North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce launches initiatives to provide shelter for those impacted by the storm

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and CVB launched two new initiatives, “Shelter From the Storm” and the “Evacuee Welcome Program,” to help those affected by Hurricane Florence and the impending flooding that has continued to impact surrounding communities.

The initiatives are designed to provide a sense of home and place for emergency services personnel and evacuees to North Myrtle Beach seeking a place of refuge during this challenging time. The goal is to also let potential visitors know that the city was very fortunate and is ready to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for those making plans to visit this fall.

“The work involved in providing critical information to all citizens, businesses, and partners is essential, especially during a crisis,” said North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley. “I am proud of the outstanding efforts of the city and the chamber as they worked together to communicate effectively before, during and after the storm to help ensure awareness and safety among our citizens and visitors.”

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber and CVB has been in constant communication with city, county and federal emergency management personnel to ensure that the proper steps have been taken to create and maintain a safe and inviting environment that is conducive to hosting both evacuees and visitors in our facilities. Once visitors get here, they will find that North Myrtle Beach is in near pristine condition.

“We are an organization that exists to promote tourism to our beautiful beach community, but we are also deeply human,” said George DuRant, senior vice president of tourism development for the CVB. “Our hearts go out to those around us who have been affected by flooding and we want to reach out on behalf of our entire community to help with our area’s recovery effort.”

The “Shelter From The Storm” initiative makes accommodations available for regional residents displaced by the storm. The second initiative, “Evacuee Welcome Program,” specifically makes accommodations available for North Carolina evacuees, essential government recovery personnel and federal aid/contractor personnel.

Those seeking to utilize these initiatives and book rooms at a discounted rate can do so through thechamber’s website.

The CVB is also beginning to implement the highly effective “Coast is Clear” program. This multi-channel communications and marketing program was initially developed by DuRant and a specialized group of agency partners ahead of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The program has continued to be refined and has been instrumental in keeping the community informed with accurate, real-time information and instilling confidence in travelers visiting the area.

“While we have been eager to let visitors know that indeed our beaches are clear and ready to welcome you, we have also intentionally waited to implement this program as we continue to be cognizant of the realities of those around us who have not bounced back as quickly as we have,” said DuRant. “We continue to empathize with those around us facing this slow motion catastrophe and affirm our commitment to providing shelter for those seeking refuge during this time.”

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and CVB stands ready to be of assistance in every way possible. While the waters have been rising all around us, that will not drown our resolve and commitment to work together with our surrounding communities to recover from this storm.

“We feel North Carolina’s pain as well as our own neighbors’ pain from rising flood waters,” said Ed Horton, board chairman for the CVB. “Our Chamber, our City and our community stand by our colleagues and friends in this time of difficulty. Even as our own community returns to normal, we remain dedicated to supporting other communities whose road to recovery will take longer.”

The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and CVB is thankful that our city and area businesses were largely spared from the effects of this storm. While CVB members and businesses are fully operational and ready to welcome guests back to the area, the safety of everyone within the city is of utmost importance.

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and CVB urge travelers to constantly check the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) websites for the latest travel conditions and to ensure traveling to North Myrtle Beach will be safe.

About the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau
 
The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), an accredited five-star Chamber/CVB founded in 1999, continues to lead by example as an exemplary local business advocate and supporter, as well as a champion of North Myrtle Beach as a top travel destination within the Southeast. Since its founding, the Chamber/CVB has been wholeheartedly committed to advancing the welfare and prosperity of North Myrtle Beach while achieving a thriving, diverse and sustainable economy. The Convention & Visitors Bureau, North Myrtle Beach’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), is committed to growing the North Myrtle Beach visitor and destination market by distinguishing the coastal beach town as a first-choice travel destination and brand.
 
North Myrtle Beach welcomes millions of visitors each year to “Just Coast” on pristine beaches and through unexpected adventures, representing a direct economic impact of $1,196,942,669 in North Myrtle Beach, and an additional $113,898,788 in direct economic impact in the surrounding area in March – August of 2017 alone. The North Myrtle Beach travel industry accounted for more than 14,000 jobs and generated more than $132,960,010 in State and Local Taxes in 2017 during that same period. The CVB was recognized in 2017 and 2018 by the South Carolina chapter of the Public Relations Society of America as the recipient of the Mercury Award of Excellence for Crisis Communications.