Committee unifies organizations to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach.
In February 2018, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce created a new committee designed to unite organizations that seek to revitalize downtown Myrtle Beach. The new Ocean Walk Task Force is a collaborative effort between the chamber, City of Myrtle Beach, and downtown merchants to drive improvements to the downtown area.
According to task force chair Larry Bond, one of the group's goals is to activate family-friendly activities to drive new clientele and increase dwell time. To that end, the task force put together a timely strategic plan to create immediate positive changes.
So far this year, the committee has:
Strategically placed 91 inspirational graphics on sidewalks in the downtown area. (Graphics were created by MBACC graphic designer, Colleen Balzotti.)
Pressure washed Ocean Boulevard from 7th Avenue North to 14th Avenue North. This was paid for by the Downtown Revitalization Corporation and will need to be done again and maintained.
Developed a lighting/banner project to help brighten up the area. The first banner was paid for by the task force, and they will continue to seek funding for the remaining banners to complete the project from 7th Avenue North to 21st Avenue North at a cost of $33,800.
Distributed 1,000 lanyards to downtown merchants that include contact numbers for all city services. (Paid for by MBACC)
Been producing and promoting the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Bonanza events which will run every Wednesday and Thursday night from 6-11 p.m. through Thursday, Aug. 30, on the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place between 8th and 9th Avenues North.
The Ocean Walk Task Force has eight members:
Pat Walsh, senior vice president of leasing and asset management with Burroughs and Chapin
Rachel Beckerman from the SkyWheel
Mayur Jeram, a local hotelier who also sits on the Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board
Victor Shamah, owner of The Bowery and several properties in the downtown area
Sam Lauren, owner of Soho, Eagles Beachwear and Bargain Beachwear
Pablo Chavez from Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Aquarium
Ann Brittain of Brittain Resort Group, which manages over 4,000 rooms in Myrtle Beach
Larry Bond, owner of four downtown restaurants – Art Burger Sushi Bar, The Chemist, Noizy Oyster, and Gordo’s Tacos & Tequila
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Bonanza is a free family-friendly event that features live entertainment, variety shows, talent and karaoke contests, food trucks, DJ performances, a kid’s activity area, games, and much more! Enjoy downtown each Wednesday and Thursday from 6-11 p.m. For event details, visit BoardwalkBonanza.com. For more information, contact Amie Lee, Palmetto Event Productions, at 843-855-0527 or info@palmettoeventproductions.com.