always a sell-out! chamber business golf classic · pdf filesmall business factoids: •...

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CHAMBER BUSINESS A monthly publication of the Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce MONTHLY MAY 2012 2 ALWAYS A SELL-OUT! Chamber Business Golf Classic 3 B EST O F B LU FF TON Destination Marketing 4 SM ALL BIZ SALUTE Chamber Small Business Week 9 S M ALL B US I NESS, BI G F LAVOR Q&A: Pino Gelato Always A Sell-Out! CHAMBER BUSINESS GOLF CLASSIC

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Page 1: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

CHAMBER BUSINESSA monthly publication of the

Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

MONTHLY

MAY 2012

2 ALWAYS A SELL-OUT!

Chamber Business Golf Classic

3 bEST Of bLUffTON

Destination Marketing

4 SmALL biz SALUTE

Chamber Small Business Week

9 SmALL bUSiNESS,

biG fLAVOR

Q&A: Pino Gelato

Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS

gOlf ClASSiC

Page 2: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

2 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012

HiT THe greeNs AT THe busiNess gOLf cLAssic

20th Annual Business Golf ClassicMay 7, 2012 - 10:30 a.m. Registration

Noon Shotgun StartWexford Plantation

Presenting sponsor:

Supporting sponsors:

The SERVPRO team took top honors at last year’s Business Golf

Classic.

G et ready for a great day of golf! Register now for the chamber’s popular Business Golf Classic.

The 20th annual tournament will be held at Wexford Plantation’s exclusive Arnold Palmer Signature Course

on Monday, May 7th.

Chamber members are invited to play the new course, brilliantly blended into majestic oaks and stately pines as it meanders along an expansive stretch of coastal marshlands.

Golfers from novice to pro can enjoy this fun and fast shamble format tournament. Lunch is included as well as an awards reception. Prizes and contests include hole-in-one contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, “Pot of Gold” and many raffle prizes.

In honor of the tournament’s 20th anniversary, players will get a chance at two hole in one shots! Some lucky player may ride home in a new BMW or enjoy our waterways with a new 25’ boat!

The cost to play is $185 per player or $725 per team. Register now and be eligible for the drawing for a $250 VISA gift card compliments of SERVPRO. To register go to hiltonheadchamber.org.

“The new Arnold Palmer Signature course at Wexford

Plantation has created a lot of excitement since it opened in

October. With a distinctive and timeless look and a variety

of risk, and reward challenges for golfers at all levels, it has

added a new dimension to the golfing experience at Wexford.”

– John Cunningham,

Board Member, Wexford Plantation

Page 3: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 3

desTiNATiON MArkeTiNg sHOwcAses

THe besT Of bLuffTON

B luffton is known for its Lowcountry charm and ease of living, bordered by the meandering May River and the town’s one- square mile Nationally Registered Historic District. Aligned with Hilton Head Island, yet distinctive in its own right, Bluffton offers a vibrant arts community, restaurants, world-class golf courses, family entertainment centers and a rapidly growing business community.

How do we market Bluffton to attract visitors? The chamber’s Bluffton marketing plan was designed to showcase the best of Bluffton and its unique appeal to visitors, with an overall reach across multiple platforms including print, digital, and social media including an ever-expanding “content hub” via VisitBluffton.org.

Bluffton marketing plan

In marketing Bluffton, the chamber targets the affluent and next-gen traveler, particularly those seeking “arts, history, dining, shopping and authentic coastal South Carolina culture.” We also target weddings, family reunions, sports groups, small corporate groups and group travel to Bluffton.

The chamber will launch a refreshed version of VisitBluffton.org in summer of 2012, including a mobile version of the destination microsite.

Our 2012 Vacation Planner features an expanded 8-page color section with a map of Calhoun Street and merchants, galleries and shops, while the popular Bluffton Walking Tour map reaches cultural travelers visiting the Lowcountry at locations including the Heyward House, Chamber Welcome Center and the state welcome center.

digital adVertising & social mediaOur fall and spring campaigns will drive traffic to VisitBluffton.org, the

chamber’s destination microsite for Bluffton. Ads will drive to special landing pages with content featuring Bluffton lodging partner packages paired with local cuisine, tours, cultural activities, festivals, attractions and sports.

