Welcome

Welcome to SEWE 2022

Welcome to the 40th Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The uncertainty of the past year has made us more excited than ever to have you here with us. We’re so grateful to those of you who have supported SEWE through the years and delighted to welcome newcomers to the SEWE family.

As you may know, I’ll be handing over the reins to SEWE this summer. The years have flown by, and I look back on everyone of those years with tremendous pride and no small amount of wonder. In 1982, when I was asked to “put together some staff” for a wildlife art-themed event, I could not imagine what lay ahead. Timed to coincide with the area’s typically slower winter tourism season, the show’s effect on the City of Charleston was immediate. Charleston’s historical backdrop, the area’s hallmark Lowcountry cuisine, and hospitality and an increasing roster of top-ranked wildlife artists drew winter-weary crowds to the city. Growing exponentially in the next few years, what some dismissed as “the invasion of the duck people” had all the elements to become a well-respected national, if not international, event. Soon, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition unofficially marked the start of Charleston’s spring tourism season.

It is hard to fathom the number of moving parts it takes to produce an event of this size. However, it is easy to imagine how difficult it might be to keep all the pieces in working order. Despite its popularity, SEWE struggled. So, when I was approached in 1987 by SEWE’s then existing board members to assemble a group of investors willing to step up to ensure the event’s future, I fully understood the challenge it presented. It didn’t take long to put together a group of local businessmen who saw that the benefit of saving the event outweighed the risk. When that group asked me to accept the leadership role in the organization, I weighed the decision before agreeing to accept the job of Executive Director for one year only. That one year turned into many, and a career that has been the ride of a lifetime.

It is bittersweet to be reminded just how far we’ve come. The road wasn’t always smooth, and recognition for the event’s contribution to the local and statewide economy was hard-won. There were times when we held on for dear life. A hurricane named Hugo reshaped South Carolina. We rode a roller coaster that rocketed us from shock and awe to the ashes of the twin towers, up and over political divides and around the hairpin curves of economic uncertainty. Yet, despite everything thrown at it, SEWE tenaciously came through. Most recently, the global pandemic did its best to stop the momentum, but here we are in February 2022 - back and better than ever.

There is no way to adequately express my thanks to all who have contributed to SEWE’s success. Amidst the show’s fast pace, I don’t often get the chance to thank them as I should. First, a tremendous thank you to the artists and exhibitors that place their trust in us each year to provide an audience for their incredible talents. Thank you to the hundreds of you who work as temporary staff each year. From ticket and souvenir sales to original art sales, exhibit managers to runners. Each position is vital to the event - from the packing room to the VIP Suite.

I’m always amused by those who assume that we only work one weekend a year and ask, “What do you do the rest of the year?” I can assure you that the show would not be possible without the efforts of the year-round staff. They’re the ones who keep the wheels perpetually in motion, and I’m so grateful to the talented cast of characters that have come through our doors over 40 years. Although I know all would agree that the SEWE office is always challenging, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally outright crazy, it is never dull. I appreciate each of you who stepped into the fray.

Since the beginning, I’ve been privileged to serve a board of directors willing to take the time to understand the organization, provide oversight, and enable its goals. I’d like to especially thank George Bullwinkel, Ronnie Givens, Helen Hill, Len Hutchison, Neil Robinson, and John Walters, whose guidance was invaluable when I converted SEWE to a 501-c-3 organization. The move proved to be a turning point in its history.

A special word of thanks to those whose contributions to SEWE remain indelible watermarks across the organization and the event. Each played a critical part in developing and maintaining the standards that established Southeastern Wildlife Exposition as a world-class event.

Bart and Leslie Burford, who have been with SEWE since it was established in 1983. Bart and Leslie have been there each year helping in their individual areas of accounting and controls for Bart, and art sales and management for Leslie. Nancyjean Nettles, who came on board with me in 1987, was front and center as we reorganized and set SEWE on a new path. Nancyjean helped establish a new level of professionalism within the show’s administration and set a bar for hospitality that remains the hallmark of the VIP Program. Susan Frampton came to work for SEWE’s retail art gallery in 1989. Named Executive Director in 1999, Susan’s fingerprints can be found across virtually every aspect of the organization. And when John Powell signed on as temporary show staff in 2007, he began a journey that would showcase his leadership abilities, and lead to his appointment as Executive Director in 2011. And, of course, Beth (my wife) who has been there through the good and the bad of ensuring the success of the event and ensuring that the VIP Program has been such a success.

Later this year, I will pass to John the torch that will light the future of Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. When he assumes the CEO position, I am confident that his ability, integrity, and determination will ensure that SEWE reaches its very highest potential. Of course, there will be challenges, but I leave him with the knowledge that your support for him will be as unwavering as the support you have given me.

I have treasured every moment of my time with Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Thank you for making it all possible. Thank you all for your time and talents and the enduring friendships, love, loyalty, and memories that have made this the ride of a lifetime.

All the best,