Awards & Networking Event
2024 Program TBA
Countdown to the big event
Honoring Outstanding Young Professionals
Under-40's are doing amazing things in York County and it's time we recognize their efforts! Each year the chamber accepts nominations for inclusion in our Ones to Watch campaign. Finalists are selected based on their professional accomplishments, personal character, leadership potential, and community engagement. These individuals are celebrated at an annual Ones to Watch event and are featured in various other ways throughout the year.
Nominees for this recognition must:
- be under the age of 40 as of Dec 31 of the current year
- be employed by a company located in York County, SC
- demonstrate positive character and leadership in both their professional and personal lives
- actively engage (or express a desire to engage) in volunteer/community service
Other notes:
- If nominating multiple individuals, a separate form must be completed for each nomination.
- Nominations that are submitted in the form of a press release or that are not personalized per nominee will not be accepted.
- Nominations from non-member companies require a $50 application fee.
Tips for submitting nominations:
- Be sure to address the nominee's professional accomplishments and milestones.
- Include specifics such as progress towards specific goals, measurable results of a particular project, etc.
- Make a specific connection between the nominee's accomplishments and this particular award.
Got an outstanding Under-40 from your own organization? Nominations will reopen this Fall for our 2024 awards.
The Ones to Watch in 2023
ALEXANDER GALLOWAY, PEOPLES FIRST INSURANCE - Zander has developed a sales culture within his family-owned business that emphasizes the importance of risk management, ultimately preventing the potential for catastrophic financial loss for his clients. He sits on various industry boards and serves as a liaison for young agents just starting out in the industry.
ANGELA DUCKETT, CLINTON COLLEGE -
As a first-time grant writer, Angela recently worked with her team to secure a grant from the Department of Education in the amount of $770,000+ to support 100 underserved students over five years.
AMANDA RIGGAN, HUNGRY HEROES -
Since 2018, Amanda and her team have served 50,000 heroes and gained support from major companies like Ford, Pepsi, and Traeger. Already this year they have served 1500 plates in memory of Mike Doty and stocked 12 EMS stations. Amanda has caught the attention of Steve Harvey and Gordon Ramsey, among others, helping her spread the mission of Hungry Heroes to new cities and communities across the country.
BARA WETHERELL, FOUNDERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION -
This energetic creative leads the team responsible for producing a Super Bowl Commercial and launching 4 separate campaigns at the same time, including nearly 200 creative pieces in a 3-day period with amazing returns on the investment.
STEFANIE BARNETTE, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - Stefanie designed a research study examining the wealth creation of Black households, the results of which have been used to secure over $200,000, allowing Habitat to fund a new position focused on Black homeownership, to diversity their volunteer base, and to examine generational wealth for older adults in the community.
RYAN ALLEN, CAROWINDS - Ryan believes in being a leader who “takes care of folks” and shows it by heading up Carowinds' efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion practices among park employees. He serves on the Regional DEI committee for Cedar Fair and is an active board member for the non-profit group A Kid Again, where he helps children with life-threatening illnesses.
CASSIE VERARDI, YORK TECHNICAL COLLEGE -
Just over 1 year ago, Cassie launched York Tech’s DEI Council with a goal of promoting diversity and inclusivity at the college through trainings, speakers, panels, and events. Under her leadership, the Council has created the school’s first DEI Plan, and hosted a DEI Dialogue Circle with the Rock Hill Police Department to impact Policing and Community Relations.
ELIZABETH BOWERS, LEROY SPRINGS & COMPANY - Elizabeth recently helped launch The Cardinal Society, ensuring that donors can provide planned financial support to the Anne Springs Close Greenway, securing years of enjoyment for residents and visitors to our community.
KRISTEN EASLER, INTERSTATE SUPPLY - In an industry that suddenly became vital to us all during the COVID pandemic, Kristen coordinates various divisions of the business to provide the best cleaning solutions, supplies and service possible to her customers and coworkers. She takes pride in doing everything she can to keep sites clean and safe for their employees and clients.
