The event, presented by TD Bank, featured the Chamber’s reflection of the previous year, its  vision for the future, and recognition of the area’s business and community leaders. 

Greenville Chamber President/CEO Carlos Phillips also shared the Chamber’s plans for the year ahead. 

The meeting featured presentation of several annual awards: 

The ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Hughes Agency, honors individuals who assist women in reaching their full leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; and, provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in  the community. 

The 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to WYFF's Jane Robelot DeCarvalho for serving as a leader for women throughout her distinguished career. 

The Buck Mickel Leadership Award, sponsored by Duke Energy, honors those who have had an  impact on the community by playing a leadership role in solving critical community issues, strengthening the community or providing visionary leadership to a major community development project. 

The 2020 Buck  Mickel Leadership Award was awarded to Craig Brown, president and owner of the Greenville Drive baseball team, for his community involvement as well as his strategic leadership of Chamber initiatives, especially in support of the Accelerate program.  

The 2020 Chairman’s Award, sponsored by Ogletree Deakins, was presented to Cal Hurst, chief banking officer at Southern First. 

Hurst was recognized for his service on the Greenville Chamber Board of Directors, highlighting his leadership in his role as Chamber treasurer during the pandemic.  

The F. Ben Haskew Collaboration Award, sponsored by Furman University, recognizes Upstate leaders who  display progressive visions and a partnership approach to responsible growth in the Upstate. 

The 2020 award was presented to William Brown for his collaborative approach and leadership in his role as founder and board chair of Legacy Early College.  

The Leadership Greenville Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a Leadership Greenville Alum who has made outstanding civic and community contributions. 

The 2020 award, sponsored by Prisma Health, was presented to Catriona Carlisle, a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 41. In addition to her work as executive director of Meals on Wheels, she was recognized for her significant community involvement.  

The Max Heller Neighborhood Improvement Award is given annually to an organization that has shown exemplary efforts toward neighborhood improvement and empowerment. The award is named in honor of  former Greenville Mayor Max Heller, who spearheaded numerous efforts over the years to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Greenville County. 

The 2020 award, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, was presented to Autumn Shearin for innovative and impactful work implementing mobile food pantries through her role at Harvest Hope Food Bank.  

The Minority Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, is presented to a local, independently and minority-owned company that has been in business for a minimum of three years and is a graduate of the Minority Business Accelerator program. 

The 2020 award was presented to Paveway Express  Ltd Co. Led by Justin Jenkins, the company started as a one truck and one driver general freight operation and has grown exponentially to include nearly 50 drivers and staff.  

The 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of Travelers Rest, was presented to High Spirits Hospitality. High Spirits Hospitality is the parent company to Liquid Catering, The Old Cigar Warehouse, Bravo1 Protection and High Spirits Events. It’s also the operation behind Topside Pool Club. 

The small business, led by President/CEO Tammy Johnson, has received local, state and national recognition for its growth, leadership and operational excellence.  

The Young Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Michelin North America, is designed to recognize an individual between the ages of 22 and 39 for his or her involvement in the community. 

The 2020 award was presented to Casey Minor, assistant controller at Furman University, noting her philanthropic engagement and her commitment to supporting the Chamber’s Young Professionals initiative in several leadership capacities, including as chair in 2020.