Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at the Beach is your go-to podcast for uncovering the stories behind the Grand Strand’s thriving businesses, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. Each episode dives deep into the unique challenges and triumphs of those who are shaping the Myrtle Beach area. Hosted by Partnership Grand Strand, we explore the secrets to success, growth strategies, and the passion driving our coastal community forward. Whether you’re a local business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply a lover of beachside living, join us as we celebrate the people and ideas that make the Grand Strand an incredible place to thrive.

Tune in every two weeks for insightful interviews, expert advice, and inspiring stories that will leave you feeling motivated to grow your own dreams—right here at the beach!

]]> http://partnershipgrandstrand.com audioboom.com Mon, 11 May 2026 13:08:26 +0000 en https://audioboom.com/i/42036435.jpg Thrivin' at The Beach http://partnershipgrandstrand.com false Thrivin' at The Beach Audioboom cdcb6fb3-b902-54d9-818e-22b4f19faa69 https://audioboom.com/channels/5134022.rss episodic S2 Ep22: A Chat with Rusty Gaskins from Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments https://audioboom.com/posts/8775921 22 A Chat with Rusty Gaskins from Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments 2 2534 false full In this episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach, the focus is on workforce and economic development resources in the Waccamaw region. Our guest Rusty Gaskins, Business and Economic Services Manager for the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (COG), discusses the various services they offer to local governments and municipalities and the importance of community partnerships and collaboration in enhancing the local economy and workforce.

Summary

In this episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach, the focus is on workforce and economic development resources in the Waccamaw region. Our guest Rusty Gaskins, Business and Economic Services Manager for the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (COG), discusses the various services they offer to local governments and municipalities and the importance of community partnerships and collaboration in enhancing the local economy and workforce.

Links

Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments 
https://www.wrcog.org/ 

SC Works 
https://waccamawworks.org/ 

Where to watch Thrivin’ at the Beach podcasts
YouTube: Watch here 
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-09-11:/posts/8775921 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep21: A Chat with Eileen Patonay, Regional Workforce Advisor, SC Dept of Employment and Workforce https://audioboom.com/posts/8773018 21 A Chat with Eileen Patonay, Regional Workforce Advisor, SC Dept of Employment and Workforce 2 1813 false full In this episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach, the focus is on workforce development in the Myrtle Beach area. Host Peggy Masterson introduces Eileen Patonay from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, alongside co-host BJ Beaver. Eileen outlines her role as a regional workforce advisor and shares insights on fostering a strong workforce pipeline, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with schools, businesses, and local organizations. Key initiatives discussed include the YES Program for youth employability, the 'Build Something Amazing' event for trades, and the Youth Leadership Camp at Coastal Carolina University. The podcast highlights the importance of community collaboration in preparing students for future careers and the positive impact of these initiatives on local workforce development. 

Links

https://dew.sc.gov/

Where to watch Thrivin’ at the Beach podcasts

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]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-09-05:/posts/8773018 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep20: Highlight – Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International https://audioboom.com/posts/8769991 20 Highlight – Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International 2 397 false full In this Highlight episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach, host Peggy Masterson, Director of Partnership Grand Strand, recaps past interviews with local leaders to showcase key insights and developments. In this episode, she recounts her conversation with Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International. Golf is a huge driver of both revenue and tourism for our community, and hopefully visitors have a great experience on our courses. Coming to Myrtle Beach permanently all starts with a visit, and Steve intends to be able to deliver a great golf experience. Steve is also an active community member. Tune in and learn more!

Links

Listen to full episode:  https://audioboom.com/posts/8637484-a-chat-with-steve-mays-founders-group-international

Founders Group International Website
  Learn more about the organization managing 21 Myrtle Beach golf courses, including their commitment to maintaining world-class facilities and community engagement.
Visit Founders Group International

Where you can watch Thrivin’.
 PGS YouTube: Watch here
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]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-08-29:/posts/8769991 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep19: A Chat with Casey Garavito, DPT/Owner at Performance & Rehabilitation (PAR) Physical Therapy https://audioboom.com/posts/8767854 19 A Chat with Casey Garavito, DPT/Owner at Performance & Rehabilitation (PAR) Physical Therapy 2 1840 false full Tune in to listen to Casey Garavito, DPT and co-founder of Performance & Rehabilitation (PAR) Physical Therapy. A strong advocate for conservative care, learn how the PAR team provides high-quality care, education, and preventive strategies that help individuals manage injuries early, improve functional health, and avoid unnecessary medications, surgeries, or emergency care. PAR also offers complimentary community workshops throughout the year, and much more to keep our communities healthy.
 
Links
https://www.parphysicaltherapy.com/



]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-08-25:/posts/8767854 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep18: Highlight – Bruce Bailey, CEO of Tidelands Health - Vision for the Future https://audioboom.com/posts/8763758 18 Highlight – Bruce Bailey, CEO of Tidelands Health - Vision for the Future 2 620 false full In this Highlight episode of Thrivin’ at the Beach, the focus turns to Bruce Bailey, CEO of Tidelands Health, who discusses their position as the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the Southeastern U.S. and their substantial economic impact. The new Tidelands Health Carolina Bays Campus project, which, in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), aims to centralize multiple medical specialties, including cancer care and neurosurgery. The initiative seeks to enhance patient experience by offering quicker evaluations and treatments locally. Bailey's community involvement and future-focused leadership are also emphasized.

