COLUMBIA - Chad Prosser became director of the state Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department on Wednesday after being easily confirmed by the Senate.

In a letter to Gov. Mark Sanford, Prosser resigned his post as Horry County Council chairman immediately upon his confirmation.

Sanford nominated Prosser, who has been working at the job for two months. He could not officially take office until the Senate confirmed him.

Prosser was recommended for confirmation by the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee on Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, the full Senate voted for confirmation.

Both actions were on unrecorded voice votes with no opposition.

A group of supporters from the tourism industry came for the committee hearing Wednesday morning, where Prosser faced a mostly receptive audience and few tough questions.

During his brief presentation, Prosser said, "I share the governor's vision in terms of wanting to improve the economy of South Carolina" and the qualify of life.

"PRT is at the heart of that mission" because of the importance of tourism to the economy and the importance of its parks and recreation to the quality of life, Prosser said.

He said postwar tourism recovery work is important because competing states already are putting money into attracting South Carolina's customers.

The agency also needs more help with delayed maintenance at park facilities, Prosser said.

He said he wants to do more with rural and heritage tourism to spread the visitors' dollars across the state.

Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, asked Prosser if he intended to raid the park funds to help the coast.

"Not at all," Prosser said.

Senators who represent Horry County praised Prosser to their colleagues.

Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach, said Prosser has "a great ability" to lead in a nonpartisan way as he did on County Council.

After the committee approved him, Prosser's supporters gathered to congratulate him.

Mickey McCamish, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, was among them.

"I think it's really important that the No. 1 industry in the state have someone that understands tourism, and we have that in Chad," McCamish said.

He said Prosser, who is owner of the golf course at Wachesaw East in Georgetown County, can benefit the industry because he knows how to allocate PRT's tourism promotion money to get the best return for the state.

Tom Sponseller, president of the S.C. Hospitality Association, said Prosser was the first PRT head with a background in the tourism business.

Also, his experience in local politics will help the agency because he knows how local government works, Sponseller said.