Greetings!

December can be a hectic time of year, but it's also a critical time to look ahead both personally and professionally.  Each year around this time, I like to remind our chamber partners of the importance of planning.  Did you know that success leaves clues?  If you want to be more successful in business and in life, there's a trail left by others who've done it and if you haven't already done so, it's less complicated than you might think.

Starting the planning process now for your business in 2016 will help you hit the ground running and ensure you're prepared to take it to the next level in the coming year.  Research reported by author Charley Mendoza has shown that successful people have a few critical things in common, that when combined, lead to extraordinary success.   
  • Successful people read...a lot.  Think you don't have time to read beyond your morning skim of the headlines?  Billionaire Marc Cuban insists on reading three hours a day.  Bill Gates reads for at least an hour each night before going to sleep. Learn from the success and pitfalls others have already conquered.
  • They don't hit the snooze button...they're early risers. Many of the most successful people take advantage of the morning to plan, plan, plan and squeeze more out of their day.   In his book "The Miracle Morning," bestselling author Hal Elrod talks about how it's the best time of the day to maximize the rest of your day.
  • They have a secret weapon...for less stress, improved memory, brain health and optimum performance...wait for it...it's not easy, but it is on the top of just about every uber-successful agenda...exercise. Successful people maximize their energy, stamina and performance through fitness so get moving.
  • They minimize distractions...Sounds simple doesn't it?  How many of us are at our desks with half the morning gone before we've planned the rest of our day, much less our week or year?  As the saying goes either you run your day, or your day runs you.  Successful people manage themselves in addition to managing others.
  • They give...they recognize the importance of helping others and they put their money, time and action where there priorities are.  Many of the most successful people in the world make generosity a priority.
  • They work...very, very hard. They roll up their sleeves and they get it done. Every. Single. Day.  Successful people understand more than any other trait that it's daily habits that add up to productive weeks, months, years, careers, families and success.
Don't try it all at once, but imagine what would happen if you took just one of these habits and implemented it before moving on to the next?  2016 could be a year unlike any other.  Start planning it now.


Sincerely,
 
 
 
Bill Miles, IOM, CCE
President & CEO
 

Hilton Head Island - A TIME  Magazine "Most Instagrammed Place in U.S."   

What are the most photographed places across America?

Hilton Head Island is one of them. Instagram, the photo-sharing app with over 400 million users worldwide, has recognized Hilton Head Island in TIME magazine's article "Most Instagrammed Places in the U.S."

The Chamber's VCB efforts on social platforms continues to encourage visitors and locals to share their experiences in growing numbers.
Our Instagram account @VisitHiltonHead is our fastest-growing platform, with 6,000+ loyal followers who share their travel inspiration in real-time, tripling this past year alone.
Click Here for details in this report from time.com

It's a busy season in the Lowcountry. Want to find out what's happening around town? 

Our Chamber Events Calendar is a great way to see what's happening at the chamber and throughout the entire community. 

It's THE place to build awareness about your events. 
Click here to view and post upcoming events
Town of Hilton Head Island Receives Stormweather Designation 

The Town of Hilton Head Island has received StormReady designation by the National Weather Service. 

  StormReady is a nationwide community preparedness program, through the National Weather Service, that uses a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to handle all types of severe weather.
The designation recognizes the Town's ongoing commitment to public safety and preparedness.
Chamber Young Professionals
Merry Monday! 
Tonight! Monday, December 7
The Bluffton Room
5:30-7:00 p.m.

Get set for a Merry Monday and usher in the holidays at December's chamber young professionals happy hour, this evening at The Bluffton Room.

Come see what the chamber's popular networking group for the under-40 set is all about!

 If you're a young professional, don't miss this great opportunity to network with your peers. There is no cost to attend.
5 Traits of Great High-Growth Hires  

When it comes to building the team that can take your business to the next level, knowing how to spot winning employees is key.

From grit to self-awareness, these are the type of people who start successful companies and help build big businesses out of small ones.
Click Here for details in this report from americanexpress.com

Join the chamber's Bluffton-Regional Business Council for Coffee Talk: Connecting Business in Bluffton this Wednesdsay with USCB Chancellor  Al Panu, Ph.D. 

Come hear the innovative ideas he brings to the Lowcountry in his new role as chancellor and take part in our valuable business education partnership with USCB. Advance registration is suggested. There is no cost to attend.   
Chamber Seeks Nominations for
Prestigious Chamber Ball Awards  
The chamber is seeking nominations for two prestigious awards. The Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award and the Outstanding Organization of the Year Award will be announced at the 2016 Chamber Ball. Completed nomination forms must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 8, 2016.  Winners will be honored at the 2016 Chamber Ball on February 27 at the The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
 
The Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award, first presented in 1971, recognizes individuals who have performed "selfless community service in the spirit of brotherhood."  Last year Ray Warco earned the accolade. Click here to download the nomination form.
 
The Outstanding Organization Award is presented to any civic, business, service or fraternal group in recognition of significant contributions to the well-being of our island community. Last year's award was presented to Memory Matters. Click here to download the nomination form.

