Annual Business Awards & Seaside Soirée
The 2026 Annual Business Awards & Seaside Soirée took place on March 24th, 2026 at 21 Main Events at North Beach. Congratulations to the recipients of the Business Awards.
Below you can view all the nominees for this year, with the award finalists in green.
Small Business of the Year
- 963 Film Group
- Bryant Accounting & Tax
- CJSS Skillern Family Art Museum
- Chris Johnson Leadership Services
- Coastal Pooper Scooper, LLC
- Coastal Respiratory and Brace Store
- Griffin's IGA
- JL Beach Ventures LLC
- King's Tide Aerial Photography
- Platt's Seafood
- PonTiki Myrtle Beach
- Spine Pain Center
- The Laundry Cottage
- United Community
- Unlimited Printing & Signs
Non-Profit of the Year
- GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman's Club
- North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum
- North Myrtle Beach Christian School
- North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad
- North Strand Helping Hand
- Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church/Hope's Kitchen
- Pilot Club of North Myrtle Beach
- Sea Haven for Youth
- The Humane Society of NMB
- Waccamaw Community Foundation
Impact Award for Excellent Customer Service
- Anderson Brothers Bank
- Bar 19 Twelve
- Black's Tire & Auto
- Bubba Collins Insurance
- Cherry Grove Drug
- Cinzia Spa
- Coastal Engravers
- Liberty Tax
- McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A.
- North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
Catalyst Award for Outstanding Community Service - Business
- A.O. Hardee & Son
- Anderson Brothers Bank
- Azalea Sands Golf Course
- Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center
- Brisket
- Chick-fil-A
- Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort
- Vereens Turf Products
- Waccamaw Community Foundation
Catalyst Award for Outstanding Community Service - Individual
- Brian Kinney (Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center)
- Norton Geddie (McCutchen Vaught Geddie Hucks, P.A.)
- Mark Lane (Sand Dollar Media)
- Tami Lee (Liberty Tax)
- Jennifer Miller (United Community)
- Melissa Wober (Coastal Carolina National Bank)
Rising Star Award
- Travis Collins (Bubba Collins Insurance)
- Tiffany Doolittle (Dagwood's Deli)
- Sophia Edens (My Horry News)
- Jamesha Gore-Coggin (State Farm - Jamesha Gore-Coggin)
- Adam Gullidge (Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show)
- Dalton Socrates (Veroogle)
Ambassador of the Year
- Michelle Mate (Sea Server)
- Jennifer Miller (United Community)
- Allyson Sturgeon (New York Life Insurance Company)
Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award
Destination North Myrtle Beach is pleased to announce the 2026 recipient of the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award to be presented to Ed Horton, Anderson Brothers Bank. The Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award is presented to an individual or organization that exemplifies the leadership qualities, character, and dedication to selfless service that the late Senator Dick Elliott epitomized during his life. The award recipient was selected by the Destination North Myrtle Beach Board Chair, Whitney Prince, Boardwalk Billy’s.
Ed Horton has served the community of North Myrtle Beach for many years, notably through board and committee leadership with Destination NMB, the NMB Parks and Recreation Board, the Little River Rotary, the NMB Planning Commission, North Strand Community Shelter, and numerous local initiatives. Horton joined Anderson Brothers Bank in 2005 as the Business Development Officer for the North Myrtle Beach branch. Today, Horton serves as Vice President and Area Executive for Anderson Brothers Bank’s North Myrtle Beach office, where he has helped guide the bank’s growth while maintaining the personal service and community focus that define community banking.
Horton and his wife, Gail, have called North Myrtle Beach home for many years, and his leadership has played a meaningful role in the continues success and growth of our region.
Valor Award
The City of North Myrtle Beach Police and Fire Rescue are invited to honor recipients of the Valor Award.
North Myrtle Beach Police submitted Sergeant Chris Bellamy for his leadership in rescuing a young passenger from a golf cart that was partially submerged and on its side in three feet of water. Sergeant Bellamy is credited for his keen awareness and quick actions, that helped to save a precious life. The young boy had been submerged underwater for approximately four minutes before Sergeant Bellamy freed him from the wreckage.
Sergeant Bellamy’s calm leadership and steadfast actions most assuredly saved a life.
North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue submitted six individuals for this honor. Last year, A-Battalion crews were dispatched for a water rescue incident with reports of multiple victims caught in a rip current off of the Point in Cherry Grove. Rescue Swimmers from Fire Department and Police Department entered into the ocean and began working to bring the distressed swimmers who were unable to work their way back to shore. Without the actions of Fire Department and Police Department personnel on this day, there is no doubt lives would have been lost. These individuals deserve to be recognized for their level of performance on this day.
