The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce will bring back its annual dinner and awards on Nov. 6 with a Clarendon Goes Gatsby theme and a slate of honorees who, organizers say, reflect the county’s habit of showing up for one another.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at The Matrix Center, 4846 Kingstree Highway. Instead of a formal plated meal, the evening is designed as a social, mix-and-mingle celebration with roaming servers, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and dance time.
“It will be more of a social thing than a sit-down dinner,” Interim Director Caroline Buyck said. “We’ll have theme-appropriate music while people are drinking and eating, then a time to dance. We want people talking to each other and meeting other people.”
Buyck said the Chamber hasn’t held the dinner “in a couple of years,” and this year’s program will also mark board transitions by thanking members rolling off and introducing new members. “We’ll be saying goodbye to those who are off and welcoming the new ones,” she said.
Four awards will be presented at the dinner, with honorees chosen by each award’s sponsoring partner after reviewing Chamber membership and community impact, Buyck said.
The Business Person of the Year is Shayne Stephens, sponsored by The Bank of Clarendon. Bank leaders selected Stephens, of Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, in recognition of his decision to provide full funeral services at no cost for 8-year-old Isaac Parker this summer – a gesture that spurred additional in-kind and discounted support from local businesses and, according to friends and church leaders, rallied the community around a grieving family.
The Citizen of the Year is Claudette Elliott, sponsored by FTC. Elliott, a leader with the Optimist Club of Clarendon, helped guide the inaugural Dash on the Dam 5K and 1-mile Gold-Bow Fun Run, which raised $7,375 for Camp Happy Days, Curing Kids Cancer, Childhood Cancer Partners and local children, while engaging students and volunteers across the county.
The Ambassador of the Year is Marie Land, sponsored by Carole Summers in honor of George Summers. Land’s nomination notes decades of representing Clarendon County with distinction, leadership in establishing Manning’s Historic District, support for restoring the Pocotaligo Nature Walk, work with the United Garden Club and Master Gardeners to beautify the community, early-childhood gardening lessons, and prior service as a trustee at the College of Charleston.
The Non-Profit of the Year, a new award created by the previous Chamber staff, goes to the Manning Lions Club, sponsored by the City of Manning. The recognition highlights the Lions’ hands-on service, from vision and hearing support to recent wheelchair-ramp builds, pantry staffing and October’s Candy Days fundraiser.
In the weeks leading up to the dinner, the Chamber is rolling out a series of surprise videos on social media as part of a campaign. Each short clip captures the moment Chamber staff and sponsors surprised the honorees with their awards, offering an inside look at the genuine reactions and heartfelt gratitude of this year’s recipients.
“The videos are a fun way to build excitement and let the community celebrate these incredible people right along with us,” Buyck said. “We’re using them to invite everyone to come out, dress up, and help us honor the folks who make Clarendon shine.”
Entertainment will be provided by Tad and Lindy with a curated playlist, Buyck said. Table signage will recognize sponsors and programs will be available via QR code to reduce printing costs. Although, a printed copy will also be displayed at each table for guests who prefer it.
Tickets are expected to be available now. Individual tickets are $45 and $80 for two, with table packages also offered, Buyck said. The dinner is open to the public, not just Chamber members.
“We just want to dress up, have a good time and show that we’re partners in the community – here to help small businesses in whatever way they need,” Buyck said.
For tickets or information, contact the Chamber at 803-435-4405.