• Smithsonian.com

• Preservationnation.org

• Goziac.org

• Preservation magazine

• New Bi-Monthly Bluffton Blog

• YouTube Brand Channel

• SEM PPC and Facebook Promotions

traVel trade shows & promotions• Travel South USA

• American Bus Association

• Motorcoach Association of S.C.

• Select Service Sales Blitz and FAMs

“South Carolina is the 12th most visited state by cultural/heritage travelers.” – Mandala Research

We want to know - and visitors seem happy to share their experiences with us! The Virtual Guest Book/Day Visitor Survey is well underway on Hilton Head Island at six central locations including the chamber’s Welcome Center, and the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Look for the survey later this month in five Bluffton locations including the Heyward House and Jacob Preston Pottery. The survey will run through 2012.

Since its February launch, hundreds of visitors have completed the survey, sharing details such as how many months in advance they booked their travel to what specific areas of Hilton Head Island/Bluffton they visited.

This data will allow the Chamber/VCB, in partnership with the USCB Lowcountry Resort Islands Tourism Institute, to better quantify the economic impact of tourism for Bluffton and Hilton Head Island by examining the following visitor segments: day visitor, friends and relatives, festival and special event, leisure, convention or conference, business, and outdoor recreation visitors.

VisiTOrs eNgAge wiTH New

VirTirTir uAL guesT bOOk

Page 4: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

4 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012

cHAMber sMALL busiNess week

your business toolkit for success, may 14-18

MONDAY: PORK IN THE PARKING LOT & MORE

TUESDAY: BUSINESS SEMINARS & ROUNDTABLE

WEDNESDAY: SBA AWARD LUNCHEON THURSDAY: SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINARS THURSDAY: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS! REGISTER: Register at hiltonheadchamber.org

cHAMber sMALL

busiNess week

Social Media

Startup Business

Financial P

lanning

Emplo

yer Toolkit

We’re celebrating Small Business Week in the Lowcountry. Don’t miss a great opportunity to learn, network and grow!

MONDAY: POrk iN the PArkiNg lOt & MOre11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.Back by popular demand - Pork in the Parking Lot! Join us for this free member appreciation barbecue lunch and find out more about maximizing your chamber membership. Learn about our small business toolkit, Thinkhiltonheadisland.org and more!

tUeSDAY: ShOW Me the MONeY!9:00-11:00 A.M.

in today’s economic climate are banks loaning money? The SBA’s District Director Elliott Cooper will talk about the three C’s of the SBA: Counsel, Capital & Contingency and how to help your business grow.

Bankers roundtable: Ask questions and get real answers on the ins and outs of getting investment capital and SBA loans for your small business, followed by a SCORE presentation.

tUeSDAY: tOP hiriNg & FiriNg MiStAkeS SMAll BUSiNeSSeS MAke1:00-3:00 P.M. Attorney Melissa Azallion, Nexsen PruetLearn the latest on hiring and firing practices. Attorney Melissa Azallion will cover today’s hot-button topics and answer questions.

WeDNeSDAY: SMAll BUSiNeSS OF the YeAr AWArD lUNcheON11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.The chamber’s prestigious award will be presented during the inaugural Small Business of the Year Award luncheon. Previous winners will be recognized as well as this year’s finalists. Keynote speaker Darlene Miller, president & CEO of Permac Industries is a past national winner of the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business of the Year and also serves on President Obama’s Jobs Council. She will talk about the Power of Believing and where it can take you.

thUrSDAY: SOciAl MeDiA WOrkShOPS:FAceBOOk 101 & FAceBOOk 201eVerYthiNg SOciAl: SOciAl APPS 101 & SOciAl APPS 2019:00-11:00 A.M. & 1:00-3:00 P.M.Is your social media translating into success for your business? Social media is about so much more than having a Facebook page. Learn the basics and how to take it to the next level in these hands-on seminars. Just bring your laptops and iPads and we’ll show you how! Register for one workshop or attend all-day: boxed lunch provided. No fee for members, $40 non-members.

BUSiNeSS AFter hOUrS:5:30-7:00 P.M.When it comes to friendly networking, Business After Hours is the place to be. Come out for a great time at Rainbow International Restoration by High Tide and enjoy a great lowcountry evening with casual gourmet fare along with complimentary beer and wine.

