CONTACT:Nicole Smith
Media Relations
nsmith@columbiaauthority.com
PRINTABLE VERSION
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
Participates In The Adopt-A-Street Program
Columbia, SC - (January 25, 2008) In an effort to give back to the community, the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism (MACST) has signed an agreement to participate in the Adopt-A-Street cleanup program through Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the City of Columbia. The MACST has adopted the portion of Lincoln Street that runs alongside the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center from Blossom Street to Elmwood Avenue. The first cleanup day is scheduled for February 8, 2008.
According to Peter Tarlow, renowned international tourism expert and author, "Beautification helps a tourism entity grow by attracting more visitors, providing positive word of mouth publicity, creating an environment that tends to lift the spirits of service personnel, and creates community pride often resulting in the lowering of crime rates."
Ric Luber, president/CEO for the MACST states, "We like to think of beautification as having an impact on the local economy. When a meeting planner visits the Columbia area, it's imperative that we are able to showcase a clean and healthy environment with great restaurants, attractions, and unique shopping. A clean and unpolluted region is a great selling point for our community."
Through the Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Street programs, caring citizens take part in preserving and maintaining streets throughout the Columbia area. Participating community organizations (civic, school or business groups) adopt sections of road in or near their communities and clean litter from those segments at least four times a year for two years.
The benefits are numerous. First, the program serves as an educational tool against littering and establishes stewardship of public lands. Secondly, the program helps advance tourism, development and quality of life for all of our citizens by improving the appearance of our area. Finally, the program saves taxpayer dollars by performing a valuable public service on a volunteer basis.