Archive for June 2021

ANDERSON, S.C. — Eager anglers hunting for giants have a wealth of options in the Carolinas according to Bassmaster Magazine’s annual ranking of 100 Best Bass Lakes. Lake Hartwell, home to the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, ranked No. 20 in the Southeast.

The Carolinas combined to place seven fisheries on the list, including Hartwell, Santee Copper lakes, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, Lake Murray, High Rock Lake and Kerr Lake (Buggs Island).

According to Bassmaster Magazine editors:

“There are plenty of lakes on this list where you will have a chance to catch bigger bass. That said, Lake Hartwell is one of the most consistent fisheries on the planet when you are looking for better-than-average bass willing to bite your cricket. Sure, 20-pound limits are caught, but most derbies are won with a little over 18. The April Carolinas Bass Challenge event is the perfect illustration. It took 18.28 pounds to win. Big fish weighed about 6.25. But, the Top 20 all had over 14 pounds and only 2 pounds separated 20th place from 40th.”

Lake Fork in Texas, renowned for producing giant bass, has been named the No. 1 fishery in the U.S. for 2021.

“Creating the rankings takes more than two months as we dig through current tournament data as well as state fishery information on stocking efforts, catch rates and angler access,” explained Bassmaster Magazine Editor-in-Chief James Hall. “Folks found respite in the outdoors and many of them fished for the first time. That may have put more pressure on lakes than normal, and some fisheries were impacted. Still, other lakes, which may not have been exposed previously to tournaments, shined brightly.

“These rankings provide a bucket list of destinations for anglers.”

The rankings identify the top lakes in the nation based on head-to-head comparisons, as well as the Top 25 lakes in four geographical regions — Central, Western, Southeastern and Northeastern.

“We divide the nation into four regions and rank the lakes in each region to give anglers perspective on the fisheries they can most likely reach,” Hall explained.

“We’re very excited to see Lake Hartwell recognized among the Top 100 Bass Lakes in America once again,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director at Visit Anderson. “The leadership of Anderson County has made a significant commitment to the marketing efforts of Lake Hartwell which has proved extremely beneficial to our community. We take a great deal of pride in being recognized among the best fisheries in the nation.”

As for bragging rights on which state has the most fisheries in the Top 100 rankings, there is a tie between Texas and California with 10 lakes each. Florida and Arizona each placed seven lakes on the list.

Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes of 2021     

Top 10  

1          Lake Fork, Texas

2          Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California

3          Santee Cooper Lakes (Marion/Moultrie), South Carolina

4          St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), New York    

5          Clear Lake, California

6          Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas

7          Lake St. Clair, Michigan

8          Jordan Lake, North Carolina

9          O.H. Ivie Lake, Texas

10        Pickwick Lake, Alabama/Mississippi/Tennessee

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

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Media Contact: Emily Harley, B.A.S.S. Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, eharley@bassmaster.com

Record field expected to attend, nearly 3 Million in scholarships & prizes up for grabs.

The premier High School Fishing event in the world is set to begin June 30-July 3 in Anderson, SC on Lake Hartwell, from Green Pond Landing event center. The 12^th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship has over 400 teams registered.  A team consists of 3 people to a boat, 2 High School anglers and their adult boat Captain /Coach, that alone equates to more than 1200 participants from 41 states and 2 foreign countries as far away as Zimbabwe, South Africa, plus all their families and friends. Several thousand people will be added to the Anderson population for a week or so.

The student anglers pay no entry fee to compete in this one-of-a-kind dual event, the World Finals portion is the granddaddy of them all where most of the prizes and scholarships are awarded and the most difficult to win. It is open to any SAF member in the nation, so everyone attending will be competing in the World Finals for prizes totaling nearly 2.5 million dollars. At the same time on the dual stage the top anglers from all SAF sanctioned events and MLF events nationwide qualify to compete in a national championship event with its own set of prizes and scholarships totaling nearly $500,000.  Which puts nearly 3million dollars in scholarship and prizes up for grabs.

The unique format was developed with feedback from the parents and families over the last 12 years. In the competitive arena there is just no way around travel for the anglers, industry staff and partners. It is expected in fishing and is no different than baseball, softball, cheer or dance team championships or any other high school sport. The two events are conducted together as a dual event to save travel, costs and vacation time for the families while giving any youth from anywhere, any background or economic strata and a chance to come and earn a life changing educational opportunity if they can and experience the comradery of an event this size where lifetime friendships are made. 

