OneSpartanburg, Inc. recognizes 2024 annual celebration awardees
November 25, 2024
At its 2024 Annual Celebration, Spartanburg In Motion, OneSpartanburg, Inc. celebrated a year’s worth of successes across Spartanburg County, as well as dedicated community leaders and exemplary local businesses.
“Spartanburg is a dynamic place, and our community is on the precipice of a really incredible time over the next several years,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith. “This celebration is about recognizing the work that went into building an exciting future for Spartanburg, and the dynamic public and private sector partners who made it all possible.”
The event was originally scheduled for Sept. 28, but was postponed in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s 2024 award-winners were:
Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award:
- Jack and Stacy McBride.
- During their time in Spartanburg County, the McBrides have personally and professionally committed themselves to improving the community in a variety of ways. Jack, who co-founded Contec, Inc. in 1988, and Stacy have each volunteered with a multitude of organizations countywide.
James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year:
- Limitless Sneaker Shop and owner Cinthia Cobos
- Cobos and Limitless Sneaker Shop were recognized for the growth the business has seen since getting involved with Power Up Spartanburg. The sneaker and streetwear shop has seen significant increases in foot traffic and revenue over the last year or so.
Economic Champion Award:
- Cytiva
- Cytiva, a world-class global science and technology leader, received the award for the success the company has found in Spartanburg, and the active role it has played in recruiting other high-tech firms to Spartanburg County.
Elaine Harris Tourism Champion Award:
- The Carolina Country Club and owner Tim Dunlap
- The Carolina Country Club, a key asset in Spartanburg’s sports tourism growth, and owner Tim Dunlap were awarded for the role the club has played in bringing the BMW Charity Pro-Am back to Spartanburg. The club has also hosted LPGA, NCAA, and SC High School League events in Spartanburg.
Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award:
- Leroy Jeter, Highlands community advocate
- Jeter was recognized for his longstanding commitment to revitalize and uplift Spartanburg’s Highlands community.
Chairman’s Award:
- William Gray, Spartanburg Office Manager with McMillan Pazdan Smith
- Gray was honored for his involvement with OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s Executive Board and numerous other community organizations.
Charles E. Atchison, Sr. Minority-Owned Businessperson of the Year:
This award was renamed in honor of Charles Atchison, founder of Atchison Transportation, who passed away this year at age 95.
- Kesha Williams, owner of Little Me Child Care
- Williams, who started her business in 2020, was awarded for the relationships she has built across Spartanburg, and for the high quality of care her business provides.
Young Professional of the Year:
- Greyson Furnas, senior brokerage associate with Colliers
- Furnas, who is Chair of the Spartanburg Young Professionals board, was recognized for his commitment to leading SYP into a new era thanks to expanded partnerships with organizations across the Upstate.
Daniel Morgan Business Advocates:
The Daniel Morgan Award is given annually to local legislators who have a strong track record of supporting business-friendly legislation. The winners for 2024 were:
- Sen. Tom Corbin
- Sen. Josh Kimbrell
- Sen. Scott Talley
- Sen. Shane Martin
- Sen. Harvey Peeler
- Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers
- Rep. Max Hyde
- Rep. Travis Moore
- Rep. Roger Nutt
- Rep. Steven Long
- Rep. Bill Chumley
- Rep. Dennis Moss (also represents Cherokee County)
- Rep. Brian Lawson (also represents Cherokee County)
- Speaker of the S.C. House Rep. Murrell Smith
- Chairman of the S.C. House Ways and Means Committee Rep. Bruce Bannister
2024-25 Teachers of the Year:
- Spartanburg School District 1: Alyson Thornton, Inman Intermediate School
- Spartanburg School District 2: Ashley Brady, Mayo Elementary School
- Spartanburg School District 3: Melanie Painter, Broome High School
- Spartanburg School District 4: Casey Kendrick, Woodruff Elementary School
- Spartanburg School District 5: Lorie Goode, River Ridge Elementary School
- Spartanburg School District 6: Tonya Atkins, District Six Early Learning Center
- Spartanburg School District 7: Zonya Johnson, Pine Street Elementary School
- Spartanburg Day School: Christine Chapman
- High Point Academy: Kesha Robinson
- Spartanburg Preparatory School: Yolanda Canty
- Early Education Educator of the Year: Dana Brown
- S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind: Taylor Carvahal
About OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Our mission is to build a vibrant Spartanburg through business, economic and tourism development. Whether you’re looking for business resources, economic expertise, community leadership or tourism information, OneSpartanburg, Inc. is where you’ll find it. Our collaborative organization was formed by merging the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group to maximize our community’s investment. www.onespartanburginc.com
