The Chamber Channel

Prioritizing health isn't just about treating symptoms—it's about taking a whole-body approach to well-being. Dr. Heather Hinselwood of Fraum Health is a champion of holistic wellness, helping patients find balance through integrative care. We sat down with her to discuss how small changes can lead to big results, and why taking a proactive approach to wellness matters more than ever. 

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Wayne Boutwell and Lindsay Moon from Encompass Health are in our studio to talk about prevention, recovery, caregiver support, and more. 

More than 11,000 Americans turn 65 every day. In Beaufort County, 30% of residents are that age or older. Wayne Boutwell, the CEO of Encompass Health, is in our studio to talk about the evolving healthcare landscape and the role of rehabilitation centers. 

Leadership Hilton Head Island-Bluffton has a long history of making a lasting impact, with the past eight classes raising nearly $200,000 for local initiatives. This year's Leadership Class of 2025 is continuing that tradition with Safe Shore, a project focused on enhancing water safety in our community. Ryan Wise and Sheila Paz, members of this year's class, join us to share the vision behind Safe Shore. Let's listen.

Small businesses are the backbone of America's economy. Our CEO Bill Miles hosts a conversation with Tom Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to talk about their big impact. 

When it comes to mental health, finding balance in a fast-paced world can feel like an uphill climb—especially for busy professionals juggling work, family, and personal well-being. Dr. Debi Lynes has spent years helping people navigate stress, burnout, and mental resilience. She shares insights on creating a healthier mindset in and out of the workplace. 

Few individuals embody the spirit of leadership and community involvement in the Lowcountry quite like local realtor Andy Twisdale. As a member of the very first Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Leadership class, Andy has been a steadfast supporter of the program for the program's 40 years of existence. He's one of 700-plus alumni of the program and is in our studio to reflect on how the program has shaped his career, strengthened his connections, and inspired a lifetime of giving back. 

Hilton Head Plantation has played a big role in shaping the fabric of the community — from providing a home for thousands of residents to contributing to the island's economy and fostering a strong sense of civic engagement. General Manager Peter Kristian visits our studio to talk about the history of Hilton Head Plantation, its impact over the years, and how its residents continue to make a difference in our community.

While Charleston and the Upstate often get the spotlight, the Lowcountry played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War, with strategic locations, privateer activity, and key figures shaping the war's outcome. To help us uncover this fascinating history as South Carolina marks the 250th anniversary of America's fight for independence, we're joined by Richard Thomas, a local historian and founder of Lowcountry History Tours.

Whether it's getting to work, exploring Hilton Head Island, or planning for the future, reliable transit plays a huge role in our community. Joining us today is Brian Sullivan, CEO of Palmetto Transit, which has been working to connect workers with job centers, keep residents and visitors moving efficiently, and explore new opportunities for expansion. We'll be discussing workforce transportation solutions, the ever-popular summertime trolley service, and what the future holds for transit in our region.

For generations, the Gullah people have shaped the history, language, and traditions of the Lowcountry. Their influence is deeply woven into Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, from the food we eat to the names of the places we call home. Dr. Emory Campbell has spent his life ensuring that Gullah history isn't just remembered—it's celebrated and shared. In honor of Black History Month, we sat down with him to talk about keeping this rich heritage alive.

USCB and Beaufort Memorial Hospital are using AI-generated model patients to help train nursing students, as well as implementing creative solutions to educate the next generation of its workforce.

States struggle with their power grids, especially when storms hit. How is South Carolina's? These officials from Palmetto Electric will have an update on: Berl Davis, President and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative, on grid reliability, impacts of the electrification of the economy, and more. Rob Hochstetler, President and CEO of Central Electric Cooperative, on the need for modernization of the transmission grid, economic development with a focus on data centers, and more. Jimmy Staton, president and CEO of Santee Cooper, on the need for additional generation and the challenges associated with new generation to meet the growth of South Carolina, and more. Tune into Power Hour every month where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source.

