Palmetto Pulse Grand Strand, January / February

MANUFACTURING

Ocean Craft Marine Selects Horry County for U.S. Manufacturing Headquarters

Asis Boats USA (d/b/a Ocean Craft Marine), a rigid inflatable boat manufacturer, announced it selected Horry County to establish the company’s U.S. manufacturing headquarters. The $10.8 million investment will create 93 jobs, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Headquartered in Dubai, Asis Boats specializes in the manufacture of advanced rigid inflatable boats, amphibious platforms, and aluminum military craft. Ocean Craft Marine’s new operation, located in the Bucksport Marine Park in Conway, will serve as its American headquarters for boat manufacturing.

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HEALTH CARE

Grand Strand Health Names New Chief Financial Officer

Grand Strand Health has welcomed Jay Pettus as chief financial officer for the health system. Pettus has more than 20 years of healthcare accounting and finance experience, all with HCA Healthcare. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. In his time at Orange Park, he contributed to improvements in throughput, led financial reporting functions, and oversaw the deployment of over $20 million in capital improvements.

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Leadership Grand Strand Class to Improve Barnabas Horse Foundation’s Equine-Assisted Therapy Facilities

Members of Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) Class 46 are coming together to advance critical improvements to Barnabas Horse Foundation, enhancing the nonprofit’s equine-assisted therapy facilities. LGS Class 46 will lead improvements in three key areas:

Fencing for the Equine-Assisted Learning Facility: Installation of 580 feet of vinyl fencing;

Memorial Garden & Outdoor Dedication Space: Creation of a peaceful, landscaped area with benches and shelter; and

Feed & Equipment Storage Enhancements: Construction of a covered, reinforced storage structure. The class is asking the community for donations to contribute the $60,000 needed to make the improvements.

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United Bank Promotes Douglas Ernest, Jr. to Myrtle Beach Market President

United Bank recently promoted Douglas Ernest, Jr. to president of its Myrtle Beach market. In this role, Ernest will lead strategic efforts to drive commercial and retail production while ensuring the profitability and sustained growth of the market. Additionally, Ernest will play a pivotal leadership role in managing public relations efforts in Myrtle Beach, while also representing United Bank in the community through active participation in civic affairs and professional organizations.

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ONLINE ORDERING

Amazon Expands Same-Day Delivery Service in Myrtle Beach to include Groceries

As of Dec. 10, 2025, Amazon has fulfilled its promise to bring same-day delivery service for both products and groceries to Myrtle Beach. The new North Myrtle Beach facility, opened in November 2024, will now allow shoppers to buy “everything from produce and baked goods to quality meats and dairy alongside their everyday purchases.” Officials with Amazon say the company has expanded its perishable options, now offering more favorites from Whole Foods Market. Prime members receive free same-day delivery on orders over $25 in most areas. Non-Prime members must pay a flat fee of $12.99 per order.

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AIR TRAVEL

Breeze Airways Adds New Nonstop Flights to Myrtle Beach

Breeze Airways will begin new nonstop flights between Long Island MacArthur Airport and Myrtle Beach beginning May 6, 2026. Breeze will serve the route two times weekly on its Airbus A220 aircraft with NICE, NICER and NICEST seating. With their addition of nonstops from ISP to Myrtle Beach, SC in May 2026, Breeze will have nine ISP nonstop destinations, growing its ISP average daily departures and seats since 2022 by over 425 percent and over 516 percent respectively.

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SPOTLIGHT

(Photo Courtesy of Myrtle Beach International Airport) dec.10

MYR Unveils Terminal Expansion With Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

The $93.5 million, 50,000-square-foot expansion to Concourse A took just 17 months to complete. The first steel was set on Dec. 2, 2024, nearly one year to the day before the Dec. 1, 2025, ribbon-cutting. The original budget for the expansion project was $98 million. The remaining funds are being used to continue similar improvements throughout other areas of the airport. Myrtle Beach International Airport currently works with 10 airlines with flights to more than 50 destinations.

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HISTORIC MARKER

Latest Horry County Historic Marker Unveiled in Green Sea

On Nov. 12, 2025, the Horry County Historic Preservation Commission unveiled the Green Sea Historic Marker at the corner of Green Sea Road and Mitchell Sea Road. The community dates back to 1784 when a man named William Norton received a land grant for 200 acres, including the area where the marker is located. Over time, the community went by several additional names before finally sharing “Green Sea” with the larger township. This marker is part of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History’s official historic marker program.

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MEDICAL EDUCATION

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Approves Doctor of Physical Therapy Program to Address South Carolina’s Healthcare Needs

Coastal Carolina University announced the approval of a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program. This approval was granted by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). Program development has been informed by best practices in physical therapy education in collaboration with health care partners. In addition, the program is aligned with CCU’s strategic priorities, including student success, community engagement, and collaboration in STEM and health-related fields.

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EDUCATION

HGTC and Francis Marion University Announce New Criminal Justice Transfer Agreement

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) and Francis Marion University (FMU) have signed a new transfer agreement that creates a seamless pathway for HGTC students earning an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice to transfer into FMU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Law, Justice and Institutions Track) with a minor in political science. The memorandum of agreement establishes a clear 2+2 completion program, allowing graduates of HGTC’s Criminal Justice program to transfer up to 76 credit hours toward FMU’s bachelor’s degree. 

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MANUFACTURING

Coastal Ready Mix to Open in Horry County

Coastal Ready Mix announced plans to open a new ready-mix concrete manufacturing location in Horry County. The company will invest $4.625 million and will employ 19 new employees. The Conway facility will be located on Mt Pisgah Cemetery Road in Conway. Available positions will be advertised by the company and SC Works after the plant is closer to completion. Coastal Ready Mix LLC is the expansion of a fourth-generation, family-owned construction materials group led by Scott and Zach Askins. Their companies employ more than 160 people and serve contractors throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

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SPOTLIGHT

(Photo Courtesy of CCU Athletics)

Stars, Stripes and Seaside Spirit: Celebrate America 250 in Myrtle Beach

Visit Myrtle Beach is gearing up to celebrate a major national milestone as America celebrates 250 years, offering a moment to recognize the journey that brought the country to where it is today and the possibilities ahead. Suggested ways to mark America 250 along the Grand Strand include: 

• Viewing sites tied to the Battle of Bear Bluff and the historic communities around Galivants Ferry offer a glimpse into the region's Revolutionary War landscape and Francis Marion's campaigns. 
• Visiting Freewoods Farm in Myrtle Beach's Burgess community, the nation's only African American living-history farm of its kind.
• Watch living-history re-enactments, such as the Revolutionary-era demonstrations offered during halftime at Coastal Carolina University football games.