This past spring, representatives of Beaufort’s hospitality industry came together to create a local network of lodging, restaurant, businesses and attractions engaged in the hospitality industry in the city of Beaufort and surrounding areas.
The Beaufort Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) officially launched in May with the appointment of a seven-member Board of Directors and the hiring of an executive director, Lise Sundrla.
A South Carolina non-profit corporation, BAHA provides a unifed voice to local government and the community, while serving and strengthening the local hospitality industry. Beaufort and the Sea Islands have long supported a robust tourism economy that is vital in supporting a healthy and vibrant lifestyle for residents and business owners. The lodging and food service industries in Beaufort generated an estimated $1.6 million in overall property tax revenues to the community in 2017. The bulk of those revenues direct support our local schools. Additionally, combined revenues of $3.8 million derived from the hospitality industry through accommodations taxes and hospitality taxes directly support key City of Beaufort services, operations and staffing.
“Hospitality is not only a nice greeting or a glass of sweet tea, it’s our way of life, and the economic driver in our community,” said Craig Reaves of Sea Eagle Market and Good Eats. “We need to protect, nurture and strengthen our hospitality industry.”
Engaging a ready workforce for the industry is a primary goal of BAHA. With this in mind, BAHA has included a job board on their website listing local opportunities in the hospitality industry. Updated regularly, this feature is available to BAHA partners for listing their job needs. Features also include Partner Spotlight, Must Do & See and Local Industry info.
Over the next few months, BAHA will contact area restaurants, lodging and related businesses along with local neighborhood associations and civic groups. Anyone interested in learning more about BAHA, or its mission and goals, may visit the website at bfthospitality.com. To have a representative speak at a civic or social group function, contact Lise Sundrla at info@bfthospitality.com.
BAHA Leadership
Executive Director: Lise Sundria
Board of Directors: Jonathan Sullivan, Chairman, Beaufort Inn; Vimal Desai, Vice-Chairman, Holiday Inn & Suites; Frank Lesesne, Secretary-Treasurer, Anchorage 1770; Dr. Andy Beall, Santa Elena History Center; Chip Dinkins, Plums, Inc.; Esther Harnett; and Craig Reaves, Sea Eagle Market & Good Eats
Advisory Seats: William Prokop, Beaufort City Manager; and Robb Wells, President & CEO, Greater Beaufort Port Royal CVB
