Grand Strand Palmetto Pulse May

SPOTLIGHT

Grand Strand Health, Part of HCA Healthcare, Named One of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies

Grand Strand Health, part of HCA Healthcare, announced that HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the 2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for its commitment to business integrity through strong ethics, compliance, and governance practices. HCA Healthcare has now been recognized 16 times and is one of only four honorees in the Healthcare Providers and Services category this year.   In 2025, Grand Strand Health donated close to $125,000 to community organizations and events, with its colleagues spending more than 680 hours volunteering in the community.  In 2025, HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation gave approximately $61.3 million to community organizations across the country.

Sylvester & Cockrum, a NexCore Partner, Announces Acquisition of Mechanical Systems Technology

Sylvester & Cockrum, LLC (“S&C”), a Winston-Salem based provider of commercial HVAC services across the Southeastern United States, announced the successful tuck-in acquisition of Mechanical Systems Technology, Inc. (“MST”). This strategic partnership represents an important step in S&C’s continued growth strategy and expands the company’s footprint into the Myrtle Beach and greater coastal South Carolina market. S&C is a partner company of NexCore, a commercial HVAC platform with operations in Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. NexCore is backed by Dallas-based private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners.

James McIlrath Receives 2026 Ann DeBock Leadership Award

Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) has announced James McIlrath, CPA, principal at Duncan, Farmer, McIlrath, Marlowe & Cole, PA, in Myrtle Beach, as the recipient of the 2026 Ann DeBock Leadership Award. Each year, the award recognizes a Leadership Grand Strand graduate who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the community. A member of LGS Class 11, McIlrath has spent nearly four decades championing service, integrity, and community involvement. The other finalists for the 2026 award included Juliet Casper, Cecilia Evans, and Pam Wright, all of whom were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Grand Strand community.

PHILANTHROPY

Myrtle Beach Fashion Show Raises Funds for Homeless Shelter

As reported by Maddie Sexton with WMBF, New Directions of Horry County held its 10th annual Compassion for Fashion event on March 13. The organization hit a goal of raising $150,000 to support the nonprofit’s existing programs and fund a proposed women’s shelter along Mr. Joe White Avenue. Jeneen Scirocco, owner of All 4 Art, debuted a flapper-inspired, floor-length gown constructed entirely from crocheted black trash bags and spray-painted bottle caps. Scirocco said the project took approximately one year to complete.

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Awarded Five-Star Accreditation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce first earned the five-star designation in 2010. Local chambers are rated as Accredited, Three-Stars, Four-Stars, or Five-Stars. This Five-Star designation is the highest possible achievement for a local chamber to earn as part of the Accreditation program.

21 Farming Businesses Receive Grant Funding

The winners of the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness grant program were announced on April 2, 2026. The South Carolina Research Authority, the Wells Fargo Foundation, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, and the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers collaborated in funding and creating this acceleration program. The 21 small- to medium-sized agribusinesses will now form a cohort in the acceleration program where they can test ideas more quickly and strengthen their enterprises. Among the winners were Carolina Seed Systems in Florence County, Microledon Farm in Horry County, and Old McCaskill's Farm in Sumter County.

South Carolina Celebrates Children’s Museum Week April 6–11 Statewide Alliance Highlights the Power of Play, Learning, and Collaboration

Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, officially proclaimed April 6–11, 2026 as Children’s Museum Week, recognizing the vital role children’s museums play in fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. This celebration was led by the South Carolina Alliance of Children’s Museums (SCACM), a collaborative partnership among the state’s children’s museums, working together to maximize statewide impact and expand access to informal, play-based education. Members include The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville and Spartanburg, EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry in Charleston, and Main Street Children’s Museum in Rock Hill.

International Paper Reaches Redevelopment Deal with River Development Equities over Georgetown Site

River Development Equities and International Paper have reached an agreement regarding the sale and redevelopment of the Georgetown mill property. International Paper had operated in Georgetown for nearly 90 years before closing in 2024, impacting more than 670 employees. Officials with River Development Equities noted that the project is expected to focus on economic revitalization, job creation, and a redevelopment approach that aims to preserve Georgetown’s historic waterfront while introducing new hospitality, residential, industrial, and commercial uses.

Apply for America 250 Parade

Applications are open to register for this year's "America 250 — Red, White and Remember" parade in The Market Common in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, May 23. The parade, formerly known as the Military Appreciation Days parade, celebrates patriotism, service, and sacrifice. It is also a tribute to America’s 250th birthday. Participants may opt to purchase a commercial float for $850. The fee includes all decorations, a driver, insurance coverage, and the applicant’s name on both sides of the float. Registration is open until Friday, May 8.

United Way of Horry County Unveils 2025 Community Needs Assessment and Community Game Plan

United Way of Horry County (UWHC) officially released its 2025 Community Needs Assessment and introduced its new Community Game Plan at the annual State of Our Families event held on March 18. The assessment, informed by thousands of community voices and data points, highlights growing challenges for ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities. In Horry County, 41 percent of households fall under the ALICE threshold. United Way of Horry County will use the assessment and Community Game Plan to guide funding decisions, strengthen partnerships, and expand programs that directly address the barriers families face every day.

SPOTLIGHT

Contour Airlines Announces New Seasonal Flights from Beckley, West Virginia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Contour Airlines has announced the launch of new seasonal nonstop service between Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beckley, West Virginia, and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, operating from June 3 through Aug. 13, 2026. Officials with Contour note that this new route offers travelers a convenient and affordable gateway to one of the East Coast's most sought-after summer destinations. The service is scheduled to operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Watercrest Myrtle Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care Earns the Reputation 800 Award for Two Consecutive Years

Watercrest Senior Living Group has announced that Watercrest Myrtle Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care has been recognized for two consecutive years with the 800 Award by Reputation. Reputation is a global leader in reputation performance management honoring businesses that set the standard in customer satisfaction and brand trust. Watercrest Myrtle Beach is one of five Watercrest Senior Living communities to earn the award this year alongside: Watercrest St. Lucie West, Watercrest Palm Beach Gardens, Watercrest Fredericksburg, and Pelican Landing Assisted Living and Memory Care.