Saturday evening’s Chamber Ball was such a positive and powerful night for the Lowcountry. Board Chairman Tom Upshaw talked about the fact that today marks the chamber’s 55th anniversary. That’s incredible longevity for any organization and speaks to the growth and vitality of our business community. Thanks to all of you for your support. Whether you’ve been a member of the chamber for 30 years or one year, together we can accomplish so much.
While the theme for the Chamber Ball, was Mardi Gras Magic, the true theme that seemed to shine through was the momentum we’re experiencing as a business community. I touched on that momentum, investment and redevelopment that’s happening in the Lowcountry in our last Monday Morning Briefing and it was exciting to see the crowd’s enthusiasm.
I’d like to say thank you to the hundreds of you who came out not only in support of your chamber, but in honor of the evening’s award winners.
The Zonta Woman of the Year award honored realtor Gloria LaCoe for her leadership contributions to the Lowcountry through her work founding the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Hudson’s and her commitment to the youth of our community.
The Bluffton Regional Business Council Member of the Year Award was given to Blufftonian Matt Green, development partner with Buckwalter Place/Buckwalter Commercial. Mayor Sulka may have said it best when she deemed Green “Bluffton’s greatest cheerleader.”
The Sue West Educator of the Year award went to Lois Lewis, seventh grade teacher at Bluffton Middle School who in addition to teaching science, teaches her students about community involvement and the environment.
The organization of the year award honored the very-deserving Hilton Head Humane Association and its vital role in supporting our community’s four-legged friends since the 1970s.
The coveted Alice Glenn Doughtie Good Citizenship award was given to two individuals, Betsy Doughtie and Ida Martin who have been feeding and clothing area residents for many years via their respective organizations the Deep Well Project and Bluffton Self Help. It was noted at the event that both women have been honored by two different US Presidents along with other recognition for their efforts in meeting the needs of those in our community who struggle with some of life’s most basic necessities.
The Chamber Ball truly is so much more than just another community event and I’m so proud to be part of it. It’s an evening that renews our faith in what’s possible and reminds us of what’s important.
