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Edisto Chamber wins $25,450 in ATAX support for visitor-data and experience study after 3–2 vote
Summary
The Edisto Chamber of Commerce received $25,450 in ATAX funding (50/50 match) for a two-part project—Placer.ai mobility analytics and a Gray Research visitor profile and experience survey—intended to guide tourism strategy, emergency planning, and grant applications.
The ATAX Advisory Board approved $25,450 in Accommodations Tax funding April 30 to support the Edisto Chamber of Commerce's tourism data and visitor experience research initiative.
Chamber Executive Director Chelsea Harrison presented a two-component proposal: a mobility and economic-impact data platform (Placer.ai) and a visitor profile and experience survey conducted by Gray Research Solutions. The Chamber proposed a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement, requesting $25,450 from ATAX for a $50,900 project. Special Projects Coordinator Phyllis McElveen cited the platform's usefulness at the October 2025 BBQ Festival, noting it provided attendance and visitor-origin information; she also described possible emergency-management applications, such as tracking local population presence during storms. Police Chief Daniel Seyle observed an increase in day visitors and said tracking that trend would improve planning for infrastructure and staffing.
The motion to approve $25,450 passed with three votes in favor (Judy Blancett, Emma Hart, Mike Hobson) and two opposed (Marie Bost, Richard Howse). No abstentions were recorded. The board's discussion emphasized data-driven planning for events, marketing, and emergency response, with members who opposed raising questions about priorities and use of ATAX funds.
Next steps: the Chamber and Town will coordinate access and the Chamber will provide deliverables from Gray Research Solutions and Placer.ai as described in the application materials.
