Upstate companies get state chamber recognition

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Michelin North America will receive the Legends Award from the S.C. Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s annual summit Nov. 20-21 in Isle of Palms. The award “recognizes the company, person or institution that has continually and consistently given to South Carolina and its people,” according to a news release.

In addition, Spartanburg Community College will receive an Excellence in Workplace Diversity award and Synnex Corp. will receive the Charitable Impact award.

The Excellence in Workplace Diversity awards recognize companies “for their significant contributions to the advancement of South Carolina through diversity initiatives and inclusion efforts,” according to a news release. Criteria considered in selecting the winners included diversity initiatives, effectiveness, and applicability/replicability.

“Studies show that having diversity inside an organization makes it stronger and more successful. This year’s winners get it and their commitment to diversity is paying off both in their culture and on the bottom line,” Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce, said in the release.

Spartanburg Community College is the recipient in the small employer category. Benefitfocus, in Charleston, is the recipient of the Excellence in Workplace Diversity award in the medium/large employer category.

“Benefitfocus is a company that top talent is attracted to and is a model for how you create a thriving workplace,” Pitts said in the release. “Spartanburg Community College educates the next generation of our workforce and their leadership on diversity is to be praised.”

Synnex Corp. will receive the Charitable Impact award for “corporate giving and philanthropy that makes a true impact for the good of the state and its citizens,” the release said.

The SC Branded awards are given in partnership with The Brand Leader in Greenville. The awards honor local initiatives, locations, products and events that make up the brand that is South Carolina. Nominations were submitted over the summer in six categories this year.

“This year’s SC Branded honorees are a part of what makes the Palmetto State such a great place to live, work and do business,” Pitts said in the release. “We love to celebrate those things that are truly authentic South Carolina.”

Award winners include:

Palmetto Green winner: BP America

The Palmetto Green award goes to the corporate project that is “most known for its preservation and protection of South Carolina’s beauty.”

Farm, Forest and Field: McEntire Produce

The Farm, Forest and Field Award goes to the brand that is “proving to be truly revolutionary in agribusiness.”

Product Innovation: Proof Alcohol Ice Cream

This award goes to the company whose newest development is bringing attention and growth to the state.

Hometown, SC: Town of Summerville

“Every year we honor one city or town that is doing great things for the people that call it home. The people, good government, good corporate citizens, low taxes and a high quality of life are factors that make the place you live a great hometown,” according to the release.