40th Annual Summit Honorees

The 2019 award winners will be honored at the 40th South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Annual Summit on Isle of Palms November 20-21. To learn more and register for the event, click here.

Special Presentations Honoring:

Business Leader of the Year - Mr. Joe Blanchard (President & CEO, Blanchard Machinery Company)
Public Servant of the Year - Dr. Harris Pastides (Former President, University of South Carolina)
Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award - The Honorable Lindsey Graham (United States Senator)
Boeing Veterans Leadership Award- Upstate Warrior Solution
Ron McNair Leadership Scholarship - Zakarra Brown (Junior, Wilson High School)
S. Hunter Howard, Jr. Scholarship - Jaylen Canada (Senior, Airport High School)
Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award Winners
SC Branded Award Winners

Business Leader of the Year

The South Carolina Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year is chosen based on leadership in South Carolina and the embodiment of personal success. Other criteria include a business record based on ethical conduct and corporate responsibility, public service, contributions to the preservation of South Carolina’s government and commitment to creating a positive business climate to improve the state’s economy.

Mr. Joe Blanchard (President & CEO, Blanchard Machinery Company)

Public Servant of the Year

The South Carolina Chamber’s Public Servant of the Year award recognizes an individual who has served, or currently serves, as a key official in state government and has contributed to the overall well-being and health of the state as a whole.

Dr. Harris Pastides (Former President, University of South Carolina)

Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award

Established in 1984 by the South Carolina Chamber, the Sergeant William Jasper Freedom Award, named for the Revolutionary War patriot, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the freedom of South Carolina and the nation.

The Honorable Lindsey Graham (United States Senator)

Boeing Veterans Leadership Award

The Boeing Veterans Leadership Award program is held annually to honor South Carolina's nonprofits leading in veteran initiatives. All South Carolina nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply; applications are judged by a committee of independent organizations, Chamber representatives, and Boeing representatives. Criteria include organizational veteran hiring initiatives, resources to aid veteran's transitions from military to civilian workforce, engagement, and replicability.

Upstate Warrior Solution

Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award

The Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award recognizes companies for their significant contributions to the advancement of South Carolina through diversity initiatives and inclusion efforts. Criteria considered in selecting the winners included diversity initiatives, effectiveness and applicability/replicability.

Small/Medium Employer (Fewer than 1,000 employees)

Large Employer (1,000 or more employees)

SC Branded Awards

The SC Branded Awards are given in partnership with Upstate South Carolina marketing group, The Brand Leader. The awards honor local initiatives, locations, products, and events that make up the brand that is South Carolina. Nominations were submitted over the summer in six categories this year.

Award winners include:

Palmetto Green

South Carolina is known for its natural resources. The Palmetto Green award goes to the corporate project that is most known for its preservation and protection of South Carolina's beauty.

2019 Winner: BP America

Charitable Impact

In South Carolina, we look after our neighbors, making this state the best place in the nation to live. The Charitable Impact Award recognizes corporate giving and philanthropy that makes a true impact for the good of the state and its citizens.

2019 Winner: SYNNEX Corporation

Farm, Forest & Field

From the peach orchards to the cotton fields, South Carolina has long been recognized for its agricultural community. The Farm, Forest & Field Award goes to the brand that is proving to be truly revolutionary in agribusiness.

2019 Winner: McEntire Produce

Product Innovation

South Carolina is known for its high level of innovation and invention-- whether from a startup company or a longtime resident. This award goes to the company whose newest development is bringing attention and growth to the state.

2019 Winner: PROOF Alcohol Ice Cream

Hometown, SC

Every year we honor one city or town that is doing great things for the people that call it home. The people, good government, good corporate citizens, low taxes and a high quality of life are factors that make the place you live a great hometown.

2019 Winner: Town of Summerville

Legends Award

The Legends Award recognizes the company, person or institution that has continually and consistently given to South Carolina and its people. Our legends make us proud, and they deserve all the attention we have to give.

SC Chamber of Commerce