The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center recognized several local individuals and businesses, including Lexington County Blowfish owners Bill and Vicki Shanahan, at its annual meeting and awards banquet held on Wednesday, August 26. The Shanahans received the Mike Till Impact Award for their community contributions, which include the Blowfish baseball club and the popular Shamrock Parade.
State Representative Paula Rawl Calhoon introduced the Shanahans, noting their 21-year journey with the Lexington County Blowfish and their partnerships with the business community, local government, and various organizations. Calhoon highlighted the Blowfish’s commitment to community outreach and nonprofit collaborations, emphasizing their focus on providing affordable family entertainment and assisting Lexington County families.
Bill Shanahan credited teamwork for the Blowfish’s achievements, including winning the Coastal Plain League’s Petit Cup championship in 2012 and 2023, and launching the Shamrock Parade, which marked its 11th consecutive year this March. He acknowledged Lauren Scurry, who organizes the Lexington Christmas Parade, for her assistance in getting the Shamrock Parade started. Scurry, along with Angela Klosterman, helped present the Mike Till Impact Award, named after their father, a former chamber board chairman.
The chamber also honored two Young Professionals of the Year: James J.R. Fennell, director of the Lexington County Museum, and Ikeiya Blakely, founder and CEO of Busy Bees Playhouse. Blakely opened Busy Bees, an inclusive indoor sensory play space, after experiencing a personal tragedy, channeling her grief into creating a place of joy and connection for local families. Fennell was recognized for nearly two decades of preserving and sharing community history, growing the Lexington County Museum through innovative programming, and serving as chairman of Lexington County’s 250th commission.
Other awards presented included Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union as Large Business of the Year, Elite Lawn and Landscape LLC as Small Business of the Year, and Daphne Freeman of Jan-Pro of Columbia as Ambassador of the Year. W. Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy in South Carolina, delivered the keynote address. The event also marked the transition of the chamber board chairmanship from Trey Powell to Austin McVay, a commercial relationship manager for United Community Bank.
