Oct. 27--A motorcycle-riding campground manager can add Citizen of the Year to his list of awards.
Lance Thompson, vice president and general manager for Ocean Lakes Family Campground, received the honor from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce during its annual meeting Thursday. A past chairman of the chamber's board of directors, Thompson serves on the Waccamaw Quality Council, the Horry County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee and the Council of Myrtle Beach Area Organizations. He also has participated in Kyle Petty's motorcycle Charity Ride Across America to raise money for children's hospitals.
'If you know [Thompson], you can't help but like and respect him,' said Vernie Dove, a past Citizen of the Year. Thompson said he was humbled to join the list of past recipients. 'Just being mentioned in the same breath ... is truly, truly a privilege for me and an honor,' Thompson said after receiving congratulatory hugs and handshakes.
About 300 people attended the luncheon at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. David Miranda, chairman and chief executive officer of LastMinuteTravel.com, told the group how the Internet is changing the tourism industry. Online bookings for hotel rooms and other services give travelers near instant travel-planning opportunities, he said.
'This is not a fad, not a trend,' Miranda said. 'It's a new way of doing business.' The chamber's Web site, http://www.myrtlebeachlive.com, registered 2 million visits during fiscal year 1999-2000, which ended June 30. That's 65 percent more visits than the previous year, Dove said.
Improving and updating the site is among the chamber's goals. The group also plans to lobby the General Assembly for full funding for the S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism department, which has endured substantial budget cuts in recent years. Another goal is to keep Myrtle Beach a popular tourism spot, said Mike Wooten, board chairman.
'We've kind of sort of made it to the top,' he said. 'The real challenge is staying there.'
Other award recipients: Shonda Riggins - 2000 Grand Strand Hospitality Employee of the Year. Riggins has worked at the Hampton Inn on 48th Avenue North for 10 years, receiving perfect attendance awards for seven years. She also sends hand-written notes to guests after they check out.
The Mobile Mechanic - Business Innovation Award. The traveling repair shop, operating here since 1992, fixes vehicles where it is convenient for the customer, such as parking lots and driveways. A visit from the mustard-yellow sport utility vehicle eliminates a trip to the repair shop.
Thoroughbreds Restaurant - Community Service Award. The restaurant has raised about $20,000 during the past three years for Friendship House, a free medical clinic and preschool. Thoroughbreds also accompanies students on field trips, organizes parties and serves as host for luncheons for the charity.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - Business Image Award. The Broadway at the Beach tenant won for its store design, constant attention to branding and theming and guest service. Marilyn Chewning, vice president for community programs and events for the chamber
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