Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Business, community and civic leaders united May 9 at the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber’s annual meeting.
Held on the Allendale campus of USC Salkehatchie, the event celebrated the past year’s achievements and milestones. Several businesses were also awarded.
“ 2023 was such an incredibly special year for the chamber and 2024 is already shaping up to be one for the books!” said Bob Snead, CEO and president of the Chamber.
“Our mission is not only to foster economic prosperity in our region but also to engage the community, encourage connection, reward good ideas, and build a positive future that would not be possible without all of you!”
After enjoying a charcuterie spread from Lucy’s Lu’s Café in Barnwell and catered dinner from Sammy’s Choice Cut Meats in Allendale, guests listened to a panel entitled "Voices of New
Ventures."
Moderator Shelby Broomfield chatted with four business owners about their experiences, challenges, and successes.
Entrepreneurs included Adrian Crawford of High Altitude Drone Service, Mattie Bolen of Sonshine Creations, Farrah Maner of Mirror Mirror Future Guys N Gals, and April Robinson of Low Country Açai Bowls.
The Chamber normally bestowed five Business of the Year awards.
“This year we received such an incredible outpouring of support for local businesses that we had a tie! Congratulations to all of the awardees, the positive impact you have on your community is
immeasurable,” said Snead.
Allendale County Small Business of the Year
4 Brothers Auto Spa received the Allendale County Small Business of the Year award.
This family-owned business was founded by brothers Lonzado, Keith, Dimaggio, and Edric. They were participants of the Propel Business Lab.
“Born and raised in the community, Lonzado's dream of a top-tier car wash and detailing center for Allendale became a reality when the perfect location became available.
Together, the four brothers joined forces to create 4 Brothers Auto Spa, offering a luxurious and thorough car care experience.
Following the success of their Auto Spa, the Four Brothers embarked on a new venture, Four Brothers Lounge & Bar, which is a fun and safe entertainment spot that offers live DJs, karaoke
nights, delicious food, and much more,” according to
the Chamber.
The brothers thank everyone for their support during the first year of business and look forward to many more.
Allendale County Impact Business of the Year
Petals & Stars received the Allendale County Impact Business of the Year.
Founded by Shirl Cave, this Christian-based non-
profit outreach program has a mission of spreading hope.
“They have been doing some incredible work here in Allendale County supporting youth entrepreneurship. They are fostering that next generation of entrepreneurs that hopefully will access our services at Propel Business Lab,” said Snead.
The organization orchestrates several beneficial programs that impact their community and far beyond, including the Kindness Creations Project, G.R.O.W. 4 Kids, and Entrepreneur Day 4 Kids.
Barnwell County Small Business of the Year
Kinard's Kitchen and Jerome’s Furniture & More tied for the Barnwell County Small Business of the Year award.
Kinard’s Kitchen is a catering business that “combines the flavors and inspiration from Grandma's kitchen to create unique and
flavorful recipes with a twist!
They offer comforting, home-style cuisine that ranges from classic Southern dishes to delicious pasta and more,” according to the Chamber.
It’s owned by Felicia Summers Kinard and Tonja Alexander who won the $10,000 prize through the Propel Business Lab in
September 2023.
Their slogan is “Cooking with Love.”
“We are so blessed to have a great support system! Look for even more greatness coming soon,” stated the business on Facebook.
Jerome's Furniture & More in Williston is much more than a used furniture store.
"This local treasure offers vintage, antique and secondhand furniture and home decor at prices that are almost too good to be true! With new inventory arriving every single week, there is sure to be something at Jerome's for everybody,” according to the Chamber.
Owner Jerome Frederick said the award means a lot to him and his staff.
Barnwell County Impact Business of the Year
Atlas Carts won the Barnwell County Impact Business of the Year Award.
Located in Williston, they produce high (battery) powered, feature rich, incredibly stylish golf carts that are sold in dealerships across the nation.
Snead said they are an “incredible corporate citizen.”
“Not only does Atlas manufacture these awesome carts, but this incredible company also gives back to their community by lending carts to local schools and teaming up with local churches to orchestrate a community-wide food drive for which they donated over 10,000 pounds of food,” according to the Chamber.
A post on the company’s Facebook page said they will “continue to do our best to give back to the community that Atlas calls home.”
The Chamber thanks the event’s sponsors – Breezeline, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and USC Salkehatchie.
Learn about the Chamber, including membership, at
southernpalmettochamber.org.
