SC Chamber announces 2019 Excellence In Workplace Diversity and SC Branded Award winners
October 21, 2019
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of two award categories – the Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards and the SC Branded Awards. These awards are given annually and the winners are honored at the Chamber’s Annual Summit, this year on November 20-21 at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.
The Excellence in Workplace Diversity awards recognize companies for their significant contributions to the advancement of South Carolina through diversity initiatives and inclusion efforts. Criteria considered in selecting the winners included diversity initiatives, effectiveness, and applicability/replicability.
“Studies show that having diversity inside an organization makes it stronger and more successful. This year’s winners get it and their commitment to diversity is paying off both in their culture and on the bottom line,” said Ted Pitts, President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “Benefitfocus is a company that top talent is attracted to and is a model for how you create a thriving workplace. Spartanburg Community College educates the next generation of our workforce and their leadership on diversity is to be praised.”
Honorees include
Small Employer Category (fewer than 1,000 employees)
Winner: Spartanburg Community College
Medium/Large Employer Category (1,000 or more employees)
Winner: Benefitfocus
The SC Branded Awards are given in partnership with Upstate South Carolina marketing group, The Brand Leader. The awards honor local initiatives, locations, products, and events that make up the brand that is South Carolina. Nominations were submitted over the summer in six categories this year.
Ted Pitts said, “This year’s SC Branded honorees are a part of what makes the Palmetto State such a great place to live, work, and do business. We love to celebrate those things that are truly authentic South Carolina.”
Award winners include:
Palmetto Green
South Carolina is known for its natural resources. The Palmetto Green award goes to the corporate project that is most known for its preservation and protection of South Carolina’s beauty.
2019 Winner: BP America
Charitable Impact
In South Carolina, we look after our neighbors, making this state the best place in the nation to live. The Charitable Impact Award recognizes corporate giving and philanthropy that makes a true impact for the good of the state and its citizens.
2019 Winner: SYNNEX Corporation
Farm, Forest & Field
From the peach orchards to the cotton fields, South Carolina has long been recognized for its agricultural community. The Farm, Forest & Field Award goes to the brand that is proving to be truly revolutionary in agribusiness.
2019 Winner: McEntire Produce
Product Innovation
South Carolina is known for its high level of innovation and invention—whether from a startup company or a longtime resident. This award goes to the company whose newest development is bringing attention and growth to the state.
2019 Winner: PROOF Alcohol Ice Cream
Hometown, SC
Every year we honor one city or town that is doing great things for the people that call it home. The people, good government, good corporate citizens, low taxes and a high quality of life are factors that make the place you live a great hometown.
2019 Winner: Town of Summerville
Legends Award
The Legends Award recognizes the company, person or institution that has continually and consistently given to South Carolina and its people. Our legends make us proud, and they deserve all the attention we have to give.
2019 Winner: Michelin North America, Inc.
