PRESS RELEASE
South Carolina Office of the Governor
David M. Beasley - Governor
For Immediate Release:  August 27, 1998
Contact:  Gary Karr (803) 734-9840
Governor David Beasley flies along the Grand Strand Area in a SC Air National Guard chopper.
 
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS SOUTH CAROLINA ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’

 (Myrtle Beach)—Governor David M. Beasley today toured areas of Horry County affected by Hurricane Bonnie, thanking local officials and residents for their cooperation and proclaiming South Carolina’s Grand Strand “Open for Business.”
 “While there was significant damage in some areas, we’re thankful we escaped the severe impact we could have suffered,” Governor Beasley said. “The Grand Strand area will be virtually back to normal by tomorrow morning.”
 The Governor said he was surprised at how light the damage was. Much of the heaviest damage was contained in the Cherry Grove and North Myrtle Beach sections, and there was still limited to a few downed power lines, destroyed billboards and signs and damaged roofs.
 To help the Grand Strand get back on its feet, the Governor today directed the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to work with the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce on a television ad campaign to invite tourists to the area. The state will match the local money for dollar for dollar on the $500,000 campaign, dubbed “Get The Real Story, Real Fast.”
 The campaign includes a toll-free number for visitors to call: 1-800-205-9119.
 “Now that Bonnie is gone, I invite all our great tourists to come on back and enjoy our wonderful hospitality and the great attractions and beaches along the Grand Strand,” the Governor said.
 Governor Beasley left Columbia this morning to see the damage first hand, and to meet with and thank local officials for all their hard work during the threat of Hurricane Bonnie.  The Governor especially thanked Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, Surfside Beach Mayor Dick Johnson, Representative Mark Kelley, Representative Liston Barfield, Representative Tracey Edge, Councilman Ray Brown, and Horry County Sheriff John Henry.
 “I’d also like to thank the law enforcement officials, the National Guard and most importantly, the people of South Carolina, for their great response to this hurricane,” the Governor said.