Links:

Listen to full episode: https://audioboom.com/posts/8652530-s2-ep3-a-chat-with-bruce-bailey-tidelands-health

Tidelands Health – Official Website
 Learn more about Tidelands Health, its services, and its commitment to improving community health:
https://www.tidelandshealth.org

Carolina Bays Hospital Project
 Stay updated on the upcoming Carolina Bays Campus, a multi-specialty hospital opening in Horry County:
https://www.tidelandshealth.org/carolina-bays

MUSC Health Partnerships
 Discover how Tidelands Health collaborates with MUSC for specialty care and expanded services:
https://muschealth.org

Healthcare Workforce Development
 Explore initiatives and training programs addressing the challenge of attracting and retaining healthcare talent:
https://www.ahec.org


Where you can watch Thrivin’.

PGS YouTube: Watch here

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]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-08-15:/posts/8763758 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep17: A Chat with Frank Cranfield: Director of Operations for Germ Bust My Bins https://audioboom.com/posts/8760842 17 A Chat with Frank Cranfield: Director of Operations for Germ Bust My Bins 2 1542 false full Join us as we chat with Frank Cranfield, the director of operations for Germ Bust My Bins, and learn about their success story and the services they offer. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

 Links

 https://germbustmybins.com/ 

Where to watch Thrivin’ at the Beach podcasts

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]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-08-08:/posts/8760842 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep16: Highlight - Tracy Conner on Myrtle Beach Golf Tourism https://audioboom.com/posts/8757393 16 Highlight - Tracy Conner on Myrtle Beach Golf Tourism 2 294 false full Highlights of Tracy Connor’s Impact on Myrtle Beach Golf Tourism

In this special episode of Our Thrivin’ at the Beach Podcast, host Peggy Masterson recaps key insights from past conversations, specifically focusing on Tracy Conner, the executive director of the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association and Golf Tourism Solutions. Tracy discusses his role in promoting golf tourism, including bringing the World Amateur event and the One Flight Golf Classic to Myrtle Beach, which significantly boost the local economy. He also shares his interim leadership at the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, where he unified community efforts and maintained vital programs. Tune in to celebrate another local leader making a difference.

Links:

Listen to full episode: https://audioboom.com/posts/8569332-a-chat-with-tracy-conner-episode-3-thrivin-at-the-beach 

Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association: Visit Website

Golf Tourism Solutions: Learn More

Transcript:

 So welcome to another episode of Our Thriving at the Beach Podcast. I'm Peggy Masterson, the Director of Partnership Grand Strand, and I have been so privileged to be your host for this podcast. If you've been a listener, you probably already know that we have been putting this podcast out in the world since the fall of 24.

I can't believe it's been almost a year. And during this time we have interviewed over 30 local leaders or business owners. And have learned so much along the way. We've learned a ton about our local community. It's been a journey, so today's episode is gonna be a little different than the others.

It's just me today, and I will be recapping some of the highlights from our past episodes. We're doing this to refresh your mind on what these local leaders had to share about the work they're doing when they were on the podcast, and that's if you've already been a listener. We hope that these mini sessions, or these mini highlights will provide any new listener with some real examples of the meaningful content that is contained in each Thrivin’ episode.

So we're so glad you've join us today, and let's go ahead and get started. Today's highlight podcast is about Tracy Conner. And Tracy Conner is the executive director of the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association, and he's also the executive director of Golf Tourism Solutions. Obviously the Golf Course owners association speaks for itself, but Golf Tourism Solutions is a cooperative marketing organization that has been formed to really promote golf in our Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities.

So Tracy's been busy. He's been highly involved in the golf world for a long time. One of the things he shared with me that I thought was really interesting is this Golf Tourism Solutions marketing organization is really responsible for bringing the World Amateur event here to the Myrtle Beach area.

It is the world's largest amateur golf tournament and attracts over 3,200 amateur golfers to Myrtle Beach every year in August. After all Myrtle Beach is the golf capital of the world, as Tracy says, and he reminds us that golf is a whole lot more than just something fun to do. It is a huge economic driver, especially for our area.

The golf courses across the Myrtle Beach area are not only great for tourism, but also for the residents. The revenue that is generated is big business, and they play a crucial role in what makes up what's different, better, and special about Myrtle Beach. Tracy is a very modest individual. He's one of those kinds of leaders that never needs to get credit for his success, but rather recognizes the team and their efforts.

He has been in Myrtle Beach for quite some time and has stepped up to play an active role in supporting Myrtle Beach. Whenever asked, some of his most notable projects that have impacted the area are his role in bringing the One Flight Golf Classic to Myrtle Beach. This is an event that brings over $15 million in revenue to our area now, and you can easily see how the PGA would find it valuable to secure the support of local golf courses and golf professionals as they're determining whether to bring a tournament like that to our town.

