The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 14th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase on Thursday, Feb. 7 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 2018, with a look ahead to a prosperous 2019.

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 2018 and the prospects for a brighter future.  Shepherd and 2018 Board of Directors Chairman Robbie Moore of Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance presented the awards for Ambassador of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, respectively, to Laura Kitchens of Home2 Suites by Hilton, Grovetown; and Larry Lynn of Allegra Image 360.

A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the flag of leadership from outgoing Chairman Moore to 2019 Chairman Ed Burr, theSenior Vice President of Legal & Regulatory Affairs with University Health Care System. In his remarks, Burr 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, E.G. Meybohm, was recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, his leadership in commercial development and his legacy of innovation and forward momentum for Columbia County.

Additionally, the Chamber named Spherion Staffing Services the Small Business of the Year and tabbed Ellefson Transportation Group as Large Business of the Year. The Leadership Columbia County Alumni Award went to Elizabeth Lamb of Doctors Hospital.

The 14th Annual Banquet and Business Showcase was presented by South State Bank. Premier Sponsors included: Doctors Hospital, Gerald Jones Auto Group, Premier Networx, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Savannah River Remediation. Executive Sponsors included: Allegra Image 360, ADP, AT&T, Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate, Cleveland Group CPAs and Georgia Power Company. Corporate Sponsors included: Alison South Marketing Group, Augusta Collection Agency, Bill Beazley Homes, Gold Cross Emergency Medical Services, Herbert Homes and Jani King.