Lieutenant Chris Walden
FF/EMT Robert Villalobos
FF/EMT John Gore
Lieutenant Chris Nadelman
Engineer Brian Koontz
Master Police Officer Kayla Wallace
Previous recipients of each award as well as highlights from our 2026 Seaside Soirée can be viewed below.
Small Business of the Year Award
Awarded to an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach, with fewer than 50 employees and not part of a franchise, for their demonstrated growth in our community workforce and revenue. The honoree will have demonstrated its ability to thrive in the community and contributes their time and resources to make North Myrtle Beach a great place to work, live, and visit.
2026: United Community
2025: MEDcare Urgent Care
2024: Philomena's Catering Co.
2023: Roca Roja Cantina
2022: Ella's Ice Cream
2021: Daniello's Pizzerio & Pub
2020: Callie Wise - State Farm Insurance Agent
2019: Wholesale Flooring Company
2018: Sea -Server LLC.
Mid-Size Business of the Year
Awarded to an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach, with 51-200 employees and may be part of a franchise, for their demonstrated significant presence in the North Myrtle Beach community. The honoree should be recognized locally and regionally by their respective business sector, while demonstrating leadership in their sector. Honorees should provide leadership in local boards and commissions, contributing their time and resources to make North Myrtle Beach a great place to work, live, and visit.
2026: Boardwalk Billy's
2025: Barefoot Landing
2024: Greg Norman Australian Grille
2023: Crooked Hammock Brewery
2022: Barefoot Landing
2021: Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Large Business of the Year
Awarded to an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach, with 201+ employees and may be a part of a franchise, for their demonstrated significant presence in the North Myrtle Beach community. They should be headquartered in the community, or with a significant presence in North Myrtle Beach. Nominees will have shown remarkable growth and stability and be recognized locally and regionally by their respective business sector, while also demonstrating leadership in their sector. Honorees should provide leadership in local boards and commissions, contributing their time and resources to make North Myrtle Beach a great place to work, live, and visit.
2026: Pepsi Bottling Ventures
2025: RE/MAX Southern Shores
2024: Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center
2023: Prince Resort
2021: McLeod Health
2020: 810 Billiards & Bowling - North Myrtle Beach
2019: Lucy Buffet's Lulu's
2018: J&J Air
New Business of the Year
Awarded to the new business and Destination North Myrtle Beach investor/partner that has demonstrated success within the first 12 months of opening their business in North Myrtle Beach. Nominees should have built a reputation for quality products or services as well as customer service and began by actively participating in the community.
2026: Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre
2025: Crave Italian Oven & Bar
2024: Cha House North Myrtle Beach
2023: Dagwood's Deli & Sports Bar - North Myrtle Beach
2022: Wine Therapy
2021: Mobile Urgent Care
2020: Ella's Ice Cream
2018: Melt Ice Cream
Non-Profit Of The Year
Awarded to a 501(c)3 charitable organization and Destination North Myrtle Beach investor/partner for its community outreach and excellence in fundraising to improve the quality of life of North Myrtle Beach and/or assist a specific group to fulfill specific needs. Nominees will demonstrate a clear impact on the lives of people in North Myrtle Beach. The honoree is an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach.
2026: GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman's Club
2025: Rotary Club of North Myrtle Beach
2024: GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman's Club
2023: Waccamaw Community Foundation
2022: Sea Haven, Inc.
2021: Humane Society of NMB
2019: Bold & Beautiful Wigs for Cancer
Impact Award for Excellence in Customer Service
Awarded to an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach for the impact of their customer services. Nominees will demonstrate customer reviews and overall ratings that show they are impacting the reputation of the greater community by taking care of their customers. Honorees will have testimonials about the experience they had with the said business.
2026: Liberty Tax
2025: Jamesha Gore-Coggin State Farm
2024: Hope Taylor & Company
2023: DEWS
2022: Jamesha Gore-Coggin - State Farm
2021: Freedom Boat Club
2020: Sand Dollarz
2019: Chick-fil-a North Myrtle Beach
2018: McLeod Health
Catalyst Award For Outstanding Community Service
Awarded to an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach for outstanding community service. The nominee, either an individual or an organization, will demonstrate the multiple opportunities to serve the community which are made accessible and celebrated throughout their organization. This includes leadership in local clubs, boards, and commissions. The Honoree will have demonstrated their involvement in addressing an issue, challenge, or opportunity to make North Myrtle Beach a better place to live, work, and visit.