For more information and registration for chamber Business Week events, go to hiltonheadchamber.org. Advanced registration is required.

W11:00 The chamber’s prestigious award will be presented during the inaugural Small Business of the Year Award luncheon. Previous winners will be recognized as well as this year’s finalists. Keynote speaker Darlene Miller, president & CEO of Permac Industries is a past national winner of the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business of the Year and also serves on President Obama’s Jobs Council. She will talk about the Power of Believing and where it can take you.

Small Biz Week!

Page 5: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

$

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 5

Saving money, time and energy has never been easier.It stands to reason that the less energy you use, the more money you save. That’s why every new Del Webb home comes equipped with a host of energy-wise products and systems designed to help you do just that, like natural gas for water heating. Saving energy is great, and Del Webb understands that you want a home you love. Del Webb has created portfolios of floorplans that showcase all of today’s most wanted features in perfectly sized, easy-to-maintain homes. From generous open floorplans with just the right flow for entertaining to stunning and spacious owner’s retreats to cozy dens and home offices, you’re sure to find a home that’s right for you.

Del Webb has always been ahead of the curve:building innovative communities that feature beautiful, quality crafted homes. For more information on Sun City Hilton Head or The Haven-or to schedule your own personal Vacation Getaway, call 1.800.978.9781 or visit www.delwebb.com/hiltonhead.

*Savings calculated based on a home with natural gas for heat and*Savings calculated based on a home with natural gas for heat and* water heating. SCE&G bill credits and offers subject to change. Must meet minimum requirements.

Del Webb brings green living to the Lowcountry at Sun City Hilton Head and The Haven.

www.delwebb.com/hiltonhead

$ave hundreds with Natural Gas!*

Leadership Hilton Head Island-Bluffton has been developing leaders for more than 25 years. Applications are currently being accepted for the leadership class of 2013. For information contact Sandy McGuire at 341-8367 or [email protected].

Are YOu A LeAder?

SMALL BuSINeSS

fAcTOIdS:

• Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll

$• Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll

$ • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small $• 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small $businesses • 70% of small businesses are owned and operated by $• 70% of small businesses are owned and operated by $a single person$a single person$ • Small businesses employ 57% of the country’s $• Small businesses employ 57% of the country’s $private workforce$private workforce$• The 77 million people that make up the U.S. small $• The 77 million people that make up the U.S. small $business workforce would rank as the 17th most $business workforce would rank as the 17th most $populous country in the world$populous country in the world$• Small businesses create 13-times more patents per $• Small businesses create 13-times more patents per $employee than large patenting companies$employee than large patenting companies$• There are 28 million small businesses in the U.S.

$• There are 28 million small businesses in the U.S.

$which outnumber corporations 1162 to 1

$which outnumber corporations 1162 to 1

$S.c. HOSpITALITY dAY AT

THe STATe HOuSe

Susan Thomas, VCB vice president, State Representative Bill Herbkersman and Carolyn Vanagel, president, Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance recently attended South Carolina Hospitality Day.

Susan Thomas, VCB vice president, State Representative

Page 6: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

6 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012

Three Lowcountry resorts were rated among the top 25 southern U.S. golf resorts in April’s issue of Conde Nast Traveler. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, The Inn at Harbour Town and the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa were all showcased as golf resorts “to play and unwind in style.”

Lowcountry makes conde nast traveLer’s top 25 southern goLf resorts

iN THe News:

The RBC Heritage and Hilton Head Island received top play in Forbes.com‘s recent feature by writer Larry Olmsted. Touted as a players’ favorite, PGA tour players called it “the best course we play,” and “my favorite Pete Dye course.” Forbes.com website reaches 9 million visitors each month.

forbes features hiLton head isLand

THANk YOu:

wE CoUldN’t HAvE doNE It wItHoUt yoU...• Special thanks to Photography by John Skinner for providing the

chamber with aerial photography of the 44th annual RBC HeritagePresented by Boeing.

