<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>From staff reports&nbsp;</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is now requesting nominations for the annual Civitas Awards for Business Excellence. The Civitas Awards recognize those in the region who exemplify the success of business and the spirit of the community.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Individuals, businesses, and organizations will be honored Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Civitas Awards dinner and ceremony at an outdoor reception at Coosaw River Club on Lady’s Island. Winners will be announced that evening as attendees enjoy dinner, drinks, and entertainment.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Deadline for nominations is close of business on Friday, Sept. 10. For more information or nomination forms, contact the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce at 843-525- 8525 or visit www.beaufortchamber.org.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The winners in each of the Civitas Award categories are chosen by an independent team of volunteer judges. Finalists for the awards will be announced by Oct. 1. The award categories are:&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>2021 Awards for Businesses and Organizations&nbsp;</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Cornerstone Award for Small Business Excellence&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Trailblazer Award for Free Enterprise Excellence&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Caretaker Award for Outstanding Non-Profit&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>2021 Awards for Individuals&nbsp;</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Sentinel Award for Military Excellence&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Pillar Award for Community Leadership by an Individual&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Buzzworthy Award for Outstanding Young Professional&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Chairman’s Award&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Lifetime of Leadership&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>More information on the criteria for each award can be found in the online nomination packet found at https:// bit.ly/3t00itO.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>All-inclusive tickets for the event are now on sale through the Beaufort Chamber website at a member rate of $65 and a non-member rate of $85. For the first time, the reception theme will be “Lowcountry Casual” with local music and fare while overlooking the Coosaw River at sunset and high tide.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->