A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR mark thompson for his leadership of the walhalla performing arts center.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Mark Thompson for his service as executive director of Walhalla Performing Arts Center; and

 

Whereas, the Walhalla Performing Arts Center (WPAC) is a stand-alone 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by volunteers, sponsors, and donors. In its twenty-one years of presence, the WPAC has had and continues to have profound benefits to the community, remaining dedicated to captivating audiences with premier shows and serving the community as an economic partner; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Thompson joined the WPAC after his work with the nonprofit Greenville Events, where he helped run Downtown Alive, the Farmers Market, and Main Street Jazz. He also oversaw more than two hundred productions a year at the Newberry Opera House as the operations director; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Thompson also helped run the Crown Plaza comedy club and nightclub on Roper Mountain Road in Greenville. During his tenure at the Plaza, Mr. Thompson helped bring acts like Hootie and the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, and Cravin' Melon to Greenville. He also served as a booking agent and promoter for the late comedian James Gregory; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Thompson's additional accomplishments and contributions include his overseeing the sale of the School Complex Building formerly owned by WPAC to the Harris Group for the development of a hotel, spa, and restaurant as well as serving as project manager for numerous upgrades to the WPAC facility, including the installation of outdoor handrails, facility signs, lobby and stair flooring, a new roof, a new HVAC system, lighting, and a sound system, and most recently the renovation of the upstairs for the WPAC suites and meeting room. Mr. Thompson also represents the WPAC at the Chamber of Commerce meetings and Visit Oconee meetings; and

 

Whereas, during Mr. Thompson's tenure as executive director, the WPAC has tripled the number of shows, bringing an average of seven hundred people to town on a normal two-show weekend; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Mr. Thompson has shown in serving the Oconee community and 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 Mark Thompson for his leadership of the Walhalla Performing Arts Center.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mark Thompson.

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