• Up The Creek Pub for hosting April Business After Hours. • Select Service Group Tour contributors including K Shuttle, Discover

Tours, Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, Vagabond Cruises, The Jazz Corner, The Crazy Crab-Harbour Town, Comfort Inn South Forest Beach, Fairfield Inn & Suites Bluffton, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Heyward House, Jim and Nick’s, Jacob Preston Studio and special thanks to The Beach House – A Holiday Inn Resort for being the host hotel.

• Hilton Head Island VCB RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing FAM partners including the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Robert Irvine’s eat!, The Jazz Corner, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort’s George Fazio Golf Course, The Heritage Golf Group’s Port Royal – Robber’s Row Golf Course, Yellow Cab of Hilton Head and Outside Hilton Head.

The answer should be both.Your brand is everything a customer encounters—from the message on your shirts to the logo on your pens. Dixon Schwabl’s Promotional Products division can add power to your brand with a variety of products, large and small, that continually keep your brand in front of customers. Your brand IS everything. Trust it to an agency that can get everything out of it.

For more information, please contact Dave Reininger at 585.899.3282 [email protected].

IS YOUR BRAND BIG OR SMALL?

Nine Lowcountry golf courses were rated among the top 50 South Carolina golf courses by the prestigious South Carolina Golf Course Rating Panel.

Colleton River Plantation Nicklaus Course, Colleton River Plantation

Dye Course, Harbour Town Golf Links, May River Golf Club, Long Cove Club, Belfair Golf Club West Course, Belfair Golf Club East Course, Berkeley Hall North Course, and Heron Point by Pete Dye were among the courses listed in the recently released report.

LocaL resorts showcased on sc goLf course rating paneL’s top 50 courses

Crews from Golfing World were on the island shooting footage Crews from Golfing World were on the island shooting footage featuring Hilton Head Island’s golf vacation experience. Golfing World is distributed to international broadcasters globally across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia, delivering a worldwide golfing audience of millions.

Page 7: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 7

C H A M B E R

E V E N T S

MAY4 Government Affairs Committee

8:00 a.m.

chamber headquarters

7 Business Golf Classic

Wexford Plantation

8 Business Education Partnership

Committee

8:30 a.m.

chamber headquarters

14-18 Chamber Small Business Week

Members Luncheon

Seminars & Roundtable

SBA Awards Luncheon

Social Media Workshops

Business After Hours

go to hiltonheadchamber.org

17 Business After Hours

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

High Tide & Rainbow

International

30 Chamber Young Professionals

Group, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Corks, Bluffton

Spring is in the air, as May’s Business After Hours takes it outdoors to enjoy the great weather at Rainbow International Restoration by High Tide in the lowcountry setting of Spanish Wells.

Come on out for a great time on Thursday, May 17 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and enjoy a great evening with casual gourmet fare along with complimentary beer and wine.

Join in for some friendly networking at the event, co-sponsored by Association Services, Inc., along with a corn hole tournament, music and great door prizes including gourmet gift baskets, corn hole board sets, free carpet cleanings, and more!

The cost to attend is $10 for members and $20 for nom-members. For more information go to hiltonheadchamber.org.

busiNess AfTer HOurs

RAINBow BY HIgH tIdE Proud supporter of the Chamber

Champions Benefit

To learn more about our attorneys and areas of practice, visit: www.mcnair.net

David J. Tigges CEO and Managing Shareholder

Walter J. Nester, IIIManaging Shareholder, Beaufort County Unit

McNair Law Firm, P.A.Shelter Cover Lane, Suite 400Hilton Head Island, SC 29928843.785.2171

Anderson | Bluffton | Charleston | Charlotte | Columbia | Greenville | Hilton Head Island | Myrtle Beach | Pawleys Island

New MeMber: HIgHlIgHtSSavor the LowcountryAlice Reid9 Long Brow RoadHilton Head Island, SCsavorthelowcountry.comExperience a fun and flavorful afternoon touring the best restaurants on Hilton Head Island. Join us as we walk, talk, taste and savor the Lowcountry on a truly unique historical food tour.

SandcaStLe interiorSDorsey Smith, Helen Smith15 Trellis CourtHilton Head Isalnd, SCsandcastleinteriors.comSandcastle Interiors specializes in comfortable, high-end residential interiors tailored to each individual client. We have been on Hilton Head Island for 24 years and have designed over 100 island residences as well as numerous homes nationwide.

