Adopt A Tree Golf Tourney and More

Thanks to all who signed up and played in our 6th Annual Adopt A Tree Golf Tournament at Wachesaw Plantation East. Many thanks to Rob Mosser GM and Head Professional for his hospitality, Chris Beattie of Legends In Concert, Scott Taylor of the Signature Golf Group, Nora Mason and Joey "Cheescake" of Costco Wholesale, Mendi Hielholzer of The Outback Steakhouse and all the golf courses who donated certificates in support of our project. With the proceeds from the tournament and a few donations, including $1,000.00 from the LAKES POA, we have a total operating budget for next year of close to $4,000. That total is small in comparison to the six figure budget in Pawleys Island and Litchfield, and not a bunch to take care of 2 + miles of beautification, but somehow we "get er done". This project would not have been possible without the help of the volunteers who worked so hard, especially Buddy Sessions and Patrick Burke, who have been volunteering their time for 7 years, to make a difference.


NO WIN FOR MCBRIDE - FORE MORE FOR RHODES

I firmly believe that it was only do to the lack of a known and qualified candidate and lack of funds that John Rhodes was re-elected to another 4 year term. Because of what I still consider a "blunder" in pulling the welcome mat out from under a certain segment of our tourists and costing the City and County millions of dollars, he only was able to gather just 54% or so in the balloting. I wouldn't take that as a vote of confidence over a candidate who has had numerous "incidents" while in office, and nowhere near the money or the endorsements of Rhodes. While we still continue in this recession with very limited job opportunities available and unemployment in double digits, it's going to be a chilly winter on the Grand Strand. I still can't wait to see what happens this Spring, especially in May for what the City and Chamber promote to "reel in" those millions of dollars in revenue we have lost because of their stance. I firmly believe that if the laws that are currently on the books were allowed to be "strictly enforced" during the events and on a year round basis, we could all live in "harmony" while maintaining our resort stature. Part of that penny sales tax could be used to advertise to people that we do have "bike rallies" in our "resort area" and what the dates are, so families could plan accordingly. I don't like being tied up in the traffic or hearing a lot of the noise; but I understand what those events mean to the local businesses and their employees. Most people use the bars as examples of who makes the money during those weeks, but those people also eat, attend local entertainment venues and S P E N D! I already see too many places closed for the winter or possible closed for good. I don't profess to be any kind of economist, and sometimes looks can be deceiving, but you would need a lot of "smoke and mirrors" not to see the vacant strip shops and the failed businesses in our area. Other towns live with the festivals and I am sure there are many more "retirees" in Daytona Beach than on the entire Grand Strand! Maybe we should have sent a contingent there to find our how they continue to have their rallies, prosper, and keep their residents "happy" having the event.


HOW ABOUT A SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE - 10 Nights In Paradise???





Our Ports Of Call will be:

San Juan (Stay May 6th or 7th for $136 per night)
Bridgetown, Barbados
Castries, St. Lucia
St. Johns, Antigua
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

You can fly round trip from Myrtle Beach International, spend 2 nights in San Juan, 8 days cruising on the Serenade Of the Seas, 10 nights in the Southern Caribbean for just $1460 per person with all taxes, port fees, etc.

Ever cruise with a group?? You need to join us and find out how much fun it can be! It starts with a "meet and greet" prior to the cruise, we have custom cruise t-shirts, group cocktail party, group dance party in the Vortex Disco, cash miniature golf contest with trophies and other fun contests. We have 38 people signed up to go so far...come join the PARTY!!!

NEED MORE INFO????

CALL SAM STAMPS AT THE "CRUISE CORNER" 1-888-742-7242.....Sam booked the first cruise and has been our Travel Agent for 8 cruises now...Need a cruise, any cruise
work with the "Cruise Corner" for personal and professional service.



DOUG DECKER WINS "LEGEND IN ENERGY AWARD"

Congratulations to my good friend Doug Decker who was honored for the 2nd time this year, named a 2009 Legend In Energy  at the 32nd Annual World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington, DC, November 4th thru 6th.  If you folks remember, it was Doug Decker who appeared on my show numerous times with information concerning the expenditures and the viability of building the West Side Airport Terminal that I strongly opposed with him.  I remember quite vividly how Liz (Ethics Violations, Suspended License and Speeder, who PAYS HER TICKETS) Gilland called Doug out as a person who had "bad information".  Doug was also named by John (Why Can't I Be County Administrator) Weaver, along with myself, Paul Gable and Bill Darby as a bunch of "Looney Tunes" because of our opposition.  However, history has now shown, thanks to the courage of the MB Community Appearance Board, that the project was not necessary, ultimately costing the County millions of dollars in fees for studies and plans for design.  However, even though it cost millions of dollars to "shoot the plan down", those dollars are nothing in comparison to the over 150 million dollars that will now be saved.  Doug is an outstanding member of our community, who used his own funds to put together the presentation he utilized at numerous meetings before groups in Myrtle Beach and Horry County.  I am proud to be his friend, and proud to have worked with him, Paul and Bill on a project that was JUST NOT NEEDED!  Doug was also inducted into the Association of Energy Engineers Hall of Fame in 2001 and their is a Douglas Decker Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor.  the full article written by Paul Gable appeared in the Thursday, November 19th issue of the Waccamaw Times.


