WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsBOOST owns up to political contribution allegations

BOOST owns up to political contribution allegations

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is speaking out Wednesday evening, following allegations that the organization's funds were used to aid local political campaigns.

According to officials, the allegations were brought to the attention of the Chamber following a message board post on DiscoverMyrtleBeach.com, stating funds were used to 'thank' and 'reward' elected officials who voted on the recently passed tourism tax in Myrtle Beach.

Officials from Business Owners Organized to Support Tourism, also known as BOOST, stepped forward and said they are the ones behind the claims.

"A team of members of BOOST are the people who uncovered this disgusting and arrogant distribution of monies, and we’re proud of it," the organization posted on its website Wednesday.

Politicians who received the funds, according to the post, include Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes and current city council members Randal Wallace and Charles Martino.

The web post claims South Carolina State Ethics Commission records reveal each candidate received  $1,000 contributions from the same 24 companies. BOOST alleges the companies are shell businesses operated by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.

"The Chamber has never, ever given me one dime towards any type of political campaign," said Rhodes.

A statement released by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce states the web posts implied that companies who donated to local political campaigns are directly benefiting from the tax. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, according to spokeswoman Nancy Gray, has yet to receive any payment from the tourism development fee as of Thursday.

Three of the 24 entities listed as donors are members of the organization. Those named on the web post are former directors of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, but are not currently serving.

"I am disappointed, but not entirely surprised, that yet another nameless, faceless accuser would spread misinformation about our organization," Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Chamber, said Thursday. "The Chamber does not make political contributions. Apparently, our efforts to grow tourism and create jobs while actively supporting property tax reductions and investments in infrastructure have irritated critics who don't mind falsely attacking us behind a veil of secrecy."

Chairman Brant Branham of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce says he is the contributor behind the donations, given to those he believes, as an individual and businessman, deserve re-election.

"I don't see how me - in a volunteer position at the Chamber of Commerce - compromises my right as a private citizen to participate in the political process in any way I can," said Branham.

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