Another recent example was Tracy stepped up to serve as the interim CEO of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce from August through mid-June 25. While he was in that interim role, he kept programs running, retained our voice in Columbia, and worked to unify our 14 grand communities to rally around that whole notion of being a single voice.

Another example of a tireless leader. Doing great things in the background to drive prosperity for us, and I hope you'll listen to the full episode to get a little more information about what Tracy had to say. Thrivin’ is now releasing a brand new episode every week. We are also evolving to make our episodes a little shorter, so you'll still get great content without a huge time commitment.

We want you to know that we created this podcast for you, the local resident, you the local business, and you the students across the Grand Strand. Thrivin’ is available wherever you'll get your podcasts, and it's also on our website. Keep listening, keep thrivin’, and perhaps share our podcast with a friend.

Thanks so much for listening.


]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-08-01:/posts/8757393 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep15: A Chat with Alberto Semidei: Director of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Myrtle Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8745692 15 A Chat with Alberto Semidei: Director of Sales and Marketing for Sheraton Myrtle Beach 2 2136 false full Links

https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/listings/sheraton-myrtle-beach-convention-center-hotel 



Where to watch Thrivin’ at the Beach podcasts

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]]> In this podcast, Alberto Semidei, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Myrtle Beach talks about the Sheraton’s role as a community partner and how the Convention Center contributes to the local economy. Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:40:11 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-07-08:/posts/8745692 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep14: A chat with Shannon Furtick: Director of Member Engagement at MBACC https://audioboom.com/posts/8742612 14 A chat with Shannon Furtick: Director of Member Engagement at MBACC 2 2192 false full Links 

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Details about the Chamber's mission, programs, and the benefits it provides to its members. This is helpful for understanding the resources available to local businesses and nonprofits.
https://www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com 


Leadership Grand Strand Program
Learn more about the Leadership Grand Strand program, including alumni stories, program goals, and community impact under Shannon Furtick’s leadership.
https://www.leadershipgrandstrand.com 


Member Benefits at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber
A guide to member benefits, including networking, discounts, and exclusive events managed by Shannon Furtick for Chamber members.
https://www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/membership/benefits/ 


Nonprofit Council
Information about the Nonprofit Council, its support for over 1,000 nonprofits, and its impact on community service and leadership in Myrtle Beach.
https://www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/nonprofit-council 


Chamber's Advocacy and Community Engagement
An overview of how the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, promoting growth and sustainability within Myrtle Beach.
https://www.myrtlebeachareachamber.com/advocacy/  


Where you can watch Thrivin’. 


PGS YouTube: Watch here

Amazon Music: Listen here

Audioboom: Listen here

Spotify: Listen here

Apple Podcasts: Listen here
]]> Shannon Furtick, Director of Member Engagement at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, discusses her roles and the impact of the Chamber on the community. She oversees 2,400 businesses, providing benefits like discounts and networking opportunities. Furtick also manages the nonprofit council, supporting over 1,000 nonprofits. She emphasizes the importance of community service and personal connections in leadership development. The Leadership Grand Strand program, which she directs, has over 1,000 alumni and focuses on personal, professional, and community growth. Furtick highlights the Chamber's role in business support, advocacy, and community engagement, stressing the need for continuous growth and sustainability. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:43:19 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-07-01:/posts/8742612 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep13: A chat with Cindy Gettig: EVP of the Business Development Group at MBACC https://audioboom.com/posts/8739491 13 A chat with Cindy Gettig: EVP of the Business Development Group at MBACC 2 1719 false full Where you can watch Thrivin’.


PGS YouTube: Watch here

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]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:16:30 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-06-24:/posts/8739491 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep12: A chat with Meredith Denari: Director of Communications & Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8736306 12 A chat with Meredith Denari: Director of Communications & Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach 2 2773 false full https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/ https://www.facebook.com/myrtlebeachcitygovernment/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-myrtle-beach https://x.com/MyrtleBeachGov https://www.instagram.com/myrtlebeachgov/ https://myrtlebeachpointofview.wordpress.com/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/972079 ]]> In this podcast, Meredith Denari, Director of Communications and Creative Services for the City of Myrtle Beach, talks about storytelling - telling the city's stories; and branding – a new/forward vision that will also be reflected in new website that the City is developing. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:36:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-06-17:/posts/8736306 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep11: A chat with Stewart Miller: Counsel at Burr & Formam https://audioboom.com/posts/8733059 11 A chat with Stewart Miller: Counsel at Burr & Formam 2 2134 false full Burr & Forman LLP
Learn more about Stewart Miller's law firm and their services:
https://www.burr.com 
Starting a Business in Myrtle Beach
Comprehensive resources for starting and running a business in Myrtle Beach:
https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com 

Zoning and Compliance Resources
Myrtle Beach zoning ordinances and compliance information:
https://www.horrycounty.org/zoning 

Liability Protection for Businesses
An overview of liability protection strategies for business owners:
https://www.sba.gov/ 

Partnership Grand Strand
Details about the initiatives and programs supporting Myrtle Beach’s growth:
https://www.partnershipgrandstrand.com 

Legal Counsel and Business Development
Why businesses need legal counsel to grow and thrive:
https://www.americanbar.org/ 

Where you can watch Thrivin’. 

