Columbia Chamber honors Governor Nikki Haley at Annual Gala
July 31, 2015
Governor Nikki Haley Named Columbia Chamber’s 2015 Ambassador of the Year
COLUMBIA, SC – On Thursday, September 24, 2015 the Columbia Chamber will host the 113th Annual Gala in honor of the 2015 Ambassador of the Year award winner, Governor Nikki Haley. The Ambassador of the Year award is given to an individual in the community who exemplifies outstanding business leadership but also has taken responsibility for influencing the positive promotion and preservation of the Greater Columbia area.
“Governor Haley’s leadership this past year has opened multiple doors for South Carolina,” says Carl Blackstone, Columbia Chamber President and CEO, “Most recently, her unwavering stance on the removal of the Confederate Flag created a healthy business environment and new economic development opportunities throughout the region.”
Governor Haley’s determination to be a change agent for South Carolina both socially and economically has been a major component of the growth the state has seen recently. She has helped to navigate the state and the region through many challenging times and that perseverance and determination has changed the image of South Carolina around the country.
“Through her continued effort to protect our military via legislation, Governor Haley came alongside the Columbia Chamber and the community to speak directly to the SPEA committee during our ‘Save Our Fort’ campaign,” says Columbia Chamber Chairman Boyd Jones, “This dedication to our region’s greatest asset played a key role in the decision to only eliminate minimal jobs at Fort Jackson.”
Past Ambassador of the Year winners include Dr. Harris Pastides, President of the University of South Carolina, Bill and Lou Kennedy, Strategic Consultant and President and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Charles D. Beaman, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto Health. Award winners honored at the 113th Annual Gala include the Diplomat of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and the Small and Minority Business Advocate of the Year.
For more information about the Gala, please contact Alexa Stillwell at 803.733.1138.
About the Columbia Chamber
The Columbia Chamber is a private, non-profit, partner-driven organization comprised of 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its partners through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.
To become a partner or to learn more about the Columbia Chamber, as well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.