“We are very proud to be working with the TBF/SAF and hosting the High School World Finals and National Championship at Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell and Anderson County!” Stated Neal Paul Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “The future in bass fishing is our high school anglers and we look forward to hosting the anglers and their families in our community. Our team at Anderson County has worked extremely hard to ensure that we continue to be a destination for bass fishing. Green Pond Landing, a nationally recognized facility, and Lake Hartwell, a Top 100 Bass Lake in America, will once again provide our guests with a Championship Experience!”

Few places can accommodate 400 plus teams on the water for a week, but Lake Hartwell and Green Pond Landing is state of the art and can do it easily.   So, June 30-July 3, 2021 will find the Championship anglers on the massive boarder waters between South Carolina and Georgia of Lake Hartwell at Anderson, SC. and Weighing in at the newly revamped Green Pond Landing Event center each day starting at 1:30pm ET. The event is free to attend and open to the public.  The event is also being filmed for National television on the Pursuit Channel and other Networks. LIVE coverage and leaderboards will run each day on www.HighSchoolFishing.org  and Facebook www.facebook.com/hsfishing

“We are excited to be heading to Anderson, SC, it is a place that “makes you feel like home” no matter where you are from and there is lots for the families to see and do. The residents of Anderson should be very proud of your Visit Anderson tourism group as they have worked very hard to showcase your community and make the kids feel welcome.” Stated The Bass Federation’s President and CEO Robert Cartlidge.

“The question I get asked often is why High School Fishing?”  Cartlidge continued. “The answer is may not be what many would think. It is not about being the next “pro angler” or getting sponsor patches on your shirt.” Those all may or may not be by-products.  We started the national High School movement for 3 reasons. One, we felt that youth across all sectors needed clean family fun and to live and learn in the outdoors as many of us did when we were young. So, the purpose was using fishing to get kids outdoors with an adult mentor and with the intent of not just educating about common sense, manners and ethics, but about math, science and language arts and why those are important to fishing yes, but also to life in general.  Two, we wanted to provide education opportunities. Not just college, but trade school too, as our country was built by and still needs trades and skilled craft people. College is not for everyone, especially in today’s world. Education opportunities is what we are after.”  Three, we did not want the program to be about money, so from the start neither SAF/TBF nor our partners in fishing at MLF, who was among the first to join our SAF movement and grow it side by side with us, requires any entry fees for our regular High School events nor do we pay cash to kids at High School events. It is always prizes & scholarships. The result has been the explosion we currently see in high school fishing participation nationwide and thanks to the support of our industry partners, our host communities like Visit Anderson and the Parents and Boat Captains/Coaches/Mentors that make it all happen.  We thank each and every one of them and are excited to be a part of that and to showcase these young people in Anderson, SC.”

The popular four-day High School Fishing World Finals and National championship combined event format is a very unique structure where all anglers compete for three days in a format with a second chance round, much like any other double elimination High School sport. It is designed to keep everyone competitive and in the game until the final day cut. For full details, check out HighSchoolFishing.org. You can get your club affiliated with SAF and compete!  All TBF, SAF and MLF High School Fishing events are no entry fee events. To register, anglers only need to be a member of the Student Angler Federation (SAF) which is a mere $25 per year and includes competitor SAF and MLF memberships. It is as easy as completing the online registration at HighSchoolFishing.org. 

About The Bass Federation

The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. TBF is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. The Federation is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization there is. TBF, our affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 events each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for 50 years. TBF founded the Student Angler Federation and the National High School Fishing movement in 2007 to promote clean family fun and education through fishing. Visit bassfederation.com or highschoolfishing.org and “LIKE US” on Facebook.

For info contact: TBF National Office 580.765.9031 info@highschoolfishing.org

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Medical data company relocating headquarters in the Upstate, creating 10 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Sync.MD, a medical data company, today announced plans to establish operations in Anderson County, creating 10 new jobs.

Founded in 2015, Sync.MD specializes in the mobile data storage of health and medical records. The company’s patented technology enables users to securely store complete and current health care records and update information on smartphones for seamless sharing of medical records with health care providers. Sync.MD helps solve the problem of connecting otherwise incompatible medical records systems, as well as meet the specific needs of veterans or those who require specialized care. Sync.MD’s innovative technology enables higher-quality coordination of care, which means better outcomes and reduced costs for patients. 

Located in Anderson, South Carolina, Sync.MD’s new facility will increase the company’s capacity to meet growing demand.

Operations are expected to be online by fall 2021.  Individuals interested in joining the Sync.MD team should email or call (864) 260-1061 for additional information. 

