A senate RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Catherine Sandlin Dority, Vice President of Marketing for Explore Charleston, and to commend her for twenty-five years OF outstanding service in South Carolina's Tourism industry.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that Catherine Sandlin Dority has been on the staff of Explore Charleston, also known as the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, since 1998; and

Whereas, Ms. Dority earned a bachelor's degree in communication from the College of Charleston and a master's degree in travel and tourism from Temple University; and

Whereas, as the vice president of marketing for Explore Charleston, she is responsible for the marketing of the Charleston area, overseeing a team that utilizes all forms of communication and operates as an in-house creative and advertising agency; and

Whereas, Ms. Dority serves as a liaison to elected officials on the state and federal levels, as well as to their staff, communicating the importance of the hospitality industry and relaying industry needs. She currently serves as the president of the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions, as well as a member of the board of directors of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and the board of directors of the College of Charleston Alumni Association; and

Whereas, a guest lecturer at the College of Charleston in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ms. Dority volunteers as a mentor to a student in the Schottland Scholars' program for the School of Business; and

Whereas, previously Ms. Dority has served on the National Board of Trustees for the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organization Management and on the College of Charleston's Cougar Club; and

Whereas, her outstanding contributions to the tourism industry were recognized with the Order of the Silver Crescent from Governor Henry McMaster in 2017 for her then twenty years of service at Explore Charleston; and

Whereas, Ms. Dority and her husband, Roland Dority, have a daughter, and they reside in Charleston with their yellow lab. They are active members of Grace Church Cathedral, where Ms. Dority serves on the vestry and on the Hospitality Committee. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors in the Lowcountry, going to Clemson football games, and cheering on the College of Charleston basketball team; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the passion and dedication that Catherine Dority has given to the tourism industry and wish her continued success in promoting the natural beauty and worth to be discovered by citizens of and visitors to the State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Catherine Sandlin Dority, vice president of marketing for Explore Charleston, and commend her for twenty-five years of outstanding service in South Carolina's tourism industry.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Catherine Sandlin Dority.

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