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How Professional Growth Fuels Economic Vitality

Business professionals collaborating in an office environment

Myrtle Beach, SC, January 21, 2026

In a thriving business landscape like Myrtle Beach, individual achievements in professional growth significantly contribute to economic vitality. This article examines how dedicated professionals and their upward mobility within firms, such as Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, exemplify a national trend of entrepreneurial spirit that fosters job creation and economic resilience. Celebrating these advancements not only empowers the workforce but also strengthens local economies, reflecting the positive trajectory for business communities.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

What is the article’s main point about professional growth and economic vitality?

Explains that individual professional advancement and entrepreneurial drive are powerful engines for economic progress, strengthening business ecosystems in communities such as Myrtle Beach. These milestones signal robust environments where talent is cultivated and businesses are poised for sustained growth.

Which company is used as an example of professional advancement?

Features Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, a prominent CPA firm in New Hampshire, which recently promoted Kimberly Belair to Principal, illustrating their dedication to recognizing talent and career progression. This firm, founded in 1973, is recognized nationally as one of the largest accounting firms.

How do CPA firms contribute to the business ecosystem?

Provide indispensable support by offering essential services like tax planning, audit, and business consulting to individuals and organizations. Their stability and growth, marked by internal promotions, signal a healthy economic environment that enables other businesses to thrive and innovate.

What is the relevance of these professional trends to Myrtle Beach, SC?

Applies these universal principles of merit and achievement directly to Myrtle Beach, SC, suggesting that fostering professional development and reducing regulatory burdens are crucial for accelerating local business growth and entrepreneurial success. The local economy benefits significantly when individuals excel and businesses reward dedication.

What broader impact do individual professional achievements have on a community?

Contribute significantly to overall economic stability by enhancing leadership capabilities and specialized expertise within organizations. These achievements foster a culture of excellence that attracts new businesses and talent, driving sustainable community and economic development.


Myrtle Beach, SC

How Professional Growth Fuels Economic Vitality

Across the nation, dedicated professionals achieve new heights, reflecting a national trend of entrepreneurial drive and the pursuit of excellence that resonates with Myrtle Beach’s own vibrant business community.

The spirit of individual achievement and professional advancement serves as a powerful engine for economic progress in communities nationwide. From bustling metropolises to growing regional hubs like Myrtle Beach, SC, the commitment of individuals to hone their craft and ascend to new leadership roles underpins the strength of our business ecosystems. These milestones are not just personal triumphs; they signal a robust environment where talent is cultivated, hard work is recognized, and businesses are poised for sustained growth. Such professional journeys, often fueled by entrepreneurial innovation and a dedication to service, illustrate the foundational elements of a thriving economy.

Understanding and celebrating these advancements offers valuable insights into the broader economic landscape. By fostering conditions that encourage professional development and reward excellence, communities can empower their workforce and strengthen their local economies. This approach aligns with principles of limited regulation and a free market, allowing businesses and individuals the flexibility to innovate and succeed, which ultimately benefits everyone within the community, including the dynamic Myrtle Beach SC business sector.

Recognizing Dedication in the Professional Landscape

Recently, Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, a prominent Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm with multiple offices throughout New Hampshire, announced several significant promotions. These advancements underscore the firm’s dedication to recognizing talent and fostering career progression within the demanding financial sector. Kimberly Belair, CPA, has been promoted to Principal at the firm. Belair began her career at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts in 2015 and is based in the Dover office, specializing in auditing with experience across nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, and employee benefit plans. Her leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to client and staff development were highlighted as key factors in her promotion.

This follows previous promotions within the firm, including Jason Gaskell, CPA, who was promoted to Principal in 2021. Gaskell initially interned with the firm as an undergraduate at the University of New Hampshire and joined full-time in 2009, bringing expertise in auditing, employee benefit plans, and tax planning. Other Certified Public Accountants, including Kimberly McLaughlin, Christine Chrysafidis, Alexi Galica-Cohen, and Peter Dukas, have also seen advancements within the firm, demonstrating a consistent pattern of internal growth and recognition for skilled professionals. These promotions highlight the firm’s commitment to nurturing its professional staff, reflecting a positive trend in rewarding sustained effort and expertise.

