Awards

The Diversity & Inclusion Award, presented at a monthly Breakfast Briefing, is a distinguished honor that recognizes and celebrates the exceptional efforts and achievements of a Chamber Partner in promoting diversity and inclusion within their organization. This award highlights the significance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

The Workforce Development Award, presented at a monthly Breakfast Briefing, honors a Chamber Partner who is working to create innovative strategies in an effort to retain a dynamic, resilient, and highly skilled workforce equipped for meeting current industry needs within the greater Midlands region.

The Golden Nail Awards recognize outstanding contributions made by business or property owners to enhance the physical character of the greater Midlands region through cosmetic or commercial efforts in the previous calendar year. These prestigious awards will be presented during a monthly Partner Engagement event.

The Hospitality Industry Award recognizes an exceptional Chamber Partner in the hospitality industry. This prestigious award acknowledges a wide range of hospitality businesses ranging from restaurants and tourist attractions, to transportation companies, hotels, and event facilities. The selected company is recognized for significant contributions in making Columbia a world-class place to live, work, and play, setting a standard of excellence by demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the city’s reputation and driving its growth as a top-tier destination. This award will be presented during a monthly Partner Engagement event.

The Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award is presented annually at the Power in Heels Women’s event. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon exceptional female leaders who exemplify the remarkable spirit and unwavering determination of Cathy Novinger, a trailblazing businesswoman and passionate advocate for progress in Columbia, South Carolina. This award signifies the acknowledgment of outstanding achievements, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions made by women in both the realms of business and civic life. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of an extraordinary individual whose impact continues to inspire and shape the future of our region.

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber Partner who has shown great growth, significant achievements, or realized economic and cultural growth that benefits the Midlands business community. This honoree will be recognized at the Small Business Breakout session during Small Business Month in May.

The Glenn Jacobus Award, named in tribute to the late Glenn Jacobus, is a prestigious accolade presented at the Leadership Columbia Graduation ceremony in June. It honors an outstanding class member chosen by their peers for consistently demonstrating remarkable leadership qualities and is a testament to the transformative power of peer-recognized leadership. The recipient of this award seeks to honor individuals who embody Glenn’s exceptional commitment and selfless dedication to leadership and his genuine dedication to fostering positive change in the community.

The Ambassador of the Year Award, presented at the Annual Gala, is one of the Chamber’s highest honors presented to a local individual. The Ambassador of the Year is someone who exemplifies outstanding business ethics and has taken responsibility for influencing the positive promotion and preservation of the Greater Columbia area. The title is conferred annually on a leader who serves as a role model for business involvement in the community and who has contributed to the image of the local community.

The Public Servant of the Year Award is given to someone who serves as a role model for the community through their commitment to service, integrity, accountability, and professionalism while demonstrating a commitment to making the Midlands region a better place to live and work.

The Young Professional of the Year Award, presented at the Annual Gala, is given to someone who exemplifies leadership in the community through active involvement and leadership roles in civic/philanthropic organizations and demonstrates a commitment to making the Midlands region a better environment for young professionals to flourish, both professionally and personally.

The Military Advocate of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional individual or organization that has demonstrated unwavering support and advocacy for the military community. This prestigious accolade honors those who have made significant contributions in promoting the well-being, opportunities, and resources available to military personnel, veterans, and their families. This award also celebrates the profound impact of their advocacy efforts and their commitment to fostering a thriving military community in the Greater Columbia region.

The Partner of the Year Award, presented at the Chamber’s Annual Gala in October, recognizes a business that exemplifies exceptional community and Chamber involvement throughout the year. This esteemed accolade celebrates a Chamber Partner that consistently goes above and beyond, actively engaging with the local community and supporting the Chamber’s mission of fostering economic growth and prosperity. The Partner of the Year Award serves as a testament to the business’s outstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to the success and well-being of Columbia, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.