WHO IS THAT WASCALLY WABBIT "ELMER FUDD"

By now you should know the person behind the Elmer Fudd postings that the MB Chamber of Commerce was so "HOT" to nail!  It's one thing to post an opinion, but totally another to post unfounded "truths" when the evidence is just not there. Although my personal opinion would not be a vote of confidence for them and some of the things they do, I only post what I know to be true.  My own personal opinion is that I don't see that 1 cent sales tax as the "saving tourism" in Myrtle Beach.  After being passed in August, it was "lauded" as quickly as October of being an instrument that "saved" the last part of the tourist season for our area.  However, looking at the weekly room occupancy statistics published in the Sun News, it didn't seem to have that "great" of an impact, if any, especially after many businesses lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to start the season off.  Take the "lauded" winter Beach Ball Classic....do we know the income figures from that event??
Not that I can find.  What I do know is that:

1.  Its Estimated that it brings around 4,000 people to the Grand Strand in the dead of winter.  Okay, but  Mayor BB gets the Convention Center for a week for free, estimated at $250,000.  That means aside from any advertising, it cost $62.50 per person to bring them here.

2.  The tournament also provides boarding to the participants in the tournament. If the cost was $30 per night and a team of 15 were here for a week, that's another $3150 per team, times how many teams????  I don't have the information on whether or not they are fed.

3.  Many of our local teams are in the mix for the tournament....are their families counted in the 4,000 figure?
And just where does this figure come from??  What is the estimated average dollar amount spent?  What is the average stay?

4.  Once again, what are the attendance figures for those games???  How much is made on concessions?
Who gets it?  Our Mayor?

If the event is such a big "money maker" how come so much is given away???

You want to bring people to the Grand Strand.....Use the 1 cent sales tax to pay for the prize money to bring the now economically struggling PGA Tour back to the Golf Capital Of the World, and just like the World Am, set up the Worlds Largest 19th hole Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat at the Convention Center.  With so much money placed on television exposure....how much exposure would be get with 4 days of "live" national coverage????  It would be a lot more than the several million dollars laid out in prize money.  It would bring "thousands of people" here and could be a tournament sponsored by a "City" instead of a "Corporation".

Mr. Mayor, and Chamber, chew on that idea for a spell!
God Bless
Lou

Letter To Bring Casino(s) To The Grand Strand

Ladies and Gentleman,
As we all know, our economy here in Myrtle Beach is in terrible shape and continuing to regress, putting many people in the Unemployment Lines. I know this first hand, since I have been out of work for over 7 months now, with no end in sight, especially in the broadcast industry. I continue to watch as States all around and near us continue to approve ways to increase revenue; Casino Gambling.

Before we go into conversations about the Bible Belt and the South, let's get realistic about the number of Taxpayers and Residents who are struggling on the Grand Strand. Just today in the Sun News, the editorial talked of the remarks of Danny Knight and how Horry County was in need of money to continue services or cut back on them. How do you raise money in an already heavily taxed economic structure like we presently have; by raising taxes, or looking for alternative means? If you allowed your constituents to vote on a matter such as this, it would overwhelmingly be "look for an alternative means". Sure, there have been some ideas out there about taxing trailers that ride without tags, or maybe adding another tax on the tourists, but I'm talking about something to add real revenue to the coffers, a major Casino or two with all types of gambling.

As I ride around the Grand Strand during the "slow" part of the year, look at the failing businesses and empty shops, I think back to the days of the slot machines and how things changed when they were banned. Were the slots good for business on the Grand Strand? Of course they were, but what was wrong was the Legislation that governed the control of those machines to the point that it was "overkill" and found in any nook and cranny that complied with the Law. Secondly, the State and County really had no way to collect it's "fair share" from those machines. I speak with experience on the matter since I ran machines in Baltimore for more than 8 years while running a local tavern and know how the machines worked.

We have a wonderful, but eroding beach and wonderful golf...How many other resort destinations, especially along the East Coast have that? We have another long list of failing and closed attractions and theaters, the most recent being the Hard Rock Theme Park debacle. We also have had a number of golf courses go out of business because the housing "boom", now a "bust" was a more viable money maker than running a golf course without enough golfers. We have the "seedy" gentleman's clubs up and down the Grand Strand, numerous dating services and massage parlors, gambling boats and a State run lottery. Look at the financial deal alone with those little casino boats, and the thoughts of a major casino or two should have everyone "salivating" with $$ signs.

