The letter below, issued Wednesday afternoon, is from Linsey Miles, chairwoman of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber Board.

The Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Programs Board of Directors is aware of the recent article concerning Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) funding published in the Post and Courier. While our Board or leadership were not contacted or allowed adequate time to respond to this story, we appreciate it creating the opportunity to provide an accurate overview of the facts; and additionally, allowing us to reinforce our commitment to transparency, accountability, and lawful financial stewardship.

More than a month ago, the Chamber received an inquiry from the South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee (“TERC”). TERC is a state committee that oversees the use of accommodations tax revenue by municipalities ensuring it is spent on tourism-related activities.

TERC initiated this request based on an anonymous and unsupported allegation that the Chamber may have misallocated accommodations tax revenue on non-tourism related activities, which if done, would result in those funds being repaid to the municipality. We fully complied with the request, providing detailed documentation and financial reports outlining how A-Tax funds were used to promote tourism in the region.

We can confirm that the inquiry relates to the use of tourism-related funds, and we have supplied all required reports, including those previously submitted to the City. We have welcomed the inquiry as our Chamber has nothing to hide.

In response to recent media coverage, the Chamber unequivocally denies any wrongdoing in the use of either local or state A-Tax funding. Routine oversight by TERC is a standard part of the process for organizations entrusted with public funds. Any suggestion of misconduct is both inaccurate and disingenuous.

“We have complied with the law, submitted regular reports, and used all funds solely to promote tourism and support our local economy,” said Lindsey Miles, Chair of the Greater CWC Chamber. “We welcome oversight and are cooperating fully with the state to ensure complete transparency.”

The decision by local municipalities to allocate A-Tax funding to the Chamber has always been allocated publicly and transparently by elected officials. The Chamber has received continuous A-Tax funding for years, with final reports submitted and approved by the funding municipality on an annual basis. Our budgets are board-approved, and our finances are reviewed by our Finance and Audit Committee.

Our Board, who is comprised of over 20 local business, municipality, and tourism leaders, takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously, ensuring all financial matters are handled with integrity, oversight, and care. We remain proud of the work the Chamber has done to enhance tourism, grow local business, and strengthen our communities. The Chamber remains fully committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and serving as a trusted partner in the economic vitality of Cayce, West Columbia, and the surrounding region.