QUOTES

”Sync.MD is excited to continue its growth with a relocation to Anderson County.  We are incredibly grateful for the assistance of the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Anderson County officials throughout our site selection process, and we are looking forward to what we know will be a fruitful partnership going forward.” -Sync.MD CEO Eugene Luskin 

“We are thrilled to add Sync.MD to the South Carolina family. This announcement is great news for Anderson County, and we look forward to the great work this company will accomplish.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“It’s always exciting to see a company choose South Carolina as their new home. We celebrate Sync.MD’s decision to invest and create new jobs in Anderson County and look forward to watching them grow in the future.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“I am very excited for Sync.MD to establish operations in Anderson County. The jobs that are moving here are high-paying tech jobs, and more will be created in the future. When I first met with Sync.MD’s leadership years ago, I told them South Carolina has a great business environment, and that we would welcome the chance to help them grow. I am thrilled that Sync.MD will be providing services to our veterans and their customers around the world from right here in Anderson.” -U.S. Congressman Jeff Duncan

“We are excited to welcome software company Sync.MD to Anderson County’s new soft-landing economic development space. Sync.MD exemplifies the type of innovative business we continually seek to attract to further diversify and support the local economy.” -Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn

“Sync.MD landing in the Upstate represents areas where the Upstate is poised for growth — life sciences, technology and market entry into a landing pad space. We look forward to seeing this innovative digital health solutions provider grow in our region.” -Upstate SC Alliance President & CEO John Lummus

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Sync.MD is establishing operations in Anderson County.
• The company is creating 10 new jobs.
• Sync.MD is a medical data company.
• Located in Anderson, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Sync.MD team should email or call (864) 260-1061 for additional information.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Clark, CMP

Director of Marketing & Communications

South Carolina Department of Commerce

(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com

www.SCcommerce.com

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The 14^th annual Dancing for Our Heroes fundraiser, hosted by the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson, will be held Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Civic Center. The 2019 event (not held in 2020 due to Covid-19) raised more than $200,000 for charitable organizations. 

This event has become one of the largest charitable fundraisers in Anderson County and will support 10 different local organizations this year as well as Rotary International’s Polio Plus, which strives to eradicate polio. With the conclusion of the 2019 event, The Rotary Club of Greater Anderson had raised more than $1 million total for local organizations in the community.

The event is formatted similar to the Dancing with the Stars television show. Each charity competes in two ways: to raise the most amount of dollars for their organization before the event itself and during the night of the event; and to perform the best dance of the evening and win the judges’ votes.

During the evening of the competition, each organization performs a two-minute dance based on the yearly theme. This year’s theme is One-Hit Wonders, and dancers must have selected their music based on the artist having one radio hit.

In addition to the performances, the event includes dinner and drinks, as well as a live and silent auction. Tickets are available on EventBrite, or you can learn more information at dancing4heroes@gmail.com.

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Denver Downs Farm in Anderson, SC to host the SC Sunflower Festival for families and flower-lovers

Anderson, SC (June xx, 2021) – Award-winning Denver Downs Farm in Anderson, South Carolina will host their first Sunflower Festival during the last two weekends of June complete with 12 acres of sunflowers for picking and photographing plus local vendors, food options, and children’s activities. 

“Our family has always loved sunflowers and what better way to show the love than to invite the public to enjoy them face-to-face on the farm,” said Catherine Garrison, co-owner of Denver Downs Farm. “We fully expect to see these beauties show up all over Instagram – they are that gorgeous.”

The Sunflower Festival at Denver Downs will happen June 19, 20, 26, and 27 from 10 am – 8 pm. Guests will enjoy outdoor live music in the afternoons during the festival. 

Guests are encouraged to cut the sunflowers and make bouquets in buckets to take home and photographers are welcome as well. Private sessions can be scheduled for times outside of public hours. Food options include hamburgers, shrimp and grits, chicken fingers, tacos, quesadillas, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and snow cones. Beverages offered on site are the famous Denver Downs lemonade and silo sangrias out of the giant silo in the middle of the farm.

“We are hoping that families, flower enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone else looking to enjoy these early summer beauties come out to the festival,” said Garrison. “We are including several exotic varieties of sunflowers that most people have never seen before.”

Children’s activities will be open during the festival including the jumping pillow, zipline, slides, ball zone, ropes course, climbing wall, dodgeball, ga ga pit, and the Double D Gem Mine. Adorable farm animals will be ready for their photos to be taken including our mini goats, mini horses, and sheep. Dogs on leashes are permitted to attend. 

Vendors and Photographers may complete the interest applications on the website. Tickets are $25/$17.50 person and include one stem or sunflower bloom plus all activities, live music, farm animals, and opportunities to get that perfect photo in the sunflower field. 

For more information go to www.denverdownsfarm.com. For interviews or photos please contact Catherine at 843-297-0140 or Catherine@denverdownsfarm.com.

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