58 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Imholz does not talk like someone focused on awards. Even after being named to SCBIZ’s inaugural Top 100 Women list, she spent more time talking about volunteers, small businesses, local partnerships and community programs than she did herself. That probably explains why the recognition feels genuine. People around Mount Pleasant know how much of her time and energy has gone into building connections across the community, often without much attention being drawn to it. When she first found out about the honor, her reaction was simple. “I was grateful that my work in my community was recognized,” she said. “I’m honored to be included in this group of accomplished and forward-thinking women.” For Imholz though, the recognition goes beyond her own career. RISE was a focus for her. RISE stands for Reach, Inspire, Support and Empower, and she sees the award as a reflection of that mission too. Creating opportunities for women to connect and encourage one another has become an important part of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce over the years. There is also another layer to it now that she is a grandmother. What makes this recognition feel different is that this is the first Top 100 Women class. There is no blueprint yet. No long line of previous winners. That idea of building something lasting seems to follow her throughout almost every part of her work. Interestingly, chamber leadership was never part of some carefully planned career path. Imholz said she always cared about serving her community and stepping into leadership opportunities, but she did not really know much about the chamber world early on. As the first executive director of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, she has helped guide the organization through years of growth. The chamber now includes more than 425 business members and hundreds of events and programs each year. One of the biggest turning points came after COVID-19, when local businesses were struggling to get Leading With Purpose Rebecca Imholz’s impact on Mount Pleasant reaches far beyond business BY CARI LAWSON our town At the Blessing of the Fleet with Kirsten Royster, market president for Novant Health in Charleston. Rebecca Imholz, Mayor Will Haynie and Erin Kienzel at a “Lowcountry Live” segment promoting the “Biz Where You Live - Get Fit” campaign. Rebecca Imholz
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