For several weeks I’ve been meaning to sit down in front of my computer monitor, turn off Zoom and email notifications, and focus on writing down the things I’ve witnessed over the past several months that make me feel optimistic.

Today, I did just that.

The resiliency I’ve witnessed. 
I’ve seen how we reacted and came together as a region and as the State of South Carolina. I’m proud of it, as are all my colleagues at the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce/Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The collaboration I experienced.
Residents, businesses, and elected officials realized we’ve got to work together like we’ve never worked together before. I saw diverse groups come together and have seats around the virtual table. I saw people and groups work together who’ve never worked together before. I watched them give valuable input and saw they felt heard and valued.

A task force of nine different working groups brought our Safety Pledge to life, enabling our businesses to operate safely and provide patrons with the confidence they need to return. And while we continue to focus on safety, our Visitor Promise is helping us work with travelers so they understand the sensitivity of our local ecosystem and begin taking pride in protecting it along with us. 

This collaboration was and is so vital because it means safety. It means jobs. We need to protect one another and follow health protocols and we need to work, to pay our mortgages and rent, childcare and day-to-day expenses. Our Pledge and our Promise puts a framework around our plan to co-exist as hospitable residents and respectful visitors. 

I’m optimistic the collaboration I’ve witnessed will continue. I look forward to being a part of ensuring that happens.

Most of all, I’m optimistic about all Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offers to our businesses, residents, and visitors. We’ve been proud of the area’s beauty, but now we see it’s everything the world is calling for – wide-open spaces, access to nature, bike paths, golfing, and kayaking. What we offer is everything that can be done safely, in the fresh air, with plenty of room. 

Hilton Head Island and Bluffton have always been appealing places to live and to visit because of their natural beauty, lush landscape, outdoor activities, and access to water. Offering the room to explore and enjoy them safely is intrinsic to our nature.

And now that I’ve taken the time to sit down and reflect on the positive, I’m committed to make an ongoing effort to share more of my personal and professional insights with you more frequently. I’d like to share my ideas for future infrastructure for our area, as well as more about my family and personal connection to golf. I also plan to walk you through highlights of our marketing plan, as we work to help Hilton Head Island area recover, rebound and thrive.

Earlier in this piece, I said I look forward to ensuring collaboration continues. Sharing plans, hopes and goals is part of that process.

Visit the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Website