My old home State of Maryland just had the voters authorize the placement of 15,000 slots at 5 selected locations. My friend in Pittsburgh told me how they approved a casino there and have a temporary one set up in a tent while the structure is being built and people are lining up outside to play. There was a gentleman from Connecticut who wrote and told me of the prosperity from legalized gambling there. I know of many people who travel to Tampa, Cherokee, Atlantic City, Louisiana and other places just to gamble money they could have spent here. What do you think attracts the majority of attention on the cruise ships...the Casino, it is filled almost each night!

This is not some stupid "pie in the sky" dream, but something that is echoed each day and agreed to by every person the idea is presented to. However, I present the idea with a Casino or two being voted in by the citizens of Horry County, and the proceeds from such being used to improve our roads and infrastructure, similar to what the State run lottery does with the schools. This would free up millions of dollars that could be used for many other things.

Would we have people with gambling addictions? Sure we would, but we have that now with people who play the Lottery and other games. They will find a way and find a bookie to satisfy their needs whether we have a Casino or not, just like we have people now who are addicted to legalized alcohol and tobacco. But what we would also have would be more people working and more income for the Horry County coffers. Just like our current recession is a trickle down effect, so would the Casino's, but with a more positive spin. More people in hotels equals more people in restaurants equals more people in the shows and more people on the golf courses and other tourist sites.

Think now of the future for Horry County before Marion County puts a "roadblock to the beach" up with their big Bingo Hall and RV Park that will only be the beginning there. I would like one or more of you to come forward with a legislative idea to present this to the voters of Horry County and let them decide. Just think of the up-front money we could get from a major player as a "franchise fee" alone, just for the right to build here. You tell me what we will need to get this issue on the ballot and I will create the necessary volunteers to work with you and get this issue passed. Our future in Horry County needs a better "driving force" than golf courses and sandy beaches. This is truly a "build it and they will come" idea for progress and financial gain for our community.

I await a reply from someone with the "courage" to do this!
God Bless
Happy Thanksgiving '08
Lou Krieger

Benefit golf Tourney - Cruise #8 - Commentary

It’s been some time since our last communication, but as summer comes to a close, things are really starting to heat up here at the beach. I thought when the airport debacle was resolved; things would start moving forward, and in a more positive direction on the Grand Strand. But look, what has happened since that time.

1. MB Mayor John Rhodes and friends pulled the plug on the HD Bike Week, going so far as to tell bikers they were not wanted in MB. How can you be a resort destination and pick and choose who your visitors are? This was all brought about when Councilman Chestnut and some members of the clergy observed sexual activity and other degrading acts during the “Atlantic Beach Bike Fest” on the Boulevard. NOT THE HARLEY DAVIDSON FESTIVAL! So they have now taken their action to “TAKE BACK MAY” and the citizens of Myrtle Beach need to take action in November to “TAKE BACK MYRTLE BEACH FROM THESE POLITICIANS”. The main problem has always been with the Atlantic Beach Bikefest and their rowdy, trashing behavior, yet the Harley Rally was the first and main target.

2. What kind of representation do we have in office, or aspiring to be in office?? Retha Pierce, Mayor of Atlantic beach arrested for the 4^th time for DUI, which I’m sure is some mistake by the arresting officer or racial profiling, or maybe the officer was a racist. The race card has been played an awful lot lately and it’s getting on my nerves. She should have been booted out of office long ago. If Atlantic Beach cannot come up with a better candidate than this, the town should be absorbed by and run by North Myrtle Beach.

3. Liz Gilland being fined $300,000 for ethics violations. I called a “truce” between Liz and myself after she explained the whole “true” scenario surrounding the expansion of the MBI Airport Terminal to me. However, I must call her out for these violations! Now on top of that, we have this unauthorized use of a County Vehicle and of course the old news of her County Credit Card. Liz called the ethics violations an “oversight”, c’mon Liz. If a person is not honest enough and forthright to take care of business such as this, then how can you trust them in office? I can “poo poo” those foreign trips, because they can be beneficial in finding much needed business for the Grand Strand, but this is a real “no-no” Liz. In these “hi tech” times, everyone is watching everything.

4. How about Beatrice Catalano running for office of Mayor and now falling from grace being locked up for DUI and other moving violations. She must be going to the “Retha Pierce School of Politics”. Oops, that’s right, she is innocent until proven guilty.

5. How about that extra penny sales tax that was voted in to help promote tourism for the Myrtle Beach Area? How about charging Mayor Rhodes the 250K he gets in use for the Beach Ball Classic in the Convention Center. Couldn’t that money be used for advertising? How do you like not living in the Myrtle Beach area and being charged that extra penny tax each and every time you are in the city limits? Do you like paying an extra tax that will also see the MB City residents property taxes lowered, and if you don’t live in the City of MB getting nothing!

6. How about the MB Chamber of Commerce, the beneficiary of these funds to promote tourism, opens their books to the general public. I don’t have their tax returns, but read an article in one of our local magazines where Brad Dean was quoted as saying how the “labor workforce” has been streamlined and is more efficient. I was told by a reliable source that even though they have streamlined their workforce, the salaries paid for that same period went up drastically. If the MB Chamber of Commerce is using local taxpayer funds to advertise, then we should be able to look at their books to see how fiscally responsible they operate.

