2008 Press Releases

2008 Canadian-American Trade Summit Expanded, Culminates Canadian-American Days Festival  

The event is free and open to the public; register for a chance to win a Toronto getaway

March 21, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – In conjunction with the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins and Canadian dignitaries, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Canadian-American Trade Summit on Wed., March 26, and Thurs., March 27, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The event, which is expanded this year, is free and open to the public, but registration is required. More than 70 Canadian dignitaries and U.S. elected officials will be visiting Myrtle Beach to participate in this and other activities.

The trade summit will include panel discussions on topics related to U.S. and Canadian relations. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear from key Canadian officials, including the ambassador, members of parliament, prominent Canadian and U.S. business leaders and the Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick Hillier. U.S. Congressmen Henry E. Brown, Jr., and L. Gresham Barrett and other elected officials will be attending, along with representatives from the S.C. Department of Commerce, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, North Eastern Strategic Alliance and various business groups and industrial interests.

Wed., March 26

10:00 a.m. The Ties that Bind: Enhancing the Best Business Relationship in the World                           Moderated by U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins

This forum will examine the overall business climate between the U.S. and Canada, including productivity, border issues, red-tape (SPP), bracing for economic slowdown and other business issues.

Panelists:

Monty Solberg, Minister, Human Resources and Social Development
U.S. Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr.
Joe Taylor, Secretary, S.C. Department of Commerce
Bob Deluce, CEO, Porter Air
Michael Keaveny, United States Commercial Service of Canada

12:00 p.m.     Lunch (complimentary but registration required)

1:15 p.m.      Energy: Canada’s Best Kept Secret
                             Moderated by U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins

Canada, the United States’ No. 1 foreign supplier of oil and natural gas, is quietly working to become an energy super powerhouse.

Panelists:

Gary Lunn, Minister, Natural Resources, Canada House of Commons
Rob Merrifield, Canadian Parliament
U.S. Congressman L. Gresham Barrett
Emerson F. Gower, Jr., Progress Energy

2:30 p.m.      The Political Realities of Two Diverse Democracies
                             Moderated by U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins

Political theater, campaign finance and dynamic difference in the U.S.-Canadian systems

Panelists:

Minister Jay Hill, Chief Government Whip and Secretary of State Speaker
Peter Milliken, Speaker, Canada House of Commons
U.S. Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr.
Theo Caldwell, President, Caldwell Asset Management, Inc.

Thurs., March 27

10:30 a.m.   U.S. and Canada and the Global State: Combating Terror and Winning the War in Afghanistan

Combating Terror and Winning the War in Afghanistan
Presented by General Rick Hillier, Commander of the Canadian Forces

How Friends and Allies Face Great Challenges
To include a panel discussion on Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Pakistan, fighting terrorism and keeping peace

Panelists:

U.S. Ambassador to Canada David H. Wilkins
General Rick Hillier, Commander of the Canadian Forces
Minister Greg Thompson, Veterans’ Affairs, Canada
Major General Stan Spears, Adjutant General South Carolina

12:00 p.m.     Lunch (complimentary but registration required)

1:15 p.m.      Meetings Between S.C. Officials and Canadian Dignitaries

Join the S.C. Department of Commerce, North Eastern Strategic Alliance, Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation and other key S.C. officials as they participate in a moderated Q&A discussion with Canadian dignitaries.

To register for one or more of the panel discussions, please call (843) 916-7314 by Mon., March 24. Those who register for Wednesday’s 10 a.m. panel discussion will have a chance to win a three-day, two-night getaway to Toronto, Canada. The winner will be announced at the end of the 2:30 p.m. panel and must be present to win.

Can-Am Days: Free Tickets Available for Concert Featuring the U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble

Feb. 27, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a performance of the United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble on March 11. The concert is part of the 47th annual Canadian-American Days Festival, which is being held March 8-16.

The USAF Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble is the official jazz ensemble of the USAF Heritage of America Band. A throwback to the swing era, Rhythm in Blue blends traditional big band sounds with contemporary styles. The ensemble of 18 members represents a melting pot of American talent.

The concert is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning Thurs., Feb. 28, at 8:30 a.m. at chamber offices and are limited to two per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, 200 tickets will be available at the Can-Am Kick-off Celebration Expo on Mon., March 10, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Grand Strand Campus Business and Conference Center, located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

Here are additional details:

When: Tues., March 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket holders must be seated by 6:30 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Where: Myrtle Beach Community Church located at 3015 Theater Drive, which is behind Fantasy Harbor off US 501 adjacent to Hard Rock Park

Tickets (required): Available at chamber offices; office locations and hours of operation are:

• 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, (843) 626-7444

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 3401 Highway 17 Business South, Murrells Inlet, (843) 651-1010

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information about the Canadian-American Days Festival, including a schedule of events, visit CanAmDays.com or call (843) 626-7444.

