Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept-Oct 2018

www.MPBusinessMag.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com MPB mp business organization’s specific needs. In May, the Chamber accepts college scholarship applications from seniors at all area high schools – public and private alike – and disburses $10,000 in educational assistance to the four most qualified students. While the Chamber of Commerce is intentionally nonpolitical and “doesn’t pick winners and losers or endorse candidates,” according to Staubes, it does co-host successful candidates’ forums in town election years. The Chamber of Commerce welcomes new businesses to Mount Pleasant, and, in conjunction with the town, helps them arrange a ribbon-cutting ceremony – if they want one – and also assists local students in obtaining internships at numerous area businesses. And, because the Chamber’s activities all are run on a volunteer basis, all revenues are used simply to cover modest overhead costs. According to Staubes, the sometimes-held image of all Chambers of Commerce as cabals of prosperous “fat cats” gathering clandestinely to conspire to foster their own interests “is just not true.” He observed that the Mount Pleasant Chamber’s members are primarily small businesses – more than half with five or fewer employees – franchisees, doctors, lawyers, certified public accountants, restaurants, hospitals, real estate agents, media outlets and nonprofits. Perhaps surprisingly, he added that retailers are not dominant in the organization. “In fact, retail is an area we are hoping for and working to grow,” he said. The Chamber’s annual membership fee is at only $200 (nonprofits are charged $100), and, while higher membership levels are available, there are no barriers to access, so members aren’t pressured to pay more than they can comfortably afford. What’s next for the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce? Asked about the possibility of a Chamber golf tournament, Staubes responded, “That’s a great idea, and we already have some people looking into it.” To which Mount Pleasant Magazine offers a resounding “Fore!” Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce President-Elect Shane Griffin at one of the Chamber’s many networking events. Whether a romantic escape, or a fishing or watersports adventure, Freedom Boat Club takes you there! Call for a VIP tour of the fleet and facilities. Discover Boating Freedom! 843-870-78 87 • FreedomBoatClub. com Mt. Pleasant, Seabrook Island, Pawley’s Island, N. Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, SC. Southport, NC.