The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2016 Civitas Awards Gala presented by Lockheed Martin on Friday, June 3 at Tabby Place in the heart of downtown Beaufort. The annual Civitas Awards recognize outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who are exemplary in our region. During the Civitas Awards Gala, the chamber also honored the Teachers of the Year in Beaufort County as well as retired and active duty military personnel.

Thank you to all of this year's sponsors: Lockheed Martin, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, The Beaufort Inn, Lowcountry Jaycees, Amaris Bank, UnitedWay of the Lowcountry, Cuthbert House Inn, Bank of America &amp; Merrill Lynch, T.W.E.A.C, Hargray, Jimmy &amp; Robin Boozer, and Leadership Beaufort Alumni.
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>2016 Civitas Award Winners</b></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Tourism Leadership </b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Beaufort Inn</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Outstanding Employee 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Margo Wehrenberg, Beaufort Memorial Hospital</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Outstanding Lowcountry Young Professional 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Kevin E. Dukes</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Outstanding Leadership Beaufort Alumni 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Troutman</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Outstanding Non-Profit 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lowcountry Habitat For Humanity</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Community Stewardship 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Carolina Sportscare &amp; Physical Therapy</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Spirit Of Main Street 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Anchorage 1770 Inn</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Regional Excellence In Free </b><b>Enterprise 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Flint Group Beaufort</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Non-Commissioned Officer Of The Year 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Corporal Daniel L. Odom, Usmc</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Junior Enlisted Service Member </b><b>Of The Year 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lance Corporal Jimmy J. Vertus, Usmc</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Military Citizenship </b><b>Award 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">James W. Boozer</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Lifetime Of Leadership 2016</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Martin Goodman</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>Top photo: The chamber honored members of the military at the 2016 Civitas Awards. Photos by Susan DeLoach.</em></p>
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