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3 local businessmen landed on the 2019 South Carolina Chamber of Commerce winners list.

• Public Servant of the Year – Dr. Harris Pastides, former president of University of South Carolina.

• Business Leader of the Year – Joseph Blanchard, President, Blanchard Machinery Company of West Columbia.

• Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award – Senator Lindsey Graham.

The Public Servant of the Year award recognizes an individual who has served, or currently serves, as a key official in state government and has contributed to the overall well-being and health of the state as a whole.

The Business Leader of the Year is chosen based on leadership in South Carolina and the embodiment of personal success. Other criteria include a business record based on ethical conduct and corporate responsibility, public service, contributions to the preservation of South Carolina’s government and commitment to creating a positive business climate to improve the state’s economy.

The SC Chamber’s Sgt. William Jasper Freedom award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the freedom of South Carolina and the nation.

Who’s new

• South Carolina OB/GYN Associates has joined the Lexington Medical Center’s network of care as a Lexington Medical Center physician practice.

South Carolina OB/GYN Associates is home to 9 highly skilled physicians who offer a wide range of obstetric and gynecological health services for women in all stages of life.

The practice has taken care of women in the Midlands for more than 50 years.

• Insurance Auto Auctions has opened its newest location in Lexington.

Lexington Chamber of Commerce President Otis Rawl attended the Sept. 11 ribbon cutting at 343 Dooley Road.

IAA highlighted the new facility’s meeting rooms, vehicle inspective center (VIC) space, 2 new Run & Drive lanes and the company’s multi-channel auction model.

Preview days are Tuesdays from noon - 4 pm and Wednesdays from 8:30 - 9:30 am.

Sales days are Wednesdays starting at 9:30 am.

Entrepreneurs welcome

Business-minded students coming to Carolina are in the right place.

The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business is one of the top MBA programs in the nation.

Wallethub ranked the Moore School 55th out of 92 MBA programs.

The program’s return on investment, student selectivity, program quality and campus experience placed it with some of the nation’s best.

View the study at https://wallethub.com/edu/best-mba-programs/65432/ .

Wild times at Riverbanks

• Fall ComPOOst Sale Pickup Oct. 11 - Riverbanks comPOOst is an all-natural composted zoo poo produced by some of the Zoo’s most popular residents. Bulk quantities are limited and expected to sell out quickly. The cost is $50 per cubic yard. Pick up is 4-6:30 pm.

• World Migratory Bird Day Oct. 12 - Guests will enjoy hands-on fun from 9 am - 3 pm, plus, hear from special guest speaker, inspiring naturalist and host of SCETV’s Nature Scene, Rudy Mancke.

• Boo at the Zoo Oct. 18-30 - Trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo, frolic in Frankenstein’s Foam Zone and rock the night away at Mummy’s Eeky Freaky Dance Party from 6-9 pm. All tickets should be purchased in advance at https://www.riverbanks.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo .

Nonprofit help

8 South Carolina nonprofits will be the beneficiaries of pro bono marketing and communication services provided by West Columbia’s Riggs Partners during its 22nd annual CreateAthon®.

The 24-hour marketing marathon will begin Thursday, Oct. 17 at 8 am.

Katrina’s Kids is one of the benefitting organizations.

The 501(c)3 nonprofit provides much-needed resources for foster children and children living in group homes. It was founded by SC Senator Katrina Shealy.

For more information, visit www.createathon.org .