Myrtle Beach Area Chamber files for partial dismissal in “misuse of A-TAX funds” lawsuit

On April 3rd, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce filed for a partial dismissal concerning a lawsuit that accuses the “not for profit” of inappropriate expenditures of A-TAX funds.

A-TAX funds, also known as Accommodation Tax funds, are subject to S.C. law as set by the Tourism Expenditure Review Committee.

In 2021, the City of Myrtle Beach provided the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce $1.5 million in A-Tax money.

According to state law, municipalities collecting more than $50,000 in funds must follow specific allocation requirements. The first $25,000 must go towards the general fund, 5 percent of the remaining balance must also be allocated to the general fund, and 30 percent of the remaining balance must be used for advertising and promoting tourism to attract more visitors through publicity efforts.

The law also specifies that 65 percent of the funds will be allocated to the city for expenses related to tourism.

The lawsuit, filed by the Lake Agency SC, LLC says the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber misappropriated A-Tax dollars. The matter was scheduled for a hearing in the S.C. Supreme Court.

Lawyers for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce countered that former case law as set in DomainsNewMedia.com, LLC versus the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce states the S.C. Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction on the matter.

MBACC lawyers argue that only TERC has jurisdiction to hear claims regarding the use of A-Tax monies.

MBACC lawyers are requesting that the S.C. Supreme Court strike the lawsuit.

MBACOC Partial Motion to Dismiss And_or Motion to Strike (1) by MyrtleBeachSC news on Scribd

Background of S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee is a vital body responsible for reviewing and analyzing tourism expenditure practices in South Carolina.

What is the S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee?

Key members of the committee

As our readers can see, most of those members listed on the TERC website have terms that are now expired. Does TERC update it’s website? If not, how can we trust it to regulate A-Tax monies?

Edward W. Riggs, Sr. – Chair
986 Scotland Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Cell Phone: (843) 870-3773
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2021
Appointed by the Governor

Mark Nix
Homebuilders Association of SC
312 Winding Way, Columbia, SC 29212
Office Phone: (803) 771-7408
Cell Phone: (803) 917-4846
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2017
Appointed by the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate

Doug McFarland
MAC Advertising, Inc.
PO Box 31463
Charleston, SC 29417
Office Phone: (843) 767-8100
Fax: (843) 767-7999
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2025
Speaker of the House Appointee

Jason Rapp
Communications Director
SC Arts Commission 
1026 Sumter Street Ste. 200
Columbia, SC 29201
Office Phone: (803) 734-8899
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2023
Appointed at Recommendation of SC Arts Commission 

Toni Nance
Director of Governmental Affairs
SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street, Ste. 248
Columbia, SC 29201
Office Phone: (803) 734-3512
Cell Phone: (803) 331-9901
Email: [email protected]
Director of SCPRT Designee, Ex-officio

Olivia Young
Director of Digital Marketing
Defender Services, Inc.
27 Thomas Lawton Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
Cell Phone: (803) 600-7435
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires June 30, 2023
Appointed at Recommendation of SC Association of Tourism Regions

John Taylor
PRT Director, City of Rock Hill
PO Box 11706
155 Johnston St.
Rock Hill, SC 29731
Phone: (803) 329-5620
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2021
Appointed at Recommendation of SC Travel and Tourism Coalition

Tony Tam
Interstate Management and Investment Corp
110 Land Stone Circle
Irmo, SC 29063
(803) 309-5878
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2023
Appointed at Recommendation of SC Restaurant and Lodging Association

Daniel P. Blumenstock
461 Blue Dragonfly Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
Phone: (843) 364-9151
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2023
Appointed at Recommendation of SC Association of CVBs

Fox Simons
City of Myrtle Beach, Deputy City Manager
PO Drawer 2468
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
Phone: (843) 918-1016
Email: [email protected]
Term Expires July 1, 2023
Appointed at the Recommendation of the Municipal Association of SC

Daniel T. Prentice
Deputy County Administrator, Dorchester County
201 Johnston Street
St. George, SC 29477
Phone: (843) 563-0103
Email: [email protected]

Term Expires July 1, 2025
Appointed at the Recommendation of the SC Association of Counties

Damita Holcomb – Support Manager
Tourism Expenditure Review Committee Staff
P.O. Box 125
Columbia, SC 29214-0120
Cell Phone: (843) 992-7232
Email: [email protected] (Preferred method of communication)

PROPAGANDA PROMOTED BY TERC

TERC certainly thinks highly of its own efforts, however, S.C. A-TAX payers question the effectiveness of the watchdog role the entity currently holds.

Importance of the committee’s role in tourism expenditure review

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee plays a crucial role in analyzing and evaluating tourism expenditure practices in South Carolina. By examining how tourism funds are utilized, the committee is tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in the industry.

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee consists of key members from diverse backgrounds, including tourism experts, financial analysts, and government representatives. Their expertise contributes to the committee’s ability to analyze and evaluate tourism expenditure practices effectively.

Their expertise and contributions to the tourism sector

The key members of the S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee bring valuable expertise and contributions to the tourism sector. Their extensive knowledge and experience in tourism, finance, and government enable them to make informed decisions and recommendations for the industry’s growth and development.

Goals and Objectives of the Committee

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has set goals to improve tourism expenditure practices. They aim to enhance transparency, ensure effective allocation of funds, and promote sustainable tourism development.

Overview of the committee’s goals

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee aims to improve transparency, allocate funds effectively, and promote sustainable tourism development. They work towards enhancing tourism expenditure practices in South Carolina.

How they aim to improve tourism expenditure practices of A-Tax

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee aims to improve tourism expenditure practices through enhanced transparency, effective allocation of funds, and promotion of sustainable tourism development.

Recent Initiatives and Recommendations – A-Tax

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has taken several recent initiatives to improve tourism expenditure practices. They have made notable recommendations for the tourism industry, aiming to enhance transparency and sustainable development. These efforts have had a positive impact on tourism spending and development.

Insights into the committee’s recent work

In recent years, the S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has been diligently working to improve tourism expenditure practices. They have conducted comprehensive research and analysis, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the industry’s spending patterns and trends.

Notable recommendations made for the tourism industry

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has made several notable recommendations to improve the tourism industry. These include incentivizing sustainable tourism practices, enhancing marketing strategies, and investing in infrastructure development to attract more tourists.

Impact of S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has had a significant impact on the tourism industry. Their recommendations have led to improved A-Tax spending practices and increased development, resulting in a boost to the tourism sector’s overall growth.

Positive effects of the committee’s interventions

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has had a positive impact on the tourism industry. They have improved spending practices and contributed to the growth of the sector.

How they have influenced tourism spending and development through the A-Tax

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee has effectively influenced tourism spending and development. Their interventions have improved spending practices, leading to positive growth and advancements in the tourism sector.

Future Outlook and Challenges

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee faces several challenges in its quest to improve tourism spending and development. These challenges include overcoming budgetary constraints, addressing sustainability concerns, and adapting to the evolving needs of the tourism industry. However, the committee remains committed to its goals and plans to harness emerging technologies and innovative strategies to address these challenges effectively. By collaborating with stakeholders and continuously assessing their initiatives, the committee aims to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the tourism sector.

Challenges faced by the committee

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee faced challenges such as budget constraints, sustainability concerns, and adapting to evolving industry needs. However, they remain committed to their goals and plan to use emerging technologies and innovative strategies to address these challenges effectively.

Plans for the future and addressing tourism expenditure issues A-Tax

The S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee plans to address tourism expenditure issues through the implementation of the A-Tax. This tax will help generate revenue for the tourism industry and fund initiatives to enhance visitor experiences and promote sustainable tourism practices.

As our readers can see, these vague facts TERC provides amount to little more than self promotion by supposed watchdog organization.