OneSpartanburg Inc. holds annual celebration, honors 2026 award winners

OneSpartanburg Inc. held its 2026 Annual Celebration: Ascending Together on Sept. 17 at Fifth Third Park.

“Our Annual Celebration aims to be more than a traditional chamber update, we want to take time to recognize the impact our organization and our partners – both public and private – have on Spartanburg County,” said OneSpartanburg President and CEO Allen Smith. “There are still many challenges, but to be clear, personal per capita income is at an all-time high, businesses are reporting record revenues, and the people of Spartanburg County have more job opportunities than ever. Partnerships and relationships matter. The results prove it and are worthy of the celebration.”

This year’s award winners were:

Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award: Katherine O’Neill, chief economic development officer with OneSpartanburg
James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year: Toll Solutions
David Britt Economic Champion Award: Warren Snead, human resources manager at Cooper Standard
Talent Champion Award: The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
Elaine Harris Tourism Champion Award: The Hub City Spartanburgers
Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: Bill Barnet, former mayor of Spartanburg and co-founder of the Northside Development Group
Chairman’s Award: Alex Evins, partner at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
Charles E. Atchison, Sr. Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisees Brian and Felicia Murrill
Young Professional of the Year: Livingston Hawkins, Wofford College

OneSpartanburg also honored its Teachers of the Year, including: