On Thursday, October 3, 2019, the Columbia Chamber will host the 117th Annual Gala, presented by BlueCross® BlueShield® of South Carolina, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center at 5:30 pm to celebrate and recognize our community and the individuals who work towards positive change in Columbia.
This year's black-tie Gala will feature innovative regional cuisine, a red-carpet treatment, and one-of-a-kind ice sculptures during the exclusive reception. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the business community this past year. This event is an exciting occasion to join fellow individuals engaged in partnership with the Columbia Chamber, and to establish a healthy foundation in which the city can prosper.
The Chamber will honor outstanding individuals by presenting the 2019 Diplomat of the Year Award, Young Professional of the Year Award, Military Advocate of the Year Award, Public Servant of the Year Award, and Ambassador of the Year Award.
This year's Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by Colonial Life, will be presented to the Cassels family, founders of Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL). SEFL, the 10th largest LTL (less than truckload) carrier in the nation, is a family-owned business that has been in business for more than six decades. It was founded by W.T. Cassels in 1950, and today, his son, Bill, and grandson, Tobin, chairman and president respectively, run the business. Southeastern has grown to locations in 13 states with 89 service centers, 10,000+ pieces of equipment, and 8,600 employees. In its 69-year history, they have never had a layoff. We are proud to honor the Cassels family for their deep and lasting impact on our community.