It is a bittersweet day at Ocean Lakes Family Campground. Today, March 31st, will mark Lance Thompson’s, our outgoing General Manager and Vice President, last day. After 36 years of service and dedication to Ocean Lakes and The Jackson Companies, the time has come for him to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.
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| Lance and his daughter, Savannah, taking a firetruck ride! |
Looking Back With Lance | After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from UNC-Wilmington in Recreation Resource Management, and then a Master’s Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University, Lance began his career at Ocean Lakes. In 1985, Lance was hired as the first full-time Recreation Director. In 1988, he was promoted to the Front Office Manager, in 1991 was named General Manager, and ultimately named Vice President of Ocean Lakes in 1999. His dedication to the company and the Grand Strand community are outstanding.
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| Lance on one of Mr. Jackson's very stylish rides! |
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| Lance and Teammates celebrating Ocean Lakes' 25th Birthday! |
A Letter From Lance | “This was a very difficult decision for me, as I love my job, I love this company and I love the teammates with which I have the honor of working with every day. However, as many of you are aware, our daughter Savannah turned 25 years old recently and has significant special needs. She will never live independently. Therefore, the rest of my life will be dedicated to ensuring that she has a very good quality of life.”
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| Diane DeVaughn-Stokes with Lance, wife Marjorie and Savannah at Ocean Lakes' 40th Birthday Cake Gala! |
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| Sandy Starfish and Savannah are best pals! |
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| Ricky Skaggs got to meet Savannah at Bluegrass Weekend in 2019. |
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| Lance with his family moments before he took the plunge at the Polar Bear Plunge in 2020. |
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| Lance and his daughter, Savannah, sharing a hug at his Retirement Ceremony. |
The dedication of Lance and his wife, Marjorie, to their family is a priority, and it echoes that of our company’s founding family. As our Co-founder, Mr. Jackson often exclaimed, “We’re in the family business.”
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| Lance Thompson, Mary Emily Jackson, Nelson Jackson, and David DuRant accept for the first time the National Mega Park of the Year from ARVC on November 20, 1997. |
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| Lance speaking with Dennis Wade and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson on Jackson Day, June 2, 2006. |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Jackson with one of the daughters, Laura, and Lance with his daughter, Savannah during Bluegrass Weekend in 2006. |
Tugging At Our Heart Strings | Lance explained, “I will be forever grateful to the Jackson family for giving me the opportunity to spend my entire career with such a wonderful company. I could not have asked for a better group of owners or a better group of fellow teammates.”
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| Lance joined the Landscaping Team to pick up fireworks to assist in taking care of our environment in July of 2003. |
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| Lance speaking about one of 6 RV Park of the Year recognitions at the Teammate Awards Breakfast. |
His appreciation and team spirit are evident, “I continue to be, and will always be, proud to be your Teammate!”
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| Lance speaking at the 2019 Teammate Awards Breakfast. |
Memories In Pictures | Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we look back at some of Lance’s moments with his Ocean Lakes family:
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| Lance showing support to Marketing Teammate, Lauren, during Bluegrass Weekend in 2019. |
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| Lance congratulating Leonard Raker, Curator, on the renaming of the Nature Center. |
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| David DuRant and Lance at the Ocean Lakes after receiving national RV Park of the Year Award. |
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| Lance accepting South Carolina's 2006 Governor's Cup for Ocean Lakes. |
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| Lance taking the stage with Jennings Chestnut and Barb Krumm at Bluegrass Weekend in 2003! |
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| Lance and Ocean Lakes Managers cooking up breakfast for Teammates. |
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| Pictured Above: Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Barb Krumm, David DuRant, and Lance and Marjorie Thompson. |
Best Wishes From Dennis | “Lance has provided tremendous leadership to our Team at Ocean Lakes and The Jackson Companies,” explains Dennis Wade, CEO of The Jackson Companies.
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| Lance and Dennis Wade enjoying a sweet treat at the 40th Birthday Cake Gala! |
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Greg Bender, Dennis Wade, and Lance at the 2005 Ribbon Cutting of Camptown Center.
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"He dedicated his 36 years with the company in helping mold and shape Ocean Lakes into the nationally recognized and award-winning resort destination it is today. We were fortunate that Lance gave us a couple years notice of his retirement plans, which allowed us to prepare for the leadership transition at Ocean Lakes. We wish Lance only the best in his retirement and he will always be part of the Ocean Lakes and Jackson Companies family.”
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| Dennis Wade sharing a few remarks at Lance's Retirement Ceremony. |
Looking To The Future | Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, has promoted Greg Bender to Vice President and General Manager. He is responsible for leading the overall operations of Ocean Lakes Family Campground upon Lance Thompson’s retirement on March 31st.
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| Pictured Above: Greg Bender and Lance in 2018. |
Lance commented, “Greg has been an outstanding member of our management team. He models the kind of attitude and leadership abilities that have garnered him respect and admiration among our entire team and throughout the community.”
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| Lance handing over the keys to Greg Bender! |
Until Next Time | We are so very proud to be your Teammate, Lance. We will miss you but are excited for this next chapter in your life. We wish you and your family the very best. Always know that we will forever be your family.
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| Lance and his family at the 2020 4th of July Golf Car Parade. |
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| Lance, Marjorie, and Savannah at Lance's Retirement Ceremony in 2021. |
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