COLUMBIA CHAMBER HONORS LOCAL LEADERS AT ANNUAL GALA

Midlands Leaders Recognized at Uncorked, the Chamber’s 123rd Annual Gala.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Columbia Chamber is pleased to announce the award recipients for Uncorked, the 123rd Annual Gala, presented by BlueCross® BlueShield® of South Carolina. On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Columbia Chamber will host its award ceremony at The Laundry. Tickets are available at columbiachamber.com.

“As we celebrate 123 years of the Columbia Chamber, we are reminded that our greatest strength has always been the people and businesses that make our community thrive,” said Terrance Ford, 2025-2026 Chair of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Chamber. “This year’s Gala was an opportunity to honor their contributions, celebrate the accomplishments of our business community and look ahead to the opportunities that will shape the future of the Midlands.

2026 Honorees: 

Ambassador of the Year: Tim Arnold 

Award sponsored by Trinity Partners

Young Professional of the Year: Anita Murphy

Award sponsored by AT&T

Joe Taylor Public Servant: The Honorable Shane Massey

Award sponsored by Ogletree Deakins

Diplomat of the Year: Fox Black

Award sponsored by First Bank

Military Advocate of the Year: The Late Senator Lindsey Graham

Award sponsored by Dominion Energy

Partner of the Year: Diesel Laptops
Award sponsored by SouthState Bank

About the Columbia Chamber

The Columbia Chamber is a private, non-profit, Partner-driven organization comprised of 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its Partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its partners through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.

To become a Partner or to learn more about the Columbia Chamber, as well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com.

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