Capital City Lake Murray Country holds Annual Meeting
- Staff Writer
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Lake Murray, SC 08/26/2025 - Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) Regional Tourism Board gathered partners, stakeholders, and community leaders at its Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, to celebrate another landmark year in regional tourism, honoring outstanding partners, and provided a look ahead to major initiatives in 2026 and beyond.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Interim President Amy Hoffman, followed by Board Chair Jan Jernigan, who reflected on the organization’s successes over the past year.
2024/25 Highlights
Lake Murray was named #1 Best Lake for Water Sports by USA Today’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” making the cover of the new 2025/2026 Visitors Guide.
CCLMC won a Telly Award for its Southeastern BBQ Showdown two-part TV series that aired nationally on the FanDuel Sports Network and Cooking Channel.
The region honored the retirement of longtime President/CEO Miriam Atria, who served more than 40 years leading the tourism organization.
CCLMC is preparing to spotlight the region on an even bigger stage with South Carolina’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 through projects, events, and promotions in coordination with the region’s four counties.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board of Directors election was held, led by the Nominating Committee: Ryan Wingard was elected by extending his board term for another year; and Rick Lackland, Dian Berry, Gettys Brannon, and Brandon Crutchfield were elected for a second three-year term.
Micah Decker, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, highlighted strong marketing momentum:
LakeMurrayCountry.com reached 20 million organic impressions on Google.
The Explore Lake Murray Country podcast is ranked #2 on Apple Podcasts for “Travel South Carolina.”
Launch of Tripp the Chatbot, a new digital ambassador at LakeMurrayCountry.com. He is featured in the Visitors Center and in the 2025-2026 Visitors Guides.
Announcement of the Tourism Marketing Summit, returning in February 2026 to the Harbison Theatre.
The 2025/26 Tourism Ambassadors were Introduced:
Leigh Lowery, Membership Director, Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center
Collin Shealy, Director, City of Newberry Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Jesica Mackey, Chair, Richland County Council
Annual Awards Presented
Partner of the Year – JC’s Outdoors
Media Partner of the Year – Garrett Crenshaw, Crenshaw Visions
Volunteer of the Year – Terri Bauerlin
The evening concluded with a huge thank you to CCLMC’s funding partners for their support of the Visitors Center’s new addition, made possible by support from the Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda Counties, and the City of Columbia. Guests toured the new space and received the 2025/26 Annual Report and Visitors Guide.
“Tourism continues to be one of the strongest economic drivers for our region,” said Interim President Amy Hoffman.
“As we prepare for the 250th Anniversary of our nation and Lake Murray’s Centennial Celebration in 2027, we are proud to showcase the best of what Capital City/Lake Murray Country has to offer.”
