The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 13th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase on Thursday evening at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
 
With an estimated attendance of 600 local, state and federal business leaders, the event celebrated and saluted the Chamber’s accomplishments of 2017, with a look ahead to a prosperous 2018.
 
The evening kicked off with the business showcase and reception. One of the Chamber’s largest networking opportunities, the showcase provided attendees the opportunity to mix and mingle amongst themselves and network with nearly 30 local vendors.
 
Chamber President/CEO Tammy Shepherd opened the dinner program with a welcome and highlighted the successes of the Chamber in 2017 and the prospects for a brighter future.  Shepherd and 2017 Board of Directors Chairman Shawn Vincent of Augusta University presented the awards for Ambassador of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, respectively, to Doressa Hawes of Augusta Magazine, and Nicole Hayes of Jan-Pro Augusta/Aiken.
 
A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the flag of leadership from outgoing Chairman Vincent to 2018 Chairman Robbie Moore, Executive Vice President with Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance. In his remarks, Moore expressed his appreciation to the Board for the confidence shown in him and relayed his goals and aspirations for the upcoming year.
 
During the program, the Chamber presented several prestigious awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award. Given annually since 2005, the Lifetime Achievement Award seeks to honor one leader of our community for his or her professional and philanthropic achievements. This year’s award winner, Dr. Tom Clark, was recognized for his community service as Executive Director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, along with his extensive and decorated military career, and volunteer efforts within the Chamber.
 
Additionally, the Chamber named Allen-Batchelor Construction as Business of the Year and Premier Networx was tabbed the Small Business of the Year. The Leadership Columbia County Alumni Award went to former Chamber Chair Angela Brock of The Cleveland Group CPAs.
 
The 13th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase was presented by South State Bank. Special thanks to Premier Sponsors: Doctors Hospital, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Remediation, and Premier Networx; Executive Sponsors: Allegra Marketing, ADP, AT&T, The Cleveland Group, CPAs, and Georgia Power; and Corporate Sponsors: Bill Beazley Homes, Herbert Homes, and Ivey Homes.