In August Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) Regional Tourism Board held its Annual Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity for the tourism community and our political allies to learn what the organization accomplished this past fiscal year in promoting tourism and economic development in Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda counties.
“The organization has proudly adopted the TOP SOUTHERN DESTINATION title (awarded by Forbes and Food & Travel, 2021). “We are thankful for this distinguished recognition and are implementing it throughout our marketing efforts” said Miriam Atria, CCLMC President/CEO.
Notable stats for the 2021-22 year include:
● $816,000+ of marketing investment;
● This investment represents 46% of the organization’s budget and is an 8% budget increase over the previous year; and
● 296 articles were published resulting in 24 billion media impressions that contributed over $225 million dollars of marketing value.
“CCLMC hosted several film crews this year. From SCETV, which filmed in Eastover during the Ag+Art Tour, to “The Excursion Show” which showcased the four-county region and filmed two, 30-minute episodes. We also welcomed a PBS show that traversed our state visiting SC Revolutionary War sites, this show is set to premiere soon, so look for our announcement!” said Atria.
The new television ad which will be utilized by the organization to promote the region was shared with the attendees. The ad promotes all the outdoor recreation aspects of the region to potential visitors and will air all across the U.S.
Awards & Honors
● Staff recognition: 15 years of service - Amy Hoffman, Bookkeeper, and assistant to the President/CEO
● Volunteers of the Year: Jane Plante, AOS Specialty Contractors; Rudy Waller, Magna Sign International
● Media Partner of the Year: David Hayth, Lake Murray Lifestyle Magazine
● Partner of the Year: Cat Thornton, Lake Homes Realty
● 2022 Tourism Advocates: Mark Shelley, Lexington Medical Center; George Hendry, McCutchen House at UofSC; Craig & Meredith Amick, Hollow Creek Distillery; John Worthington, Figaro Hospitality Group
● The Jewel of Lake Murray: Lou Kennedy, Nephron Pharmaceuticals
Board Members Update
Help us welcome the newest Board Members: Brandon Crutchfield owns Marine 360 and Putnam’s Harbor. And Rick Lackland is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Outgoing board members Jan Jernigan and Andy Briggs were honored for their many years of service. Newly elected ex-officio board members serving a one-year term include: Council Member, Tina Herbert; City of Columbia Chairman, Jim Moore; and Saluda County Council Member and former SCPRT Director, Buddy Jennings.
Stop by the Visitor’s Center located at 2184 N. Lake Drive in Columbia to pick up a copy of the new 2022-2023 visitors magazine. During your visit make sure to watch our new National TV ad streaming in our museum or watch it at home: YouTube.com/LakeMurrayCountry. For more information about Capital City/Lake Murray Country visit us online at LakeMurrayCountry.com.