Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) Regional Tourism Board welcomed community leaders, partners, and stakeholders on August 21 for its annual meeting, celebrating another successful year for regional tourism and previewing major initiatives planned for 2026 and beyond.
The evening opened with remarks from Interim President Amy Hoffman, followed by Board Chair Jan Jernigan, who reflected on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year. Among the highlights:
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Lake Murray was named the #1 Best Lake for Water Sports by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and featured on the cover of the 2025/2026 Visitors Guide.
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CCLMC received a national Telly Award for its Southeastern BBQ Showdown two-part TV series, which aired on FanDuel Sports Network and the Cooking Channel.
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The retirement of longtime President/CEO Miriam Atria was recognized, honoring her more than 40 years of leadership.
Looking ahead, the board emphasized preparations for South Carolina’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, which will feature special projects, events, and promotions across the region’s four counties.
During the business session, the Board of Directors election was held. Ryan Wingard extended his board term for another year, while Rick Lackland, Dian Berry, Gettys Brannon, and Brandon Crutchfield were re-elected to three-year terms.
Vice President of Marketing & Communications Micah Decker reported strong momentum:
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LakeMurrayCountry.com generated 20 million organic Google impressions.
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The Explore Lake Murray Country podcast is now ranked #2 on Apple Podcasts for “Travel South Carolina.”
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“Tripp the Chatbot,” a new digital ambassador, launched online and in the Visitors Center.
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The Tourism Marketing Summit will return in February 2026 at Harbison Theatre.
The 2025/2026 Tourism Ambassadors were also introduced:
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Leigh Lowery, Membership Director, Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center
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Collin Shealy, Director, City of Newberry Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
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Jesica Mackey, Chair, Richland County Council
Annual Awards were presented to:
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Partner of the Year – JC’s Outdoors
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Media Partner of the Year – Garrett Crenshaw, Crenshaw Visions
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Volunteer of the Year – Terri Bauerlin
The evening concluded with a tour of the newly expanded Visitors Center, supported by funding partners from Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda Counties, as well as the City of Columbia. Guests also received the new 2025/26 Annual Report and Visitors Guide.
“Tourism continues to be one of the strongest economic drivers for our region,” Hoffman said. “As we prepare for the nation’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 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.”