The Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce held its 101st annual awards gala Tuesday, a ceremony that recognized and honored members of Kershaw County for their dedication and volunteerism to the chamber and county.
Betty McCaskill received the William F. Nettles Award, which is given annually to a non-board member who has done the most to further the programs of the chamber.
McCaskill was praised for assisting the chamber in numerous ways.
“She never hesitates to help with chamber activities and projects often times without ever being asked. In fact, just this past Saturday, she didn’t hesitate to jump in and assist me in cleaning up and preparing the courtroom for a large event being hosted by the Chamber on Saturday evening when building renovations put us slightly behind schedule,” said Chamber Executive Director Liz Horton. “Whether she is assisting with visitor inquiries, bulk mailings or giving of her time and resources to special chamber events and projects, she is always willing to lend a hand and the chamber is fortunate to have such a devoted and dedicated chamber volunteer.”
And that, Horton added, is what makes her epitomize what the William F. Nettles Award represents.
Horton also presented Johnny Deal with the President’s Award.
“The President’s Award is the highest honor given by our organization,” she said. “It is given annually to an individual or individuals who have contributed significantly to Kershaw County for a significant period of time, or have made a significant contribution to the betterment of the community, and a long-term commitment to improving Kershaw County and making it a better place for all our citizens and visitors.”
Deal was lauded for being an active member of a number of organizations in Kershaw County, including the Winthrop Alumni Group, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Community Concert Band, Lake Wateree Association and Camden Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, she said, Deal has served as president of the chamber, as well as past president of the Camden Rotary.
“He is a huge supporter of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County and has been known to dress in drag for a good cause with style that would make Paris Hilton jealous,” Horton said. “But on a more serious note, probably what makes him most notable are the views we get of Kershaw County through the many photographs he has taken throughout our community at various events and for many, many organizations.”
Additional awards were given to New Life Christian Outreach and May Plant Credit Union as Business Partners of the Year and Edward Hinson as Business Person of the Year.
Community Pride Awards were given to the Camden Tree Foundation; Central Carolina Technical College; City of Camden Town Green; Fox Run Apartments; Jackson School; KershawHealth Outpatient and Urgent Care Center at Elgin; KFC of Camden; McDonalds of Camden and Lugoff; Sentinel Primary Care; Myers Timber Company; South Carolina ENT Allergy and Sleep Medicine; and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
