Photo courtesy of ESNTL Headshots – President and CEO Kerry Driggers, Chamber Chairman Brian Crocker of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union and Ambassador of the Year, Billy Chastain of Dominion Energy South Carolina.
The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding business and community leaders at the 2026 Irmo Chamber Awards Night and Gala, held February 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton and presented by Steve Padgett’s Honda of Lake Murray.
The annual event celebrated excellence among Chamber partners, with awards including Ambassador of the Year, Diplomat of the Year, Order of the Okra, Coffee Talker of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Launch Award, Hospitality Partner of the Year, and Small, Mid-Sized, and Large Businesses of the Year.
“Irmo is truly fortunate to have such a vibrant and thriving business community,” said Kerry Driggers, president and CEO of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce. “It has been my privilege to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of these exceptional businesses. As I approach my 11th year with the Irmo Chamber in 2026, I am incredibly proud to serve as the leader of this remarkable organization.”
This year’s Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Billy Chastain of Dominion Energy South Carolina. Chastain, who served as the 2025 Chair of the Irmo Chamber Board, was recognized for his leadership in helping the Chamber exceed its growth goals.
The Ambassador of the Year award honors an individual who has contributed significantly to the growth of the Irmo community and the Chamber through service and leadership.
“Our President and CEO Kerry Driggers spent much of 2025 recovering from and rehabilitating a leg injury,” said 2026 Chamber Chairman Brian Crocker of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. “Billy’s leadership ensured continuity in Chamber programming, supported staff, and helped maintain a thriving business environment for our partners.”
2026 Award Recipients:
- Ambassador of the Year — Billy Chastain, Dominion Energy SC
- Diplomat of the Year — Chuck Warden, Kamgard
- Order of the Okra — Capt. Steven Tapler, Richland County Sheriff’s Department
- Coffee Talker of the Year — Chapin Coats, Davis Orthodontics
- Non-Profit of the Year — Southeast Chapter, National Safety Council
- Launch Award — Club Fitness Irmo
- Hospitality Partner of the Year — Residence Inn by Marriott, Irmo
- Small Business of the Year — Vivid Aesthetics
- Mid-Sized Business of the Year — Willie Jewell’s Old School BBQ
- Large Business of the Year — Dunbar Funeral Home
For more information about becoming a partner in the Greater Irmo Chamber, contact Kerry Driggers at 803-749-9355 or visit www.funchamber.com
