Loris, February 11, 2026
The Loris Chamber of Commerce has moved to a new, larger downtown headquarters that symbolizes its commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. This relocation is part of broader economic development plans in Loris, contributing to job creation and enhancing the vibrancy of the region. With a spacious facility designed for various events, the Chamber aims to strengthen its role in the local economy while promoting upcoming events like the Loris Bog-Off Festival.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Where has the Loris Chamber of Commerce relocated its downtown hub?
The Loris Chamber of Commerce has moved its downtown headquarters to a new, larger 8,000 square-foot facility at 3940 Railroad Avenue, which is three times its previous size. This significant relocation marks a new chapter for business and community engagement.
What major new development is happening on Main Street in Loris?
A new film studio, Dalton Picture Studio, is currently under construction on Main Street, with completion expected by early 2024. This studio will feature up to nine sets and aims to attract filmmakers, positioning the Myrtle Beach area for more film production.
Which local business is expanding its operations in Loris?
Carolina Food Service is significantly expanding its operations in Loris Commerce Park with a $3.7 million investment, adding 71 new jobs and 20,000 square feet to its facility. This expansion underscores confidence in the local business climate.
What upcoming community event is the Loris Chamber actively planning?
The Loris Chamber is actively preparing for the 2026 Loris Bog-Off Festival, scheduled for October 17, which will feature the “Chicken Run” 5K race moving downtown, entertainment, vendors, and fireworks. Volunteers are currently being sought for this hallmark event.
How is the City of Loris planning for future growth and development?
The City of Loris Planning Commission passed Resolution PC-2024-01, committing to update its comprehensive plan as needed to accommodate significant community shifts, such as major new employers or large-scale development. This proactive approach ensures adaptive governance while preserving the community’s character.
Loris Chamber’s New Downtown Hub Fuels Business Growth
The Loris Chamber of Commerce celebrates a significant relocation, marking a new chapter for Myrtle Beach SC business and community engagement. This strategic move highlights the enduring spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs and signals robust economic development within the region.
The thriving community of Loris is experiencing a period of notable economic and civic growth, underscored by the Loris Chamber of Commerce’s recent relocation to a larger, more prominent downtown headquarters. This move represents more than just a change of address; it signifies a renewed commitment to fostering local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurial innovation, and strengthening community bonds. In a region where small businesses are the backbone of the economy, such expansions are vital for sustained prosperity and job creation, embodying the resilience and determination characteristic of Myrtle Beach small business ventures.
The proactive efforts of local leaders and businesses, alongside careful planning from the City of Loris, are setting a positive trajectory for the area. These developments collectively contribute to an environment where private investment and community involvement naturally lead to economic expansion, reinforcing the idea that local initiative is key to unlocking potential and driving growth across the broader Horry County economy.
A New Home for Community and Commerce
The Loris Chamber of Commerce has officially transitioned to its new headquarters located at 3940 Railroad Avenue in downtown Loris. This substantial new facility, covering 8,000 square feet, is almost three times larger than its previous location. The Chamber officially moved into the new building the day prior to Thanksgiving, with staff diligently working to ensure full operational status. The expanded space features an open design, making it suitable for a variety of events and providing additional room for “After Hours” gatherings on an open-air porch. A dedicated area within the new office will also serve the Leadership Loris Program, aimed at developing future youth leaders in the community. Notably, the site of the new headquarters holds historical significance as the location of Loris’s first business, established in 1895. This central and expanded location is poised to become an even more effective hub for local businesses and community interaction, facilitating connections among South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Loris’s Vibrant Community Engagements
The Chamber continues to be an integral part of Loris’s vibrant community life, actively planning and supporting local events. Preparations are underway for the 2026 Loris Bog-Off Festival, scheduled for October 17. The Chamber is currently seeking volunteers to assist in planning this hallmark event. A popular component of the festival, the “Chicken Run” 5K race, is also moving downtown, with its start and finish lines set for Meeting Street. All participants completing the 5K will receive a custom finisher’s medal and a bowl of chicken bog. The Loris Bog-Off Festival, sponsored annually by the Loris Chamber of Commerce on the third Saturday in October, is a day packed with entertainment, vendors, food, and fun for all ages, concluding with a fireworks display and a free concert from a national act. Beyond major festivals, the Chamber also supports ongoing community initiatives, such as free monthly meetups for individuals with developmental differences. There is also local community interest in more downtown gatherings, such as a New Year’s party.