PGS YouTube: Watch here 
Amazon Music: Listen here 
Audioboom: Listen here 
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here 
]]> Stewart Miller, Counsel at Burr & Forman, discusses the multifaceted role of legal counsel in driving prosperity, particularly in Myrtle Beach. He highlights his practice, which is 50-60% transactional, involving business asset purchases and real estate. Miller emphasizes the importance of legal counsel in zoning compliance, liability protection, and business setup. He notes that legal issues can arise at any stage of business development, from startups to established enterprises. Miller also shares his civic pride and involvement with Partnership Grand Strand, aiming to contribute to the area's growth and development. He underscores the need for legal counsel to navigate complex legal landscapes and protect businesses from potential liabilities. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:15:59 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-06-10:/posts/8733059 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep10: A chat with Meagan Michal: Executive Director of the Horry County Habitat for Humanity Organization https://audioboom.com/posts/8729528 10 A chat with Meagan Michal: Executive Director of the Horry County Habitat for Humanity Organization 2 2193 false full Links


Habitat for Humanity of Horry County

https://habitathorry.org/


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]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:36:29 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-06-03:/posts/8729528 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep9: A chat with Sarah Bonnoitt: Director of Public Affairs for HTC https://audioboom.com/posts/8722768 9 A chat with Sarah Bonnoitt: Director of Public Affairs for HTC 2 1953 false full Sarah Bonnoitt, Director of Public Affairs for Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), discussed the company's history, mission, and impact on Myrtle Beach's economic growth. HTC, founded in 1952, has evolved to focus on internet services and now serves a tri-county region. The company is a cooperative, reinvesting profits into the community and offering capital credits to members. HTC's early investment in fiber optics, starting in 2007, has resulted in nearly 100% broadband access, aiding the region during the pandemic. The company is upgrading its network to support 10 Gbps speeds and expanding fiber deployment. HTC's efforts in community philanthropy and economic development, including the HTC Aspire Hub, were also highlighted. Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-05-20:/posts/8722768 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep8: A chat with Dan Hoppe: President and Lead Consultant of Hop2it Consulting https://audioboom.com/posts/8715868 8 A chat with Dan Hoppe: President and Lead Consultant of Hop2it Consulting 2 1790 false full Where you can watch Thrivin’. 
PGS YouTube: Watch here 
Amazon Music: Listen here 
Audioboom: Listen here 
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here
Hop2it Consulting: Click here
]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 11:50:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-05-06:/posts/8715868 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep7: S2 Ep7: A chat with Mike Mancuso, President and CEO of the Waccamaw Community Foundation https://audioboom.com/posts/8708474 7 S2 Ep7: A chat with Mike Mancuso, President and CEO of the Waccamaw Community Foundation 2 2540 false full 1. **Waccamaw Community Foundation**   
   [Learn more about the foundation's mission and initiatives.] (https://www.waccamawcf.org )   
2. **Waccamaw American Leadership Forum (WALF)**   
   [Explore the leadership program fostering collaboration in the region.] (https://www.waccamawcf.org/walf )   

3. **Nonprofit Support and Resources**   
   [Discover tools and services for nonprofits in Horry and Georgetown counties.] (https://www.waccamawcf.org/nonprofits )   

4. **Community Philanthropy Trends**   
   [Insights into building community funds and their long-term impact.] (https://www.cof.org )   

5. **Regional Collaboration Initiatives**   
   [Examples of how regional efforts are addressing key challenges.] (https://www.brookings.edu/research/building-regional-collaborations )   
]]> Mike Mancuso, President and CEO of the Waccamaw Community Foundation, discussed his diverse career path, including roles in nuclear piping design, banking, economic development, and chamber leadership. The foundation, established in 1999, serves Horry and Georgetown counties, with $39 million in assets and a goal to reach $100 million. Mancuso emphasized the importance of endowed funds, which provide 4% spendable annually, supporting 400 local nonprofits. He highlighted initiatives like the Waccamaw American Leadership Forum (WALF) to foster regional collaboration and address issues such as transportation and healthcare. Mancuso stressed the need for community engagement and leveraging new residents' expertise. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-04-22:/posts/8708474 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep6: S2 Ep6: A chat with Melissa Bilka, VP of Team Member Services for Brittain Resorts & Hotels https://audioboom.com/posts/8701736 6 S2 Ep6: A chat with Melissa Bilka, VP of Team Member Services for Brittain Resorts & Hotels 2 2131 false full Links:
PGS YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
Audioboom: Listen here
Spotify: Listen here
Apple Podcasts: Listen here ]]> Melissa Bilka discusses her experience working in hospitality and the impact it has on our local community Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-04-08:/posts/8701736 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep5: S2 Ep5: A chat with Dr. Marilyn Fore, President of Horry Georgetown Technical College https://audioboom.com/posts/8701735 5 S2 Ep5: A chat with Dr. Marilyn Fore, President of Horry Georgetown Technical College 2 2839 false full Thrivin’ at the Beach, Dr. Marilyn Fore 
Summary: 
Dr. Marilyn Fore, the President of Horry Georgetown Technical College, discussed her journey from undergrad to her shift in focus on education.  
Links: 
PGS YouTube: Watch here 
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]]> Dr. Marilyn Fore, the President of Horry Georgetown Technical College, discussed her journey from undergrad to her shift in focus on education. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:37:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-04-08:/posts/8701735 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep4: S2 Ep4: A chat with Dr. Pam Martin, Executive Director of the RISE Center at Coastal Carolina University https://audioboom.com/posts/8665748 4 S2 Ep4: A chat with Dr. Pam Martin, Executive Director of the RISE Center at Coastal Carolina University 2 2227 false full Thrivin’ at the Beach, Dr. Pam Martin

