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Spartanburg Chamber marks 100 years with awards

Staff Report //May 24, 2019//

Spartanburg Chamber marks 100 years with awards

Staff Report //May 24, 2019//

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The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th anniversary this week by recognizing the people and businesses propelling Spartanburg County into the future.

The Centennial Celebration, presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare system, honored those making an impact on Spartanburg’s present and its future. Awards given out at the event recognized local small businesses, community leaders and ambassadors.

"Over the past 100 years the chamber has played an essential role in shaping Spartanburg's potential," Allen Smith, Spartanburg Chamber president and CEO, said in the release. "While much has changed, our work, in tandem with our many partners, remains the same. We are honored to celebrate a century of working on behalf of the businesses and residents that call Spartanburg County home, and we are especially proud to recognize the champions who work alongside us."

Awards given included:

  • Ambassador of the Year: Jason Huesman, relationship manager at Heartland Payment Systems.
  • 2018 Teachers of the Year: District 1, Blake Neely; District 2, Travis Perigo; District 3, Tim Page; District 4, Jena Kuronya; District 5, Cassi Buys; District 6, Robert Urban; District 7, April Bryant; S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind, Jessica Gribble; Spartanburg Day School, Carmen Cooper; High Point Academy, Elementary, Katherine Woodard, High Point Academy Middle, Terri Willingham, High Point Academy High, Shara Jones; and Spartanburg Preparatory School, Julie McClendon
  • Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: The Northside Voyagers for the group’s dedication to building a brighter future for the Northside.
  • Young Professional of the Year: Marisa Cecil, director of development at Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
  • The Chairman’s Award: James Bakker and Tom Finnegan of BF Spartanburg were recognized for their work to revitalize The Montgomery Building in Downtown Spartanburg.
  • The James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year Award: Palmetto Proactive Healthcare.
  • Elaine Harris Tourism Person of the Year: The Carolina Panthers were recognized for the organization’s longstanding commitment to Spartanburg, where they have held 25 years of training camp during the summer.
  • Economic Futures Award: Kobelco Construction Machinery USA was recognized for growth and success at its Moore facility.
  • Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Lekesa Whitner, supportive services manager for the Northside Development Group.
  • Minority-Owned Business Person of the Year: Lauren Rogers, founder of IB Industries LLC.
  • Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award: Norman Pulliam was recognized for nearly 40 years of economic and community investment work across Spartanburg County.

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