My name is Catherine Gann. My sister Lilly and I are forming a petition today for someone very important to me and to the community, whom he has been a pillar for, and whom has managed a beacon of history known as the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. For those of you who have been coming to the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier for the last 18 years, you all know Steve Gann. He has been managing the pier -my Grandmama Miss Margaret Prince’s pier- for this exact amount of time, if not longer on and off over the past 30 years too. Today my Father (as well as my brother, Brendan Gann, who has managed the adjacent restaurant Boardwalk Beach Cafe) have both been terminated from their positions for reasons which the majority shareholders will not disclose. The leasing company has asked for them back, citing them as “exemplary employees” and “key personnel.” 

Steve Gann is contributory in the operations of the pier with his comprehension of operations, staff, vendors, and many long time visitors that enjoy seeing him time and time again. When you need a helping hand, Dad always comes to aid and get the job done. When we have hurricanes endangering and menacing us, Steve is there at the pier watching, protecting, and preserving the pier until it passes. The camaraderie he has with the fishermen/staff, while also putting on King Mackerel contests between the different local Chambers in addition to the Mike Hilton Memorial Fishing Tournament in which he puts this on every year to honor a longtime employee and friend of the area, is uplifting. Not to mention, he is the point man from CGP which coordinates with the NMB Chamber on the annual July 4th firework display. Steve works countless hours even though he is in a SALARY position. Steve cherishes and treasures this pier and considers it the ONE true Fishing Pier on the Grand Strand. He will be heartbroken if he can’t go back to work.

If the shareholders can amend their internal agreement which will allow said leasing company to re-hire Steve and Brendan, my family could have their jobs back. 

They are both devoted, industrious, and trustworthy employees. 

And still, they say no. 

They say no in a time where jobs are so sorely needed and kind, good employees hard to find.

Tell me what kind of even half decent people would do something so brutish? In a pandemic? When people can’t even pay their bills on time? When a resolution could easily be made? When you have a chance to make things right? My Father and Brother did nothing wrong. This is simply due to inconvenience and inhumanity. 

If anyone finds this as unjust as I, please let your voice be heard. My Dad has taken care of this pier everyday, four seasons a year, day in, day out with no vacation days. This is simply not right. Please, for those who love this Pier like me, petition to have them reinstated. 

This Pier is our home, as it is to so many others on the Grand Strand.