m also displaying monster-size art pieces in the gallery windows to catch the eye of passersby; and rotate this art every two weeks. “We’re putting together videos to promote the gallery; and are highlighting an artist per day on our Facebook page. It’s a nice way of promoting the artist and sharing with everyone what the artist has been up to, as well as getting people interested in what the gallery holds. People from out of state are beginning to notice, and are wanting to join the guild or display in the gallery.” “I’m really enjoying coming up with new ideas to entice visitors,” he adds. “I’ve brought in cloth face masks from artists in California, and those have been very popular. I’m really looking forward to a time when there can be a reception in person.” For Nick, the purpose isn’t just to sell art, but to afford people the chance to see it. “It’s not about trying to get people to buy things,” he says. “We just want people to know that we’re here. We’re one of the bigger art galleries, and we showcase teaching artists— many of whom have won numerous awards.” In keeping with their mission of supporting and promoting artists of all ages, the guild offers two annual scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors who are pursuing the field of art in college to help them further their art education— one to a Horry County student, and one to a Georgetown County student. Funding for the guild’s operational costs, as well as the scholarships, comes from guild members’ dues and art sales. The gallery hosts two art shows, one in the spring and one in the fall— usually April and October, respectively. The shows are open to anyone, not just gallery or guild members, and juried by two artists from outside the area. Winners receive prizes for their work. “Right now we’re in the process of getting ready for our Fall Art Show that begins in October and runs from October 2-15,” says Nick. The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild bi-annual art show always directly follows the show sponsored by the Seacoast Artist Gallery. In the fall, … Read more

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