Greenville Chamber Honors Community's Business Leaders At 133rd Annual Meeting

Greenville SC

18 May, 2022

2:29 PM

Description

Press release from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce: May 17, 2022 (Greenville, SC) The Greenville Chamber held its 133rd Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 11 at Fluor Field. The event, presented by TD Bank, featured the Chamber's reflection of the previous year, its vision for the future and recognition of the area's business and community leaders. Greenville Chamber President/CEO Carlos Phillips shared the Greenville Chamber's plans for the year ahead and unveiled the Chamber's new tagline, "Growing a Greater Greenville." The meeting featured the presentation of the following annual awards: The Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by AFL, recognizes an individual for outstanding service in their role as a Greenville Chamber Ambassador. This year's award was presented to Becky Ballenger, a dedicated and enthusiastic Ambassador since 2019. The ATHENA Leadership Award®, sponsored by Hughes Agency, honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; and, provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. The 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award® was presented to Katherine Smoak Davis for her excellence in business and her mentorship to emerging leaders. The Buck Mickel Leadership Award, sponsored by Duke Energy, honors those who have had a dramatic impact on the community by playing a leadership role in solving critical community issues, strengthening the community or providing visionary leadership to a major community development project. The 2021 Buck Mickel Leadership Award was awarded to Judge Merl Code and David Lominack for their roles as co-chairs of the Race Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission. The 2021 Chairman's Award, sponsored by Ogletree Deakins, was presented to Rich Hagins, Founder and CEO of US&S. Hagins was recognized for his dedication and tenacity in leading the Chamber through the pandemic in his role as 2020 Board Chair. The F. Ben Haskew Collaboration Award, sponsored by Furman University, recognizes Upstate leaders who display progressive visions and a partnership approach to responsible growth in the Upstate. The 2021 award was presented to Mary F. Duckett for her advocacy in the construction of Unity Park. The Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a Leadership Greenville Alum who has made outstanding civic and community contributions. The 2021 award, sponsored by Prisma Health, was presented to Joseph M. Pazdan, II, a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 27. Joe was recognized for his outstanding economic and community development efforts. The Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award is given annually to an organization or individual that has shown exemplary efforts toward neighborhood improvement and empowerment. The award is named in honor of former Greenville Mayor Max Heller, who spearheaded numerous efforts over the years to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Greenville County. The 2021 award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, was presented to Joshua C. Tew. Josh has played a vital role in the redevelopment of Laurens Road and in supporting minority-owned businesses. The Minority Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, is presented to a local, independently and minority-owned company that has been in business for a minimum of three years and is a graduate of the Minority Business Accelerator program. The 2021 award was presented to Corporate Stitch. Owner and Threadmaster, Dionne Sandiford has grown the company exponentially, even during the pandemic, demonstrating entrepreneurial excellence. The 2021 Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Trehel Corporation, was presented to Harvest Hope Food Bank. Harvest Hope Food Bank fills an important need in the Upstate by providing food for some of South Carolina's most vulnerable residents. The Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Michelin North America, is designed to recognize an individual between the ages of 22 and 39 for his or her involvement in the community. The 2021 award was presented to Kamber Parker, Interim Executive Director at GAPS and Owner of The YoPro Know. In addition to her professional achievements, Kamber was also recognized for her commitment to the Chamber's Young Professionals initiative. This press release was produced by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.