Friday saw an annual celebration of North Augusta and a number of its top residents and businesses.
The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce held its 69th annual meeting and banquet on Friday at Crowne Plaza North Augusta. The theme was “Chamber in Focus: Seeing 20/20 in 2020.”
Dr. Angela Burkhalter was named the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
She is active in First Baptist Church of North Augusta and a long-standing member of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council. A press release from the chamber states Burkhalter was “integral” in reviving theater arts in North Augusta.
“She has devoted much time and enthusiasm as past president and current board member of the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, assisting with obtaining permanent space in the North Augusta municipal building,” the press release says.
Burkhalter has also served – either in the past or currently – on the boards of Laces of Love, Child Advocacy Center of Aiken, Public Education Partners, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership, Megiddo Dream Station and Community Ministries of North Augusta.
Burkhalter said during the event that the community endeavors she has been a part of is a recognition of the community values of the nonprofits that make life better all around in North Augusta and mentioned her goal was to always try to help people find their potential.
“There’s a saying that we used to say: There’s no limit to what we can accomplish if we don’t care who gets the credit. So tonight I accept this award as a credit to all these organizations that proudly serve and improve the quality of life for our community,” Burkhalter said.
The Small Business of the Year award for 2019 was presented to North Augusta Dental Care.
“For nearly three decades this business has been an integral part of the North Augusta Community. Under a new generation of leadership, they are a shining example of hard work and heart, as they’ve shown steady growth over the last three years,” the release says.
At the helm of North Augusta Dental Care are Dr. Brooke Usry and Dr. Drew Richardson.
Usry accepted the award, saying she was “truly honored.” She mentioned that her family owns businesses in the area and said her husband “always compliments North Augusta on what a great job the community does supporting businesses, the chamber and the government.”
The chamber also presented an Ambassador of the Year award to Lee Byrd, senior vice commander of Riverfront Marines, Detachment #1132.
“He consistently supports the chamber at various events each month and is always willing to pitch in where he can. He is a team player who always goes above and beyond for the organization whenever he can. He’s the true embodiment of a dedicated volunteer,” the release says.
Byrd said in his acceptance speech that the award was “a surprise to (him).”
He said Terra Carroll, the chamber president and CEO has become like family, along with other ambassadors and chamber leaders. “We have such a good time and we love North Augusta and we want to see North Augusta grow. I just thank everybody for this.”
Along with the awards, students from the Chamber’s 2019 Junior Leadership Academy spoke about their experiences in the month-long program that took place last summer. North Augusta mayor Bob Pettit presented a proclamation to Jeff Allison, deputy manager of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Savannah River Field Office. This year marks the 70-year anniversary of the Savannah River Site in the CSRA.
