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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the annual Civitas Awards, which recognize local leaders who work to enhance quality of life in the community.</p>
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<p>Individuals, businesses, and organizations will be honored at the Civitas Awards dinner and ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 14 at an outdoor reception at Coosaw River Club.</p>
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<p>Members of the community are invited to the event, where award winners will be announced as attendees enjoy dinner, drinks, entertainment, and networking.</p>
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<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.</p>
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<p>The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit membership-based organization working to build a healthy economy and improve the area’s quality of life. The Chamber assists in developing and supporting an economic, political and social climate favorable to businesses throughout the Beaufort Region.</p>
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<p><strong>2021 Award Finalists for Businesses/Organizations (in alphabetical order)</strong></p>
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<p><strong>The Cornerstine Award for Small Business Excellence</strong></p>
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<p>Balance Barre &amp; Fitness</p>
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<p>Bill's Liquor &amp; Fine Wines</p>
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<p>SK Sign, Design, &amp; Marketing</p>
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<p><strong>The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact</strong></p>
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<p>Bay Street Realty</p>
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<p>Beaufort Memorial Hospital</p>
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<p>Parker's Kitchen</p>
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<p><strong>The Trailblazer Award for Spirit of Free Enterprise</strong></p>
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<p>303 Associates</p>
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<p>GlassWRX SC</p>
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<p>Stoneworks</p>
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<p><strong>The Caretaker Award for Outstanding Non-Profit</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort Area Hospitality Association</p>
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<p>Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services</p>
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<p>Good Neighbor Clinic</p>
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<p><strong>2021 Awards for Individuals&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p><strong>(in alphabetical order)</strong></p>
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<p><strong>The Sentinel Award for Military Excellence</strong></p>
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<p>Matthew Beal, Navy Corpsman</p>
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<p>Sgt. Diego Marmolejo</p>
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<p>Staff Sgt. Ginger Paddock</p>
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<p><strong>The Pillar Award for Community Leadership by an Individual</strong></p>
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<p>Vimal Desai</p>
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<p>Stephen Murray</p>
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<p>Christina Wilson</p>
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<p><strong>The Buzzworthy Award for Outstanding Young Professional</strong></p>
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<p>Dr. Luke Baxley</p>
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<p>Jenny Phillips</p>
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<p>Kevin Phillips</p>
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<p><strong>The Chairman’s Award</strong></p>
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<p>To be announced on site</p>
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<p><strong>The Lifetime of Leadership</strong></p>
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<p>To be announced soon</p>
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