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2011 Palmetto Pillar Awards Recipients

Aug 26, 2011

Jerry Fountain, Dale Johnston

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Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council Announces Winners at Annual Banquet

COLUMBIA, SC - August 26, 2011 - The U.S. Army, a health care technology company, a hospital, a USC business school icon and a group of Lexington County high school students that shot rock’n’roll are among the winners of the 2011 Palmetto Pillar Awards.

Photo at right: Keynote Jerry Fountain and Information Technology Council Chair Dale Johnston

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council (ITC) recognized the winners and finalists Thursday at 701 Whaley Street at the annual Palmetto Pillar Awards banquet. Sponsored by IT-oLogy, the banquet, featured Larry Hembree, executive director of the Nickelodeon Theatre, as emcee and Jerry Fountain, Carolinas/Tennessee Verizon Wireless region president, as the keynote speaker. The Palmetto Pillar Awards program, started in 2000, praises the area’s top leaders in technology innovation.

“We congratulate all the winners and finalists for this important recognition. We are proud to be honoring those who are impacting and influencing information technology in the local community,” said Information Technology Council Chair Dale Johnston. 

2011 Palmetto Pillar Awards recipients:

LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY
Winner

  • Jesus RosaVelez, US Army – Fort Jackson

Finalists

  • Barbara Blau, DP Professionals
  • Dale Johnston, Edens & Avant


PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH IT
Winner

  • BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Finalist

  • Palmetto GBA


IT INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES
Winner

  • Palmetto Health

Finalists

  • Palmetto GBA
  • US Army Signal Network Enterprise Center – Ft. Jackson


LICENSED IT PRODUCT
Winner

  • VC3

Finalist

  • Rocketship Solutions, LLC


CUSTOM APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
Winner

  • Richland County Government

Finalists

  • SCANA
  • VC3

START-UP VENTURE
Winner

  • Richard Robinson, USC Moore School of Business

Finalists

  • Fabrisource
  • Standard Payment Systems


ONE TO WATCH
Winner

  • Todd Lewis, Palmetto Computer Labs

Finalists

  • Ernest Pringle, USC School of Law
  • Candy Sharpe, McAngus Goudelock & Courie

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Winners

  • Jerod Beaudrot
  • Aaron Reeser
  • Sydney Spangler
  • Jenny Clark
  • Andy Moyer
*from Lexington Technology Center

Finalist

  • Jeremy Shepherd


TECHNOLOGY IN THE ARTS
Winner

  • Chris Robinson, USC Art Department

Finalists

  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum


The Information Technology Council also awarded two student scholarships to the Information Systems Technology department of Midlands Technical College. 

Scholarship recipients include:

  • Joshua Simoneau
  • Matthew Simoneau


For detailed information on each award winner, click here.

To become a member or to learn more about the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, as well as its events, programs and initiatives, visit www.ColumbiaChamber.com, or “like” us on Facebook. 

About the Information Technology Council

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Information Technology Council (ITC) is an assemblage of technology leaders promoting Columbia as a desirable location for IT companies.  Drawing upon their combined knowledge and experience, the council identifies, cultivates and promotes those characteristics that IT businesses require for efficient and successful operations.  Members endeavor to help develop a well-educated and dynamic workforce, provide guidance based on their professional expertise, and advance the amenities offered by the Greater Columbia area.

About the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, membership-driven organization comprised of 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its members and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its members through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.