EASLEY — The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 71st Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at South & West in downtown Easley on March 14, presenting awards to honor businesses and individuals for their leadership, business success and community service.

Starting the night off, three awards were presented for volunteer leadership to the chamber.

Sam Gillespie, of American Legion Post 52, was honored as the 2018 Ambassador of the Year for his hard work in assisting the chamber with membership retention efforts and event planning.

The 2018 Director of the Year was awarded to Sid Collins of YMCA of Easley, Pickens and Powdersville. As a member of the Easley Chamber Board of Directors, Collins was recognized for his steady leadership and innovative ideas.

Craig Williams, with Carolina Alliance Bank in Powdersville, was honored as the 2018 Powdersville Business Council Advisory Member of the Year for serving as a motivator and hard worker.

As part of the celebration, Duke Energy also presented its annual Citizenship and Service Award, which honors an individual who uses their time, talents and passion to set a standard and foster a culture for citizenship, service and community responsibility for others. Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, President of Tri-County Technical College was presented the 2018 Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award to honor his leadership to the College, as well to the state of South Carolina.

Cindy Fox Miller & Associates – Keller Williams Powdersville was honored as the 2019 Small Business of the Year and the 2019 Non-Profit of the Year was awarded to the YMCA of Easley, Pickens & Powdersville.

Todd Walker, Chief Operating Officer with Prisma Health-Baptist Easley Hospital, was honored as the 2019 Young Professional of the Year and the 2019 Pillar of Easley award recipient was Nalley Commercial Properties, which takes great pride in being locally-based and family-operated.

The Easley Chamber also presented a special Cornerstone of Easley Award, which is reserved for a company or individual whose leadership and vision are considered to be a “foundational cornerstone” for the Easley community. Alfred and Margot Robinson were honored as the 2019 award recipients.

Together, they were committed to the success of their family businesses (Robinson’s Funeral Home, Robinson’s, and Robinson’s Memorial Gardens), dedicated to their church and community, and anchored in deep love for their family. They left behind a life-long legacy of servant leadership which will continue to serve as a cornerstone not only for their family-owned business, but for the City of Easley as well. Accepting the award in their honor and memory were their sons, Christopher Robinson and Alfred Robinson, Jr.

“It’s an honor to recognize the success and contributions of local business leaders,” said Cindy Hopkins, president of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce. “Leaders such as these contribute to building the solid foundation for long-term community growth and sustainability. We offer our sincere gratitude for their commitment and leadership, which serve as an example for all of us.”

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce presented its volunteer leadership and business awards to award recipients (from left) Craig Williams, Al Robinson, Chris Robinson, Sam Gillespie, Bud Nalley, Sid Collins, Todd Walker, Mike Dosher and Cindy Fox Miller.
https://www.sentinelprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_chamber.jpgThe Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce presented its volunteer leadership and business awards to award recipients (from left) Craig Williams, Al Robinson, Chris Robinson, Sam Gillespie, Bud Nalley, Sid Collins, Todd Walker, Mike Dosher and Cindy Fox Miller. Courtesy photo
Easley Chamber lauds local businesses, non-profits and volunteers

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@cmpapers.com