Irmo, SC (Paul Kirby) – Capital City Lake Murray Country’s President & CEO Miriam Atria was recently named to the list of the 2019 Women of Influence in the Midlands of SC. Atria was honored for her work promoting Lake Murray and the counties surrounding it. Atria, along with the other women, was honored on Thursday, August 22, during a luncheon that was held at the Doubletree by Hilton.
According to columbiabusinessreport.com, each year the Business Report honors a group of women who are setting the pace in their careers as well as working to make the Midlands a better place. They were nominated by Business Report readers and selected by a panel of judges. The website further explains that Miriam was honored along with leaders in architecture, higher education, law and real estate, while philanthropical and entrepreneurial spirit also received recognition.
Miriam could have been the model that inspired this award. She loves the Midlands of SC and her love affair is easy to see. She coined the phrase, “The Jewel of South Carolina,” when referencing Lake Murray and is credited with many first during her career.
She first conceptualized the Lake Murray Fourth of July Boat Parade and Fireworks Show. Then, she has led her staff as that event has come together for 31 consecutive years. It is not just a celebration of America and its freedoms, it’s also a showcase for beautiful Lake Murray. It has been a must see, and should participate, for many from SC and elsewhere since its first year.
Miriam started with CCLMC when it was little more than an idea. Marina and fish camp owners from across the region felt Lake Murray was underutilized. They believed their businesses could grow if they had the right person to cheer Lake Murray on. With the that person at the helm, they knew Lake Murray could become a worldwide destination. Miriam Atria was just the right person. During her tenure, she has brought those business leaders ideas and hopes from dreams to done. She’s also incorporated many of her own ideas into the regional tourism district that reaches around the globe extoling the virtues of our, “Jewel.”
Under her leadership, Lake Murray has hosted the Forest L. Woods Bass Tournament, among other world class fishing events. This is the Super Bowl of professional bass fishing. The lake also hosts several nationally recognized music festivals annually and many other high profile events. All these bring with them tourists eager to enjoy Lake Murray. They also bring money to spend in businesses. The FLW’s economic impact in the Midlands during its August, 2017 run was $30,188,529! This is a windfall for all sorts of businesses who provide for the needs of guests who visit here from all around the world.
In the last few years, several television programs and documentaries have been shot on Lake Murray. This has happened after Miriam and her staff sold producers on the virtues of the area. Most recently, Miriam announced rising country music sensation Cody Webb would become a CCLMC brand ambassador. His last music video, John Boat, was shot on the waters of Lake Murray.
Miriam is well known as a person with no quit. She’s accomplished many things that people have said just couldn’t be done. Miriam often tells her staff to, “never take no for an answer!"
During the luncheon, speakers expressed how important it is to recognize the role women play in business, education and government. In this class of 25 of the area’s best, brightest, and hardest working ladies, Miriam Atria’s fit is a natural. Every day, she embodies the virtues of a woman of influence.
Photo (left to right): Beth Carrigg, Jan Jernigan, Miriam Atria, Joe Wilson, Jimmy Chao
