The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 17th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase on Thursday, February 3 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.

With an estimated attendance of 500 local, state and federal business leaders, the event celebrated and saluted the Chamber’s accomplishments of 2021, with a look ahead to a prosperous 2022. 

The evening kicked off with the business showcase and reception. The showcase provided attendees the opportunity to mix and mingle amongst themselves and network with nearly 20 local vendors. A signed guitar by Lady A was auctioned off through a raffle.

Chamber President/CEO Russell Lahodny opened the dinner program with a welcome and highlighted the successes of the Chamber in 2021 and the prospects for a brighter future. 2022 Chairman of the Board, Jordan Pierce with First Community Bank and Vice President, Sabrina Griffin, presented the awards for Ambassador of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, respectively, to Liz Bragg, Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate; and Amanda Drake Clements, C&C Automotive.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the gavel of leadership from outgoing Chairman Adam Williams of The Cleveland Group CPAs to 2022 Chairman Jordan Pierce of First Community Bank. In his remarks, Pierce 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, Mr. William Cleveland, Co-Founder of The Cleveland Group CPAs, was honored for his selflessness, generosity and dedication to Columbia County.

Additionally, the Chamber named Jordan Trotter the Small Business of the Year and announced Savannah River Nuclear Solutions as Large Business of the Year. The Leadership Columbia County Alumni Award went to Stan Shepherd, AT&T.

The 17th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase was presented by South State Bank. Premier Sponsors included: Doctors Hospital, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Savannah River Remediation. Executive Sponsors included: Allegra Image 360, AT&T, C & C Automotive, The Cleveland Group CPAs, Georgia Power Company and Gold Cross EMS. Additional Sponsors included Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsor, Southeast Restoration; Non-Profit Member of the Year Sponsor, ADP; and Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsor, First Community Bank.