More than 500 members of South Carolina’s conservation, political, and business communities gathered together in the Grand Hall of Historic 701 Whaley for Conservation Voters of South Carolina’s 10th Annual Green Tie Award Luncheon.

Conservation Voters of South Carolina honored conservation champions for their dedication to creating a safe, clean, and healthy South Carolina. The event was attended by more than 50 state legislators, Constitutional officers, state agency heads, and VIP guests as well as more than 80 corporate and nonprofit sponsors.

This year’s honorees featured a number of prominent conservation champions, including Representative Peter McCoy, Jr. (R-Charleston), Senator Marlon Kimpson (D-Charleston), Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort), and Angela Viney, whose resume includes former executive director of South Carolina Wildlife Federation, former director of the Spartanburg office of Upstate Forever, and commissioner of public works for the City of Spartanburg.

“Our conservation leaders protect the air, land, and water that South Carolinians rely upon,” said Jennie Pezé, CVSC board chair. “The leadership of today’s honorees has led to significant energy reforms and a renewed focus on clean energy, has allowed for permanent reauthorization of the Conservation Bank, and has protected the state we love from needless pollution.”

“When voters, businesses, and elected leaders come together to protect the South Carolina we love, we all win. That’s what CVSC’s Green Tie is about – celebrating the partnerships and conservation leadership that make a lasting difference for the economy and quality of life in South Carolina. Together, we are building a conservation voter movement that fights for – and wins – a prosperous, safe and clean South Carolina for future generations,” said John Tynan, CVSC executive director.