Can-Am Days: Free Tickets Available for Concert Featuring the U.S. Army Field Band

Feb. 7, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a performance of the United States Army Field Band, the Army’s official touring musical organization. The concert is part of the 47th annual Canadian-American Days Festival, which is being held March 8-16.

Two of the United States Army Field Band’s performing components—Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus—will present a concert on March 1. The 65-piece symphonic band and 29-voice mixed chorus will offer a varied repertoire of original and standard concert music, pop, patriotic and show tunes in a program that appeals to all ages.

The concert is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning Feb. 18 and are limited to two per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are additional details:

When: Sat., March 1. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket holders must be seated by 5:30 p.m. The concert begins at 6 p.m.

Where: Myrtle Beach Community Church (behind Hard Rock Park), 3015 Theater Drive, Myrtle Beach

Tickets (required): Available through chamber offices:

• 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, (843) 626-7444

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 3401 Highway 17 Business South, Murrells Inlet, (843) 651-1010

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information about the Canadian-American Days Festival, including a schedule of events, visit CanAmDays.com or call (843) 626-7444.

From Boston to Bombay, Tokyo to Toronto, the United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than 50 years. As the premier touring representative for the United States Army, this internationally acclaimed organization travels thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music. Through these concerts, the Field Band keeps the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts around the world. The Field Band is comprised of four separate performing components: the Concert Band, the Soldiers’ Chorus, the Jazz Ambassadors, and the Volunteers. For more information, visit Army.mil/FieldBand.

Celebrate 47th Annual Canadian-American Days March 8-16, 2008
8-Day Festival Features Events, Activities and Discounts Throughout the Grand Strand

Feb. 7, 2008

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Once again the Myrtle Beach area is rolling out the red carpet for Canadian visitors during the destination’s annual Canadian-American Days Festival. This year, from March 8-16, the Myrtle Beach area will welcome its Canadian and American visitors with an eight-day line-up of family-fun activities, giveaways and welcome receptions taking place in and around some of the area’s newest attractions. Last year, more than 200,000 visitors enjoyed the festival that attracts not only Canadians but also snow birds from Northern states. 

            “We welcome thousands of Canadian visitors to the Myrtle Beach area each year to experience the many attractions of the Grand Strand,” said Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “The Canadian-American Days celebration and the special discounts offered during this period are our way of thanking our valued Northern visitors while helping them create new memories here.”

The 47th Annual Canadian-American Days will highlight the distinct personalities of the Grand Strand’s popular communities. Highlights of the festival include:

• United States Army Field Band Concert, March 1 – The Army’s premier touring musical organization has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. The Field Band’s performing components—Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus—will present a concert featuring a 65-piece symphonic band and 29-voice mixed chorus at the Myrtle Beach Community Church. The musicians and vocalists will perform a varied repertoire of original and standard concert music, pop, patriotic and show tunes in a program that appeals to all ages.

• National Shag Dance Championships, March 6-8– Since the shag dance originated in the Myrtle Beach area, this tournament is especially fitting. Hosted at Studebakers, the event showcases amateur and professional division dancers with more than 50 couples competing for the national title.

• Canadian Appreciation Days in Georgetown County, March 8-16– The Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is hosting a variety of activities to honor our friends north of the border. 

• Can-Am Kick-off Celebration Expo, March 10 – This expo officially kicks off the celebration of Can-Am Days and features musical entertainment and fabulous giveaways throughout the day. The event will be held at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Grand Strand Campus Business and Conference Center, located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.          

• South Strand Can-Am Reception, March 11– The town of Surfside Beach is hosting a reception at the Lakewood Conference Center.

• United States Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble Concert, March 11 – A throwback to the swing era, Rhythm in Blue blends traditional Big Band sounds with contemporary styles. The ensemble of 18 members, representing a melting pot of American talent, will perform a concert at the Myrtle Beach Community Church.
  
• South Strand Wildlife and History Day, March 12 – The 14th annual event at Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle, is the site of three family-friendly events:
• Wendy’s International Kite Festival: Wendy’s will provide free kites to the first 300 participants ages 15 and under for the kitefest.
• Can-Am Little Olympics: Children ages 3-12 are invited to participate in Olympic-style beach games, organized by Intracoastal Outreach.
• Taste of Murrells Inlet: As a tasty extension of the South Strand Wildlife and History Day, visitors are invited to enjoy specialties from some of the finest restaurants in Murrells Inlet, the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.”

• Conway Loves Canadians and Americans Day, March 13 – The Conway Visitor Center is hosting several activities: a welcome reception with entertainment and door prize drawings, glass-blowing demonstrations, guided historical walking tours and a quilt display by the 2008 Quilt Gala winners.

A number of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce members are extending special offers to Canadian visitors during their stay. To receive a discount, visitors should show their Myrtle Beach Loves Canada discount card or mention the special discount code. All discounts expire March 31, 2008, unless otherwise noted. Visitors should visit CanAmDays.com to download the discount card and review the special offers.

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