North Myrtle Beach, SC- Ed Horton, Chairman of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors ceremoniously “passed the gavel” to Mike Robertson on Thursday, June 25^th at the official Chairman’s Luncheon held at LeGrand’s at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Previous to his term as Chairman Horton served on the Chambers Executive Committee.  Horton has spent countless hours working with the Chamber and the city for the betterment of North Myrtle Beach. 

“This past year has gone so fast, we started the year by setting lofty goals and then at our first Executive Board Meeting we moved them higher, with an objective of seeking Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.”  stated Horton.

“Great efforts were made to excel in a year that presented many challenges, especially on the economic front.  We had established a goal of greater member participation at a time when every business owner, manager and associate needed to devote more time to their own business.  We asked for more financial support at a time when funds were short and our members, our Community Businesses and the City of North Myrtle Beach, Mayor and Council all contributed to accomplish great success.” continued Horton.  “In addition we were awarded 4-Star Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce.”

As announced at the December 2008 Board of Directors meeting, succeeding Horton will be Mike Robertson, Vice President for Operations at Damon’s Grill.

“It has truly been a pleasure to be a member of this team and carry the torch for my time.  I am looking forward to passing it on to Mike Robertson. We are all looking forward to Mike’s service as Chairman for 2009-2010; as an owner and operator of Damon’s Grill he brings experience in small business and hospitality leadership.  He also brings along his experience as our Council Chair for membership and his many business and personal relationships with our members. I am looking forward to working with Mike next year and supporting his efforts to move our Chamber to higher levels in what looks like another challenging year.”  stated Horton.

Robertson highlighted several of the goals that are covered under the Chamber’s 3-year Strategic Plan:

• To continue our growth and to sustain our membership base, total membership revenue, as well as non-dues income that should result in a stronger financial position.

• Continue recognition for the North Myrtle Beach Chamber to be the business voice for North Myrtle Beach in the legislative process serving as an advocate for a business-friendly environment.

• Creation and development of a “shared” community vision for economic development and community development in partnership with the City of North Myrtle Beach and other strategic partners.

• Increase Accommodations Tax funding at the local level to promote and market NMB as the premier family destination and identify additional sources of sustainable funding for the future. 

• Grow the Emergency / Hurricane Fund to 10% of total annual budget or a minimum of $250,000.

"These are just some of the goals I will address during my year as Chairman. I want to especially thank Marc Jordan and the Chamber Staff for all they have done and I want to give a special thanks to Ed Horton, Ed Prince, Linley Dew, Grace Spainhour, and Frank Boulineau for the great advice and for guiding me thru these last few years as a director I will continue to look to all of you for support and advice,” stated Robertson.

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce has been serving the local community for the past 10 years.  The mission of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is to be recognized as the premier business organization serving the North Myrtle Beach area and its business members by providing quality products, programs, and services while influencing issues that enhance the economic prosperity of our community.

The Chamber recognized the following Board Members who completed serving their term on the Board:  Linley Dew, Arnold Green, Earl Collins, and Paul Prevatte.  The Chamber also welcomed the following new Board Members for 2009-2010:  Jim Eggen, George Gregory, Dan Moore, Richard Scott, Larry Spainhour and Wim Pastoor.

For information on the chamber call (843) 281-2662 or visit www.NorthMyrtleBeachChamber.com.  Stay up-to-date on chamber events by visiting www.nmbevents.com.

###