2026 Business: Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center
2026 Individual: Mark Lane (Sand Dollar Media)
2025 Business: Elliott Beach Rentals
2025 Individual: Kim Kelley (Barefoot Landing)
2024 Business: Sand Dollar Media
2024 Individual: Stephanie Chestnut (Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center)
2023: Barefoot Landing
2022: Callie Wise-State Farm
2021: Chick-fil-a North Myrtle Beach
2020: Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach
2019: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
2018: Tidelands Health
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star is someone who works for an investor/partner of Destination North Myrtle Beach as an employee, manager, and/or owner who is 40 years or younger. The nominee will have demonstrated an ability to contribute their time and talents to their business sector and the community.
2026: Jamesha Gore-Coggin - State Farm
2025: Robert Beatty - Anderson Brothers Bank
2024: Lindsey Winner - United Community
2022: Corey Richardson - Carolina Property Specialist
2022: Alex Husner - Condo World
2021: Alexia Edge - Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach
2019: Benjamin Clyburn - Condo World
Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award
The Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award is in the name of Dick Elliot, an individual and community leader who epitomized what it means to be a leader, for his family, for his community, and for a lifetime of exceptional dedicated service to the city of North Myrtle Beach and the State of South Carolina.
Dick Elliott always met the challenges life had in store. For over three decades, whether as a businessman, councilman, state representative, or state senator, Dick Elliott served the people of South Carolina with honor and dignity. He left an indelible mark on our community and state. Few have reached the level of personal and professional success that Dick Elliott has achieved during his lifetime.
Dick Elliott was a dedicated husband, father, businessman, and public servant driven to making this community and state a better place.
Each year, the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award will be presented to the individual who best 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.
2026: Ed Horton - Anderson Brothers Bank
2025: Frank & Elizabeth Boulineau - Boulineau's IGA Foods Plus
2024: Society of Stranders
2023: Harold Worley - Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort
2022: Rayford Vereen
*Previously titled NMB Chairman's Award*
2021: Jeri McCumbee- MedCare Urgent Care
2019: Mendel Bell - Touch MedSpa
2018: Ricky Martin - Martin Heat and Air
Ambassador of the Year
This individual exemplifies the characteristics sought for all Ambassadors; enthusiasm, sincerity, and the ability to represent our organization and community on a peer-to-peer basis. This award is voted upon solely by the Destination NMB Ambassadors. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador for Destination NMB, visit this page.
2026: Allyson Sturgeon - New York Life Insurance Company
2025: Aimee Lane - Sand Dollar Media
2024: Alexia Edge - Ripley's Attractions Myrtle Beach
2023: Bailey Johnson - Monarch Roofing
2022: Barbara Tilton - Liberty Tax
2021: Mark Lane-Sand Dollars
2020: Tami Lee-Liberty Tax
2019: Mark Lane-Sand Dollars
2018: Michelle Mate-Sea Server
Valor Award
The Valor Award will be presented to an individual for acts of valor demonstrated over the past year. Nominees will describe how the individual faced an emergency, provided strength, compassion, and bravery to help someone in danger. These awards are selected by the respective Public Safety Departments of North Myrtle Beach.
2026: Sergeant Chris Bellamy
Engineer Brian Koontz
FF/EMT John Gore
Lieutenant Chris Nadelman
FF/EMT Robert Villalobos
Lieutenant Chris Walden
Master Police Officer Kayla Wallace
2025: Jeffery Gore
Nick Hughes
Trey Skidmore
Zach Walker
Shannon Walker
2024: Officer Nicholas DeRitis, NMB Police Department
Officer Emerson Gross, NMB Police Department
Joshua Andrews, NMB Fire Department
Tyler Gill, NMB Police Department
Ryan Sigsworth, NMB Rescue Squad
2023: Officer Wesley Foushee-Pugh, NMB Police
Engineer Andy Hamer, NMB Fire Rescue
2022: Officer Ian Vaughn, NMB Police
Firefighter Kevin Polich, NMB Fire Rescue
2021: Sgt. Gordon Best, NMB Police
Lt. Nathan Marker, NMB Fire Rescue
2020: Jason Whedon, NMB Fire Rescue
2019: Officer Brandon Beaudoin of the North Myrtle Beach Police Department