Summary

Dr. Pam Martin, Executive Director of RISE (Resilience, Innovation, and Sustainability through Education) Center at Coastal Carolina University, discussed the importance of sustainability and internships in long-term growth. Martin, with a background in international relations and sustainability research, emphasized the Youth Corps program, which trains students in sustainability metrics and integrates them into local businesses. The program, supported by Partnership Grand Strand, aims to attract and retain talent by offering paid internships and education on sustainability. Martin highlighted the growing demand for green skills and the potential for local businesses to benefit from this workforce development initiative.

Links

1. **RISE Center at CCU**  
   [Learn more about the Resilience Innovation and Sustainability Education Center] (https://www.coastal.edu/RISE )  

2. **Youth Corps Program Overview**  
   [Explore the Youth Corps initiative and its impact] (https://www.coastal.edu/RISE/youthcorps )  

3. **Partnership Grand Strand**  
   [Discover how Partnership Grand Strand supports sustainability and workforce development] (https://www.partnershipgrandstrand.com)   

4. **Sustainability Workforce Trends**  
   [Insights on green skills and workforce demands](https://www.bls.gov/green )  

5. **Sustainable Business Practices**  
   [Tools and resources for businesses focusing on sustainability] (https://www.sba.gov/sustainability )  


]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-03-07:/posts/8665748 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep4: S2 Ep4: S2 Ep3: A chat with Howard Waldie IV, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Myrtle Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8659239 4 S2 Ep4: S2 Ep3: A chat with Howard Waldie IV, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Myrtle Beach 2 2717 false full Howard Waldie IV, the first Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Myrtle Beach, discussed his journey from foster care to becoming a public administrator. He highlighted his role in launching the Office of Performance and Accountability in Virginia Beach, which led to the creation of the Virginia Beach Strategy (VB STAT) and Performance programs. Waldie emphasized the importance of process improvement and technology integration, such as adaptive street lighting that includes AI for traffic control and public Wi-Fi. He also introduced the Living Lab initiative, which invites tech companies to test and prototype new technologies in Myrtle Beach. The city's motto, "First in Service," drives all initiatives to enhance the community's quality of life. Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-02-25:/posts/8659239 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep3: S2 Ep3: A chat with Bruce Bailey, Tidelands Health https://audioboom.com/posts/8652530 3 S2 Ep3: A chat with Bruce Bailey, Tidelands Health 2 1548 false full Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:32:33 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-02-11:/posts/8652530 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep2: A Chat with Dr. Michael Benson, Coastal Carolina University https://audioboom.com/posts/8644136 2 A Chat with Dr. Michael Benson, Coastal Carolina University 2 2056 false full

]]> Dr. Michael Benson, President of Coastal Carolina University, discussed his journey in higher education, his family background, and his contributions to the Myrtle Beach community. He highlighted Coastal Carolina's growth to 11,109 students and its role as the second-largest employer in Horry County. Benson emphasized the importance of education in driving prosperity and announced new initiatives like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a $75 million Convocation Center. He also discussed the university's collaboration with local partners and the community's investment in Coastal Carolina, which includes a penny sales tax for K-12 education and campus projects. Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-01-28:/posts/8644136 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S2 Ep1: A Chat with Steve Mays, Founders Group International https://audioboom.com/posts/8637484 1 A Chat with Steve Mays, Founders Group International 2 1515 false full Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International, discusses the golf industry's resurgence, noting that Myrtle Beach's 21 golf courses, owned by Dan Loos, are undergoing significant renovations to attract more players. Mays emphasizes the importance of community involvement and investment, citing his role in local organizations and the success of the Myrtle Beach Classic. He also highlights the alignment between business and government in driving community development, with projects like downtown redevelopment and the proposed Ride 4 initiative set to transform the area.

