ROCK HILL, SC — The York County Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its 26th Annual Awards Celebration on February 26, 2026, gathering the region’s most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and community pillars. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication driving the economic and social fabric of York County.
From century-old family legacies to modern architectural innovators, the 2026 honorees represent the gold standard of professional achievement and civic duty.
The Top Honors: Leadership and Legacy
ATHENA International Leadership Award: Natalie Parker The prestigious ATHENA award was presented to Natalie Renee Parker, founder of Natalie Parker Enterprises. A powerhouse in leadership coaching and a TEDx speaker, Parker has impacted over 10,000 people globally. As the voice behind the award-winning podcast So Your Boss Sucks, Now What?, she was recognized for her mission to replace toxic workplace cultures with accountability and purpose.
Robert F. Youngblood Lifetime Business Achievement Award: Greene Funeral Home Marking a century of service, the Greene family—represented by Frank Greene, Susan Fischer, and Jay Fischer—received the Lifetime Business Achievement Award. Since 1926, through four generations, the family has provided dignity and compassion to Rock Hill families, notably establishing the area’s first crematory and maintaining a 100-year legacy of excellence.
Business People of the Year
The Chamber recognized individual leaders who have made a localized impact across York County’s distinct communities:
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Small Business Person of the Year: Chef Rob Masone The 2023 SC Chef Ambassador and mastermind behind Kounter, Kr8 Experiences, and Elsie’s, Masone was honored for his culinary innovation and mentorship of rising talent.
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Rock Hill Area Business Person of the Year: Derick Close As Chairman of Springs Digital and Springs Creative, Close was celebrated for continuing a 100-year family legacy of industrial innovation and his extensive civic involvement across the Carolinas.
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Fort Mill/Tega Cay Area Business Person of the Year: Chef Jon Fortes Co-owner of The Flipside Restaurant Group, Fortes was recognized for transforming the local dining scene with concepts like Salmeri’s and Fortes Mill Eatery, blending culinary skill with genuine community connection.
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York Area Business Person of the Year: Beth Black White A third-generation steward of Black’s Peaches, White was honored for her advocacy for South Carolina agriculture and for maintaining a family farming legacy that spans over 300 years.
Industry Leaders & Community Servants
York County Manufacturer of the Year: MÜNZING The Clover-based facility of this 195-year-old German specialty additive manufacturer was recognized for its operational excellence. Luke Bolding, Director of Manufacturing, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
York County Hospitality Professional of the Year: Malinda Foster In just a few short years since moving to the county, Foster (Primo Investments) has revolutionized local hospitality sales and now serves as a vital voice on the York County Board of Tourism.
Citizenship & Service Award: Justin Smith Founder of Vinyet Architecture, Smith was highlighted for his “building strong places” philosophy, proving that professional architectural vision and community service go hand-in-hand.
Community Engagement Spotlight: Hannah Smith The Chamber also celebrated Hannah Smith of the York County Natural Gas Authority. Her work in the Community Investment Initiative has been instrumental in connecting local students to career pathways, proving that the best marketing is rooted in social work and strategic leadership.
Photos by York County Regional Chamber of Commerce
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