Lola Campbell's family traces its roots back at least seven generations on Hilton Head Island. She's dedicated her business and purpose to preserving and promoting Gullah culture. We sat down with her to talk about the newly-formed Gullah-Geechee Business Coalition, preserving local culture, being a small business owner, and more.

Gregg Russell has been serenading generations of families under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town for 47 years. Now, there's a documentary about him out on Apple TV called The Gregg Russell Story: If This Old Tree Could Talk. The man who helped make the soundtrack of our community is in our studio to talk about his career, his non-profit, and more.  

The Town of Hilton Head Island agreed to enter a Memorandum of Agreement with Beaufort County, granting municipal consent to SCDOT for the U.S. 278 Corridor Project. What happens now? Did you know that apprenticeships can help your employees learn while they earn? The Technical College of the Lowcountry has details. The man whose music has been the soundtrack of our community for over four decades has a new movie about him, and he'll tell us where and how to watch it. Speakers Include: - Shawn Colin, Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Hilton Head Island, on the next steps for the U.S. 278 Corridor Project - Mary Lee Carns, Vice President for Advancement and Workforce Development at TCL, on Apprenticeship Carolina - Gregg Russell on his documentary, “The Gregg Russell Story: If This Old Tree Could Talk" Power Hour is where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Join us!

What's the latest on affordable housing projects on Hilton Head Island? The new Chief Housing Officer for the Town of Hilton Head Island will have an update. Have you met the Town of Bluffton's newest council member?  What's in our drinking water? The head of our local Public Service District will break it down tomorrow along with saltwater intrusion mitigation efforts. We had an informative Power Hour with guests: Quincy White, Chief Housing Officer for the Town of Hilton Head Island Emily Vaux Burden, newly elected Town of Bluffton Council Member Pete Nardi, General Manager of Hilton Head Public Service District Power Hour is where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source.

Campbell Chapel AME Church is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here to talk about the church's 150th anniversary, community impact and mission are lifelong members Fred Hamilton and Lucille Kannick. Let's listen. 

Hilton Head Island is a leader in environmental preservation and sensitivity - even when it comes to our drinking water. In our studio is the General Manager of Hilton Head PSD Pete Nardi to talk about that, as well as how they are mitigating saltwater intrusion and the recent EPA rule on forever chemicals.

Hilton Head Island was built around its natural beauty, and the reverence for the environment persists today. One organization has not only built a business on exploring our waterways but is also making extra efforts to preserve it and educate the next generation. CEO of Outside Brands Mike Overton talks about why and how they enrich lives through nature, how the oyster shell recycling program is so impactful to our waterways, and more. 

It's almost time for some of our favorite guests to visit Hilton Head Island beaches. Sea Turtle nesting season starts May 1. Marine biologist and founder of Sea Turtle Patrol Amber Kuehn is in our studio to talk all things turtles. She was also the recipient of the 2024 Zonta Woman of the Year at the Chamber Ball. 

Neighbors helping neighbors ... that was the premise that led Ida Martin to start Bluffton Self Help in 1987. Her legacy lives on through the non-profit organization that served 1,830 unique households. Bluffton Self Help received our prestigious Heritage award at the Chamber Ball. In our studio to talk about what they do and how you can get involved are Bluffton Self Help CEO Courtney Hampson and Board Chair Joel Taylor.

Tune into Power Hour, where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Speakers include:  Jean Beck, CEO of Hilton Head Area REALTORS®, on the latest market conditions  Zach Giglio, CEO of Giglio Communications, on AI trends

AI is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, even in business. How can AI make you more efficient? Zach Giglio, founder and CEO of Giglio Communication, answers those questions and more.

For over 35 years, your chamber's flagship Leadership Classes have invested in the community through annual projects such as playgrounds, recycling stations, and more. This year's class is delivering accessible wheelchairs to Hilton Head Island public beaches. Class member James Dismond is in our studio with the details.

