Awards
ATHENA Awards - Nominations are open and will close on JANUARY 14TH, 2026.
ATHENA Leadership Award
The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to exemplary leaders who have achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women in achieving their full leadership potential.
ATHENA Young Professional Award
The ATHENA Young Professional Award® is presented to emerging leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
SC Business Leader of the Year
NOMINATIONS FOR THIS AWARD ARE NOW CLOSED.
The S.C. Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year is chosen based on leadership in South Carolina and the embodiment of personal success. Other criteria include 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.
ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT 46TH ANNUAL SUMMIT - NOMINATIONS are now closed.
Economic Engagement Award
Economic engagement promotes equality of opportunity by helping employees and communities achieve financial stability. It focuses on removing economic barriers and ensuring access to quality education, employment, entrepreneurship, resources, and promoting financial wellbeing for all.
The Excellence in Economic Engagement Awards, therefore, acknowledge and celebrate South Carolina’s small to medium and large organizations who are advancing and influencing empowerment for employees and communities to thrive.
Public Servant of the Year
Nominations for this award are now closed.
The S.C. Chamber’s 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.
Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award
Nominations for this award are now closed.
Established in 1984 by the South Carolina Chamber, the Sergeant William Jasper Freedom Award, named for the Revolutionary War patriot, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the freedom of South Carolina and the nation.
Nominations for this award ARE NOW CLOSED.
Legislators of the Year Award
The Legislators of the Year Award recognizes outstanding legislators who champion pro-business policies in the South Carolina State House. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing business-friendly legislation through their voting record, leadership, and support for key initiatives.
SC SHRM AWARDS - NOMINATIONS closed on august 30th, 2024
HR Professional of the Year Award
The HR Professional of the Year Award highlights the nominee's creative approaches and consistently high-skilled performance which benefits their company or organization and thus the business and professional communities. The selected professional is considered the best in the Human Resources profession.
HR Rising Star Award
The HR Rising Star Award recognizes individuals new to the Human Resources Profession and dedicated to making a positive impact on their organization through their role in HR.
AGRIBUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD - NOMINATIONS CLOSED ON MARCH 3rd, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Agribusiness of the Year Award
The SC Chamber of Commerce "Agribusiness of the Year Award" recognizes a company, individual, or organization that has significantly contributed to the success and excellence within the agricultural industry, often highlighting leadership, innovation, and positive impact on the agribusiness sector and the state’s economy.
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD - NOMINATIONS CLOSED ON APRIL 7th, 2025 at 5:00 pm.
Small Business Award
The SC Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Small Business of the Year to honor an exemplary small business in South Carolina that demonstrates outstanding achievement in business growth, customer focus, community engagement, leadership, and workforce empowerment.