7. How about the helmet law? Do you think it is constitutional? Not long ago, I asked Rep. Alan Clemmons what would be needed to institute Casino Gambling on the Grand Strand. To make a long story short, Alan explained to me that since this was a statewide law, it would have to be put on the ballot and voted on by the entire state. I’m not a lawyer or a politician, but if the helmet law is a statewide law, how can the City Of Myrtle Beach supercede the state law and pass their own law, without being voted on by the residents? If they can do this “helmet law” legally, then they could vote to build and operate a Casino in the City. Speaking of Casino’s and gambling, I recently took my first trip out to sea on the Big M Casino Boat in Little River. I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, cleanliness, food on the buffet and the overall experience of being on the boat. The only problem with the Casino boats is the people who go out on them and get seasick by not being on land. The County used to have a problem with them operating out of our area until the Casino Boats upped the ante they are paying. Now, there is no problem, and it is a good tourist attraction. If you are a land lover, remember to take some Dramamine!

Speaking of tourism, there are “mixed” messages out there depending whom you talk to or who provides you with information. I just spoke with one restaurant owner who told me he would make it, but his business was off almost 40% from the year prior. His business has been a staple in the Garden City area for years, so he has a lot to compare from. Most people I know who work in the “hospitality” industry say they started taking a “hit” because of attendance for Bike Weeks and they have never recovered. Most say they won’t be spending much for Christmas or over the winter months, especially if we don’t have a good off-season. Although reports are coming out that the recession is ending, as Don Shunk pointed out, it will be years before it ends here on the Grand Strand because we are a resort and tourist based area. To me, this off-season will be a barometer to “gauge” the recession and “health” of the beach. We don’t know how many people will venture out for that golf vacation, weekend getaway or how many “snowbirds” will flock to the area this year. I look at the golf prices going up each week now and “cringe” when I see some of those rates in the paper. I started coming to Myrtle Beach because of the “cheap golf” on good courses and the great package deals. I truly think that the “locals” should be given a standard $30 rate on the courses no matter what time of year if a tee time is available. I know the Signature Golf Group has a “Platinum Card” (which I carry) that gives you rates from $25 to $35 for a great track like Arnold Palmers Rivers Edge and others. You also get e-mail blasts with specials as low as $20 and other great deals all the time. How about Golf Holiday charging maybe $50 for a membership like this and offering rates no higher that $35 for premium courses for available times. They could easily sell 2,000 of those and generate $100,000 for advertising and operating revenue. The courses need to take care of the people who are there for them on a year round basis. The "Off-Season" will be interesting to watch to see how many visitors take that extra trip or getaway weekend.

ADOPT A TREE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8^TH

WACHESAW PLANTATION EAST, 8AM - $75.00 PER PERSON

If you enjoy the scenery on the Highway 17 By-pass from Glenn’s Bay Road to the Garden City Connector, come out and play golf and help us continue to expand, improve and maintain this road. Unlike the Pawleys Island/Litchfield areas that get over $100,000 per year for their highway beautification, ours survives on donations and money raised from our annual golf tournament. December of this year will mark the 7^th anniversary of the roadway that was created out of an “on air” joke. Two individuals, Buddy Sessions and Patrick Burke have been volunteering and working with me on the bypass for all of those 7 years and should be commended for their hard work and dedication. This is a “frugal” operation to say the least; we operate on $3,000 to $4,000 per year on the average because that is all we raise. The great folks from the Lakes Homeowners Association have supported this project from day one, and have given us $1,000 each year for the past 3 years. We intend to expand the road further South over the fall and winter months, and how much and what type of trees and shrubs plant will tie in directly with what we raise in donations. We are now working to rebuild most of the beds we have with “hardwood” mulch and top them with pine straw. I would like to thank L & L Landscaping and Pools and Larry and Linda Gross for their generosity and continued support with the program. Here is the information.

**ADOPT A TREE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2009

**8AM SHOTGUN START – REGISTRATION STARTS AT 6:45AM

**CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SERVED FROM THE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE OF MURRELLS INLET, GREENS FEES, CARTS AND RANGE BALLS

**PRIZES FOR 1^ST PLACE MENS AND LADIES TEAMS-Golf 4 -4 and 4 pairs of Legends In Concert Tickets.

**GOLF FOR FOUR PRIZES FOR 2^ND THRU 10^TH PLACE (PROBABLY MORE)

**RAFFLES – 50-50 – CLOSEST TO PIN, LONG DRIVE AND OTHER PRIZES AND FUN

**LOTS OF TICKETS FOR PRIZES FROM LEGENDS IN CONCERT

**MULLIGANS AND MULLIGAN PACKAGES FOR SALE

**60 and over hit from Senior Tees

**59 and Under White Tees

**Ladies on Ladies Tees

TO SIGN UP CUT AND PASTE FROM BELOW:

Lou Krieger’s “Adopt-a-Tree” Program and

The Sons of Italy Lodge #2662

6^TH Annual

Benefit Golf Tournament for the Highway 17 By-Pass Beautification Project

Sunday November 8^th 2009

Wachesaw Plantation East - 2007 Course of the Year

GOLFERS:

1) Name ________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip__________

2) Name ________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip__________

3) Name ______________________________________________________ _ Phone ___________________________________

Address _____________________________________________ City ___________________ State _______ Zip _________

4) Name _______________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________

Address _____ ________________________________________ City ___________________ State _______ Zip _________

Please make checks payable to: OSIA Lodge 2662 and mail to:

Lou Krieger

3264 Red Bird Lane

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

843-215-3753

Help support the Lou Krieger Adopt-a-Tree Program, now in its 7th year.

The proceeds will help purchase trees, plants and supplies for maintenance.

This program is solely supported by local donations and all-volunteer labor.

6:45 a.m. Registration, 8am Shotgun Start

$75 per golfer includes continental breakfast, coffee and juice, green fees, cart, range balls Outback Steakhouse of Murrells Inlet lunch, contests and lots of prizes!

Entry deadline is November 2^nd - 2009

Space is limited—reserve early!

#####################################################

WON’T U LET ME TAKE U ON A SEA CRUISE??????

LOU KRIEGERS CRUISER’S

CRUISE NUMBER 8

MAY 8^TH TO 16^TH FROM SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico

SEE THE FLYER BELOW….

Lou Krieger’s Cruisers #8

May 8^th – 16^th - 2010

Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

“Serenade Of The Seas” From San Juan, Puerto Rico

Fly from Myrtle Beach International and spend a day touring San Juan** before the cruise. This is an 8-night cruise for the price of 7 nights with stops at:

Bridgetown, Barbados Cabin Prices (Cruise Only)

Castries, St. Lucia Inside Category M $784.83

St. Johns, Antigua Ocean View Category H $864.83

Philipsburg, St. Maarten Balcony Cabins $1074.83

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands All Taxes & Port Fees Included in Pricing

SPACE IS LIMITED

**Fly from Myrtle Beach International (Group Price will be approx. $400 to $425 per person round trip)

**Accommodations on 5/6-7 @ Holiday Inn Express in San Juan $136

per night (not included in price)

**8 nights cruising and 2 nights in San Juan, 10 nights of the Caribbean as low as $1460 per person with all taxes, fees and air….

**Group Amenities include a pre-cruise meet and greet party, free cruise t-shirts, group cocktail party, group dance party in the Vortex, cash miniature golf with trophies and other contests…

CALL SAM STAMPS AT THE “CRUISE CORNER” AND RESERVE TODAY….1-888-742-7245 OR E-MAIL WWW.CRUZCORNER.COM

Lou Kriegers’s Cruisers

#8

May 8-16th - 2010

D-Day, Doug Decker Honored, Fab 50's Fest. Update, Lou's Cruise and More!

Preparing to enter "HELL" on D-DAY

Omaha Beach on D-Day

First and foremost...today is D-Day....please take time and pause to remember the thousands of lives that were lost in the Invasion Of Europe to put the Germans on the run. The courage and sacrifice of those soldiers that day is something that should never be forgotten as these great warriors continue to leave us daily. It is their courage and their sacrifice that made us into the "free" nation we are today!

The Fabulous Fifties Festival is on a roll now, literally! One of the elements of the Festival is our Saturday "Cruise In" on July 25th. Almost 60 Classic Cars will assemble at the Legends In Concert parking lot and line up for a "run" at approximately 3pm to the Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet. The entourage will be escorted by the Surfside Beach Police Department and led by the Blues Brothers in their classic "Bluesmobile". Once there, the cars will be on display for a "People's Choice" competition show from 3pm until 7pm . We will also have contests and raffles and Frank Barnhill and myself will be spinning all the hits of the Fabulous 50's. The event is "FREE" and any proceeds from the event will benefit the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council, our designated charity. Other elements of the Fabulous Fifties Festival include:

**Friday 7/24 Golf Tournament - Wachesaw Plantation East

**Friday 7/24 Sock Hop at Studebakers

**Saturday 7/25 Cruise In to Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet

**Saturday 7/25 Ultimate Elvis Contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Legends in Concert.

For more information on any of these events go to:

http://myrtlebeachfabulousfiftiesfestival.com/

DOUG DECKER TO BE HONORED BY THE "ENERGY EFFICIENCY FORUM HALL OF FAME" IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Congratulations to a man I am glad to call my friend and a person who stood up with a few others to save the citizens of Horry County and the City Of Myrtle Beach "Millions and Millions of Dollars". I was there with him when Horry County Attorney John Weaver called this man a "Looney Tune" and then labeled our group as a bunch of "Chicken Littles". Doug is a man who relentlessly pursued the truth with the Airport Terminal with his own time and at his own expense. Without Doug Decker, we would be in the midst of a "bigger" and "must costlier" debacle than Horry County has ever seen. I could go on and on here reciting the erroneous information handed out by Horry County concerning the terminal, the construction, landing fees and the "pie in the sky" projections of visitors utilizing the facilities. However, in lieu of those, I would just like to congratulate Doug on an award well deserved, and say "thank you" for coming to the aid of Horry County and saving us those millions of dollars and educating me on the information I disseminated to the people while I was on the air. In my opinion, it was the only media venue that was airing the "truth" about what was really going on in the "good ole boy" community. I might further add that Doug is not even an Horry County resident, but didn't let a County line decide whether to pursue the truth or not. Thanks Doug!

For the entire story:
http://www.myrtlebeachalternatives.com/politics/934

PRESS RELEASE
Johnson Controls and U.S. Energy Association
nduct Energy Efficiency Leaders into Hall of Fame
June 15 Washington D.C. Event to Honor Pioneers in Energy Policy and Implementation

MILWAUKEE – (May 18, 2009) – As the United States and the world develop policies and actions designed to reduce energy and prevent climate change, Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) and the United States Energy Association (USEA) will honor 22 people who have dedicated their careers to energy efficiency.

The inaugural Energy Efficiency Forum Hall of Fame event will take place Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. It precedes the 20th Anniversary of the Energy Efficiency Forum – the first such event of its type to convene high‑ranking politicians, business leaders, and NGOs to promote energy efficiency. The Forum takes place the following day at the National Press Club.

“Looking back over two decades we have seen many promises, policies and strategies in dealing with our energy challenges,” says Barry K. Worthington, USEA executive director and Forum co-chair. “We believe it’s appropriate to honor those who make energy efficiency their personal and professional passion.”

Profiles of the inductees can be found at http://www.eeforum.net/. The inductees include:

· Spencer Abraham, former U.S. Secretary of Energy
· Kateri Callahan, president, Alliance to Save Energy
· Eileen Claussen, president, Pew Center on Global Climate Change and Strategies for the Global Environment.
· Douglas Decker, founder, Energy Efficiency Forum
· Byron Dorgan, U.S. Senator, North Dakota
· Christine Ervin, former president, U.S. Green Buildings Council
· Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and New York Times columnist
· David Garman, former Under Secretary of Energy
· John Gibbons, first director, U.S. Office of Energy Conservation
· Mark Ginsberg, former director, Federal Energy Management Program
· Kathleen Hogan, director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
· Alexander “Andy” Karsner, former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
· Thomas Kuhn, president, Edison Electric Institute
· Tom Leppert, former CEO of Turner Construction; mayor of Dallas
· Greg Nichols, mayor of Seattle
· Hazel O'Leary, former U.S. Secretary of Energy; president, Fisk University
· Governor Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania
· Dan Reicher, former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy; director, Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Google.org.
· James Rogers, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Duke Energy
· Philip Sharp, former U.S. Congressman, Indiana; president, Resources for the Future
· Branko Terzic, former Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner; regulatory policy leader – energy & resources, Deloitte Services LP
· Christine Whitman, former Governor of New Jersey, former EPA Administrator
· Timothy E. Wirth, former U.S. Senator, Colorado; president, United Nations Foundation

“Over the years these representatives from private industry and the public sector have in some way sponsored legislation, developed programs or otherwise represented what it takes to achieve energy efficiency through bipartisan government leadership and strong business implementation,” says C. David Myers, president of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency business.

Those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame include individuals who have advanced the mission of the Energy Efficiency Forum: To be the premier forum that promotes an energy efficiency ethic through the presentation of national and worldwide views on energy efficiency and the resulting impact on the environment, national security and economic growth.

LOU KRIEGER'S CRUISER'S - CRUISE #7 - A BIG SUCCESS!!

While the checkpoints and NEW helmet laws were being forced upon the Harley Davidson Bike Week, 26 of us were cruising in the Caribbean on the largest ship afloat, Royal Caribbeans "Freedom of the Seas". Imagine a large center promenade, pulsating to the disco beat of the 70's with the likes of John Travolta and the Village People and 3,000 cruiser's dancing away at midnight! Were we really on a ship at sea??? We had a blast with stops at the Grand Cayman Islands, Labadee, Royal Caribbeans private stop and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where some of us traveled to a mountain top to take a "Jamaican Bobsled" ride...A W E S O M E!!! However, we did not stop in Cozumel, Mexico because of the threat of the H1N1 flu. On the ship we ran into couples from Monks Corner, Charleston and Prestwick. All were invited to our "Dance Party" at the disco, hosted by me that was the largest yet.