Chef Bernard Bennett has taken the Lowcountry by storm since he opened Okan in Old Town Bluffton last year. What started as a food truck is now a busy restaurant that has helped put him on the culinary map, including being nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award and appearing on Food Network's show Chopped. He visited our studio to talk about what's next. 

Leslie Rohland is a baker, chef, entrepreneur, and this year a South Carolina Chef Ambassador. The prestigious program showcases our unique culinary talents across the state and beyond. Leslie owns the Cottage, Juice Hive, May River Coffee Roasters, and the Pasta Shoppe in Bluffton, and visited our studio to talk about her journey. 

Tune into Power Hour, where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Speakers include: - Thomas Boxley, Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation - Joey Von Nessen, Research Economist at the Darla Moore School of Business - Andrew Carmines, on the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival - Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center, on AI

Improving one's health has always been a top New Year's resolution. In our studio to talk about new trends such as AI, patient-doctor communication, weight management and more is Dr. Timothy Alikakos, a cardiologist with Hilton Head Regional Healthcare.

What's going to resonate with your audience this year? Powerhouse marketing firm RobMark is in our studio to talk about marketing trends to jump on in 2024. 

Mental health is a buzzing topic these days. Executive Director of Mental Health America of the Lowcountry Rob Pearson is in our studio to talk about how his organization helps the underserved in the community, and how we can all make our work lives a little less stressful.

Tune into Power Hour, where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Speakers include: Larry Toomer, Town of Bluffton Mayor, on his goals and priorities Tom Davis, South Carolina State Senator, on the upcoming legislative session Joe Babkiewicz, Bluffton Police Chief, on the Night of Unity event

Andrea Bramson is a long-time local advocate for people with disabilities. The chamber recently teamed up with her group on the Beaufort County Disabilities Coalition to encourage employers to hire people with special needs. She's in our studio to talk about that initiative, her co-founding the Full Spectrum Studio, and more.

Tune into Power Hour, where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Speakers include:  Alan Perry, Hilton Head Island Mayor  David Nelems, CEO of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation A Special Guest!

You've seen and heard him on NBC's The Voice, but Stee Colvin is a second-generation local musician. He stopped by our studio to talk about his experience on the show, what he's learned, and what's next for him. He also shares his song "Don't Cha" with us.

The University of South Carolina Sand Sharks have tipped off their inaugural basketball season in the Division 2 Peach Belt Conference. Our CEO Bill Miles is in our studio to talk about what's ahead with men's head coach Ron Fudala and women's head coach Sharon Versyp.

It's no secret that the Lowcountry's real estate market has been doing quite well these past few years. In our studio is local Realtor Brandon Greenplate to talk about the market, what lies ahead, and why he was named to the National Association of Realtors® “30 under 30” list.

Tune into Power Hour, where you can get unfiltered information about hot topics in our community straight from the source. Speakers include:  Jon Rembold, Hilton Head Island Airport Director, on the terminal expansion  Craig Wymer, Hiring Our Heroes, on employing transitioning military personnel  Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Superintendent of the Beaufort County School District, on the upcoming Bond Referendum

Beaufort County residents will head to the polls this Election Day and vote for a $439 million School Bond Referendum. If approved, it would fund county-wide projects, including rebuilding Hilton Head High School, a new Bluffton elementary school, security upgrades, and more. We talked with Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez on the proposed bond. Let's listen.

Hilton Head Island may not have a lot of standing monuments, but it is rich in history. We have the owner of Hilton Head History Tours here to talk about the Lowcountry's legacy and how learning about our past can help us shape our future. 

If you've seen Hilton Head Island's public art installations, you may have noticed plaques with QR codes. It's our own Poetry Trail curated by local writers. To celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month, we talked with organizer Elizabeth Robin about the trail and the local writers' network.