Promoted as a fast way to build business contacts, a “Coffee and Contacts” business-to-business networking event included short talks by ten business representatives who seemed to have fun telling about their businesses. It was a fall harvest of ideas.
April Jordan, membership director, Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, led the event Friday, Oct. 15, at Chick-fil-A in Murrells Inlet and also explained a new “ChamberMail” program involving new residents.
Camile Hayes, who with her husband Sean Hayes owns Bello Cibo Deli & Cafe, told about a grand opening Saturday, Oct. 16, of their new business in the Litchfield Market Village Square Plaza. “My husband has been the meat business and we’ve both been working in retail establishments most of our working lives,” Hayes said. “We will be open at 7 a.m. for quick and light breakfasts and continue through the luncheon hour until 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.”
Shelia Spinks told how the year-old YMCA of Coastal Carolina complex is doing very well just outside of Georgetown with 2,800 people using the fitness and wellness center. More construction is planned on the site, including an outdoor swimming pool and athletic facilities.
Sherry Herron, operator of Paradise Travel, which is affiliated with Millstream Travel, explained how she serves as a travel service person out of her home, and gave several helpful travel hints, including the fact that October is a good month for signing up for cruises as the lines traditionally offer many specials at this time.
Gary Plyler, senior vice president and chief credit officer of Palmetto Heritage Bank, said he will be spending more time getting to know the are at the Murrells Inlet branch, having spent most of his working life in the Pawleys Island area. He said loans are being written and his bank offers businesses certain free services.
Ashley Bourland, vice president marketing, Inlet Printing Company, said she came to Murrells Inlet to run the business for her family as her parents own this facility and several printing services at other locations.
Palmetto Printing, was represented by Glen Welch, who said he does everything from black and white business cards to home owner association newsletters.
Susan Parker, broker in charge for Parker Properties, said she is adding rental property management to her real estate services. She said her son, Andrew Parker, recently graduated from college and is a “big help” to her and the business, which is growing because of the need for rental housing and second-home owners are desiring additinal income to offset monthly expenses.
Whitney Vernon of Chick-fil-A in Murrells Inlet told about the meeting room in the store which is available for parties, meetings and other activities, including communications from this location to another through computer links. “I’m not an IT person, but we have DVD players and media to accomplish almost everything needed,” she said.
D. Michael Wilson of Mayer Funeral Home & Crematorium talked about the Georgetown facilities opened up to families on the Waccamaw Neck. The crematorium is located at one of their two location in Georgetown County.
Lanes Pest Elimination is another growing area concern, and now only treats the exterior of homes, as this is where 97 per cent of the pest control is needed. They will still warrant the inside of homes, a spokesman said.
Jordan said the Chamber is offering the Georgetown County ChamberMail to assist its members in finding new customers. It targets new homeowners and new residents in all communities within the county and is currently offered to Chamber members only. “The primary purpose of this program is to assist chamber members in finding new business during the current, difficult economic climate,” she said.
“While new homeownership numbers are down over the last few years, homes are selling and new residents continue to move into our area. These new neighbors are looking to this Chamber for guidance on where to purchase the products and services they will inevitably need.”
Jordan said there is a business-to-consumer, direct mail brochure delivered monthly into the hands of all new homeowners and new residents in South Carolina cities and towns of Georgetown, Andrews, Hemingway, Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.
“This publication includes a welcome letter from the chamber leadership and includes ads and promotions from advertising Chamber Members,” she said. “Delivery of the brochure takes place approximately two to four weeks after the move-in of new residents.”
According to Jordan, these new residents have continuous access to member advertisers through ChamberMail links, an email coupon program designed to drive new resident traffic to the Georgetown County Chamber’s website and provide cost saving offers from advertisers.
Post time: Jun-17-2017