To be a successful entrepreneur there are a few things you can’t do without: courage, passion, a great idea, tenacity, a personality that handles risk well, the ability to work incredibly hard and a host of other attributes needed for lasting success.

Last Thursday at Buckwalter Place was the grand opening of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton.  It’s a game changer for the Lowcountry that will serve as a successful launching pad for a number of innovative technology start-up companies.  It’s a true public/private partnership that’s going to mean great things for our region and provide promising entrepreneurs the tools and support they need to be successful.  It’s a collaborative effort between the Town of Bluffton, Clemson University, and CareCore National, the company founded by the late Don Ryan who was an integral force in launching the partnership. Don’s son Kevin Ryan of CareCore National is extremely involved in the center as are a number of other businesses that most start-ups only dream of having as a part of their support team.

Entrepreneurs serve as an example not only for others in business but for our children as well.  Seventy-eight percent of students with an entrepreneurial family member say they’d like to launch their own business.  With risk also comes reward.  On average, entrepreneurs earn at least 25% more than the general population.

Entrepreneurship is something to be celebrated which is exactly what your chamber will be doing next Wednesday during Small Business Week when we will announce the winner of the chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award.

It’s a daunting endeavor to run your own small business, but most entrepreneurs wouldn’t have it any other way.  Over 27 million small businesses in this country account for 60-80 percent of all new jobs.  Your chamber works each day to support the Lowcountry business community and we’re excited to honor those businesses who have not only survived, but thrived in a challenging economy and come out on top.

I’m pleased that so many of you have already made your reservations for the Small Business of the Year luncheon and other events scheduled throughout the week.  If you haven’t already done so, click here to reserve your spot.

Don Ryan was an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word and would be proud of what’s happening in the center aptly named in his honor.  Each and every day in Bluffton, on Hilton Head Island and throughout the region, businesses are moving forward and supporting our economy and our quality of life.  We’re proud to play a role in the success of our business community.

When you’re looking for a plumber, an electrician, an accountant or that store with just the right gift, does geography matter?  If you’re looking for the best business for the service you need, does it make a difference if you find them on Hilton Head Island or in Bluffton?

Business doesn’t stop at the bridge.  Over a decade ago, we officially became the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce because we realized that while both communities are unique, there are basics that apply to success in business regardless of your location on the map.  We knew that together we could accomplish more with one strong collective voice.

Our networking events, programs and services are inclusive of both communities because not only does business not stop at the bridge, in today’s world, the individual you meet at a Bluffton quarterly luncheon, or a networking event held on the Island, could be the contact you need to reach new clients not just locally, but throughout the region, state and elsewhere.

Small businesses matter to us and supporting them is our mission. Showcase events like Business Expo, Small Business Week, State of the Region, educational seminars on marketing, business capital and other topics and incredible website resources like our small business toolkit are just a few of our initiatives. Those who participate do so because it helps them succeed in a way that matters to their business, no matter where

it is.

We all understand that there are unique aspects to both communities.  The Lowcountry is not a “one size fits all” locale and we relish the uniqueness of Bluffton as well as the Island’s offerings.  While we market them both from a tourism perspective, we do so with a keen focus on what makes each community special.  Tens of thousands of travelers have discovered the charm of Bluffton because they’ve chosen to visit Hilton Head Island and want to discover their surroundings.  We actively market to make that happen.

Next time you’re tempted to think in terms of “us” and “them,” north of the Broad, or south of the Broad; Bluffton or Hilton Head Island, think again.  We have more in common today when it comes to business than ever before.

The redevelopment momentum for our destination continues. Sonesta International has announced that the Island’s Crowne Plaza Resort will now become a Sonesta property-the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island.  It’s additional private investment in our destination that will pay dividends for both Sonesta as well as our Hilton Head Island brand.

Do you think some airfares are a little high these days?  We do, which is why we’ve taken action on this issue.  In cooperation with the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and the Savannah Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau, we’ve contacted Delta executives to relay our concerns with the growing disparity between Delta fares and rates for neighboring airports.  We’ve been successful in the past with this approach and prompted Delta to adjust fares in and out of Savannah in 2008 and we’re hoping to do so again.  Meetings are taking place with Delta officials at the end of this month and we will keep you posted on the outcome.

We’re all beginning to see the out-of-state plates along our roadways that mean our visitor season has begun, and it’s starting off with a bang. I’m pleased to report that according to Smith Travel Research, Hilton Head Island’s year-to-date hotel occupancy increase is outpacing our competitors such as Kiawah Island, Napa, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and 14 other destinations.  We’re hoping it’s a trend that continues.  Another trend we’re seeing that bodes well for our visitor season is reservations “on the books” for our home and villa properties are up a healthy 58% over last year according to VTRIP research.  Both research firms help us get the big picture view of what’s happening in the tourism industry.

