Columbia Chamber Gala to Honor Local Leaders

The Columbia Chamber has announced the award recipients for Uncorked, the 123rd Annual Gala, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, to be held Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at The Laundry. Tickets are available at columbiachamber.com.

“As we celebrate 123 years of the Columbia Chamber, we are reminded that our greatest strength has always been the people and businesses that make our community thrive,” said Terrance Ford, 2025-2026 chair of the board of directors of the Columbia Chamber. “This year’s gala was an opportunity to honor their contributions, celebrate the accomplishments of our business community and look ahead to the opportunities that will shape the future of the Midlands."

The 2026 honorees are:

• Ambassador of the Year: Tim Arnold , award sponsored by Trinity Partners

•  Young Professional of the Year: Anita Murphy, award sponsored by AT&T

•  Joe Taylor Public Servant: The Honorable Shane Massey, award sponsored by Ogletree Deakins

•  Diplomat of the Year: Fox Black, award sponsored by First Bank 

• Military Advocate of the Year: The Late Sen. Lindsey Graham, award sponsored by Dominion Energy 

• Partner of the Year: Diesel Laptops, award sponsored by SouthState Bank.