Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award
June 2, 2014
Satch Krantz to Receive Inaugural Award
COLUMBIA, SC – One Columbia for Arts and History is proud to announce the first recipient of the Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, Palmer “Satch” Krantz, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The award will be presented Friday, June 6, at One Columbia’s Annual Meeting for the Arts and Cultural Community. Krantz began his career at Riverbanks Zoo in 1973 after graduating from Clemson University; he was appointed executive director of the Zoo in 1976 shortly after the park opened in 1974. Under Krantz’s leadership, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has grown to become South Carolina’s largest gated tourist attraction, averaging more than one million visitors each year. Riverbanks also is a four-time winner of the Southeastern Tourism Society’s Shining Example Award as the Southeast’s top tourist attraction and a two-time winner of the SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism Governor’s Cup Award as South Carolina’s Leading Attraction.
In addition, Krantz’s guidance has helped propel Riverbanks into the global spotlight as a leader in wildlife conservation. Krantz also has spearheaded efforts to safeguard a number of South Carolina’s significant historical landmarks. As a result, Riverbanks has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The 170-acre site offers views of South Carolina’s textile industry and the ruins of the old Saluda River Factory both dating from the 1800s and the remains of covered bridge abutments from 1865 when Confederate troops burned down the old State Road Bridge to keep General William T. Sherman’s army from entering the city of Columbia. One Columbia for Arts and History recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Satch Krantz’s consistent influence in our community along with the substantial contribution his efforts have made to bringing visitors to the Midlands to enjoy the many additional arts and history opportunities offered.
“Satch has seen opportunity and acted to bring it to Columbia in a very big way,” said Shani Raines Gilchrist, chair of the One Columbia board of directors. “This award recognizes the best combination of vision and leadership, applied to arts and history and the entire cultural foundation of the City and the value they deliver. Satch Krantz inspires us all.”
The Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award will become an annual recognition of a Columbian who reflects many of the values and qualities of those generously given by One Columbia’s former leader in support of the growth and vitality of his City of Columbia. Morrison, who passed away in December, co-chaired the One Columbia Arts and History Board of Directors for three years.
The recipient of the Steve Morrison Visionary Award honors the best combination of vision and leadership, applied to arts and history and the entire cultural foundation of the City, and the value they bring to Columbia.
For information regarding the Annual Meeting for the Arts and Cultural Community, visit the One Columbia website. The event is free of charge but reservations are strongly recommended.
About One Columbia
One Columbia for Arts and History is a non-profit corporation that works to promote collaboration among citizens, the cultural community, and city government through celebrations of Columbia’s arts and historic treasures. Its goal is to enhance the quality of life for our residents, attract tourist dollars to our city, and further build our vibrant community. In short, it serves as the promotional arm of the City for Columbia’s cultural community. Visit the One Columbia website for a continuously updated master list of art and cultural activities occurring throughout the city.
