Inez Tenenbaum to Receive 2014 Global Vision Award
May 12, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – May 12, 2014 – The Columbia World Affairs Council is pleased to announce that former State Superintendent of Education and past Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Inez Tenenbaum will receive the 2014 Global Vision Award. Tenenbaum will be honored at a black-tie gala at the Columbia Marriott on Thursday, October 16, 2014. This is the 21st year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to a leader whose contributions have made a significant impact on South Carolina to help project the state globally.
“Inez Tenenbaum embodies the ambassadorial role we wish to exude to the world from South Carolina. President Obama recognized this when he nominated her to serve as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2009. Her dedication to improving not only South Carolinians but all Americans is why we recognize and honor her with this year’s Global Vision Award,” said World Affairs Council chairman Bob Coble.
As CPSC Chair, Tenenbaum created the Office of Education, Global Outreach and Small Business Ombudsman to coordinate and provide outreach to various domestic and international stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, resellers, small businesses and foreign governments. Additionally, she expanded CPSC’s marketplace surveillance program, revamped and increased the staffing level of the Office of Import Surveillance and strengthened the partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in order to detect and detain a greater number of potentially dangerous products before they reach consumers.
In the Palmetto State, she was twice elected as State Superintendent of Education, where her office witnessed South Carolina’s test scores rise above the national average.
“When we look back over the state’s history, very few South Carolinians have had the impact Inez Tenenbaum has had on this state and nation,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
The Columbia World Affairs Council was established in 1993 to raise awareness of international activities in the Midlands, help people connect across the region, bring distinguished speakers and foreign diplomats to Columbia to address international issues and create a bridge to build new international relationships. The Council administers the Sister-City program for the City of Columbia and is a member of the Washington-based World Affairs Councils of America.
The Global Vision Award was established in 1994, and the first recipient was Gov. Carroll A. Campbell. Last year, the honor went to former SC Governor Richard Riley.
For more information about the Global Vision Award, please visit www.columbiawac.org.
