May - Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBERA monthly
BUSINESS
MONTHLY
publication of the
Hilton Head Island • Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
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
HiT THe greeNs AT THe 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.
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-inone contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, “Pot of Gold”
and many raffle prizes.
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.
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 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
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.
20th Annual Business Golf Classic
May 7, 2012 - 10:30 a.m. Registration
Noon Shotgun Start
Wexford Plantation
Presenting sponsor:
Supporting sponsors:
The SERVPRO team took top honors at last year’s Business Golf
Classic.
2 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012
B
desTiNATiON MArkeTiNg sHOwcAses
THe besT Of bLuffTON
luffton is known for its Lowcountry charm and ease of living,
bordered by the meandering May River and the town’s onesquare 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 media
Our 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
We want to know - and visitors seem happy to share their
• Preservation magazine
experiences with us! The Virtual Guest Book/Day Visitor Survey
• New Bi-Monthly Bluffton Blog
is well underway on Hilton Head Island at six central locations
including the chamber’s Welcome Center, and the Coastal
• YouTube Brand Channel
Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Look for the survey later this
• SEM PPC and Facebook Promotions
VisiTOrs eNgAge wiTH New
VirT
ir uAL guesT bOOk
irT
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
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.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 3
your business toolkit for success, may 14-18
cHAMber sMALL busiNess week
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cHAMber sMALL
busiNess week
MONDAY: PORK IN THE PARKING LOT
& MORE
TUESDAY: BUSINESS SEMINARS &
ROUNDTABLE
WEDNESDAY: SBA AWARD LUNCHEON
ll
Sma
!
eek
Biz W
THURSDAY: SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINARS
THURSDAY: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!
REGISTER: Register at hiltonheadchamber.org
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 & MOre
11:30 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 MAke
1:00-3:00 P.M.
Attorney Melissa Azallion, Nexsen Pruet
Learn the latest on hiring and firing practices. Attorney Melissa Azallion will cover today’s hot-button topics and answer questions.
W
WeDNeSDAY: SMAll BUSiNeSS OF the YeAr AWArD lUNcheON
11:00 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 201
eVerYthiNg SOciAl: SOciAl APPS 101 & SOciAl APPS 201
9:00-11:00 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.
4 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012
$
SMALL BuSINeSS
fAcTOIdS:
• Small businesses pay 44% of the U.S. payroll
• 60 to 80% of all new jobs come from small
businesses
Del Webb brings green living
to the Lowcountry at Sun City
Hilton Head and The Haven.
• 70% of small businesses are owned and operated by
a single person
• Small businesses employ 57% of the country’s
private workforce
• The 77 million people that make up the U.S. small
business workforce would rank as the 17th most
populous country in the world
• Small businesses create 13-times more patents per
employee than large patenting companies
$ave
hundreds with
• There are 28 million small businesses in the U.S.
which outnumber corporations 1162 to 1
Are YOu A LeAder?
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 smcguire@
hiltonheadisland.org.
S.c. HOSpITALITY dAY AT
THe STATe HOuSe
Saving money, time and
energy has never been easier.
Natural Gas!*
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-tomaintain 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
water heating. SCE&G bill credits and offers subject to change.
Must meet minimum requirements.
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.
www.delwebb.com/hiltonhead
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 5
iN THe News:
Lowcountry makes
conde nast traveLer’s top
25 southern goLf resorts
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.”
forbes features
hiLton head isLand
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.
LocaL resorts showcased
on sc goLf course rating
paneL’s top 50 courses
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.
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.
IS YOUR BRAND
BIG OR SMALL?
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 Heritage
Presented 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.
6 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012
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 or
David_Reininger@dixonschwabl.com.
CHAMBER
EVENTS
CHAMber’s vCb gArNers
presTigiOus piNNACLe Aw
AwA
wArd
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.
4
7
8
Government Affairs Committee
8:00 a.m.
chamber headquarters
Business Golf Classic
Wexford Plantation
Business Education Partnership
Committee
8:30 a.m.
chamber headquarters
14-18
New MeMber: HIgHlIgHtS
Savor the Lowcountry
SandcaStLe interiorS
Experience 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 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.
