Horry County's Chad Prosser has done a good job weathering the state budget storm in his first five months as the director of the S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, Gov. Mark Sanford said Thursday.

Prosser has restructured the department while bringing an expertise on tourism, the state's No. 1 industry, to Columbia, Sanford said.

Those moves will help South Carolina keep its tourism niche despite state-ordered budget cuts, Sanford said during a reception for Prosser at Ripley's Aquarium.

Prosser has cut 150 jobs at PRT to free up more dollars for advertising, including programs that partner with communities.

"It is very important we do not lose [our niche]," Sanford said. "I want to reiterate how important tourism is in South Carolina."

The Grand Strand makes up about a third of the state's $14.4 billion tourism industry. That's why Sanford looked to the coast in picking Prosser for the job.

"If you are going to talk tourism, then you need to go right to the heart of tourism, and that is definitely the Grand Strand," Sanford said.

About 200 locals packed Ripley's banquet room to honor Prosser, who gave up his elected post as Horry County Council chairman to take the PRT job. Congratulations came from the Myrtle Beach City Council and Horry County Council.

Prosser's advertising strategies will ensure S.C. tourism fares well, said Dennis Wade, chairman of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Tourism promotion has never been more important than it is today," he said.

The reception was sponsored by the chamber and Ripley's Entertainment.