News Summary
The S.C. Chamber’s 46th Annual Summit will honor top business and public service leaders. Steve Spinks and Dr. Tim Hardee will receive prestigious awards for their contributions to South Carolina’s economy and education. The awards highlight the importance of corporate responsibility and public service in fostering growth and accessibility in the state.
South Carolina is set to celebrate its top business and public service leaders during the 2025 awards presentation at the S.C. Chamber’s 46th Annual Summit. The awards, covering the Business Leader of the Year and Public Servant of the Year categories, will be given to recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s economy and community.
The 2025 Business Leader of the Year award will honor Steve Spinks, CEO of The Spinx Company. His selection for this prestigious award is based on his extensive commitment to enhancing South Carolina’s business climate and his active philanthropic efforts through the Spinks Family Foundation. Spinks leads The Spinx Company, which has grown remarkably since its founding in 1972, currently operating 93 convenience stores and 62 car washes while employing over 1,700 individuals. Under his leadership, The Spinx Company has become the largest retail business headquartered in South Carolina.
The recipient of the Public Servant of the Year award will be Dr. Tim Hardee, the President of the S.C. Technical College System. This accolade recognizes his continuous efforts in championing accessible education for all South Carolinians, particularly through innovative educational programs and strengthening the partnership between technical colleges and local industries. Dr. Hardee’s work has played a vital role in improving job accessibility in the state, helping more individuals secure high-paying positions.
The S.C. Chamber’s awards ceremony will take place from October 28-30 at the Wild Dunes Resort located on Isle of Palms, South Carolina. This annual summit is a key event for promoting business and community engagement among leaders across the state.
The Business Leader of the Year award by the S.C. Chamber emphasizes an individual’s success in combining corporate responsibility with ethical conduct. Winners of this award embody qualities that contribute to enhancing the state’s economic landscape, fostering responsible business practices that can lead to sustainable growth.
The Spinx Company, recognized for its extensive service in the retail sector, has been a driving force in creating employment opportunities within South Carolina. In addition to offering convenience items and car washes, the company has engaged in philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Spinks Family Foundation, which supports various community initiatives.
On the other hand, the Public Servant of the Year award is presented to key government officials dedicated to improving the overall well-being of South Carolinians. This award recognizes their contributions toward policy-making and initiatives that promote education, workforce development, and enhanced public services.
Dr. Hardee’s leadership at the S.C. Technical College System has garnered respect and admiration, as he has worked diligently to strengthen educational programming and partnerships with local industries. His efforts have significantly contributed to the state’s growing economy and have improved the reputation of technical education in South Carolina.
The annual summit, where these winners will be honored, serves as an opportunity for business leaders, public servants, and community members to unite and discuss the future direction of South Carolina’s business landscape. It highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government entities in fostering economic growth and educational accessibility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Google Search: South Carolina business awards
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette
- Google News: 2025 South Carolina awards
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
