Just a few short weeks after a successful Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Murray, B.A.S.S. officials made their way back to the beautiful state of South Carolina to celebrate a press conference where Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 19-May 25 as South Carolina Travel and Tourism Week.
In South Carolina, the hospitality industry has more than a $29 billion impact, and B.A.S.S. was recognized for the contributions made towards that total at this wonderful event. B.A.S.S. members Phillip Johnson (Executive Vice President of Business Development and Customer Engagement Operations) and Eric Lopez (Director of Event Operations) were on hand for the festivities.
“South Carolina and B.A.S.S. fit together really well because of the natural resources in the state and B.A.S.S. being an organization dedicated to protecting and promoting all natural resources the world over. That’s why B.A.S.S. has been a regular visitor to the Palmetto State, coming here over 40 times since 1972 for major events. In fact, South Carolina is the only state to host every type of event B.A.S.S. holds,” Johnson said.
“South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell has been the site of the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing in the Bassmaster Classic four times. Each time it holds a classic, it flirts with or breaks the attendance record, showing South Carolinians love B.A.S.S. as much as we love them.”
The long-lasting relationship between South Carolina and B.A.S.S. has stemmed from the perfect combination of recourses and collaboration between the two parties.
“B.A.S.S. is an industry leader who is making a positive impact on communities around South Carolina, and helping us showcase the beauty, diversity and thrill of our freshwater shores in the process. Around the country, anglers are discovering why South Carolina is the ideal destination for family fun both on and off our incredible lakes, and we are grateful to B.A.S.S. for creating opportunities to shine that spotlight,” said Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
South Carolina has already been the home of four B.A.S.S. events over the course of the 2024 season, and will also be the host of the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops (Aug. 22-24) and the final St. Croix Bassmaster Open (Oct. 10-12) of the season.
