A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Anne Eller for her outstanding service to broadcasting and to extend sincere appreciation for her dedication to the citizens of Greenwood County and the State of South Carolina.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Anne Eller for faithfully serving the Lakelands region as a broadcaster, journalist, and community advocate; and

 

Whereas, in 2007, Ms. Eller purchased WLMA Radio, and, in 2010, she became the owner of WCRS Radio. Under her leadership, WCRS Radio has become an integral and trusted media platform in the Lakelands and remains one of the few independently owned radio stations in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, she is widely known as "The Voice of Greenwood," a distinction earned through her decades of covering local, state, and national issues with integrity, compassion, courage, and thoughtful inquiry; and

 

Whereas, her award-winning program, "Meet Me at the Diner," established in 2007, is the longest-running local radio talk show in Greenwood and has featured hundreds of interviews with elected officials, military leaders, community advocates, business owners, artists, and national figures; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Eller is the recipient of multiple STAR Awards from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, including honors for Radio Show of the Year and Commercial Production, reflecting her professional excellence in broadcasting; and

 

Whereas, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she led a community-wide peanut butter drive that collected and distributed more than six thousand pounds of peanut butter for families in need through The Salvation Army; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Eller launched and expanded the annual "Be the Heart of the Holidays" Toy Drive in partnership with The Salvation Army and Greenwood school districts, collecting thousands of toys, books, and bicycles for children in need; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Eller also created the Boom Box Parade for the Burton Center, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a beloved annual holiday parade tradition; and

 

Whereas, throughout her career, she has been a steadfast supporter of veterans and military families, working alongside the Greenwood County Veterans Center, MOAA, and Wreaths Across America, and using her platform to elevate the needs of those who have served our nation; and

 

Whereas, a valuable source of information and connection for her community, Ms. Eller hosted an on-air job fair during a time of workforce crisis, provided live coverage of major political conventions and statewide events, and ensured that the citizens of Greenwood remain informed and engaged; and

 

Whereas, through initiatives such as "Blues in the Schools," in partnership with Greenwood Performing Arts, she has helped bring music education and cultural history into local classrooms; and

 

Whereas, after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, WCRS Radio was on the air for many extra hours with Ms. Eller providing critical information on local services and support when communication from other media outlets was limited or unavailable; and

 

Whereas, Ms. Eller's career exemplifies the highest standards of journalism, civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and compassion, and her work continues to positively impact the lives of countless citizens in Greenwood County and beyond; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Ms. Eller has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Anne Eller for her outstanding service to broadcasting and extend sincere appreciation for her dedication to the citizens of Greenwood County and the State of South Carolina.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Anne Eller.

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