JOIN US FOR CRUISE NUMBER "8"


Plans are underway for our 8th Cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines May 8th - 16th, 2010 from San Juan, Puerto Rico on the "Serenade Of The Seas". This is an 8 day cruise for the price of a 7 day cruise and will stop at:


Bridgetown, Barbados
Castries, St, Lucia
St. John's, Antigua
Phillipsburg, St. Mararten
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

We will FLY from Myrtle Beach on May 7th and spend a day in San Juan before boarding the ship. Our cruises feature a pre-cruise meet and greet, complimentary cruise t-shirts, onboard cocktail party, dance party and "cash" miniature golf tournament and lots of friends to check out the sites with. For more information and pricing, call SAM STAMPS at the CRUISE CORNER at 1-888-742-7245. Accommodations are currently being arranged in San Juan and airfare prices will be secured shortly.
SPACE IS "LIMITED" RESERVE YOUR CABIN EARLY!!!

IS HARLEY BIKE WEEK A THING OF THE PAST????

Since returning from the cruise, we have heard nothing but "negatives" as to how the City of Myrtle Beach has "shot themselves in the foot" pulling out the "welcome mat" from Harley Davidson Bike Week. On 5/26 I sent a letter to the editor of the Sun News that has yet to be published and goes as follows:

I keep seeing references made about crowds, noise, the bike week and people calling these events a disruption to their "retirement community". This is Myrtle Beach, a "RESORT COMMUNITY" where people come to for vacations, entertainment and yes, to retire. However, DO NOT confuse Myrtle Beach with places like "Sun City" or the 'Villages". Instead of creating new laws and losing our May business, why didn't our leaders adamantly point out that "ALL" bikers would be welcome, but our current laws would be "STRICTLY" enforced, as they should be year round. Instead, the MB City Council passed the "stupid" helmet law that will cost them and their constituents thousands more in legal fees. Maybe Mayor Rhodes can pay this year for use of the Convention Center for his "Beach Ball" classic to help cover some of those fees! Many of the bikers that come here for the rallies, return with their families in the summer. How many of those will come back now that the City Of Myrtle Beach has pulled out the "welcome" mat. We are first, and foremost a "RESORT" area where people come to vacation, let loose a little and be entertained. If you came here for the "peace and quiet" of a retirement community, you didn't research your move very well. If the beach is not quiet enough for you, there are alternatives and a great real estate market right now. Additionally, if the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is so adamant about the penny sales tax for a "advertising blitz" for tourism; then I suggest the taxpayers also become adamant that the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce "open" their financial books to all citizens for more "accountability".

HOW EFFECTIVE WAS THIS NEW LAW???

It was effective enough that local businesses who lost a bundle have now formed a group to get rid of the politicians in Myrtle Beach that supported this action. It was so effective in Atlantic Beach that they are talking about INCLUDING a Fall Festival. The "repercussions" of this action will be felt for years here at the beach with the loss of this May revenue. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL NOW HAVE TO COME TO THE BEACH TO REPLACE THE ESTIMATED 40 MILLION DOLLARS IN LOST REVENUE?? HOW WILL PEOPLE WHO COUNTED ON THIS ANNUAL REVENUE TO LIVE AND PAY THEIR BILLS GET BY??? IF DAYTONA AND OTHER AREAS CAN LIVE WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON FESTIVALS, WHY CAN'T WE??

SEXUAL PREDATORS "NEVER" STOP PREYING ON OUR YOUNG!

On Saturday February 28th, my good friend Buddy Sessions and I drove to Florida to take part in the 4th Annual "Jessie's Ride" to help raise funds for "Jessie's Place" a children advocacy center in Crystal River, Florida. Hundreds of bikers were on hand and thousands of dollars were raised for the fund. Also, we delivered to Mark some long overdue items he asked for following his visits to South Carolina to help pass "Jessie's Law" here. Thanks to Senators Ray Cleary and Jake Knotts for providing those items. I appreciate Mark taking the time on the run to stop by the cemetery so we could pay our respect to a little girl we never had the opportunity to meet.





Before, during the run and the "get together" afterward, Mark continued to ask everyone to continue to write, e-mail or phone your legislators and tell them to appropriate the money to help fight the lowly predators, especially those on the run and hiding the "absconders". Look at the SC SLED website, punch in your zip code or address and see who is living near you... Remember this is a young girl who was taken right from her home! Keep your doors and windows locked and be aware of who is around you and your children at all times.

Here is the SLED link:

http://services.sled.sc.gov/sor/



Please be thankful to Mark Lunsford for all that he has done for the children of South Carolina and all across the United States. His personal tragedy and perseverance has changed the laws for child sexual predators in almost 35 states. The only tragedy is "why" it is taking the other states so long, or why have they "balked" at increasing the penalties for these perverts? Like the t-shirt says "SAVE A CHILD - PROSECUTE A PEDOFILE"





SONS OF ITALY FESTIVAL JUNE 27th and 28th at Market Common



Don't forget to stop by for the Sons Of Italy Festival with great food and entertainment. I will be the host emcee for the entertainment stage for another segment of the Sun Fun Festival. For more information, click on the link below and then go to the bottom of the page for the Festival Flyer.
http://www.sonsofitalylodge.com/
On the radio front...no jobs for Lou...or many other announcers across the United States. To date, more than 4,000 DJ's have become unemployed as major radio corporations try to cut their losses. WHERE IS THE DJ's BAILOUT??????



