A new business organization made its debut Tuesday in Myrtle Beach.
Its leaders say they'll serve small businesses that are being overlooked by other local chambers.
There were already chambers of commerce for Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River and a few other towns. But the founders of the Grand Strand Chamber say another one was needed.
The owner of the 7 Twelve Boutique already belonged to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce when she decided to join the new Grand Strand Chamber. Michelle Spontak says she's not unhappy with the old chamber and will remain a member, but the new group offers something more.
"This is something that I think supports the smaller businesses and grants more exposure," said Spontak.
The founder of the new Grand Strand Chamber says there are some 17,000 businesses in Horry and Georgetown counties, and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber represents fewer than 3,000 of them.
He says that chamber is mostly aimed at one industry.
"They're focused on tourism and they do a fine job at what they're focused on, but I just don't think they're focused on small businesses and jobs and job creation and that's really where we're focused at," said founder Ward Shepherd.
The new chamber's president is former Myrtle Beach mayor Mark McBride, a vocal critic of the city's new one-percent tourism marketing tax, which the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber supported. When asked whether opposition to the tax is the main reason why the new chamber was formed, McBride says, that's a good question.
"The sales tax increase is an awful big instigator in what's created this whole movement," said McBride.
McBride says he doesn't necessarily see any other chamber as a competitor.
"Don't quit your membership in the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Join us also."
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Dean put out this statement about the new chamber:
"We wish them well and look forward to working with them as we do other local chambers and membership organizations." But he also pointed out, his chamber's membership hit a record this year of 2,750 members.
Membership in the new Grand Strand Chamber will cost about $500 a year.
