Organization to Strengthen Mission to Improve Quality of Life Across Grand Strand
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Visit Myrtle Beach are proud to announce an updated leadership structure designed to strengthen the organization’s mission to enhance the quality of life for residents across the Grand Strand.
MBACC and Visit Myrtle Beach CEO Matt Pivarnik and the Executive Committee of the MBACC Board of Directors have appointed Jimmy Gray and Stuart Butler to Presidents of the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach respectively. Gray and Butler will continue to report to Pivarnik and the three will be accountable to the board.
Jimmy Gray
President, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Stuart Butler
President, Visit Myrtle Beach
“This is an exciting time for the chamber and our region,” Pivarnik said. “Establishing clear leadership for the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach will help advance specific initiatives with a higher level of focus while maintaining the critical partnerships and team approach that the organization is known for. Jimmy and Stuart are highly respected and will professionally represent our region at the local, state, national and international level.”
Patrick Norton, Chief Marketing Officer for Brittain Resorts and Chairman of the MBACC Board said, “One of the reasons we chose Matt as our next CEO is because he brings the kind of experience that has shaped successful organizations like ours where tourism, business and community all overlap. This new structure kicks off a stronger, more focused chapter for the Chamber and Visit Myrtle Beach. It’s a natural evolution that helps us better serve not just our members and partners, but the whole Grand Strand.”
Gray has been with the Chamber for seven years, serving as the Chief Advocacy Officer, and Butler for four years, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer. In their new roles, Gray and Butler will oversee distinct areas of strategic focus:
As Chamber President, Gray will lead initiatives related to business development, advocacy, membership engagement and community partnerships. He will be supported by Cindy Gettig, Executive Vice President of Business Development.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and continue serving a community I care deeply about,” Gray said. “The Grand Strand is full of opportunity, and I’m committed to advancing initiatives that foster growth, strengthen partnerships and enhance the quality of life for all who live and work here. With the support of our incredible team and community stakeholders, we’ll continue to build a stronger, more connected region.”
As President of Visit Myrtle Beach, Butler will direct destination marketing, brand strategy and tourism promotion. He will be joined by Diane Charno, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communication, and Bob Harris, Executive Vice President of Group Sales.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Visit Myrtle Beach at such a pivotal time,” Butler said. “Tourism is the engine that drives our region’s economy, and I’m passionate about telling our destination’s story in a way that inspires, welcomes and connects with travelers around the world. I look forward to working alongside our talented team and partners to elevate the Myrtle Beach brand and ensure our community continues to thrive.”
For more information about the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Myrtle Beach, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com.
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About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community — serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded MBACC its five-star accreditation — one of only a few chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, MyrtleBeachAreaCVB.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com.