Today was Class 34’s first official class day and what a
great way to start! The day was jam packed with city related information and it
was impossible to walk away without learning a few new things about Myrtle
Beach and how it’s run.
We began the day in the Chamber Board Room learning about
all aspects of marketing the Grand Strand. First up we heard a very educational
presentation from Scott Schult, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the
Chamber. It was very interesting to get an insiders perspective on the topic
and kudos must be given to the Chamber staff for their tireless efforts in
promoting the Grand Strand to the nation. We then heard from Bill Golden,
President of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday and learned more about the major role golf
tourism plays in the area’s overall marketing plan. We also heard from
Brad Lofton, Executive Director of Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corp.
about their plans to bring national and worldwide business headquarters here as
well as new industrial businesses to create jobs, attract more residents to the
area and increase tourism. Overall, it was obvious that these gentlemen and
their teams are putting Myrtle Beach on the right path for the future.
Next we drove to the Fire Station on 38th Ave and
met Fire Chief, Alvin Payne and some of his staff. We got a historical presentation enlightening us on the progression of the Fire Department over the
years and how they ended up obtaining the prestigious Class 1 ISO rating, which
only about 50 fire departments in the whole country have; now that is something
to truly be proud of! We took a tour of the Fire House, got to see the trucks
and even hold the Jaws of Life (so heavy!). The firemen cooked us a delicious
lunch of salad and pasta and while we were eating we got to listen to Mark
Kruea, Public Information Officer and Susan Grissom Means, MB City Council Member, speak about the operation of the City of MB and what the city’s funds
and tax dollars are being used towards.
After this, we headed over to the WMBF News Station and got
an insider’s look at how the news is so seamlessly delivered to us each day.
The “working newsroom” was exciting; we could watch storied breaking right in
front of us! The class had fun playing with the green screen also and sitting
at the anchor’s desk for photo ops.
To end the day, we took a tour of the Myrtle Beach Police Station and got to hear about each of the departments from the leaders
themselves. It’s easy to take for granted the services that the police provide,
but to see so many different departments working together for the common good
made us all a little more appreciative. And, just to keep things entertaining,
our classmate Kenny graciously volunteered to be shackled for demonstration! We
also heard from the SC Highway Patrol and watched as Ashley and Tyler tried to
perform a field sobriety test while wearing “drunk goggles” – very amusing –
Ashley was nowhere near the line!
Afterwards, the class attended the LGS Alumni Social in
conjunction with the Chamber’s Business After Hours at Mr. Fish Restaurant and
had a great networking opportunity at this combined event. All in all, it was a
good day!
 |
| At the Fire Station |
 |
| WMBF News Green Screen Fun! |
 |
| Ashley with the Drunk Goggles Demonstration (notice where the line is!) |