The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Workforce Development Award to a Chamber Partner that excels in implementing innovative strategies for retaining a dynamic, resilient, and highly skilled workforce. This award also recognizes efforts in fostering an inclusive workplace environment that meets the current needs of the greater Midlands region. The honoree will be recognized at a Breakfast Briefing event.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Workforce Development Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo on the digital award nomination form
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Company name engraved on the award
  • Recognition in event eCommunications 
  • Opportunity for company representative to present the award to the recipient
  • Registration for six (6) guests to attend the Breakfast Briefing (includes hot breakfast)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

The Small Business of the Year Award honors a Chamber Partner with less than 50 employees who has demonstrated notable achievements, economic and cultural growth, and outstanding contributions to the Midlands business community. The honoree will be recognized at a Small Business Breakout session.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo on the digital award nomination form
  • Company name engraved on the award
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the webpage
  • Recognition in event eCommunications 
  • Opportunity for company representative to present the award to the recipient 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

The Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exceptional female leader who exemplifies the remarkable spirit and unwavering determination of Cathy Novinger, a trailblazing businesswoman and passionate advocate for progress in Columbia, South Carolina. This award recognizes outstanding achievements, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions made by women in both business and civic life, standing as a powerful testament to Cathy Novinger's enduring legacy. The honoree will be recognized at the Power in Heels Women’s event.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage
  • Recognition in Power in Heels specific eCommunications 
  • Opportunity for company representative to present the award to the recipient 
  • Registration for six (6) guests to attend Power in Heels (please note that this is a female only event)
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Glenn Jacobus Award, named in honor of the late Glenn Jacobus, to a member of the Leadership Columbia class. The honoree is selected by their peers for consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. This award celebrates those who embody Glenn Jacobus’s commitment to transformative leadership and his dedication to fostering positive community change. The honoree will be recognized at Leadership Columbia's Graduation.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Glenn Jacobus Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media 
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the Leadership Columbia Graduation registration webpage
  • Recognition in Leadership Columbia specific eCommunications 

  • Company name or logo featured on the Leadership Columbia Graduation program 

  • Company name or logo on the Glenn Jacobus Award 
  • Opportunity for company representative to present the Glenn Jacobus Award to recipient at Graduation
  • List of full Leadership Columbia class roster (available upon request) 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report 
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

The Hospitality Industry Award recognizes an exceptional Chamber Partner in the hospitality industry. This prestigious award acknowledges a wide range of hospitality businesses ranging from restaurants and tourist attractions, to transportation companies, hotels, and event facilities. The selected company is recognized for significant contributions in making Columbia a world-class place to live, work, and play, setting a standard of excellence by demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the city's reputation and driving its growth as a top-tier destination. This award will be presented during a monthly Partner Engagement event. The Hospitality Industry Award Sponsorship package also includes a Partner Engagement Presenting Sponsorship.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Hospitality Industry Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event’s registration webpage
  • Recognition in event eCommunications 
  • Company name or logo on the Hospitality Industry Award
  • Opportunity for company representative to present sponsored awards to recipient 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Golden Nail Awards recognize outstanding contributions made by business or property owners to enhance the physical character of the greater Midlands region through cosmetic or commercial efforts in the previous calendar year. These prestigious awards will be presented during a monthly Partner Engagement event. The Golden Nail Award Sponsorship package also includes a Partner Engagement Presenting Sponsorship.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Golden Nail Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media 
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event’s registration webpage
  • Recognition in event eCommunications 
  • Company name or logo on the Golden Nail Awards
  • Opportunity for company representative to present sponsored awards to recipient 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Teacher of the Quarter Award, recognizing outstanding educators from Richland One and Richland Two school districts. This quarterly award honors teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to community involvement, which directly supports the development of a well-prepared future workforce.

The Richland One Teacher of the Quarter will be honored at Gather & Grow - Forest Acres, while the Richland Two Teacher of the Quarter will be recognized at Gather & Grow - Northeast.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Educator Excellence Presenting Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Top billing in Educator Excellence advertising
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the Teacher of the Quarter
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name engraved on the award
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on event webpages
  • Recognition in Gather& Grow specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials including the program distributed to attendees
  • Opportunity to display promotional materials during each Gather & Grow event including setting up a display table and/or pop-up banner
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level in the next year

The Columbia Chamber is honored to present the Ambassador of the Year Award to an individual who exemplifies outstanding business ethics and plays a key role in positively promoting and preserving the Greater Columbia area. This award recognizes a leader who serves as a role model for business involvement in the community and significantly contributes to enhancing the image of the local community. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Ambassador of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media 
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Ten (10) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Partner of the Year Award to a business that exemplifies exceptional community and Chamber involvement. This award recognizes a Chamber Partner that consistently goes above and beyond, actively engaging with the local community and supporting the Chamber's mission of fostering economic growth and prosperity. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Partner of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Eight (8) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Diplomat of the Year Award to a distinguished Diplomat who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in representing the Chamber. Diplomats are a group of knowledgeable volunteers who actively connect with partners, attend events, and assist at various functions to promote the Chamber’s mission. This award honors the Diplomat who has accrued the most points for outstanding service and contributions throughout the year. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Diplomat of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Eight (8) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Military Advocate of the Year Award to an individual or organization that has shown outstanding support and advocacy for the military community. This award honors those who have made significant contributions to promoting the well-being, opportunities, and resources available to military personnel, veterans, and their families, and celebrates their dedication to fostering a thriving military community in the Greater Columbia region. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Military Advocate of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Eight (8) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is proud to present the Young Professional of the Year Award to an individual who exemplifies leadership and community involvement. This award honors a young professional who takes active leadership roles in civic and philanthropic organizations and demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing the Midlands region as a thriving environment for young professionals to flourish, both professionally and personally. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Young Professional of the Year Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Eight (8) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

The Columbia Chamber is honored to present the Joe Taylor Public Servant Award, named in tribute to the esteemed City Councilman Joe Taylor. This award recognizes individuals who embody Joe Taylor’s exceptional dedication to public service, showcasing service, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. The award celebrates role models who significantly enhance the quality of life in the Midlands region through their selfless leadership and commitment to making the community a better place to live and work. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

  • Exclusive recognition as the Joe Taylor Public Servant Award Sponsor and announcement of sponsorship on social media
  • Company name or logo featured on a billboard campaign honoring the award winner
  • Company name or logo and hyperlink on the event webpage 
  • Recognition in Gala specific eCommunications
  • Company name or logo on printed and digital materials
  • Company name or logo on the digital nomination form
  • Company name listed with award announcements  
  • Company name or logo engraved on the award
  • Opportunity to present the award to the recipient
  • Eight (8) guest tickets to attend the Gala 
  • Sponsorship fulfillment report
  • First right of renewal to sponsor at this level next year

For more information regarding sponsorships and events, please email Hilary Bell or call (803) 733-1115.