Links

Founders Group International Website
 Learn more about the organization managing 21 Myrtle Beach golf courses, including their commitment to maintaining world-class facilities and community engagement.
Visit Founders Group International​

Play Golf Myrtle Beach

Founders Group International

Grande Dunes Resort Course
 Explore the recently renovated Grande Dunes, one of Myrtle Beach's premier golf properties, featuring upgraded greens, bunkers, and clubhouse facilities.
Grande Dunes Resort Club​

Play Golf Myrtle Beach

Founders Group International

Myrtle Beach Classic Golf Tournament
 Information about this PGA Tour event, which highlights Myrtle Beach as a leading golf destination.
Learn More About the Myrtle Beach Classic​

Golf

Ride 4 Infrastructure Initiative
 Stay updated on the proposed Ride 4 project aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in Myrtle Beach.
Read About Ride 4​

Play Golf Myrtle Beach

Golf Packages and Tee Times
 For those inspired to visit Myrtle Beach and try the courses discussed, Founders Group International offers booking options and discounts.
Book Tee Times at Myrtle Beach Golf Courses​

Founders Group International

Where you can watch Thrivin’.
PGS YouTube: Watch here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here

]]> Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:58:27 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2025-01-14:/posts/8637484 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep12: A Chat with Ryan Foultz from PcRx Computers https://audioboom.com/posts/8628441 12 A Chat with Ryan Foultz from PcRx Computers 1 1208 false full Ryan Foultz, president and owner of PcRx Computers and host of the weekend radio show on Talk 94.5, Tech Talk sits down with Partnership Grand Strand’s Sarah Dahlstrom. In this episode of Thrivin’, Ryan shares his initiative to create the Big Mixer, a social event created to help business owners find the resources they may need. The success of the Big Mixer has led to the development of additional opportunities to network through Mini Mixers for the business community.

The Big Mixer
 Get info on the latest Mixers
 https://www.thebigmixer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1018952679964556/

Tech Talk 94.5
 Check out Tech Talk with Ryan Foultz, who enjoys helping customers out with technology questions and meeting the needs of our community.
 https://www.talkradiomb.com/on_air/pcrx/

PcRx Computers
 Computer & Laptop Repair
https://www.pcrxcomputers.com/ 


Where you can watch Thrivin’.
 YouTube-PGS: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
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Apple Podcasts: Listen here

]]> Sat, 28 Dec 2024 17:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-12-23:/posts/8628441 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep10: A Chat with Becky Large of Champion Austism Network https://audioboom.com/posts/8623129 10 A Chat with Becky Large of Champion Austism Network 1 2124 false full Becky Large, founder and CEO of the Champion Autism Network, discusses her efforts to make Myrtle Beach an inclusive destination for individuals on the autism spectrum. Starting in 2013 with sensory-friendly movies, her initiatives have expanded to include training programs for businesses, making Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach the first autism-friendly travel destinations in the U.S. Her organization offers an online training program, an autism travel app, and sensory-friendly events. Large emphasizes the importance of non-judgment and kindness towards families with autism. Her work has gained international attention, with plans to expand globally and a new docu-series on Peacock highlighting her efforts.

Champion Autism Network (CAN)
Learn more about the organization’s mission, programs, and resources for autism-friendly travel:
https://championautismnetwork.com

Autism Travel App
Explore the CAN Autism Travel App, a resource for finding autism-friendly destinations and services:
https://championautismnetwork.com/autism-travel-app

Peacock Docu-Series
Discover the upcoming Peacock docu-series featuring Becky Large’s advocacy efforts:
https://www.peacocktv.com

Autism Friendly Myrtle Beach
Details about how Myrtle Beach became an autism-friendly travel destination:
https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/autism

Sensory-Friendly Events in Myrtle Beach
Find out more about sensory-friendly activities and events in the area:
https://www.myrtlebeach.com/sensory-friendly

Understanding Autism
Educational resources about autism spectrum disorders for businesses and families:
https://www.autismspeaks.org
Volunteer or Support CAN
Learn how to get involved with or donate to Champion Autism Network:
https://championautismnetwork.com/donate


Where you can watch Thrivin’. 
YouTube: Watch here
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]]> Sat, 14 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-12-12:/posts/8623129 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep7: A chat with Laura Crowther, Episode 7, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8598311 7 A chat with Laura Crowther, Episode 7, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 2181 false full The "Thrivin’ at the Beach" podcast episode features Laura Crowther, CEO of the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors, discussing the state of the real estate market in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Crowther highlights the challenges of a 40-year housing deficit, the impact of inflation on home prices and interest rates, and the need for workforce housing. She emphasizes the importance of the RIDE 4 program, which funds local road improvements, and the association's role in professional development, advocacy, and community projects like Nance Plaza revitalization. Crowther also discusses the growth of permanent residents and the need for strategic planning to maintain the area's quality of life.
Links

 Partnership Grand Strand Foundation
Website: https://www.partnershipgrandstrand.com
Learn more about the organization behind the podcast and its initiatives.

Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors
Website: https://www.ccarsc.org
Information about the association that Laura Crowther, the podcast guest, leads.

RIDE Road Improvement Program
Website: https://www.horrycounty.org
Learn more about the RIDE initiative and how it is improving road infrastructure in the Grand Strand area.