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor and Convention Bureau has won its 14th consecutive Pinnacle Award. The honorees are chosen by the readers of Successful Meetings magazine.

The accolade is awarded to visitor and convention bureaus, hotels and conference centers for hospitality excellence. The sales staff was recognized by meeting planners for an outstanding job in servicing meetings, incentive travel programs, trade shows and conventions during the previous year.

CHAMber’s vCb gArNers

presTigiOus piNNACLe AwwAwA AwAw rd

Page 8: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

John Morris Russell has been named music director and principal conductor for the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Russell, who continues his primary role as conductor of the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, spent the past season as principal guest conductor of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Michael Dellinger, anesthesiologist, has been named secretary/treasurer at Hilton Head Hospital. He is board certified in anesthesiology by the American College of Osteopathic Anesthesiology.

Chris Collier has been named member services director at Hampton Lake. Collier formerly served as office manager for The Sanctuary, a vacation ownership property at Hampton Lake.

Dr. Grant Evans has joined Premium Properties of Hilton Head as an agent. He previously served as an agent with Keller Williams Realty.

Sophie Kruse has been named group sales manager for the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Kruse previously served on the sales support team.

Kristine Germann has joined Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists as a physician assistant. She formerly served as a physician assistant for Mid-State Sports Medicine in Cookeville, TN.

Deborah Bassett, has joined Serendipity Medical Spa as an esthetician. She previously served as an esthetician with Coty Beauty in New York.

Susan Jacobsen has joined Premium Properties of Hilton Head as a broker. She formerly served as a broker at Keller Williams Realty.

Laura Nitz has joined the RE/MAX Island Realty Bluffton Sun City office as a realtor. Nitz previously served as an agent with Southern Lifestyle Properties.

Terry Burke, realtor, has joined Premium Properties of Hilton Head. Burke formerly served as an agent with Weichert Realtors-Coastal Properties.

Dr. Douglas A. Perry,internist, has joined the THA Group, home health and hospice care service provider in Georgia and South Carolina, as medical director in Georgia. Perry is a practicing board-

certified internist in Richmond Hill, GA.

Linda O’Neill, realtor, has joined Premium Properties of Hilton Head. She formerly served as an agent with Dunes Marketing Group.

Dr. Thomas E. Noble,gastroenterologist, has joined Hardeeville Medical Group. He is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine.

Marsha Collett, realtor, has recently joined the Weichert Realtors-Coastal Properties Bluffton team. She formerly served as director of customer services at Franklin Electric Company, Muncie, IN.

Myra Jacob has been promoted to senior group sales manager for Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Jacob has been with the resort for six years.

Kisha Johnson has joined Keller Williams as an agent. Johnson graduated from University of South Carolina Beaufort with a bachelor of science in business administration and management.

Tim and Mona Ridge,realtors, have joined Keller Williams Realty Hilton Head. They formerly served as agents with Keller Williams Gold Coast in Chicago.

Jason Brantley has joined Sun Printing as an account executive. He previously served as pressroom and production manager for The R.L. Bryan Company in Columbia, SC.

8 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012

To submit information, please email: [email protected]

wHO’s wHO: ANd wHo’S wHERE

Marsha Collett,

certified internist in Richmond Hill, GA.

Ron Kirby’s business philosophy has taken him far, from corporate boardrooms to the countryside of Romania, where he developed a successful military training program.

Kirby’s 32-year military career proved an asset when he joined Future Communications in Atlanta, GA. His leadership program helped take the company from 4 to 17 million dollars in revenue. A few years later he relocated to the island, bringing his leadership skills to the Lowcountry. In 2010, he became involved as area director consultant with Business Network International, the largest word-of-mouth referral organization in the world.

From sole proprietors to larger firms including The Greenery and Peacock Law Group, he has imparted leadership acumen with great success. “Daily, I deal with companies that are technically outstanding but have no leadership training that explains expectations, goals and opportunities,” said Kirby. “Once you have that momentum, the results are tremendous.”