LEE ANN NIX, SNIPWELL SPAY, NEUTER & WELLNESS CLINIC -
This quiet professional leads a team of veterinary employees, coordinates services with local animal rescue organizations, and has been instrumental in aiding over 7000 clients through her work with the Snipwell clinic.
TADEAN PAGE, CITY OF ROCK HILL -
Tadean is tasked with the completion of 30+ projects within the Clinton ConNEXTion Action Plan, which is intended to revitalize the most underserved area of our community. He is also an author, consultant, and mentor to entrepreneurs in our region.
LINDSEY EGNER, CAROLINA POWER WASHING - In one year’s time, Lindsey grew her family business by 13%, collected over 750 positive online reviews, and served over 1200 customers. She has recently opened a second small business and received the Regional Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year award in 2022.
LISA BROWN, CITY OF ROCK HILL - A delegate of the Local Government 2030 group, Lisa has played a vital role in the creation of Rock Hill’s Southside TIF District and the Southside redevelopment plan, with the ultimate goal of bringing desirable growth and jobs to South Rock Hill.
MELISSA CASSELL, MORTON & GETTYS - In the first quarter of 2023, Melissa was responsible for over $50million in real estate and asset closings. She is past president of the York County Bar Association, a member of the SC Women Lawyer's Assoc., an Adjunct Professor at Winthrop University, a board member for multiple non-profit organizations, and past chairperson of Leadership York County.
BRANDON ALLEN, SHARONVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - Brandon has been recognized by his industry peers for leading a complex project involving Sharonview’s technology infrastructure (which saved the company $50,000), and has created dynamic internal solutions to reduce errors, save time, and simplify processes – all benefitting the credit union’s employees and customers.
PORTER GABLE, YORK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC - As Chair of the SC E2Forward Team, Porter educates Cooperative CEOs and trustees across the state about innovative technologies available to their members and, serving as Executive Director of York Electric’s charitable foundation, she led the way to raising $148,000 in a single event to better the lives of individuals and families in York County.
RENEE O'NEIL, CN2 NEWS -
Renee created and now hosts CN2 Today, CN2's first lifestyle show. She also manages brand relationships and the show’s social media accounts. She has earned thousands of followers, along with multiple awards, and also dedicates herself to training young reporters and sharing what makes our region unique.
SARAH SCOGGINS, COMPORIUM -
Sarah is a recipient of the exclusive Comporium Excellence Award for her outstanding commitment to the company during the pandemic and beyond. Sarah has just earned her Yellow Belt Professional certification through Six Sigma Global Institute and is currently pursuing the next level of recognition through that organization.
RYAN BLANCKE, YORK COUNTY GOVERNMENT - Oversees seven operating divisions and 260 employees within York County’s Public Works Department and has written articles, led webinars, and presented to international audiences advocating for management and leadership training.
SUMMERSBY OKEY, UNITED WAY OF YORK COUNTY -
Summersby implemented a Pilot Program for the Financial Stability Network resulting in the ability to pursue over $60k in grant funding, ultimately opening up the potential for growth not just for the United Way, but also for their partners across the county.
TYSON BLANTON, DUKE ENERGY - Tyson serves as a board member to various chambers of commerce in our region and recently spent time presenting an overview of a massive and complex project to over 200 concerned community members, creating a greater understanding of the impact on the area.
Brandon Allen, Sharonview Federal Credit Union
Ryan Allen, Carowinds
Stefanie Barnette, Habitat for Humanity of York County
Ryan Blancke, York County Government
Tyson Blanton, Duke Energy
Elizabeth Bowers, Anne Springs Close Greenway
Lisa Brown, City of Rock Hill
Melissa Cassell, Morton & Gettys, LLC
Angela Duckett, Clinton College
Kristen Easler, Interstate Solutions
Lindsey Egner, Carolina Power Washing
Porter Gable, York Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Zander Galloway, Peoples First Insurance
Lee Ann Nix, Snipwell Spay Neuter & Wellness Clinic
Summersby Okey, United Way of York County
Renee O’Neil, CN2 News
Tadean Page, City of Rock Hill
Amanda Riggan, Hungry Heroes
Sarah Scoggins, Comporium
Cassandra Verardi, York Technical College
Bara Wetherell, Founders Federal Credit Union