Welcome
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New members
Stanley Steemer
David Floyd
Phone: 843-552-4090
Email:david.floyd@steemer.com |
Do you Twitter?
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 Marketing in real time...Nielsen recently released a report stating that Twitter has grown 1,382%
from February 2008 to February 2009; that's 7 million users. Melissa DiMaggio, Director of Marketing of Charming Inns of Charleston, says, "Twitter allows me to connect and network with others in
real time about our hotels and restaurant. It also allows me to connect with
other people in our industry and follow and network with them and share ideas. It is also a great tool to find out what people are
saying about your company."
Laura Lake, at About.com, has some great tips on how to market your own business. We recommend being as clever as you can and don't just state that you have a great offer. We also recommend following other similar businesses even if they are your direct competitor. There are also several Twitter applications available to make it quick and easy to use. A few of the more popular ones are Outtwit, Found.im, Friendbar, and Twhirl. You can find your Greater Charleston Hotel/Motel Association on Twitter by searching GCHMA. |
March Meeting
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Thank you to our speaker, Mayor Riley, and our host, Charleston Marriott!
Mayor Riley shared with attendees how the City of Charleston is planning to spend possible stimulus funds.
 Rep. Chip Limehouse and Rep. Leon Stavrinakis took time out during one of this session's furloughs to join Dan Blumenstock for the meeting.
 Lt. Charles Mitchell, Chief Greg Mullen and Sgt. Dale Wilson of the Charleston Police Department continue to work with the local hospitality industry to make improvements to public safety. |
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UPCOMING MEETING DATES
April 22, 2009 featuring Taste of South Carolina Motorcoach trip to Columbia Motorcoaches leave from and return to the Charleston Area Convention Center Buses board: 8:30 am Buses return: around 3:00 pm May 20, 2009 featuring Lindsey Culbreth, Smith Travel Research Doubletree Guest Suites Historic Charleston Board meeting: 11:00 am Networking 11:30 am General Meeting: Noon RSVP FOR BOTH TO MBRATTON@CHARLESTONCVB.COM! |
2009 Congressional Summit...
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A small contingent from the board of directors of GCHMA traveled to Washington, DC on February 25 for annual office visits. We met with Congressman Henry Brown and his chief of staff, Chris Beradini. We also met with Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and his Legislative Director, Danny Cromer; Congressman Gresham Barrett and his Legislative Assistant, Jeremy Winkler; Melissa Chandler, Legislative Director for Congressman Joe Wilson. In the Senate, we sat down with Senator Lindsey Graham and Laura Bauld and Andrew King as well as Senator Jim DeMint and Jacqueline Wood.
Most of the meetings focused on the topic of the decline in meetings due to the negative press surrounding TARP funds. All of the members were interested to hear how the loss of business affects the local economy and the unemployment rate. A new bill has also been filed to re-instate spousal travel deductions and several members have signed on as co-sponsors.
We are very appreciative of the support we received while in D.C. and even more thrilled to see Congressman Clyburn state on national television that tourism is the #1 industry in South Carolina, is a top priority for his office. Proof that consistent communication with all of our elected officials is paramount!
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Employee Free Choice Act |
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We have received many emails from members regarding this legislation also known as Card Check. The proposed legislation would make it much easier for Unions to form for all types of industries. In most recent news, Senator Arlen Specter has decided to NOT support the legislation. You can view his official statement by clicking here. Washington insiders expect the legislation to pass in the US House but feel certain that Americans will not see it leave the US Senate. South Carolina legislators are already preparing for the legislation to pass into law by filing their own bills. Rep. Eric Bedingfield (R-Greenville) gave GCHMA the following quote, "H3305 is a simple bill that will change the SC State Constitution to
include language that would preserve the right of South Carolinians to
vote by secret ballot when holding union elections. There is a move in
Washington to do away with the secret ballot allowing only cards to be
signed publicly. This public vote would result in union leaders knowing
how each employee votes thus resulting in intimidation. Terrible
problem that we in South Carolina will not allow." Log on to AHLA's website to get up to the minute industry news. |
A trip down memory lane...
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Our members have been participating in Taste of South Carolina since its inaugural event!
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