MeMber spOTLigHT: RoN kIRBy lEAdERSHIp TRAININg & MoTIvATIoNAl SpEAkER oUTSTANdINg lEAdERS CoNTRARy To BElIEf ARE NoT BoRN, THEy ARE TRAINEd ANd dEvElopEd!

MeMber sp

lEAdERSHIp TRAININg & MoTIvoUTSTANdINg lEAdERS CoNTRARy To BElIEf ARE NoT BoRN, THEy ARE TRAINEd ANd dEvElopEd!

Susan Jacobsen

Laura Nitz has joined the RE/MAX

Page 9: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 9

MAY busiNess News ediTiON:

Cannon Financial Institute, scheduled for a two-week period over January-February, 2013 and The SC/FL Motorcoach Association Joint Meeting, onboard for August, 2013, are among the conferences and conventions recently secured by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber’s Visitor and Convention Bureau group sales division. The conferences bring a combined total of 1,760 room nights to our destination.

Meetings, conferences and groups bring a positive impact on area businesses, shopping, recreation, gas stations, entertaining, dining and hotel room nights, generating an economic impact of over $150 million for our community in 2011-2012.

“Showcasing our area to groups such as the SC/FL Motorcoach Association is a wonderful opportunity to promote the area to those who book tours to resort destinations around the country,” said Jack Reed, director of sales.

To refer a meeting planner or decision maker to the VCB for planning assistance, please contact Jack Reed at (843) 341-8361 or visit hiltonheadmeetings.com.

CoNfERENCES BRINg $$ to loCAl ECoNoMy

sMALL busiNess, big fLAvOr:LAvOr:LA

Q&A: RAMoNA fANtINI, pINo gElAtoSo good and so good for you!

When Ramona Fantini, owner and president, talks about Pino Gelato, she’s quick to point out that with all the flavor of traditional Italian ‘gelato,’ ice cream, their 93% fat free, hand-whipped ice creams are fast becoming the signature indulgence for a deliciously healthy lifestyle.

Pino Gelato is celebrating 8 years in a business that just keeps on growing. In today’s economy, that’s saying something. Pino Gelato has grown to 13 locations, with shops in Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, and other markets.

Chamber Small Business of the Year recipient in 2010, Pino Gelato has recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. The company was chosen as one of the top 75 small businesses in the award category and honored at the America’s Small Business Summit in Washington D.C. in March.

CBM: What’s your business philosophy?

Fantini: Pino Gelato sets itself apart by offering each customer “an experience” and the genuine taste of Italy with every scoop. We have made a commitment to our company values of respect, integrity, quality, service, sustainability and community.

CBM: How has your business developed to meet the demands of our growing community?

Fantini: We consistently look for ways to reinvent ourselves and keep our selections fresh and innovative. We’ve extended our product line, hours of operation and now offer catering. Getting involved and developing relationships with local organizations has solidified our position in the community.

CBM: What’s the all-time favorite flavor?

Fantini: Chocolate of course! Classic Italian flavors such as pistachio, and hazelnut are also very popular.

CBM: How has tourism been a strong factor to your growth?

Fantini: Visitors, a major part of our retail business, are now a large part of our wholesale business. Most of our licensed store owners discovered us while vacationing here and opened their own “Pino Gelato” back home.

CBM: What sets Pino Gelato apart from other business models?

Fantini: Unlike traditional franchise operations, Pino Gelato offers business partnerships, with full licensing and professional support. It’s our product, our name, your business;each unique in its own way.

Q&A: RAMoNA fANtINI, pINo gElAto

spOTLigHT ON cHAMber sTAff:

The chamber‘s Brenda Ciapanna, VCB sales and marketing manager, has earned certification as a “Travel Marketing Professional” (TMP) after completing the prestigious three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College.

Ciapanna was one of 78 new TMPs recently recognized at the annual STS spring meeting. “STS Marketing College provides valuable industry and professional benefits which are key to remaining competitive in today’s travel and tourism environment,” said Ciapanna.

Is your business taking advantage of our no-cost Hilton Head Island Insider marketing program?

