Each year about this time, those of us in the Lowcountry can count on a few things happening…the azaleas will bloom…the Heritage and the TV coverage that comes with it reminded us again how beautiful this Island really is and “they” will come.

“They” is the thousands of visitors who will call the Island home for a few days or for few weeks and all that they bring; bigger crowds in our restaurants, busier beaches, more rounds of golf and more than a few confused drivers along Hwy. 278.  For those of us who call the area home, it can be a hectic time of year.

“They” also bring something that we all value and appreciate—their hard-earned dollars that they leave behind.  In doing so, they provide our jobs, our quality of life and support for hundreds of businesses.

Tourism is a two-way street.  The greeting they receive from you when asking for directions, or the patience you show in the Sea Pines traffic circle, or the Southern smile you offer up is all part of the charm and hospitality we want to give every guest this season.   Easy to forget that many of us were once one of “them” too.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for being part of the chamber “staff” during high season.  We’re all ambassadors in one way or another and without your patience and hospitality, they might just consider someplace else next year.

Sooner than you think, “they” will be gone and we will once again have the area a little more “back to ourselves” to enjoy all that they have left behind, like great restaurants to choose from, an arts and cultural community that’s thriving thanks to the support of both visitors and residents and all the amenities not usually found in an area our size. We get the year-round benefits and are fortunate to call this our home.

Thanks for making this a world-class destination they want to return to year after year.