Nominations should include accurate and detailed information specifying each candidate's activities and achievements relevant to the appropriate award. Nomination forms are available at chamber headquarters or online at hiltonheadblufftonchamber.org.  Nomination forms for Zonta's Woman of the Year are also available at the chamber. 
For more information contact Connie Killmar at (843) 341-8372 or [email protected].
'Tis the Season to Shop Local 

Making a list and checking it twice? During the holidays we encourage you to shop local to support small businesses and area retailers.

From Old Town Bluffton to island venues, our local small businesses offer up unique merchandise, excellent customer service and special sales for the holidays.

   
Shining the spotlight on small business is at the very heart of the chamber's Spotlight on Small Business partners. Check your list for special, unique gifts at shops around town from Gifted to J Banks Design, Bleu Companies, Muse Gallery Hilton Head, Forsythe Jewelers, Kelly Caron Designs, Gigis Boutique, Moonlit Baby, Gigi's Boutique and The Complete Home in Bluffton. Stop by the chamber for your Shop Local posters, gift bags and more.
Click Here to take a look at participating local shop owners and learn more about the national Shop Small campaign.
 
Advocacy in Action

This week your chamber will be attending the
following meetings on behalf of our members.


Monday,
December 7 
 
Town of Hilton Head Island
Public Safety Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Beaufort County
Governmental Committee Work Session
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Town of Hilton Head Island
Arts and Cultural Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Beaufort County
Natural Resources Committee Meeting
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Beaufort County
Planning Commission Meeting
6:00-8:00 p.m.
 Click here for full agenda

Tuesday, December 8
 
Town of Bluffton 
Town Council Meeting
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Wednesday, December 9

Town of Hilton Head Island
Circle to Circle Committee Meeting
8:30-10:30 a.m.
 Click here for full agenda

Beaufort County
Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Development Agreement Sub-Committee Meeting
10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Thursday, December 10

Beaufort County
Rural and Critical Land Preservation Board Meeting
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Click here for full agenda

Meetings are subject to change.
 
 






Chamber Calendar

December 7
Merry Monday! Chamber
Young Professionals
Happy Hour
The Bluffton Room
5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP Here

December 9
Coffee Talk: Connecting
Business in Bluffton
Speaker: Dr. Al Panu
USCB Chancellor
Corner Perk, Bluffton
8:30 a.m.
RSVP Here

December 11
Annual Meeting
Chamber Boardroom
8:00 a.m.

January 5
Business Education
Partnership Committee
Chamber Headquarters
8:30 a.m.

January 8
Government Affairs
Committee Meeting
Chamber Boardroom
8:00 a.m.

January 12
Small Business Seminar
Chamber Boardroom
9:00 a.m.-Noon
RSVP Here

January 23-30
Chamber Restaurant Week

January 27
Chamber Young
Professional Group
Poseidon Rooftop
5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP Here

February 2
Business Education
Partnership Committee
Chamber Boardroom
8:30 a.m.

February 2
Groundhog Shadow Day
hosted by Business Education
Partnership Committee
Participating Member Business
 Locations / 2:00 p.m.
Click Here


Did you know...  

on the chamber website:  

You can link to the
Career Resources Center
for the latest job openings
New Members   

Oceanside Electric
John Frey
PO Box 22554
Hilton Head Island
oceanside-electric.com

JB's Pr%f Alcohol Ice Cream
Ian Collins
2651 Shop Road
Columbia
jbsproof.com

Dividend Assets Capital, LLC
John Cheshire
58 Riverwalk Boulevard
Bluffton
dacapitalsc.com

Best Western
Sam Johal
11 Lemoyne Avenue
Hilton Head Island
bestwestern.com/
oceanbreezeinn

The Rider Group
Craig Rider
4 Braddock Cove
Hilton Head Island
ridergroup.com

Ribbon-Cuttings    
December 11
4:00 p.m. Ribbon-Cutting
Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn
11 Lemoyne Ave
Hilton Head Island

Around Town...
Community Calendar
  
Community Calendar Highlights
   

Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Centre


Mary Poppins at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Hilton Head Choral Society's The Sounds of Christmas "A Merrie Olde Christmas"

Board Game Night with ROLL Initiative at Whole Foods

Elf on the Shelf with Sonny at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Sweetgrass Wreath Making at Coastal Discovery Museum

Breakfast with Santa at
Heywards Restaurant

Harbour Town Lights at The Sea Pines Resort

SOBA Gallery Presents
 "A Holiday Art Boutique"


Click Here for a full listing  
of what's happening this week
in the community:
 
to submit
your event to the Chamber Community Calendar
 
Click Here to submit
your event to the  
Visitor & Convention
Bureau Calendar 
Reach Your Audience:

The Chamber Monday Morning Briefing and our Chamber Business Monthlypublication offer business members a great opportunity to reach their core audience. Sponsorship and advertising rates for these outlets are very reasonable.

If you'd like to find out more,
please contact Anne Feldman at