The Isle of Palms Chamber and its incredible membership are off and running as summer makes its grand entrance! The sunshine and charm for which Charleston is so well known have truly put on a show this spring, and with that, we’ve started to see the number of visitors to our beloved island steadily rise. In chamber news, Vice President Zach Lary has been out and about, staying busy in the community. He’s been connecting with both island residents and local businesses, sharing the unique benefits of becoming a chamber member — and the results are showing! We’ve seen a wave of new faces at our recent meetings, and dare we say, record-setting ly with the Isle of Palms Council, city staff and public safety officials. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, we aim to address any issues promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors alike. We recognize the importance of open communication and are eager to listen to our residents’ concerns, ideas and feedback. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our practices and ensuring that we align with our community’s needs. Replanting nature’s beauty one palm at a time By Mel Miles Co-Chair, Family Vacation Rental Group attendance. There’s definitely a buzz in the air, and it’s been amazing to watch our chamber family grow. Of course, having some seriously awesome and engaging guest speakers hasn’t hurt either. These presentations have sparked thoughtful conversations, meaningful questions and real connections. The energy in the room — before, during and after 10 BUSINESS IslandVibesIOP.com Chamber Notes April sunshine sprouts more visitors By Alex Stone IV President, IOP Chamber of Commerce each meeting — has been nothing short of inspiring. We’ve seen everything from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned, retired business veterans sharing stories, advice and laughs. The Isle of Palms business community truly is a special mix, and it’s been wonderful to see such cross-generational collaboration and support. As we say goodbye to spring and prepare to welcome summer with open arms, we encourage everyone to pause and soak in the beauty of the island we get to call home — a place that so many others travel far and wide to experience, even for just a moment. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer or a visitor considering planting roots In celebration of Earth Day the week of April 22, the FVR inquired of council as to what the city’s plans are to replant the 296 palm trees recently removed and scheduled for removal by Dominion Energy. The hope of the Family Vacation Rental Group is for the IOP Council to replace the palm trees removed from public property, and for the FVR to raise money to replace palms removed on private property. According to Matt Simms, IOP zoning administrator and ISA Certified Arborist, as of March 31, the city has allocated $242,605 to beautification projects but not specifically to this need yet. Our hope is that the city funds and replants the maximum number of palm trees removed from public property that is feasible. We also will be exploring additional funding over and above the $5,000 Dominion Energy has pledged for replanting. We are in the preliminary stages of establishing a private fund for donations to restore our island, as we are the Isle of Palms! Recently, 17 professionally-managed vacation rental companies formed the IOP Chamber subcommittee FVR (Family Vacation Rental Group). We represent almost 90% of all STRs (short-term rentals) on the island and are organized to improve communication and livability for our residents. We are committed to being a responsible and caring member of the Isle of Palms community and believe that by working together we can create a harmonious environment that benefits the residents and vacationers who all love and cherish IOP. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our beloved Isle of Palms community. Our primary mission is to be a good neighbor and positively contribute to the vibrant atmosphere that makes this island truly special. We understand that the vacation rental industry impacts residential neighborhoods, therefore we have come together as a group of compassionate professionals to foster strong relationships with residents and support the Isle of Palms community. We are committed to working closehere, there’s something for everyone in our chamber family. We can’t wait to see you at our next meeting — come be part of the momentum! Alex Stone IV Isle of Palms Chamber President
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