How North Myrtle Beach is teaming with its citizens to plan for eventual reopening
With the coronavirus pandemic causing unforeseen economic impacts to municipalities and businesses nationwide, North Myrtle Beach approved the formation of an economic recovery task force.
With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 shuttering all but essential businesses, officials issued concern about the short-term and long-term economic impacts during their City Council meeting Monday night. The resolution, which received unanimous approval, will establish a task force to benefit entities and organizations with ties to the hospitality, tourism and small business communities in the aftermath of the virus.
The task force will be made up of 12 people who will represent the business community and residents while working closely with the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to prepare for the re-opening of businesses within the city, Mayor Marilyn Hatley said.
“This is a marketing strategy,” Hatley said. “This is something that we will not move forward with until we know for sure it’s time to open up.”
The task force, which will include members of city staff and community members, will also work with Horry County moving forward to enact the appropriate actions to aid in a speedy recovery, officials said, with the first meeting held on Tuesday.
Additionally, the task force will provide a written report with recommendations to city council within 30 days of the first meeting, with monthly reports to follow for the next 120 days.
The initial report and subsequent periodic reports shall address matters regarding economic recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19, according to the resolution. Officials may then request such further work of the task force if it’s in the public’s interest.
The task force shall sunset and stand dissolved on December 8, 2020, the resolution states.
“We think it’s good to have input for our businesses,” Hatley said. “It’s important that we hear from our citizens also.”
