A year has passed without formal communication from the Town of Blythewood regarding approximately $20,000 in Hospitality Tax funds associated with the Blythewood Juneteenth event.
These funds had already been committed to non-refundable deposits, prepaid expenses, and essential services months prior to the event’s cancellation. Planning and preparation began as early as 2024, with the goal of positioning Blythewood as a destination for cultural events and community engagement.
All expenditures were made in alignment with South Carolina Code § 6-1-730, supporting tourism-related activities such as marketing, event production, and operational services. All work was performed in-house by UniversalCMG, including vendor coordination and event management, with funds allocated to secure critical components in advance.
Following the cancellation of the event, UniversalCMG did not receive formal communication from the Town regarding next steps or resolution. Despite this, additional resources were committed to ensure that the Blythewood community could still experience a Juneteenth celebration, which was ultimately held at a nearby location.
Over the past year, questions and concerns have arisen regarding the handling of this matter. UniversalCMG remains committed to transparency and would welcome the opportunity to provide clarity on the following:
- The expectations surrounding non-refundable deposits and prepaid services secured prior to the cancellation
- The timeline and process for communication following the decision to cancel the event
- Clarification on the Town’s position regarding the expenditures made in accordance with the approved plans
- Access to the Special Called Meeting held on April 30, 2025, to ensure full public understanding of the proceedings
- Any concerns related to the timing and processing of payments, including internal policies that guide financial handling
For reference, the payment issued on March 27, 2025, was processed on April 30, 2025, and cleared on May 1, 2025. This timeline reflects UniversalCMG’s internal policy of holding payments for up to 30 days as a matter of good faith, under guidance from its legal team. This policy is publicly stated and available.
UniversalCMG has continued to work with legal counsel to ensure that all actions taken have followed appropriate procedures and standards.
This situation has presented financial and logistical challenges that, with clearer communication, may have been resolved more efficiently. UniversalCMG remains open to constructive dialogue and a resolution that reflects the shared interests of the Blythewood community.
UniversalCMG World Entertaiment
Events Team
