The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Marlboro County in 2020.
Janelle Bakogiannis, outgoing chairman of the Marlboro County Chamber of Commerce, said the pandemic happened and it happened to the business community.
“None of us expected a pandemic to come charging through, forcing us to face issues many of us felt ill-equipped to handle,” she said. “All of us standing here this evening are a testament to perseverance and creativity in business practices,”
Bakogiannis spoke at the Marlboro Chamber annual meeting Tuesday evening.
It was a chance to fellowship, meet the new executive director Jessie Evans, and present awards.
The Business of the Year was The Humidor, who was unable to attend the event.
Glenn Bunch, incoming chairman of the chamber, said when they thought of their choices for the award, The Humidor stood out for their amazing events and positive attitude.
He added the business collaborated with other businesses in the county to better serve their customers.
“So for their ability to flourish as a business while maintaining a focus on community, we are recognizing The Humidor as the 2021 Business of the Year,” Bunch said.
It was noted that Business Person of the Year Jamie Grant came to the chamber on his own telling them that he saw what the chamber was doing and wanted to be a part of it.
“Jamie lives his personal and business life in a spirit of service, and it’s usually without anyone knowing,” Bakogiannis said. “We see what you are doing in your community, and we are so glad we get to be even a small part of it.”
The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault received the Nonprofit of the Year.
Bunch said the award goes to an organization that faced the hardships of dealing with some of the tragedies of the pandemic.
“Labeled a ‘pandemic within a pandemic’ by Forbes, the United States saw rates of domestic and sexual abuse rise by as much as 30 percent some months over the peak of the Covid pandemic,” he said.
Bunch added the Coalition’s community awareness campaigns offer relevant approaches and gave them a chance to join them in their work.
The nonprofit was recognized for their ability to find solutions and continue their work in the middle of a pandemic, making a difference in the lives of many of the women and children in Marlboro County.
The Community Leader Award was presented to Ed Taner and Rich Urquhart for setting an example of positive outreach and community involvement.
Bakogiannis said when Community Leaders are thought of in the context of commerce, there was a clear winner.
She talked about how the Village Marketplace, owned by Taner and Urquhart, was not only a thriving storefront in downtown Bennettsville but was used to make an impact on their community.
This included forming the monthly Merchant’s meetings, Downtown Market Day, participation in chamber events and serving on the chamber board.
“They have sought to be part of the solution, and to let the positive outweigh the negative,” she said.

Going forward
Members leaving the board of directors were recognized. They were Tracy Stubbs, Scotland Healthcare System; Amber Oxendine, Crescent Hospice; Leslie Herndon, Scotland Healthcare System; and Ed Taner and Rich Urquhart, Village Marketplace.
Evans was introduced to the members. Bakogiannis said that Evans is a native of Marlboro County and has already shown her desire to grow professionally but in a capacity of service and in the spirit of honoring her hometown.
She is a 2014 graduate of Marlboro County High School and a 2018 graduate of Francis Marion University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Evans said she grew up in a small business household with both of her parents having businesses in the county and has seen firsthand the stress and rewards.
She added she has always known she wanted to stay in the county and have a family here.
“I am excited to grow my knowledge of commerce and so I can potentially better the way of life for people like my parents and everyone standing here tonight,” she said. “I look forward to this opportunity.”
Bunch said he was excited for two reasons. One, he had the privilege and honor of working with some of the hardest working people on the board with him.
The second reason was the pandemic.
“Covid is not over but it is almost over. We haven’t quite kicked it yet but we have come very close.”
This means, he said, that the chamber will be able to have events during the next year.
“Events we haven’t had in the last year or two,” Bunch said. “Board members get ready, we are going to put you to work.”
He felt Evans was going to be a game changer for the Chamber.
“With her help along with the board, we are going to be able to do great things,” Bunch said. “We need to be, should be, and will be the liaison between business owners, the city, and the county.”