Where you can watch Thrivin’.

YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
Audioboom: Listen here
Spotify: Listen here
Apple Podcasts: Listen here
]]> Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-10-29:/posts/8598311 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep9: A Chat with Tashena Chestnut and Amanda Van Natta, Episode 9, Thrivin' at the Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8616289 9 A Chat with Tashena Chestnut and Amanda Van Natta, Episode 9, Thrivin' at the Beach 1 1877 false full This episode features Tashena Chestnut and Amanda Van Natta, professionals in career development with the Horry County School District. They discuss the district’s efforts to prepare students for meaningful careers through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs introduce students to various career pathways starting in elementary and middle school. They highlighted the CTE Showcase, an initiative designed to connect local businesses with students by offering tours of schools and CTE programs. Additionally, they shared insights into the Build Something Amazing program, which focuses on exposing high school seniors interested in trades to technical college programs and apprenticeships in the community. Throughout the discussion, they emphasized the importance of expanding students' awareness of career options beyond traditional 4-year college routes, aligning these efforts with the needs of Horry County’s growing business sector.
Links

Local Initiatives and Resources
For Listeners Interested in Participating
General Resources for Business Connections

Where you can watch Thrivin’.

YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
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]]> Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-11-30:/posts/8616289 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep8: A Chat with Mike Chapman, Thrivin’ at the Beach episode 8 https://audioboom.com/posts/8609360 8 A Chat with Mike Chapman, Thrivin’ at the Beach episode 8 1 2738 false full Links
Carolina Cool Website – Visit Carolina Cool
Learn More About HVAC Careers – Explore HVAC Careers
Operation Warm Wishes – Learn About Operation Warm Wishes
Internship & Apprenticeship Opportunities – Find HVAC Training Programs
Women in Skilled Trades – Support Women in Trades
Myrtle Beach Community Initiatives – See Community Events
Local Business Collaboration – Learn About Local Business Partnerships

Where you can watch Thrivin’.

YouTube: Watch here
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]]> Mike Chapman, Sales Manager at Carolina Cool, shared his career transition from engineering to discovering a passion for the HVAC industry. He highlighted the need to encourage more individuals, especially women, to explore skilled trades. Carolina Cool actively supports the local community by sponsoring events and organizations and is launching a charity initiative, "Operation Warm Wishes," to provide free HVAC systems to families in need. The company also invests in training future HVAC technicians through internship and apprenticeship programs. Mike expressed optimism about Myrtle Beach's future, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of local business leaders to foster community growth and prosperity. Sat, 16 Nov 2024 05:01:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-11-16:/posts/8609360 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep7: A chat with Laura Crowther, Episode 7, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8600386 7 A chat with Laura Crowther, Episode 7, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 2181 false full The "Thrivin’ at the Beach" podcast episode features Laura Crowther, CEO of the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors, discussing the state of the real estate market in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Crowther highlights the challenges of a 40-year housing deficit, the impact of inflation on home prices and interest rates, and the need for workforce housing. She emphasizes the importance of the RIDE 4 program, which funds local road improvements, and the association's role in professional development, advocacy, and community projects like Nance Plaza revitalization. Crowther also discusses the growth of permanent residents and the need for strategic planning to maintain the area's quality of life.
Links

 Partnership Grand Strand Foundation
Website: https://www.partnershipgrandstrand.com
Learn more about the organization behind the podcast and its initiatives.

Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors
Website: https://www.ccrealtors.com
Information about the association that Laura Crowther, the podcast guest, leads.

RIDE Road Improvement Program
Website: https://www.horrycounty.org
Learn more about the RIDE initiative and how it is improving road infrastructure in the Grand Strand area.

Where you can watch Thrivin’.

YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
Audioboom: Listen here
Spotify: Listen here
Apple Podcasts: Listen here
]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2024 04:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-11-01:/posts/8600386 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep6: A chat with Jimmy Gray, Episode 6, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8594298 6 A chat with Jimmy Gray, Episode 6, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 2462 false full Jimmy Gray and Peggy Masterson discussed initiatives and projects to drive prosperity in the Grand Strand community. They emphasized the importance of collective efforts at local, state, and federal levels to drive long-term prosperity. Jimmy highlighted the crucial role of the penny sales tax in maintaining infrastructure and addressing future workforce needs. Peggy inquired about potential concerns regarding the referendum's complexity. They discussed the need for community collaboration in advocacy efforts and a unified voice in drafting legislative priorities. Links Penny Sales Tax for Infrastructure Projects • Horry County "Ride 3" Sales Tax - Learn how the penny sales tax funds road improvements in Horry County. • Horry County Schools Penny Sales Tax - Information on how the tax supports school improvements, capital projects, and renovations. Local Government Collaboration • National League of Cities - Details on how local, state, and federal governments collaborate for communi Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-10-23:/posts/8594298 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep5: A chat with Jason Greene, Episode 5, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8588444 5 A chat with Jason Greene, Episode 5, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 2613 false full Jason Greene, Executive CEO of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, discusses the organization's mission to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach through creative placemaking. The Alliance focuses on events, design guidelines, activating vacant spaces, and promoting community input. Committees engage local stakeholders on planning, safety, marketing, and events. Current priorities include architectural guidelines and preserving the area's history while shaping a flexible, vibrant future that serves both residents and visitors. The goal is to make downtown the welcoming "front door" to the Grand Strand.
Links

Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance Overview and Initiatives: This link will take readers to the MBDA's official website, providing detailed information on their efforts to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach and foster collaboration. Learn more here​(MB Downtown). 

