Beaufort Regional Chamber honors 2026 Civitas Award winners

The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the community during the 2026 Civitas Awards on Oct. 22. The ceremony was presented by Beaufort Memorial.

The annual awards honor leaders whose commitment to excellence, innovation and service helps strengthen the Beaufort region as a place to live and work.

SK Signs, Designs & Marketing received the Cornerstone Award for Small Business Excellence, presented by Coastal Waste Recycling. The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact, presented by Sparklight, went to the “Only from Our Waters” initiative.

The Kitchen received the Trailblazer Award for Free Enterprise Investment, presented by the University of South Carolina Beaufort. The Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust was honored with the Caretaker Award for Outstanding Nonprofit, presented by United Way of the Lowcountry.

Other honorees included:

Sentinel Award for Military Citizenship: Sgt. Mark M. Rivera, presented by Lockheed Martin.

Buzzworthy Award for Rising Professional: Dr. Sherwood Miler, presented by 303 Associates.

Pillar Award for Community Leadership: Marilyn Harris, presented by Alliance Consulting Engineers.

2026 Lifetime of Leadership Award: Charley Webb, presented by past Lifetime of Leadership Award recipients and sponsored by Grayco.

Chairman’s Award for Advancement of the Chamber’s Mission: The Burris family.

The Civitas Awards celebrate the individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and dedication make a lasting difference throughout the region.

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