Pictured from left to right: Senator Carlisle Kennedy, Representative Paula Rawl Calhoon, Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, Gettys Brannon, Vickie Davis, Jennifer Donley, Andrew Baumgartner, Madison Thompson, Senator Ronnie Cromer, Justin Hancock, Kelly Hughes, Amy Hoffman, Joanie Hess, Norman Agnew, and Representative Nathan Ballentine.
The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) has been officially recognized at the South Carolina State House with a proclamation honoring 45 years of promoting tourism and driving economic impact across the region.
Originally established April 1, 1981, the Lake Murray Tourism & Recreation Association, now known as Capital City/Lake Murray Country, has spent more than four decades elevating Lexington, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda counties, along with the City of Columbia, as a premier destination for visitors. This recognition by the South Carolina Senate highlights the organization’s longstanding commitment to showcasing the region’s natural beauty, communities, and events.
Over the years, the organization has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s tourism landscape. The organization restored the Historic Lorick Plantation House in 1995, which now serves as the Capital City/Lake Murray Visitors Center and includes a museum celebrating the four-county region.
CCLMC has also been instrumental in creating and promoting signature events, including Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, which was recognized as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The organization has attracted nationally and internationally recognized sporting events and television programming, helping to establish the region as a hub for outdoor recreation and competitive fishing.
“The recognition of 45 years at the State House is a proud moment for our organization and the entire region,” said Jan Jernigan, Chair of the CCLMC Regional Tourism Board. “This milestone reflects decades of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to positioning Capital City/Lake Murray Country as a top destination for outdoor adventure, events, and authentic southern experiences.”
Throughout its history, CCLMC has earned numerous accolades, including the South Carolina Governor’s Cup for tourism, multiple Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Awards, a Communicator Award, and a Telly Award. The region itself has received national recognition, including being named the number one Best Lake for Water Sports by USA Today and consistently ranking among the top bass fishing destinations in the country.
As a member of the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions, CCLMC continues to collaborate with regional and statewide partners to drive visitation and economic growth. The organization focuses on strategic marketing initiatives that highlight outdoor recreation, signature events, and vacation experiences to attract visitors from across the Southeast and beyond.
For more information or to plan your visit, go to LakeMurrayCountry.com.
