Speaker salutes Westminster and confident for bright future

The speaker for the luncheon marking the 52nd South Carolina Apple Festival explained just how important the tourism business is to South Carolina and how small town Westminster plays an important role in that. “Tourism in South Carolina represents a $16 billion boost to our state’s economy,” said Marion Edmonds. He is the 35-year director of communications for the South Carolina PRT Department. And he was speaking in place today of his boss, Duane Parrish, forced to cancel because of family matters. Edmonds commended Apple Festival workers and the community for ensuring the continuation of one of the state’s oldest festivals. Edmonds predicted a bright future, partly because Westminster and the surrounding area are growing. It’s the kind of place people want to move to, he said.