Image: (l-r) Robert "Bobby" M. Hitt and Kim A. Wilkerson.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our honorees for the 2018 Business Leader of the Year and Public Servant of the Year awards:

- Public Servant of the Year – Robert "Bobby" M. Hitt, III, Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Commerce 

- Business Leader of the Year – Kim A. Wilkerson, South Carolina State President, Bank of America; South Carolina Market Executive, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management

The South Carolina Chamber’s Public Servant of the Year award recognizes an individual who has served, or currently serves, as a key official in state government and has contributed to the overall well-being and health of the state as a whole.

“Bobby Hitt has led the state’s economic development charge for the last eight years, first under Governor Haley and then under Governor McMaster, during a time when South Carolina has achieved unprecedented private sector investment and job growth. It is an honor to recognize Secretary Hitt as the 2018 Public Servant of the Year. He is a true champion for business,” said Ted Pitts, President and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

The South Carolina Chamber’s Business Leader of the Year is chosen based on leadership in South Carolina and the embodiment of personal success. Other criteria include a business record based on ethical conduct and corporate responsibility, public service, contributions to the preservation of South Carolina’s government and commitment to creating a positive business climate to improve the state’s economy.

“I can think of no other business leader more deserving than Kim Wilkerson to be named the 2018 Business Leader of the Year. Kim sets the standard when it comes to leadership and community involvement in South Carolina. Kim and Bank of America walk the walk, proving that when business leaders step up and lead, others will follow,” said Pitts.

The 2018 award winners will be honored at the 39th South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Annual Summit at The Sanctuary at Kiawah November 26-27.