People On the Move

HELP AVAILABLE FOR CORONAVIRUS-RELATED JOB LOSSES 

State officials ordered all bars and restaurant dining rooms closed as of March 18, leaving many in the service industry without jobs. Companies that have to shut down temporarily or lay off workers because of the effects of the virus can apply to get those employees short-term unemployment benefits. The benefits will cover six weeks of pay, but only if employers apply for it. For more information, go to dew.sc.gov. 

LUXURY INN, NEW FITNESS APP COMING TO HILTON HEAD HEALTH 

Hilton Head Health will welcome an 18,000-square-foot Sweetgrass Inn by the end of 2020. The inn will include 30 guest rooms, a game room and theater room. Hilton Head Health visitors will now have the opportunity to stay on-site at the weight loss and wellness resort. Hilton Head Health has also launched H3 On Demand, an all-inclusive digital program that combines fitness, recipes and education videos in one platform. For more information, go to www.h3ondemand.com. 

SONESTA RESORT NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 

Peter Conboy has been named the new director of finance at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. In his new role, Conboy is responsible for overseeing the accounting staff, negotiating contracts and preparing financial statements and analyses of hotel operations. Previously, he served as director of finance at Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston. 

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE LOWCOUNTRY ADDS THREE 

Julie Jones, Jennifer Phillips and Mary Wright have joined the team at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. 

Jones will serve as a donor services associate, providing relationship management services for donors and fund groups. Previously, she served as the assistant executive director for Bluffton Self Help for eight years. 

CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH SCHOOLS TO GRANT TEACHER WISHES

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce’s business education partnership committee helps enhance the quality of education in the Lowcountry by creating and supporting partnerships between local businesses and schools. Project Connect is a community-wide program that connects community businesses and individuals with teachers and their wish lists for classroom supplies. Since the program’s inception, over $35,000 has been used to purchase needed school supplies. If you would like to donate an item from a teacher’s wish list, contact 843-785-3673.

HHSO’S MARY BRIGGS TO RETIRE 

Mary Briggs will retire as president and CEO of The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra at the end of the year. The orchestra’s board of directors has announced Alan Jordan as her successor. Jordan is currently the executive director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Briggs led the orchestra for 12 remarkable years. 

BISHOP EYE CENTER ADDS OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND RETINA SPECIALIST

Dr. Carl W. Baker has joined the team at Bishop Eye Center’s New River location as an ophthalmologist and retina specialist. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Previously, Baker served as chief resident in ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is engaged in clinical research for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and retinal vein occlusions. 

TIDEWATCH EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NOW OPEN

Coastal Carolina Hospital will now include the Tidewatch Emergency Department. The 10,000 square foot facility has 12 treatment areas, 24/7 physician coverage and represents a $15 million investment in the community. The types of acute illnesses and injuries treated at a traditional ER can now be treated at Tidewatch Emergency Department. These include allergic reactions, bone fractures, chest pain, head injuries, seizures, stroke and other urgent medical conditions.

HHI GETS NEW ART STUDIO

Sonja Griffin Evans has opened a new art studio and gallery bearing her name at 32 Palmetto Bay Road Suite10A. Her paintings, mixed media art and handmade jewelry are influenced by Gullah culture. Griffin Evans is an internationally acclaimed artist who was born and raised in Beaufort.