Strategic Growth and Economic Planning
The City of Loris is experiencing dynamic changes, prompting a forward-looking approach to economic development. The City of Loris Planning Commission passed Resolution PC-2024-01, acknowledging that significant community shifts, including the arrival of major new employers or large-scale development, may necessitate an update to the city’s comprehensive plan. This demonstrates a commitment to adaptive governance that can accommodate growth while preserving the community’s character. The city’s proximity to the rapidly growing Grand Strand contributes to increased population, commerce, and demand for services, while its economy transitions from an agricultural dominance.
A significant development on the horizon is the establishment of a new film studio in Loris. Construction has been in progress for two years across multiple buildings on Main Street, which are being transformed into Dalton Picture Studio facilities with entirely new infrastructure. These facilities, expected to be completed by early 2024, will feature up to nine sets, including a versatile restaurant stage. This initiative is envisioned as a regional asset, leveraging downtown Loris for filming motion pictures, television, and web series, thereby positioning the Myrtle Beach area to attract more filmmakers due to its unique settings and natural beauty. The studio plans to offer tours, with opportunities for visitors to potentially participate as extras.
Regional Economic Momentum
The economic vitality extends beyond Loris, showcasing positive trends across the wider Horry County region. Carolina Food Service, a full-service food distribution company, is expanding its operations in Horry County with an investment exceeding $3.7 million, projected to create 71 new jobs. This expansion, located in Loris Commerce Park, involves purchasing an additional nine acres and adding 20,000 square feet to its existing facility. Such private sector investments underscore confidence in the local business climate and contribute directly to job creation and economic prosperity in the Midlands economic growth narrative.
Further regional development includes Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen opening its second Conway location in a single week. The South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan recognizes the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce as a key partner for ensuring railroad development, highlighting the ongoing focus on infrastructure vital for regional commerce and connectivity. Additionally, the Loris Industrial Park is anticipated to be designated a “Palmetto Site,” indicating its readiness and suitability for industrial development, with updated due diligence and utility details readily available.
State-level economic data indicates that South Carolina’s economy has experienced positive growth, though with a deceleration in 2025 compared to 2024. Importantly, wage growth has consistently outpaced inflation throughout 2025, suggesting a strengthening in consumer purchasing power across the state.
Summary of Key Developments in Loris
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Loris Chamber of Commerce Headquarters | Relocated to 3940 Railroad Ave, 8,000 sq ft, 3x larger. Site of Loris’s first business (1895). | Local |
| Loris Bog-Off Festival 2026 | Scheduled for October 17. Includes “Chicken Run” 5K (downtown), entertainment, vendors, and fireworks. | Local |
| Dalton Pictures Studio | New film studio on Main Street, 9 sets, completion expected by early 2024. Aimed at film tourism. | Local/Regional |
| Carolina Food Service Expansion | $3.7 million investment, 71 new jobs, 9 additional acres, 20,000 sq ft addition in Loris Commerce Park. | Local |
| City Planning Commission | Resolution PC-2024-01 to update plans for significant community changes. | Local |
| Loris Industrial Park | Anticipated “Palmetto Site” designation. | Local/Regional |
| South Carolina Economic Growth (2025) | Positive growth, but deceleration compared to 2024. Wage growth outpaced inflation. | State-level |
The recent developments in Loris, from the expansion of the Chamber of Commerce to significant private investments and proactive city planning, paint a picture of a community poised for continued economic vitality. These initiatives, driven by entrepreneurial spirit and local leadership, are creating new opportunities for Myrtle Beach SC business, fostering job growth, and enriching community life. As Loris continues to evolve, supporting local businesses and engaging in community efforts will be crucial for maintaining this positive momentum and securing a prosperous future for the entire Horry County region. Readers are encouraged to explore and support the growing array of local businesses and participate in the vibrant community events that make Loris a truly dynamic place to live and work.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach High: Driving Student Success & Community Growth
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Loris Celebrates the Opening of Grand Strand Law Group’s New Office Amidst Community Spirit
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.
