Destination North Myrtle Beach Announces Society of Stranders as the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award Recipient
North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Destination North Myrtle Beach is pleased to announce that the Society of Stranders is the 2024 recipient of the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award.
Each year, the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award is presented to the individual or organization that exemplifies the leadership qualities, character, and dedication to selfless service that Dick Elliott epitomized during his life. As has been the custom of the chamber, the board chair selects this award recipient.
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the Shag dance’s recognition as the South Carolina state dance and the chamber is celebrating throughout the year.
“We are affectionately calling this year ‘The Year of the Shag’ in North Myrtle Beach,” states Cheryl Y. Kilday, CDME, president and CEO of Destination North Myrtle Beach. “There is so much community pride surrounding being the home of The Shag and the camaraderie the S.O.S. events generate from their ability to bring people together to enjoy music and dancing. The SOS has played an instrumental role in developing the culture for our community and have contributed significantly to our local economy through hosting shaggers and welcoming them to our beaches multiple times a year. It was only fitting to honor them this year as we celebrate the Shag.”
The Society of Stranders host several events throughout the year, including the Spring Safari, Fall Migration, Mid-Winter Break, and various workshops. These events bring thousands of Shaggers to North Myrtle Beach, providing an over $12 million-dollar economic impact on the economy during their 10-day events. SOS is in its 44th year of existence and has over 13,500 members from across the country. The club even has international members in Australia, the UK and Canada.
“We are honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award. North Myrtle Beach is the home of the Shag and the heartbeat of the Shag world,” states Ron Whisenant, president of SOS. “This community is our home away from home.”
Destination North Myrtle Beach will present the award to the Society of Stranders at its annual business awards program on Thursday, March 21st beginning at 5:30 P.M. at the Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center. Tickets are available for purchase. Please call 843-281-2662 for more information.
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Destination North Myrtle Beach is a five-star accredited chamber of commerce, an accredited Destination Marketing Organization with Distinction through Destinations International, and the Official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of North Myrtle Beach. Its mission is to advance the prosperity in North Myrtle Beach. Core programming includes destination promotion to visitors, destination management with businesses in the community, and community relations/advocacy for legislative and community opportunities and issues. Destination North Myrtle Beach is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 corporation with a Board of Directors who are elected by dues paying investors/partners.