SCRLA partners with Sweatman Strategies for government affairs representation at the State House

Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process issued earlier this summer, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) announced the selection of Columbia-based Sweatman Strategies as its strategic government affairs and legislative advocacy partner.

Led by owner and veteran government affairs advisor Lisa McGill Sweatman, Sweatman Strategies has over two decades of experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, and government relations. In this role, Sweatman Strategies will serve as the principal advocate for SCRLA and its members before the South Carolina General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, state regulatory agencies, and key policy entities across the Palmetto State.

This partnership comes at a critical time as South Carolina’s hospitality industry navigates evolving legislative priorities surrounding workforce development, alcohol regulation, taxation issues, insurance costs, and general business growth.

“Hospitality drives South Carolina’s economic vitality and quality of life, and we need a clear, effective, nonpartisan voice to ensure our industry’s contributions and priorities are understood,” said Mark Newman, President & CEO of the SCRLA. “Sweatman Strategies brings a strong track record of advocacy and a thorough understanding of the policy issues affecting our members. We’re  excited to partner with Lisa Sweatman and her team to protect our members’ interests and advance policies that strengthen restaurants and hotels statewide.”

Under the agreement, Sweatman Strategies will work directly with SCRLA leadership and its Board of Directors to identify, research, monitor, manage, and help craft legislation affecting the industry. Their team will provide active State House representation and education before members and leadership of the Legislative and Executive branches and maintain regular strategic communications and updates with SCRLA and its members throughout the legislative process.

Sweatman Strategies has established a strong presence representing beverage, hospitality, and trade groups statewide, demonstrating proven success in navigating complex legislative and regulatory challenges.

“I am honored to represent the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and the thousands of hard-working business owners and hospitality professionals across our state,” said Lisa McGill Sweatman, Owner of Sweatman Strategies. “We look forward to working with SCRLA leadership to ensure the industry’s voice is heard at the State House and to foster an environment where South Carolina hospitality businesses can thrive.”

The agreement went into effect  November 1 as SCRLA prepares its advocacy strategy for the upcoming legislative session. Association leadership is approaching this new chapter with enthusiasm and confidence, and remains committed to delivering top-tier legislative advocacy on behalf of its statewide membership.

About the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA)

For more than 80 years, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) has served as the unified voice of the state’s $32 billion foodservice and lodging industries. As a statewide nonprofit trade association, SCRLA represents thousands of lodging properties, restaurants, and supplier members. The organization is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing South Carolina’s hospitality industry through government advocacy, educational initiatives, workforce development, and innovative programming. For more information, visit scrla.org.