Columbia chamber honors business leaders at gala

The honorees represent members of the business community who have significantly contributed to the Greater Columbia Region in the past year. This event, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Staff Report
Published Sept. 28, 2012

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce honored five business leaders and two companies at its 110^th Annual Gala and Auction on Thursday.

Charles D. Beaman, CEO of Palmetto Health, was the Ambassador of the Year Award recipient. The honorees represent members of the business community who have significantly contributed to the Greater Columbia Region in the past year. This event, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

"Columbia would not be where it is today without these dedicated, inspired and hard working leaders and organizations who have taken their time to give back to the community," said Ike McLeese, president and CEO of the Greater Columbia Chamber. "We are honored to be able to recognize these outstanding representatives of our region."

Awards recipients for 2012 are:

Ambassador of the Year

Sponsored by BB&T
Charles D. Beaman Jr.

CEO | Palmetto Health

Diplomat of the Year
Amy Quenneville

Food Services Inc.

Military Advocate of the Year

Basil Trowbridge

General Manager | Courtyard by Marriott

Small Business Award
Sponsored by Bank of America

Colonial Printing

Young Leader of the Year