Greater Lexington Chamber Pledges $5,000 to Attract Air Service Grant

LEXINGTON, SC, September 01, 2010 (Press-News.org) With the pledge, the Board joins The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and other local government entities trying to keep the airport competitive. The recent decision made by Southwest Airlines to offer low-cost service at airports in Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg prompted these groups to join with the airport to apply for the $750,000 grant.

"We have an economic development fund dedicated to economic development," Chamber President/CEO Randy Halfacre said during the Board's August 18 meeting. "This fits like a glove."

The grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is titled the Small Community Air Service Development Grant. "They only have $10 million to send out to the communities, so it's very competitive," Halfacre said. "The higher the local match, along with broad-based support from both business and government, should demonstrate our Midlands buy-in."

The Board voted unanimously to pledge the $5,000 amount. "We need to show we're committed to more than Lexington," said board member Sylvia Backman. "Those airlines going to the Upstate - that was a big wakeup call. We don't want to miss any opportunities."

The Chamber sent its letter notifying the USDOT about the $5,000 pledge August 23, 2010.

The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, established in 1959, has more than 800 members. A non-profit organization, the membership-driven group is "the voice for business and community" in the greater Lexington area. For more information about its services, activities, and how to join, call 359-6113 or visit http://www.lexingtonsc.org.

The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center provides a foundation on which the community builds its goals, plans, and events throughout the Lexington, South Carolina area.