Staff reports
The Civitas Awards, hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, are an annual tradition to honor outstanding community leaders, businesses, and organizations. This year’s reception was was held Thursday, Oct. 10 at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort.
Here are the 2024 winners and finalists for each category.
2024 Business/Organization Award Finalists
— The Cornerstone Award for Small Business Excellence, presented by Ameris Bank, was awarded to the Berman Property Group. Other finalists included Capstone Insurance and Power Washing Man.
— The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact, presented by Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, was awarded to the Gay Fish Company. Other finalists include Beaufort Construction and Davis & Floyd.
— The Trailblazer Award for Free Enterprise Investment, presented by The University of South Carolina Beaufort was awarded to Higgins Family Brands. Other finalists included Camelot Farms Equestrian Center and Coastal Waste & Recycling.
— The Caretaker Award for Outstanding Nonprofits, presented by United Way of the Lowcountry, was awarded to Operation Patriots FOB. Other finalists include Freedman Arts District and The Helianthus Project.
2024 Individual Award Finalists
— The Sentinel Award for Military Citizenship. The other finalist was Staff Sgt. Marco Cruz.
— The Buzzworthy Award for Outstanding Young Professional, presented by 303 Associates, was awarded to Ashlee Houck, President and CEO of the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Other finalists included Ashton Viterbo and Josh Ward.
— The Pillar Award for Community Leadership by an Individual, presented by Alliance Consulting Services, was awarded to Christina Wilson, Director of CAPA Beaufort. Other finalists included Cherimie Weatherford and Rita Wilson.
— The Chairman’s Award for exceptional support of the Chamber and community, presented by Sparklight, was awarded to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by past Lifetime Achievement winners, was awarded to S.C. State Representative Edie Rodgers.
