Martinez, Stewart highlight Civitas Awards

From staff reports

Cpl. Jose Martinez, a military police officer in Provost Marshal’s Office at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, won the Sentinel Award on Thursday night, Oct. 12, during the Civitas Awards Ceremony at Tabby Place in Beaufort.

The Civitas Awards are the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual event to honor outstanding community leaders, businesses, and organizations in our community. The awards reception recognizes all finalists and announces the winners of each award.

Martinez logged more than 200 hours last year as a volunteer with the Beaufort County Parks and recreation youth programs, coaching multiple youth soccer teams, where he prioritizes teaching leadership and teamwork as much as athletic skills.

Martinez supports Family Day at MCRD Parris Island by escorting families of new Marines, and he volunteers as McGruff the Crime Prevention Dog at community events.

Dick Stewart, chairman and founder of real estate investment firm 303 Associates, received the Lifetime of Leadership Award. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes an individual for their contributions over decades to the economic prosperity and civic well-being of the Beaufort-Port Royal Region.

Business Award winners included Carolina Air (Cornerstone Award), the Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort (Torchbearer Award), Shellring Ale Works (Trailblazer Award) and 100 Women Who Care (Caretaker Award).

Other Individual Award winners included Pat Harvey-Palmer (Pillar Award), Jessica O’Brien (Buzzworthy Award) and Monique Dawson (Chairman’s Award).

2023 Civitas Awards Finalists

Winners are bolded and in italics

Business Awards

Cornerstone Award