I will continue to push forward the mantra that we’re all in the tourism business in the Lowcountry.  There’s not a single business that isn’t impacted by our number one industry.  That’s why information like the trends I’ve talked about above are important barometers of our business community.

Enjoy the Spring weather and the week ahead!

You’ve got to love an election year. They’re filled with endless polls and surveys to tell us who’s winning the race and what the hot button issues are with voters.  Have you ever noticed that some polls say one thing and another poll can come to an entirely different conclusion?  We all know there’s good research and bad research, the trick is to determine which is which…often a tough task whether it’s an election year or not.

Surveys and polls when done right are incredibly powerful tools. Our organization partners with USCB and others who specialize in research to provide critical data and input that guides us on a variety of fronts. We do Visitor Profile Studies to find out who comes to our destination, what makes them tick and more importantly, what makes them come back. In partnership with USCB’s research experts, we are currently surveying visitors to find out how they like to get their information while on vacation and taking a closer look at our day visitors and how we can turn them into overnight guests.  We survey our members on a regular basis to find out how we’re doing and how we can improve on our programs and offerings to meet their needs.

It’s not research that sits on a shelf, it’s information that’s put into action to serve our members and market our destination. What’s important to one member or to one traveler might be entirely different to another, that’s why we take the time to look at the big picture of what the group as a whole deems important.  Our chamber is a membership-driven organization and your needs “drive the bus” of what we do.  The travel industry is a consumer-driven industry and they help us determine where to market and how to market to best reach our target audience.

As consumers and in an election year, we’ve all taken surveys and polls.  Next time you see survey results, be discerning. Ask questions. Is the source credible?  Are the questions leading me to a certain bias?  Was the survey given to a random sample? If the survey used the entire population,  did enough respond to make the results valid?  Survey results are meaningless unless done right. Take a closer look at survey results you read that are presented as research. You might be surprised at the real conclusions when you ask the questions above.

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s award season in Hollywood. Golden Globes, Oscars and Red Carpet coverage is front and center in the media.

This week on Hilton Head Island we host our equivalent of the Oscars where we honor stars of a different kind. There are those in our community who wake up each and every day and make the Lowcountry a better place. Each of us receives the same 24 hours in a day, yet these individuals and organizations have chosen to positively impact the lives of others with the hours they’ve been given. They’ve each touched countless individuals with their good works and they move our community forward with a vision of not what is, but what can be.

At this Saturday’s Chamber Ball we will honor the community’s top teacher, the Zonta Woman of the Year and the Organization of the Year winner. We’ll also recognize Bluffton’s advocates with the Bluffton Regional Business Council Member of the Year and the top award that exemplifies what it truly means to go above and beyond for your community…the Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship Award.

Join us as we surprise the winners with recognition well-deserved. Hundreds of you will also enjoy dinner and dancing and coming together for a night to remember. If you haven’t already reserved your seat at the gala, do it today. It’s a great evening for a great cause…celebrating the Lowcountry and those who make it great.

Can you feel the momentum?  It’s happening.

Thirty million dollars is a big investment.  But the owners of the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa understand that the near 30 million dollars they’re investing in their Hilton Head Island property is money well spent that will pay far greater dividends in the future.  When completed it will be the largest investment made to the Westin since it was originally built.

They’re not alone in their investment in our community and the momentum is building.

• The Town of Hilton Head Island is investing $13 million in south-end improvements to the Coligny area and Bluffton’s Buckwalter Place continues to be a success story with its diversified growth.
• The Hilton Oceanfront Resort officially becomes an Omni property next week and with that change comes millions of dollars in reinvestment in the property.
• The Holiday Inn Oceanfront is spending millions to renovate its entire property.
• Planned changes for the Inn at Harbour Town are moving forward and will turn this area into a showpiece property that competes with the finest resorts in the nation.
• The booming downtown and promenade area of Bluffton continues to thrive and the ambitious plans for the redevelopment of the Mall at Shelter Cove will continue to spur more investment.
• The vote of confidence by RBC Bank and Boeing shown by their multi-million dollar investment in our landmark PGA TOUR event also speaks to the momentum that’s happening on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the Lowcountry.

We’ve never been a community that is shy about big goals and about making them happen. These projects aren’t just great investments for the companies that are making them, they’re good for all of us.  We all benefit when investment is made in our community that spurs renewal and growth.

Yesterday marked an important national holiday, and you might be surprised to know that the U.S. is not the only place Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is recognized each January.  Believe it or not, Hiroshima, Japan holds a special banquet on MLK day in honor of Dr. King’s contribution to civil rights.  The city of Toronto also recognizes MLK Day.  In 1983 the holiday was officially signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

Thanks to yesterday’s holiday, welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Monday Morning Briefing. It’s a big week for business in the Lowcountry.

