Julie McCombs
Chief Chris Harvey of the Greer Fire Department was honored as the recipient of the Citizenship and Service Award.
Julie McCombs
Walter Burch, far left, and Leland Burch, right were awarded the Sen. J. Verne Smith Award. Keith and Donna Smih sponsored the award.
Julie McCombs
Wayne Bobo, far left, and Kevin Duncan, second from right, received the Sud Padgett Volunteer of the Year Award. Rudy Painter, second from left, and Greer Chamber of Commerce president/CEO Mark Owens presented the award.
Julie McCombs
Rita Allison was awarded the Greater Greer Education Board award.
Just hours earlier Harvey’s retirement was officially announced for May 1, ending a 38-year career with the Greer Fire Department.
The event, held at the Embassy Suites in Greenville, presented the chamber’s annual awards dinner to more than 400 attendees. Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority was the keynote speaker and a tribute to Bunny Richardson, a long-time chamber member and former BMW executive, who died on New Year’s Eve, was presented. Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce, and a life long friend and associate of Richardson, narrated the tribute.
Chairman Ken Harper, of the chamber’s executive board, passed the gavel to incoming chairman Mark King.
The celebration was the first for Mark Owens as president/CEO, who was promoted this past summer.
The evening’s award winners:
• Margaret Burch Educator of the Year Award
Rita Allison
• Sud Padgett Volunteer of the Year Award
Wayne Bobo, Century 3
Kevin Duncan, Greer State Bank
• Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
Chris Harvey, Chief for Greer Fire Department
• The Sen. J. Verne Smith Award
Leland and Walter Burch
• Ryan Storrie Entrepreneur Award
Jason Clark, BIN112, The Strip Club 104 A Steak House
Watch Video Acceptance >>
• Chairman’s Award for Excellence
Larry Wilson
Previously announced
• Small Business of the Year
Southern Eye Associates
• Mayor's Award
Smith & James
• Leadership Award
Ed Driggers