Capital City/Lake Murray Country celebrates regional collaboration and looks ahead to Lake Murray’s centennial
September 22, 2026
The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board(opens in new tab) (CCLMC) gathered partners, stakeholders, community leaders and tourism industry representatives at its Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to celebrate another year of tourism growth across the region, recognize outstanding partners and volunteers, and share priorities for the year ahead.
The evening opened with remarks from Executive Director Vickie Davis, followed by Board Chair Jan Jernigan, who conducted the official business of the organization. The meeting also recognized the dedication of CCLMC’s staff, Board of Directors, tourism partners and sponsors who continue to support tourism throughout Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Vickie Davis, Executive Director of Capital City/Lake Murray Country
2025/26 Highlights
During the past year, CCLMC continued its focus on increasing awareness, attracting visitors, encouraging overnight stays and generating economic impact throughout the region.
Major League Fishing and the Bassmaster Elite Series continued to bring anglers, families, media coverage and visitor spending to the region, strengthening Lake Murray’s reputation as a premier fishing destination.
Taste of Lake Murray raised approximately $140,000 for the Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration while showcasing restaurants and businesses from across the region.
The Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration continued its tradition of bringing fireworks to the lake for residents and visitors to enjoy from both land and water.
CCLMC continued promoting the region through digital advertising, public relations, social media, travel media, the annual Visitor Guide, regional map and website.
The CCLMC Visitor Center continued welcoming guests and connecting them with attractions, restaurants, events and communities throughout all four counties.
The meeting highlighted the many ways tourism is creating opportunities across the region, from Revolutionary War history and water recreation to arts and culture, outdoor recreation, agritourism and major destination investments.
Four Counties. One Destination.
A series of regional tourism videos showcased stories from Saluda, Lexington, Columbia, Newberry and Richland, demonstrating how the communities of Capital City/Lake Murray Country work together to create one connected visitor experience.
From exploring Revolutionary War history in Saluda and enjoying rivers and water recreation in Lexington to experiencing Finlay Park and the BullStreet District in Columbia, the Newberry Opera House and downtown revitalization, and Congaree National Park and agritourism in Richland, the region offers visitors opportunities to explore multiple communities during a single trip.
Annual Recognitions Presented
CCLMC recognized three valued partners whose support and dedication made a meaningful difference during the past year:
Volunteer of the Year – Nancy Girardeau
Partner of the Year – Solara Hospitality, LLC(opens in new tab)
Media Partner of the Year – Midlands Media Group(opens in new tab)
CCLMC also recognized outgoing Board members Buddy Jennings and Ryan Wingard for their dedicated service, as well as Jan Jernigan for her leadership as Board Chair over the past two years. Jernigan will continue serving on the Board and as Co-chair of the Lake Murray 100th Anniversary efforts.
During the official business portion of the meeting, members elected Norm Agnew, Todd Bedenbaugh and Andre Fontana to the Board of Directors and re-elected Andrew Baumgartner to another term.
Looking Ahead to Lake Murray’s Centennial
As the region prepares to celebrate 100 years of Lake Murray in 2027, CCLMC outlined its priorities for FY 2026–2027, with a continued focus on increasing visitation, overnight stays and visitor spending throughout the four-county destination.
Key objectives include marketing Capital City/Lake Murray Country as one unified destination, creating more reasons for visitors to visit and stay longer, and using the Lake Murray Centennial to drive awareness and visitation. Centennial initiatives will include historical programs, community events, commemorative products, digital storytelling and signature celebrations.
As part of the evening’s Centennial preparations, attendees sampled a variety of brews from Savage Craft Ale Works(opens in new tab) and provided feedback to help determine the style of a special Lake Murray 100th Anniversary brew that will be created for the 2027 celebration.
The evening also featured a sneak peak of the upcoming Capital City/Lake Murray Country 100th Anniversary Visitor Guide, featuring original artwork created by local artist Michael Geddings. The commemorative cover celebrates Lake Murray’s history and character while highlighting the communities and experiences that make the region a unique destination.
Guests also enjoyed catering from Chef Brian Nelson of Keg Cowboy in Lexington, whose menu helped showcase the region’s local culinary talent and hospitality.
“Lake Murray’s centennial gives our entire region an incredible opportunity to celebrate where we have been while looking toward where we are going,” said Executive Director Vickie Davis. “The success of Capital City/Lake Murray Country is built on collaboration. Together, our four counties offer visitors a destination filled with history, outdoor adventure, culture, food, events and experiences — and the next chapter is full of possibilities.”
As CCLMC looks toward the centennial celebration, the organization will continue working alongside its tourism partners, communities and businesses to strengthen the region as a premier destination and create meaningful economic impact across all four counties.
About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board
CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia(opens in new tab), Lake Murray(opens in new tab), Lexington(opens in new tab), Newberry(opens in new tab), Richland(opens in new tab), and Saluda(opens in new tab). To plan your next trip, find information on attractions(opens in new tab), dining(opens in new tab), hotels(opens in new tab), outdoor recreation(opens in new tab), fishing(opens in new tab), golf(opens in new tab), and events(opens in new tab). For more information about CCLMC, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com(opens in new tab) or call 803-781-5940(opens in new tab) | 1-866-SC-JEWEL. Stay up-to-date with trip ideas, events, and more by following us on social media: Facebook(opens in new tab), Instagram(opens in new tab), LinkedIn(opens in new tab), Pinterest(opens in new tab), and YouTube(opens in new tab)