God Bless

Lou

Fabulous 50's Festival On The Way

Well, our Fabulous 50’s Festival is now officially on it’s way for the weekend of July 24th and 25th. All of the proceeds from the events held that weekend would benefit the work of the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council. These events and our weekend are also co-sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and a part of the annual Sun Fun Festival. Our weekend will start with the “kick off” Golf Tournament at the 2007 Grand Strand Course of the Year and former host to the L.P.G.A., Wachesaw Plantation East. Our Tournament is Co-Sponsored by the Signature Golf Group, Martins Golf, and Legends in Concert, Grand Strand Golf Association, Krispy Kreme and Chick Fil A of Murrells Inlet, who will be doing lunch after the tournament. The tournament will begin at 7:15am, Friday July 24th with a cost of $59.00 per player, but you will receive a $10 gift card at registration. Coffee and Donuts will be provided for breakfast, with soda and water on the course (free) and a beverage cart girl (cash). Lunch will be provided after the tournament at Chick Fil A, just down the street. Thanks to Scott Taylor at Signature Golf, Chris Beattie at Legends In Concert and Ben Hunt from the Grand Strand Golf Association, we have lots and lots of prizes to give away. The winning team gets $200 cash; we have a prize for the 1st place ladies teams and probably the 2nd to 10th positions. This is going to be a lot of fun (especially if you purchase the Mulligan Package for $20) and fifties attire will be permitted on the course. I would also like to thank Wachesaw Plantation East General Manager Rob Mosser for his assistance in getting this tournament off the ground. Thanks also to Harry Marcus and the folks at Chick Fil A who came to our rescue to make this a very affordable tournament.

REGISTRATION BLANKS can be picked up in the lobby of Wachesaw Plantation East, or by e-mailing me at LOUK1065@AOL.COM. We are also accepting hole sponsors @ $100 each and is tax deductible. I can also provide you with a form if you wish to participate that way. Or, you can go to our Fabulous 50’s Web Site for all the information and registration at http://www.myrtlebeachfabulousfiftiesfestival.com/

FRIDAY NIGHT – Let’s get ready to rock and roll…….Fabulous Fifties Style…with our SOCK HOP at STUDEBAKERS from 7:30pm till ??? Diane DeVaughn Stokes will be your host that night with an evening of contests and surprises. Michael Sokolik of Socastee, last years winner of the “Ultimate Elvis Contest” at Legends In Concert will give a special performance, and maybe some other rock and roll stars may appear??? The cost is just $25 per person, which includes a year’s membership in the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council. Hors D’ Oeuvres will be available with a “cash bar”, silent and live auctions, Fabulous 50’s contests and more. I will also be joining the DJ’s in the Studebakers booth to perform a little show with my favorite songs of the 50’s. C’mon now, you all know I’m that old….and happy to be able to perform once again. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce and Legends in Concert ticket booth with more locations coming.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON – Classic Car Cruise In – From 2-3pm Vintage Classic Cars will assemble at the Legends In Concert Parking Lot. Promptly at 3pm, all the cars, lead by the Blues Brothers in their Blues Mobile and the Surfside Beach Police Department will ride in a parade formation from Legends in Concert to the Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet. The cars there will be on display and judged by the visitors to the event. We will give out trophies for the “People’s Choice” 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vehicles.
We will have up to 50 vehicles on display and my former morning partner Frank Barnhill will join me in playing the great hits of the 50’s from 3-7pm. We will also have contests and raffles during the event that will be “FREE” for everyone. I would like to thank Harry Marcus from Chick Fil A for their involvement with our event for the golf tournament and the car show. And, speaking of the car show, thanks to Jim Zimmerman from the Myrtle Beach Car Club for his help in getting the vehicles together for the event.

SATURDAY EVENING - The Ultimate Elvis Contest at 8pm at Legends in Concert
Legends in Concert presents The Second Annul Myrtle Beach Preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest. Licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. July 25, 8 p.m. Winner will receive $1,000 cash prize and be eligible to compete for the title of Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ of the Year August 2009 in Memphis. Legends in Concert, Surfside Beach. $30 regular seating and $35 VIP/preferred seating. 800-960-7469. For more information and to enter the contest call 843-477-5678 EXT 311.


I will be a judge once again at the competition and look forward to another great contest just like last year. Any Elvis fan would be thoroughly entertained and enjoy the excitement surrounding the competition and choosing the winner. This entire weekend of events was the idea of my good friend and General Manager of Legends in Concert, Chris Beattie….thanks to everyone who has volunteered and joined in to make this concept not only a reality, but part of the Sun Fun Festival and something we can look forward to each year….”Be there or be square…..dig?”