From staff reports
The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday, Oct. 3 that Dick Stewart, chairman and founder of real estate investment firm 303 Associates, will receive the Lifetime of Leadership Award at the Civitas Awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 12.
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.
The release reads:
“After returning to his hometown following a successful career in the telecommunications industry, Stewart established 303 Associates in 1998 to manage rehabilitation of Old Bay Marketplace.
Twenty-five years later, the firm has amassed a portfolio of renovation, redevelopment and infill projects – The Beaufort Inn, Saltus House, Tabby Place, Newcastle Square, Beaufort Town Center, Port Royal Center, USC Beaufort Student Housing – that symbolize our historically rooted and future-
focused community.
Stewart has applied the same drive that powers his business success to advance numerous civic, business, environmental and philanthropic efforts in the community. He was elected to Beaufort County Council, served as Board Chair of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on the Port Royal Redevelopment Commission. He is a driving force behind the Port Royal Sound Foundation and the founder of the Freedman’s Arts District. His support and engagement was instrumental in establishing USCB as a full-fledged, four-year university and strengthening the University’s footprint in downtown Beaufort.
Stewart’s positive impact on the built environment our community is visible from downtown to Boundary Street to Port Royal. His impact will continue for decades to come in the organizations and institutions he has led, supported and guided.”
The Civitas Awards are the Chamber’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.
The reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12 at Tabby Place. All-inclusive tickets for dinner, drinks and entertainment are $65 for members or $75 for non-members and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3rL8K3T.
2023 Civitas Awards Finalists
Business Awards
Cornerstone Award
- Carolina Air
- Gay Fish Company
- Kinghorn Insurance of Beaufort
Torchbearer Award
- Beaufort Film Society
- Beaufort Water Festival
- Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort
Trailblazer Award
- Greenline Industries
- Shellring Ale Works
- South Coast Cyber Collaborative
Caretaker Award
- 100 Women Who Care
- Heritage Community Farms
- St. Francis Center
Individual Awards
Pillar Award
- Pat Harvey-Palmer
- Christian Kata
- Christian Sherbert
Sentinel Award
- Cpl. Jose Martinez
- CWO3 Nathan McCallum
- Ssgt. Brock Portier
Buzzworthy Award
- Monique Dawson
- Allison Kindwall
- Jessica O’Brien
