The Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Meeting on February 3rd at the North Augusta Community Center, this year’s event themed Timeless: Leadership & Service remembered the historic Hampton Terrace Hotel, and saw a sold-out crowd of more than 300 attendees.

The Chamber presented three awards: Citizen, Small Business and Ambassador of the Year.

The legendary Sharon Jones was posthumously awarded the honor of 2016 Citizen of the Year. Jones’s sister, Willia Stringer, accepted the award on behalf of the late singer, as many family members and friends watched from the audience. Jones was born in North Augusta, and at the age of three moved to New York with her mother.  But, she managed to split her time between there and her beloved North Augusta, where she was baptized at North Augusta Baptist Church and had her first singing role as an angel in a Christmas play. From these humble beginnings came a career that spanned two decades, and led her to many stages in many countries, including Paris, where she was accompanied on stage by none other than Prince. She appeared on nearly every late night and daytime TV show including The Tonight Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and even Saturday Night Live. Jones was hand-picked by Denzel Washington to play the role of Lila in his movie “The Great Debaters”. She also starred in The “Wolf of Wall Street” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, and most recently appeared in Netflix’s “Luke Cage”. Though she was considered a celebrity, when the time came for her to purchase her first home, she bought a house in her hometown of North Augusta and moved here with her mother and sister. In 2013, Jones was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and faced it with strength, fortitude and grit that could only come from a North Augusta girl. After numerous battles with cancer she lost her valiant battle on November 16th, 2016, at just 60 years old. But, in those 60 years she lived a life that only most of us can dream of: jet-setting, performing on stages around the world and starring in movies, but she never forgot her hometown, her beloved North Augusta. Sharon Jones brought both attention and pride to our small community, by being a true citizen of the world. She even referenced North Augusta in her song “When I Come Home” singing “left North Augusta at the age of three … “ But, she truly never left North Augusta, and thanks to her lasting legacy, she truly never will.

BriTen Janitorial & Floorcare LLC was presented the award for 2016 Small Business of the Year. The local business had humble beginnings almost 20 years ago, and has steadily grown into successful multi-contract company. They truly set themselves apart by focusing on the importance of first impressions, which turn into lasting client relationships. This business prides itself on its “family” environment, and sees all of its employees as part of this family. One way they show this value is by breaking industry standards and offering above-standard pay to their employees. This business also sees the value in giving back to its community and is a local champion for causes such as the Light the Night Walk, the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Association - Dancing Stars of Augusta. Congratulations, BriTen Janitorial & Floorcare LLC!
 
Keith Aiken was presented the award for 2016 Ambassador of the Year. The Ambassador of the Year award honors a Chamber Ambassador who has volunteered many hours of time, talent and energy to the success and growth of the Greater North Augusta Chamber.  Aiken displays an extraordinary commitment to helping the Chamber meet and engage members. He consistently demonstrates good will, true enduring friendship and camaraderie and always wears a highly contagious smile. Aiken’s keen sense of commitment to family, continuing education and the local and regional business and manufacturing community is truly an asset to the Greater North Augusta Chamber. He is currently employed as an Employment Coordinator with Austin Industrial.