The Role of CPA Firms in Business Ecosystems

CPA firms like Leone, McDonnell & Roberts play an indispensable role in the national business ecosystem. Established in 1973, Leone, McDonnell & Roberts has grown into a multi-partner firm, recognized as one of the 500 largest accounting firms in the United States by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in 2014. They provide essential services such as tax planning and preparation, audit and financial reporting, and business consulting to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The stability and growth of such firms, marked by continuous professional promotions, signal a healthy underlying economic environment that supports businesses in navigating complex financial landscapes. This professional support is critical for entities to thrive, innovate, and contribute to job creation nationwide.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Local Impact in Myrtle Beach, SC

While Leone, McDonnell & Roberts is based in New Hampshire, the principles of professional achievement and business excellence it embodies are universal and highly relevant to the burgeoning Myrtle Beach SC business community. The promotions within the firm reflect a national emphasis on merit and achievement, a spirit that fuels entrepreneurial innovation and resilience among local businesses in areas like Myrtle Beach. Small businesses, in particular, often rely on the expertise of dedicated financial professionals to ensure compliance and strategic growth, mirroring the comprehensive support that firms provide on a larger scale. The local economy benefits significantly when individuals are motivated to excel and when businesses are structured to reward such dedication.

Fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurial ventures and professional development is key to sustaining economic momentum. In South Carolina, and specifically within the Myrtle Beach area, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens can help accelerate business growth and allow entrepreneurs to focus their resources on innovation and job creation. This proactive approach supports both established firms and emerging startups, fostering a competitive and dynamic market where professional achievements contribute directly to broader economic prosperity.

Fostering Economic Growth Through Achievement

Individual professional milestones, such as those at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, are vital indicators of investment in human capital and sustained business health. Such promotions contribute directly to overall economic stability by enhancing the leadership capabilities within organizations and ensuring a high level of specialized expertise available to clients. For communities like those experiencing Midlands economic growth in South Carolina, the presence of skilled and experienced professionals is a foundational element for continued prosperity. These achievements foster a culture of excellence that can attract new businesses and talent, driving a virtuous cycle of economic development.

The ability of firms to grow and promote from within demonstrates a commitment to long-term viability and employee development. This internal strength translates into improved services for clients, higher quality job opportunities, and a more robust economic foundation. The ripple effect of such professional growth extends far beyond the individual or the firm, positively influencing market confidence and inspiring others to pursue their own paths of professional and entrepreneurial success.

Community and Economic Development

Strong professional services sectors, whether local or part of a broader national trend, are integral to community development. They provide crucial support that allows small businesses to navigate challenges and larger enterprises to expand. The engagement of professionals in community initiatives, as exemplified by Kimberly Belair’s involvement with the Dover Women’s Business League and the Dover Adult Learning Center Board of Directors, highlights the civic responsibility often embedded within successful professional careers. These efforts contribute to the fabric of a community, fostering education, support, and collective advancement.

In Myrtle Beach, community involvement from business leaders and professionals helps to create a supportive network essential for economic resilience. By recognizing and encouraging leadership and expertise, the community strengthens its ability to attract investment, retain talent, and generate new opportunities. This collaborative approach, which values both individual achievement and collective well-being, is a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and a vibrant local economy.

Key Features of Professional Advancement

Feature Description Geographic Scope
Firm Name Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, Professional Association Nationwide (recognized as a G400 firm)
Headquarters/Primary Operations Dover, Wolfeboro, and North Conway, New Hampshire State-level
Promoted Individual (CPA) Kimberly Belair State-level (New Hampshire firm promotion)
New Role for Belair Principal State-level (New Hampshire firm promotion)
Area of Specialization for Belair Auditing, with experience serving nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, and employee benefit plans State-level (New Hampshire firm specialization)
Example of Past Promotion Jason Gaskell, CPA, promoted to Principal (previously to Partner) State-level (New Hampshire firm promotion)
Firm Founding Year 1973 State-level (New Hampshire firm history)
National Recognition Identified as a G400 firm (one of the 500 largest accounting firms in the U.S. by AICPA in 2014) Nationwide

The dedication to excellence and professional growth seen in firms across the nation, exemplified by Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, is a testament to the enduring entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic vitality. These advancements underscore the importance of cultivating talent and recognizing hard work within all sectors, reflecting a positive trajectory for business and community alike. For residents and entrepreneurs in Myrtle Beach, SC, this serves as a reminder of the power of individual achievement in shaping a prosperous economic future.

We encourage you to support local businesses and stay engaged in discussions about Myrtle Beach’s economic growth. By championing local professionals and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and resilience, we can collectively ensure the continued success of our vibrant Myrtle Beach small business community.

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STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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