The Hilton Head Insider card is a great way to reach visitors with

special offers on accommodations, attractions and services. Chamber members can submit special offers to Elizabeth Simpson at [email protected]

doINg BUSINESS BEttERHilton Head insiders: a Great Way to reaCH your Market

Page 10: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012

MeMbers MAkiNg News: MAYbeaufort county scHooL DIstrIct announced that Hilton Head High School and Beaufort Middle School were winners of the 2012 Palmetto’s Finest Schools Awards. A record-breaking number of Beaufort County schools earned 2011-12 Palmetto Gold or Silver awards for student academic achievement. The district’s 27-school recognitions were an improvement over last year’s 15 winners and a dramatic increase from three winners in 2006-07.

HerItage cLassIc founDatIon awarded nearly $275,000 to 59 area high school students at the Heritage Classic Foundation Scholars luncheon at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island. The foundation announced last year it would distribute $1.5 million over three years to area charities and scholarship winners thanks to a grant from the Verizon Foundation.

coastaL caroLIna HospItaL was recently named to the Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s 2012 Circle of Excellence. The Circle of Excellence honors Tenet hospitals that have achieved the highest levels of quality, service and operational performance.

coastaL connectIons recently announced that Bluffton High School student Briana Broxton was the winner of the staffing firm’s 10-year anniversary logo scholarship competition, selected from over 25 entries from Beaufort County high school students.

bb&t Insurance servIces announced that Millie Chappelear, personal lines account executive, has earned certified insurance service representative (CISR) designation.

beaufort memorIaL HospItaL has consolidated preoperative testing and classes into one location in the Beaufort Medical Plaza on the hospital’s main campus. The remodeled space houses outpatient lab work, EKGs and neurologic testing.

Hampton Lake recently initiated the final phase of the 900-acre private lakeside community. Hampton Lake was named “Best Community in America” by the National Association of Homebuilders in 2009.

weIcHert reaLtors coastaL propertIes agents were honored with the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors service award. Recipients were Lenore Carter, Carol Romano Geraghty, Irene Jackiewicz, Terry Kreissl, Ann Lilly and Karen Ryan.

tHa group announced that Ellen Bolch, president and CEO, was keynote speaker at the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s technical seminar on home health held in March. Bolch is also the recipient of a Honeywell HomMed Lifetime Achievement Award.

wHHI-tv, available on Hargray’s digital tier since 2006, will now be simulcast on channels 8 and 200. The local television station serves Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties.

tHe communIty founDatIon of tHe Lowcountry recently awarded $95,700 to six local non-profits. Recipients included Bluffton Self Help, Friends of the Hilton Head Branch Library and Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry.

tHe art League of HILton HeaD announced that artist Amiri Geuka Farris was the winner of the 2012 RBC Heritage poster competition. Farris is renowned for his vibrant Gullah-Geechee-style paintings.

La IsLa, the Hilton Head Island-based magazine, recently received Circulation Verification Council accreditation for exceptional above average national ratings for print publications.

beacH propertIes of HILton HeaD has announced that Stacy Hutcheson completed the S.C. Property Management Licensing program.

beaufort county boarD of eDucatIon Chairman Fred S. Washington, Jr. has been honored with the 2012 SIC Advocate of the Year Award for his efforts on behalf of School Improvement Councils. The Port Royal Elementary School Improvement Council also received honorable mention recognition for the South Carolina SIC’s Dick and Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence.

tecHnIcaL coLLege of tHe Lowcountry announced that JoLane Buss, surgical technology instructor, was recently elected as president of the S.C. Surgical Technology State Assembly.

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Page 11: Always A Sell-Out! CHAmber buSineSS gOlf ClASSiC · PDF fileSMALL BuSINeSS fAcTOIdS: • Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll • 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small

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30+ YEARSBB&T-Carswell Insurance Services

Dunes Marketing Group

20-29 YEARSAccommodations from Island Getaway Rentals

Drifter Excursions, Inc.

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Performance Development Corporation

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

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John Wesley Villas of Savannah, Inc.

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South Carolina Electric & Gas

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Grayco Building Center

Tom Crews Architects, Inc.

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Off Island Thrift/Cancer Awareness Foundation

Colleton River Plantation Club, Inc.

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Reliant Cooling & Heating, LLC

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Optim Orthopedics

Salerno Pediatric Care, LLC

United Hospice

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Did You Know…The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest chamber member retention rates in the nation.

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