SC senators hold moment of silence for missing executive
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - South Carolina senators are praying for the safe return of a long-time lobbyist who is missing.
Sen. Joel Lourie of Columbia called on senators Tuesday to hold a moment of silence for Tom Sponseller, president and chief executive of the state Hospitality Association. The moment of silence was held in the opening minutes of the day's session.
Sponseller is well-known at the State House for representing the tourism industry. Tourism officials reflected on Sponseller's disappearance during their annual conference call on Tuesday.
"Tom is a recognized industry leader, he has been now for a number of years," said Chris Stone with the Greenville Convention and Visitors Board. "He plays a really important role for hospitality industry in this state, so we're all praying for his safe recovery."
"Everybody is just spreading the word and that's what we want to do because it is important to us not only as an industry professional, but as our friend and we want him home safely," said Mary Henry with the Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association.
Columbia police are asking the public to help in a search. Police Chief Randy Scott says a relative reported Sponseller missing Saturday. He was last seen at work in downtown Columbia around noon that day.
"What we do know right know is Mr. Sponseller has not made contact currently with any of his family members or co-workers," said Scott.
Police said Sponseller's car has been located, but aren't releasing where it was found.
Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott said Monday that investigators looked Sponseller's car over, but they did not find anything unusual.
The Greenville native is a graduate of The Citadel and is married with three adult children.
Sponseller is a 61-year-old white male, approximately 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds. He has gray hair, hazel eyes and typically wears glasses.
If you know where Sponseller is, you are urged to call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Copyright 2012 WIS. The Associated Press contributed to this report.