Alice Reid
9 Long Brow Road
Hilton Head Island, SC
savorthelowcountry.com
MAY
Chamber Small Business Week
Members Luncheon
Seminars & Roundtable
SBA Awards Luncheon
Social Media Workshops
Business After Hours
go to hiltonheadchamber.org
Dorsey Smith, Helen Smith
15 Trellis Court
Hilton Head Isalnd, SC
sandcastleinteriors.com
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
busiNess AfTer HOurs
RAINBow BY HIgH tIdE
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, cosponsored 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.
Proud supporter
of the Chamber
Champions Benefit
David J. Tigges
CEO and Managing Shareholder
Walter J. Nester, III
Managing Shareholder,
Beaufort County Unit
McNair Law Firm, P.A.
Shelter Cover Lane, Suite 400
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.785.2171
To learn more about our attorneys and areas of practice, visit: www.mcnair.net
Anderson | Bluffton | Charleston | Charlotte | Columbia | Greenville | Hilton Head Island | Myrtle Beach | Pawleys Island
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 7
wHO’s wHO: ANd wHo’S wHERE
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 MidState 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.
8 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012
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 boardcertified internist in Richmond Hill, GA.
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.
Linda O’Neill, realtor,
has joined Premium
Properties of Hilton Head.
She formerly served as
an agent with Dunes
Marketing Group.
Tim and Mona Ridge,
realtors, have joined
Keller Williams Realty
Hilton Head. They formerly
served as agents with
Keller Williams Gold Coast
in Chicago.
Dr. Thomas E. Noble,
gastroenterologist,
has joined Hardeeville
Medical Group. He is
board certified in both
gastroenterology and
internal medicine.
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.
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.
To submit information, please email:
afeldman@hiltonheadisland.org
MeMber sp
spOTLigHT: RoN kIRBy
lEAdERSHIp TRAININg &
MoTIvATIoNAl
MoTIv
SpEAkER
oUTSTANdINg lEAdERS CoNTRARy To BElIEf ARE NoT
BoRN, THEy ARE TRAINEd ANd dEvElopEd!
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.”
MAY busiNess News ediTiON:
CoNfERENCES BRINg $$ to
loCAl ECoNoMy
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.
doINg BUSINESS BEttER
Hilton Head insiders: a Great Way to reaCH
your Market
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 esimpson@hiltonheadisland.org
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.
Q&A: RAMoNA fANtINI, pINo gElAto
sMALL busiNess, big fLAvOr:
LA
LAvOr:
So 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.
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 9
MeMbers MAkiNg News: MAY
beaufort 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.
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.
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.
10 CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012
25
Pembroke
Drive
Hilton
Head
Island,
SC.
29926
Phone
843‐681‐3011
Store
Manager
Daniel
Gaddy
Store
open 7 am until 11 pm every day!
Store
open
7
am
until
11
pm
every
day!
Photo
Center
Photo
Center
Garden
Center
Garden
Center
Wine,
Beer
and
Pantry
Items
Wine,
Beer and Pantry Items
Tire
and
Lube
Mon‐Sat
7
am
‐
7
pm
Tire
and Lube Mon-Sat 7 am - 7 pm
Sun
9
am
‐
7
pm
Sun
9 am - 7 pm
Pharmacy
Mon‐
Fri
9
am
‐
9
pm
Pharmacy
Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Saturday
9
am
‐
7
pm
Saturday 9 am - 7 pm
Sunday
10
am
‐
6
pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Vision
Center
Mon‐Fri
Vision
Center Mon-Fri 9am
‐
7
pm
9 am - 7 pm
Saturday
9
am
‐
6
pm
Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday
12
pm
‐
5
pm
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
www.walmart.com
Available
www.facebook.com/Walmart728
Your
Hilton
Head
Island
Walmart
is
Expanding
to
a
Super
Center
!!
Grand
Opening
June
2012
MeMbersHip reNewALs: THANk YOu!
Did You Know…The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has one of the highest chamber member
retention rates in the nation.
30+ YEARS
1-3 YEARS
BB&T-Carswell Insurance Services
Dunes Marketing Group
Joe Fragale
HarbourSide III Property Owners Association
Low Country Commercial Services
Pure and Simple Home Services
A & E Air LLC
Residential Services Unlimited, Inc.
Hilton Head Rent Direct
Simply Southern Homebuilder, LLC
Lori Craven Catering Inc.
