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TO CONGRATULATE THE PENDLETON DISTRICT COMMISSION UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO THANK THE COMMISSION FOR ITS HALF CENTURY OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the Pendleton District Commission will celebrate the milestone of its fiftieth anniversary on March 11, 2016; and
Whereas, Pendleton District Commission, established March 11, 1966, by the South Carolina Legislature as the first tourism region in South Carolina, is the oldest of the state's eleven tourism regions. Formally known as Pendleton District Historical, Recreational, and Tourism Commission, representing Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, the Commission proudly celebrates its fiftieth year of promoting history and tourism to the region with the launch of its new brand, Lake Hartwell Country, Crown of the Carolinas; and
Whereas, Pendleton District Commission's mission continues to be promoting tourism and protecting and preserving the heritage of the historic Pendleton District, as well as growing heritage and recreational tourism in the region. As a trailblazer in tourism marketing and promotion, the Pendleton District Commission has helped make tourism our state's number-one industry; and
Whereas, Pendleton District Commission operates a visitors' center in the heart of the historic town of Pendleton to direct visitors to sites and attractions throughout the three-county region. The commission has won numerous state and regional awards for its Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee festival, which attracts more than thirty thousand visitors annually and is preparing to celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2017; and
Whereas, actively preserving the history of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, Pendleton District Commission operates the regional visitors' center in an 1850s general store (Hunter's Store), which also houses the commission's Research Room and Special Collections. This valuable resource is open to the general public and daily attracts researchers from across the country; and
Whereas, further, the commission operates the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina, a 6,000-square-foot interactive museum featuring a STEM lab, teaching gardens, an outdoor pavilion, a unique collection of farm equipment indigenous to South Carolina, and programs for young people and adults; and
Whereas, in honor of South Carolina's rich agricultural history, Pendleton District Commission administers the statewide South Carolina Century Farms Program. Inaugurated in 1974, the program began with the purpose of honoring families in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties whose farms had been in continuous ownership by the same family for one hundred years or more. The program was expanded by the State Legislature in 1976 to recognize families throughout South Carolina. Pendleton District Commission has designated nearly four hundred properties as Century Farms since 1974; and
Whereas, Pendleton District Commission has brought many opportunities to this scenic and largely rural region of South Carolina. The Senate is grateful for the commission's fifty years of excellence in serving the citizens of South Carolina, especially those of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, and the members take much pleasure in saluting the organization for its fine achievements. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the Pendleton District Commission upon the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary and thank the commission for its half century of service to the people of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Pendleton District Commission.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2016 at 12:25 PM