OneSpartanburg, Inc. recognizes community progress, award-winners, during 2021 Annual Celebration

Following COVID-19 safety protocols, OneSpartanburg, Inc. recognized a host of community leaders and exemplary businesses at MOMENTUM: The 2021 Annual Celebration held Tuesday at the Chapman Cultural Center.

OneSpartanburg, Inc. celebrated winners of 11 awards, 16 historic business, economic and tourism development achievements, and its recognition as the 2021 U.S. Chamber of the Year.

“Recent challenges have emphasized our community’s greatest strengths — resiliency and an unmatched ability to work together. Both have led to historic accomplishments,” said Allen Smith, OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO. “Today’s momentum is also made possible by yesterday’s planning which is why we were delighted to share a bit about the future and the process to build the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0 (2022-2026). With a data-based plan and the support of our public and private partners, the potential of our community is more promising than ever.”

The 2021 award-winners are:

• Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award (highest honor): S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Don Beatty was recognized for his career of public service, and an enduring commitment to education, leadership, his hometown of Spartanburg and the state of South Carolina.
• James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year: Blue Moon Specialty Foods was recognized for its growth over the years, having become a very popular gourmet market and restaurant in Downtown Spartanburg.
• Economic Champion Award: Senator International was recognized for its growth in Spartanburg County’s strong logistics and supply chain sector, and its role as a key partner in ongoing economic development efforts.
• Elaine Harris Tourism Champion of the Year: Play. Advocate. Live Well, formerly known as Partners for Active Living, and Executive Director Laura Ringo were recognized for providing amenities treasured by visitors and locals, and increasing the county’s attractiveness for development.
• The Chairman’s Award: Doug Smith was recognized for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Spartanburg, and his role in numerous development projects coming to life.
• Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: Lee and Dr. Gloria Close were recognized for their commitment to Spartanburg. Lee, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg, and Gloria, Executive Director of the Citizen Scholars program, have each dedicated personal and professional time to bettering the lives of others across Spartanburg.
• Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Spartanburg City Council was recognized for their commitment to racial equity, healing, and inclusion for its residents.
• Minority-Owned Businessperson of the Year: Dr. Cortella Wilkes, CEO of Legacy Healthcare Advantage, was recognized for her business’ commitment to compassionate care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
• Ambassador of the Year: Lyle Bridgers, Business Solutions Specialist with Comporium, was recognized for her dedication to Spartanburg and connecting businesses with resources they need.
• Young Professional of the Year: Daniel Craig, attorney and partner with Johnson, Smith, Hibbard & Wildman, was recognized for his personal and professional success in Spartanburg.

Teachers of the Year:

• Spartanburg District 1 – Joanna Vaughn
• Spartanburg District 2 – Michelle Monroe
• Spartanburg District 3 – Lisa Dunagin
• Spartanburg District 4 – Steve Ramey
• Spartanburg District 5 – Jeri Hollis
• Spartanburg District 7 – Tiffany Anderson
• Spartanburg Day School – Joy Dunfee
• Spartanburg Prep School – Tara Williamson
• High Point Academy – Jecoliah Whittaker
• S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind – Leslie Borton

The organization also recognized the members of the Spartanburg delegation who supported the organization’s successful effort to secure a state allocation for economic development infrastructure funding.

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 in order to maximize our community’s investment.