This week you’ll have the opportunity to drive additional revenue to your bottom line, reconnect with clients and find a few new ones. You’ll be able to check out your competition and uncover the latest in social media marketing, and you can do it all in two days thanks to Business EXPO.

Every year, I really enjoy the opportunity to talk one-on-one with hundreds of businesses at EXPO.  It’s akin to one big focus group.  One of the things I like most about our chamber members is that no one is shy about sharing their feedback on what’s working in our business community and where they see the challenges ahead.  They are quick to point out what they like about being part of the chamber as well as what they think we should be doing better and we listen to each and every one of them.  Many of our best ideas come from you, our members.

In a week filled with emails, projects and deadlines,  I really encourage you to take the time to be part of  Business Expo tonight and Wednesday.  No matter what your business goals are for the coming year, I’m confident that you’ll leave Expo with positive results.

Based on our recent membership survey, I wasn’t surprised to learn that 88 percent of you are utilizing social media outlets such as Facebook.  Thirty percent of you are tweeting for business on Twitter.

If so many of us are using social media marketing it must be working right?  How do you know?  How do you measure it?  Are you managing it for maximum results or is your social media managing you?

Social media is about so much more than the occasional Facebook posting, being “liked,” or tweeting your latest deal.  Next week at Business Expo, we’re giving you the opportunity to ensure you’re making the most of this important marketing tool by offering a great seminar featuring interactive strategy specialist Sloane Kelley.  Her talk on “Managing Social Media Without Letting it Manage You” can take your marketing efforts to a whole new level.

She’s a terrific example of the wealth of home-grown talent we have in the Lowcountry.  She’s consulted on the topic of social media for small businesses as well as the big guys like Coca Cola.

Check out the details below.  Your admission to the Expo seminar also gets you a free ticket to Expo After Hours that evening where you can do a little live “social” media by networking and checking out the offerings of your fellow chamber members.

Opportunities are waiting for you at Business Expo.  Don’t miss it.

January 17-18
Westin Hilton Head Island
Resort & Spa

Business EXPO is just around the corner and next week is your opportunity to build your business and expand your contacts throughout the regional business community. With over 2,000 attendees, Business EXPO is the largest business and networking event in the Lowcountry!

Register now for Business EXPO’s seminar “Managing Social Media Without Letting it Manage You” with interactive strategy specialist Sloane Kelley, co-founder of Geekend, on Wednesday, January 18, 4:00-5:15pm.

Kelley’s known for her innovative campaigns for companies large and small, such as Coca-Cola and Buffalo Wild Wings. Beyond Facebook and Twitter, it’s a big social media world out there. Learn how you can say connected and create content that’s right for your business!  Click Here to register.

The event begins with EXPO After Hours on Tuesday evening with great food, complimentary beer, wine and entertainment from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Business EXPO opens Wednesday at noon, followed by another great EXPO After Hours from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  There is no cost to attend EXPO during the day. Cost is $10 to attend EXPO After Hours. Seminar fee is $10 and includes free admission into EXPO After Hours.

Booth registration is still open.  Click Here to register.

It’s day two of the new year and I’m hoping that if you’ve set any New Year’s resolutions, you’re still on track.  Many of us set personal resolutions on January 1, but do you set business resolutions as well?

If your email in-box is like mine, you receive a variety of business information emails.  A few that have crossed my in-box lately contain some great New Year’s resolutions for your business that are worth passing along.

Plan Your Year – Sounds like one of the basics because it is, yet it’s surprising how many businesses don’t take the time to plan their goals for the coming year.  Set realistic goals, realize change is inevitable and most importantly, know how you’re going to measure your results.

Set Your Social Plan – Social marketing is about much more than putting up your business Facebook page.  It’s about building relationships and building your business.  Need help with how to do it well?  We’ve got an EXPO seminar featuring a social media expert that will do just that.

If it’s Not Working, Don’t Do It – As the saying goes, know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em.  Make 2012 the year you get rid of what’s not working for you and your business.   Take a hard look at what’s working and what’s not to streamline the year ahead.

Do More “Social” Marketing that has Nothing to do With  Technology – Even in the digital world, there’s still no replacement for human contact and interaction.  Keeping networking at the top of your to-do list pays dividends. Your chamber hosts over 50 events each year designed to drive your revenue and build your business-take advantage of them.

Here’s to a successful, productive and prosperous New Year for all!

As we wind down toward the end of the year, it’s always a great time for reflection both personally and professionally.  I want to thank the hundreds of you who have taken the time to complete your chamber end-of-year survey.

We will be sharing the results with our members after the first of the year, but I’m humbled by the strong show of support from our members and their confidence in the chamber.  It gives us the opportunity to look at what our members have to say about their chamber and what their needs are for the coming year.  If you haven’t had time to fill out your survey yet, we will be resending the survey this week.

We’re incredibly thankful for your support of the chamber and the business community.

Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!