Growlers Craft Beer & Ales-Wine & Spirit Shop
Reliant Cooling & Heating, LLC
Lana Lewis Design
Optim Orthopedics
Salerno Pediatric Care, LLC
United Hospice
Center For Service Leadership
Pertnear/Travel Tell
Skull Creek Boathouse
ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
Gina Scott at Keller Williams Realty
Advanta Clean of Beaufort County, SC
Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine
20-29 YEARS
Accommodations from Island Getaway Rentals
Drifter Excursions, Inc.
Hilton Head Glidden
Island Communications
Performance Development Corporation
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
15-19 YEARS
Hilton Head Humane Association
John Wesley Villas of Savannah, Inc.
Sigler’s Rotisserie & Seafood
South Carolina Electric & Gas
Hilton Head Moving & Storage
Grayco Building Center
Tom Crews Architects, Inc.
10-14 YEARS
Vetronix Research Corporation
Off Island Thrift/Cancer Awareness Foundation
Colleton River Plantation Club, Inc.
Bluffton Historical Preservation Society/
Heyward House
Mister Label, Inc.
St. Joseph’s/Candler Medical Group-Bluffton
Carolina House of Hilton Head
AFLAC of the Lowcountry
The Jazz Corner
4-9 YEARS
Clean Sweep HHI
Southern Smiles Family Dentistry
American Red Cross-Palmetto Chapter
WSAV-TV
CareCore National, LLC
G.R.A.C.E. Limo & Luxury Private Sedans, Inc.
Golf Club at Indigo Run
Church of the Palms - United Methodist
Outthink, LLC
Charter I Management, LLC
4M Metals Inc.
Town of Bluffton
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority
Two Tomatoes Catering Company
Ameris Bank
Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort
H2 Builders, Inc.
Suburban Propane
Pearle Vision
Barefoot Weddings
Tidelands Bank
NEW MEMBERS
Topside Waterfront Restaurant
Belfor Property Restoration
Ricoh USA
Robert Half International
Sandcastle Constructors
Sandcastle Interiors
Charter I Commercial Inc.
Brooks Brothers
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Lowcountry Wedding Professionals
Alliance Consulting Engineers
Pomodori Italian Eatery
The Elev8 Bike
Blimpie Sub Shop
Dunkin Donuts at Hilton Head Island
Lowcountry Estuarium
Transworld Systems
Doctor’s Care Hilton Head Island
Kellie McCann Photography
Golf Prep, LLC.
Savor The Lowcountry
Windmill Harbour Marina
Monty Jett Adventure Cruises
The place to be...
for all the right reasons.
YES, We Are Lending!
Primary, Secondary and Investment Homes
Residential Fixed or Adjustable Rate Loans
Construction-to-Perm Loans
Conventional-Jumbo-FHA-VA-USDA
Seize the opportunity to refinance while rates are
low or call today to learn more about purchasing
your new home!
Fran McKinney
NMLS #: 785132
Phone: 843.686.1548
Cell: 843.338.6799
fmckinney@bankofnc.com
bncbanksc.com
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY | MAY 2012 11
PRSRT STD
P.O. Box 5647 • Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
HiltonHeadisland.org
email: info@HiltonHeadisland.org
US POSTAGE
CHAMBER BUSINESS MONTHLY
PAID
PERMIT NO. 101
HILTON HEAD, SC
29928
FORE a Million Dollars!
May 31- June 2
Buy One Bag,
Get One FREE!
Take your shot at making a hole in one
in the finals and win $1,000,000
$1,000,000!
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Thursday, MAY 31, 9 AM - 7 PM
Friday*, JUNE 1, 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday, JUNE 2, 9 AM - 5 PM
FINALS, JUNE 2, 6 PM - 7 PM
bridge to Hilton Head Island
PROCEEDS
BENEFIT
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
An
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grant
program
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innovative
classroom
projects
*TEST DRIVE
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expires 6/30/12
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10 oak
oak park
park drive,
drive, suite
su it e a-4
a-4
10
hilton head
head island,
island, sc
sc 29926
29926
hilton
fax 843.342.6651
843.342.6651
fax
1,1,00
000
00
0
Postcards
4x6
4x
6 full color over black
First Hole-In-One in
the finals will win a
2012 BMW 328i Hardtop
Convertible COURTESY OF
DETACH AND REDEEM
Hwy 278 - 1 mile before the
That’s 24 balls
for only $10.