Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Excellence at 46th Annual Dinner and Awards

A Night of Recognition and Celebration

The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 46th Annual Dinner and Awards ceremony on February 20, 2024, at The Harper Center on the campus of Presbyterian College. The evening was a celebration of the Chamber’s achievements over the past year, recognition of outstanding individuals and businesses, and a look ahead to the future of Laurens County.

Opening Ceremony and Welcome

Guests were welcomed by emcee Representative Mark Willis,  District 16 – Greenville and Laurens Counties, who acknowledged elected officials and community leaders in attendance, including mayors, county council members, law enforcement representatives, and business leaders. The event commenced with a presentation of colors by the Presbyterian College ROTC Color Guard, the national anthem performed by Clinton Middle School student Liberty Luke, and an invocation by Mr. Lumus Byrd, all introduced by Past Commander Jim Peterson American Legion Post 25.

Farewell Address from Amanda Benfield

Following a dinner service featuring a slideshow of the Chamber’s Year in Review, Chamber President & CEO Amanda Benfield took the stage for her final address in the role. She began by expressing gratitude to the attendees, the Chamber team, and the Board of Directors for their support throughout her tenure.

“I wish I had the time on this stage to thank many of you individually,” Benfield said. “Each of you play a special role in our communities, you are the reason Laurens County is so successful, the reason our Chamber is successful, and why I have been so successful, and I thank you!”

She gave special recognition to the Chamber team—Marlene Owings, Graysen Martin, Courtney Stonell, and Christian Taylor—whom she described as the “heartbeat of our Chamber.”

“Tonight will be the last time I stand before you as your Chamber President & CEO, and I can’t begin to express what an honor it has been,” she shared. “Serving this Chamber, our businesses, and this incredible community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. While my career may be changing, my love and support for this Chamber and our community will never fade.”

Introducing the Chamber’s New Leadership

Incoming Chamber Board Chair, Jason Tavenner then took the stage to deliver remarks. He expressed his deep appreciation for the Chamber’s progress and introduced the new President and CEO, Dabs Maness Davis. Tavenner highlighted Davis’ extensive experience in workforce development, business engagement, and education, emphasizing her ability to forge meaningful connections within the community. He noted that Davis was selected from a competitive pool of 43 applicants due to her strong leadership and passion for Laurens County.

Dabs Maness Davis followed with remarks of her own, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledging the contributions of outgoing CEO Amanda Benfield. She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering collaboration and creating new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

Honoring Outstanding Leaders and Businesses

Officers of the Year

Law enforcement officers were recognized for their dedication and commitment to public safety:

• Deputy Daniel Valentine, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office
• Officer Hilda Cristales, City of Clinton Police Department
• Officer Justin Hill, City of Laurens Police Department

Teachers of the Year

Excellence in education was acknowledged as:

• Ms. Sharon Wormley was named District 55 Teacher of the Year
• Ms. Katherine Addison was named District 56 Teacher of the Year

Cecil O. Davenport Citizenship Award

Recognizing young leaders in the community, this year’s finalists included:

• Runners-up: Samuel Hunt (Clinton High School) and Omariye Thompson (Laurens District High School)
• Winner: Ethan Collins (Laurens Academy)

Laurens County Public Power Scholarships

Two students received $2,500 scholarships for their essays on public power:

• Mattie Dasher (Laurens District 55 High School)
• William Reid (Clinton High School)

Laurens Electric Cooperative Community Impact Grant

Laurens County First Steps was awarded the LEC Community Impact Grant for its expansion of the StoryWalk® project in Joanna, promoting literacy and family engagement.

Robert M. Vance Small Business of the Year

Recognizing entrepreneurial excellence, the 2024 award went to Robertson’s Ace Hardware, which has served the community since 1964. Now owned by third-generation brothers Tom and Lance Robertson, with Michael Buhrmaster serving as general manager, the store exemplifies dedication and resilience. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Robertson’s Ace Hardware became a lifeline for the community, opening its doors without power to provide essential emergency supplies. Despite the storm’s impact on their own team members and operations, they ensured that residents had access to generators, batteries, propane, and other necessary items to help with recovery.

Ambassador of the Year

Chris Callahan of Chris Callahan State Farm was recognized for his exceptional volunteerism and leadership within the Chamber.

Keep Laurens County Beautiful Community Partner Award

The Joe R. Adair Outdoor Education Center was honored for its dedication to environmental initiatives, including stream protection and community clean-up efforts.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award

Courtney Snow was recognized for her outstanding dedication to community service, including programs supporting children, seniors, and the homeless.

John P. Faris Volunteer of the Year

Kaci Thornton of Founders Federal Credit Union was honored for her leadership and active participation in community events.

Spirit of the Chamber Award

Denise Stone of CC&M Security, IT, & Print Solutions was celebrated for her enthusiasm, networking, and commitment to local businesses and Chamber initiatives.

A Night of Celebration and Gratitude

The evening concluded with heartfelt appreciation for the Chamber’s sponsors and supporters, including appreciation to Presbyterian College for their hospitality. The event showcased the strong community spirit and collaborative efforts driving Laurens County forward.

As the Chamber embarks on another year, the event underscored the importance of teamwork, innovation, and leadership in fostering a thriving business environment. Congratulations to all the honorees for their remarkable contributions to Laurens County!

Photo credit: Laurens County Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Buzz