Photo Courtesy: South Atlantic Bank
Two Myrtle Beach area businesses, South Atlantic Bank and Watermark Real Estate Group, have been named Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
South Atlantic Bank and Watermark Real Estate Group were recognized by the U.S. Chamber for their contributions to restoring the economy and dedication to America's free enterprise system. The two Grand Strand businesses shared this honor with seventy-five companies across the country.
"We’re proud to have not just one but two local businesses like South Atlantic Bank and Watermark Real Estate Group recognized with this honor by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It’s a well-deserved recognition that helps further confirm both South Atlantic Bank’s sense of community and commitment to residents and businesses and Watermark Real Estate Group’s impeccable service and business practices within the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
The awards program, which is sponsored by Sam's Club®, honors companies like South Atlantic Bank and Watermark Real Estate Group that demonstrate business excellence across a number of areas, such as employee development, strategy, customer service, and community engagement.
"The recipients of this year's Blue Ribbon Award excelled in business amid great uncertainty and thrived despite difficult economic times," said Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. "More important than profits, their successes have provided much-needed jobs and hope to the people in their communities. These award winners embody the spirit of American free enterprise."
This year's 75 Blue Ribbon winners were selected from a record number of nationwide applicants and will be honored at America's Small Business Summit 2012, which will be held from May 21-23 in Washington, D.C.
On March 15, seven of the Blue Ribbon recipients will be announced as award finalists, and one will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year during the summit. The winner will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of the U.S. Chamber.
Blue Ribbon businesses are also eligible for the Community Excellence Award, which will be decided in March through online public voting. In addition, 25 Free Enterprise Honorees were commended for their strong business practices and contributions to the economy.
