South Carolina Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 award winners
October 7, 2025
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (SC Chamber) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Business Leader of the Year award and the 2025 Public Servant of the Year award, which will be presented during the SC Chamber’s 46th Annual Summit, presented by Ogletree Deakins, October 28th-30th at the Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This year’s awards recipients are:
2025 Business Leader of the Year: Steve Spinks, CEO, The Spinx Company
Steve Spinks is the 2025 Business Leader of the Year in recognition of his unwavering commitment to improving South Carolina’s business climate, his positive contributions to the state’s business community, and his dedication to giving back to the communities the Spinx Compan
“Steve truly epitomizes what it means to be a business leader, having dedicated so much of his time and energy to improving South Carolina’s business climate, not just for the benefit of the Spinx Company and the teammates they employ, but for all businesses and families across our great state,” said SC Chamber President and CEO Mike Brenan. “In addition to his tremendous business success, Steve and the Spinks Family Foundation continuously give back to the communities they serve across South Carolina, exemplifying what it means to be good corporate citizens. We couldn’t be prouder to recognize Steve as our 2025 Business Leader of the Year and look forward to celebrating him at the 46th Annual Summit.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the SC Chamber,” said Spinks. “Our business community faces many challenges, and the Chamber continues to be a vital advocate on the frontlines of these issues. I am grateful for the support they provide to me and my colleagues. As business leaders, it’s essential that we speak up and share our stories to advance the Chamber’s efforts on important matters such as tort reform. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Chamber to strengthen South Carolina’s business community.”
The Spinx Company was founded in Greenville in 1972 by Steve’s father Stewart and has since grown into the largest privately held convenience retailer in South Carolina. The company operates 93 convenience stores and 62 car washes in the Carolinas, with over 1,700 employees, and is the largest retail business headquartered in the state.
The SC Chamber’s annual Business Leader of the Year award recognizes an individual who is the embodiment of personal success, and who has demonstrated a business record based on ethical conduct and corporate responsibility, public service, contributions to the preservation of South Carolina’s government, and commitment to creating a favorable business climate to improve the state’s economy.
2025 Public Servant of the Year: Dr. Tim Hardee, President, S.C. Technical College System
Dr. Tim Hardee is the 2025 Public Servant of the Year in recognition of his lifelong commitment to championing affordable, accessible, and relevant education for all South Carolinians, and that individuals across our state have equal opportunities to flourish and create a better life for themselves and their families.
“South Carolina’s Technical College System is recognized worldwide as the best in class, and for the last decade, Dr. Hardee has helped strengthened that reputation through innovative programs and strong industry partnerships,” said Brenan. “Thanks to his leadership, more South Carolinians than ever before are receiving the tools they need to access the high-paying jobs available across the Palmetto State. We are proud to recognize Dr. Hardee as our 2025 Public Servant of the Year and cannot wait to celebrate him at the 46th Annual Summit.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Public Servant of the Year,” said Dr. Hardee. “This award reflects not just one individual, but the collective work of so many across our state who shared the belief that education is the foundation of opportunity. By investing in education, we prepare today’s workforce and shape the future for generations to come. I am humbled to play a part in this mission and grateful for the chance to help strengthen the prosperity of our State.”
The SC Chamber’s annual Public Servant of the Year award recognizes an individual who has served, or currently serves, as a key official in state government and has contributed to the overall well-being and health of the state.
About SC Chamber
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the State’s leading voice for business with a vision to make South Carolina’s economy the most vibrant in the United States, creating opportunity and prosperity for all. We promote free enterprise; define and advocate for a pro-business agenda; convene business leaders, and partner with key allies. Learn more at http://www.scchamber.net.
