On a chamber of commerce kind of day with blue skies and mild temperatures, the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce was finally able to hold an in-person annual meeting last month at Green Pond Landing and Event Center at Lake Hartwell.
The outdoor venue was the perfect setting for a pandemic-style event where tables were spaced further apart and face coverings were in vogue. But distancing didn’t put a damper on a celebration that included honoring recipients of the Duke Energy Citizenship Award, Nonprofit Director of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and Ambassador of the Year.
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns was the recipient of the Duke Energy Citizenship Award. Burns has made his career working with local governments across the Upstate and has served as administrator of Anderson County since 2009.
“In everything Rusty does, he always has Anderson County and its citizens as top priority. And it was all the more spotlighted when we faced the COVID pandemic,” said Anderson Chamber President & CEO Pam Christopher. “Rusty’s leadership has fostered a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-help mentality that is priceless.”
The Nonprofit Director of the Year Award went to William T. Manson III, former CEO of AnMed Health. Manson joined the health care system’s leadership team in 1981, retiring in July of this year after serving as CEO since 2015.
“Bill’s mission has always been to serve the community humbly and – above all – to support the patients, clinicians and staff of AnMed Health, said Board Chair Bill Kibler. “Because of Bill’s commitment, AnMed Health will provide gold standard health care to our community for decades to come.”
Brooke Cole was named the Anderson Area Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year. The award is given to an individual who is involved in the Anderson Rising Young Professionals program and who demonstrates exemplary leadership, professionalism and dedication to Anderson County.
Cole, who serves as Public Information Officers for Anderson School District 5, is a committee member for Anderson Rising Young Professionals and the United Way of Anderson County Young Philanthropist Academy. She also is a member of Leadership Anderson Class 36 and played a vital role in Mural On Main, a 1,700-square-foot mural on Orr Street in downtown Anderson.
The chamber’s Ambassador of the Year Award went to Stacey Juergens of Mosquito Authority. Juergens is among a select group of dedicated volunteers who serve in a public relations role for the Anderson Area Chamber, welcoming new members and assisting with ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and other chamber events.
“Stacey truly is the epitome of a servant leader who places the needs of others before her own,” said Anderson Area Chamber Director of Programs and Events Natalie Jones. “We are all blessed to have such a dedicated Chamber Ambassador and volunteer who is committed to making Anderson County a better place.”
For more information on Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce programs and events, visit andersonscchamber.com.
