A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR the Lake Murray Country Tourism District upon the occasion of its forty-fifth Anniversary.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize the Lake Murray Country Tourism District upon the occasion of its forty-fifth anniversary on April 1, 2026; and

 

Whereas, the Lake Murray Country Tourism District was established on April 1, 1981, and represents Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda counties. It is one of the eleven tourism regions in the State and works in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism; and

 

Whereas, the Lake Murray Country Tourism District relocated and restored the Historic Lorick Plantation House in 1995 to serve as the Capital City/Lake Murray Visitor Center and later expanded the facility to include a museum highlighting the four-county tourism region; and

 

Whereas, the tourism district is known for being the creator of numerous community events, including Lake Murray's Independence Day Celebration which was named a "Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society in 1994; and

 

Whereas, the Lake Murray Country Tourism District is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2009 South Carolina Governor's Cup on tourism for hosting the Forrest Wood Cup in August 2008; the 2015, 2018, and 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award; the 2023 Communicator Award for the "Come Alive" television commercial; and the 2025 Telly Award for the Southeastern Barbecue Showdown television event; and

 

Whereas, in 2022, Capital City Lake Murray Country lured two world events to the region: Final Table and Bass World Championships, featuring the district on outdoor recreation, fishing, and sports programming. Lake Murray Country's regional tourism television advertisement has appeared in shows or media such as the Best Damn Sports Show Period, the Bob Redfern Outdoor Show, Fishing League Worldwide Tour Events on NBC Sports, Fox Sports, Net, Bassmasters, the Outdoor Channel, Eric the Travel Guy on PBS, CBS Sports Network, Pursuit Channel, and Discovery Channel; and

 

Whereas, the Lake Murray Country Tourism District has led the way in the region being named the Best Place to Boat and Live in 2010 and again in 2020. During the pandemic, the region was named in the "Top Ten Attractions for Virtual Tours." Lake Murray was named the Best Bass Lake in the Southeast and the fourth best bass lake in the country in 2023. In 2025, the lake was named the number one Best Lake for Water Sports by USA Today and number two Best Winter Bass Lake by Field and Stream; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that the Lake Murray Country Tourism Association 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 the Lake Murray Country Tourism District upon the occasion of its forty-fifth anniversary.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the Lake Murray Country Tourism District.

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