Downtown Myrtle Beach Planning and Development: For specifics on design guidelines, current projects, and the future vision of downtown, you can direct your audience to this section on their site. Check it out here​(MB Downtown).

Where you can watch Thrivin’.

YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
Audioboom: Listen here
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]]> Jason Greene, Executive CEO of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, discusses the organization's mission to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach through creative placemaking. The Alliance focuses on events, design guidelines, activating vacant spaces, and promoting community input. Committees engage local stakeholders on planning, safety, marketing, and events. Current priorities include architectural guidelines and preserving the area's history while shaping a flexible, vibrant future that serves both residents and visitors. The goal is to make downtown the welcoming "front door" to the Grand Strand. Sat, 12 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-10-11:/posts/8588444 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep4: A chat with Devin Parks, Episode 4, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8578520 4 A chat with Devin Parks, Episode 4, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 1826 false full Links

Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovation District Development
This page covers ongoing projects and infrastructure work in the district.
Downtown Myrtle Beach Revitalization Efforts
Explore the city's plans to redevelop downtown, including the new performing arts theater and historic preservation.

Where you can watch Thrivin’

YouTube: Watch here
Amazon Music: Listen here
Audioboom: Listen here
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]]> The podcast "Thrivin’ at the Beach" highlights key initiatives shaping Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In this episode, Devin Parks, Director of Economic Development for the City of Myrtle Beach, shares insights on his role in revitalizing the downtown area and the emerging Arts & Innovation District. Drawing from his experience with the Conway Chamber of Commerce, Devin discusses his journey into economic development and focuses on projects like the new performing arts center and downtown redevelopment. He underscores the importance of creating a vibrant, walkable community that blends arts and innovation to attract residents, businesses, and visitors. Devin also highlights the city's long-term vision for growth, particularly in retaining local talent and expanding opportunities, crediting the city leadership’s collaborative planning for Myrtle Beach’s bright future. Sat, 28 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-27:/posts/8578520 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep3: A chat with Tracy Conner, Episode 3, Thrivin' at The Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8569332 3 A chat with Tracy Conner, Episode 3, Thrivin' at The Beach 1 830 false full Links
Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association: Visit Website
Golf Tourism Solutions: Learn More
Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce: Explore Here
]]> Summary The "Thriving at the Beach" podcast, hosted by Peggy Masterson, highlights the vibrant community of Myrtle Beach. The episode features Tracy Conner, a key figure in the local golf industry, discussing his extensive involvement, including managing the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association and securing the PGA Myrtle Beach Classic, which generates over $15 million in economic impact. Conner also serves as the interim CEO of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the chamber's role in community development and quality of life. The podcast underscores the importance of golf tourism and the chamber's collaborative efforts with local stakeholders. Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-11:/posts/8569332 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep2: A Chat with Sandy Davis, Episode 2, Thrivin' at the Beach https://audioboom.com/posts/8570880 2 A Chat with Sandy Davis, Episode 2, Thrivin' at the Beach 1 2169 false full The "Thrivin at the Beach" podcast, hosted by Peggy Masterson, highlights the economic growth and initiatives in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. Sandy Davis, President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, discusses the organization's role in diversifying the economy beyond tourism, focusing on recruiting and retaining industries with 35 employees or more and a $2.5 million capital investment over five years. Key initiatives include product development, utility needs, and workforce housing. Davis emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, particularly with Horry Georgetown Technical College, to support workforce development and attract businesses. Links Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation: https://www.mbredc.org/ Horry Georgetown Technical College: https://www.hgtc.edu/ Sat, 14 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-14:/posts/8570880 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach S1 Ep1: Thrivin' at the Beach, Episode 1, Meet The Team https://audioboom.com/posts/8570875 1 Thrivin' at the Beach, Episode 1, Meet The Team 1 784 false full The "Thriving at the Beach" podcast, hosted by Peggy Masterson, aims to share updates and stories from the Grand Strand community, featuring partners like the city of Myrtle Beach and various alliances. The podcast team includes BJ Beaver and Sarah Dahlstrom, who focus on workforce development and small business retention, respectively. Frankie Colon serves as the producer and editor, ensuring high-quality audio. Mary Ann Joy handles scheduling. The podcast will release new episodes every other week, highlighting local initiatives and successes to inspire and inform the community. Sat, 14 Sep 2024 03:05:27 +0000 tag:audioboom.com,2024-09-14:/posts/8570875 Thrivin' at The Beach Thrivin' at The Beach