The Riley Institute at Furman University this week announced the winners of its annual OneSouthCarolina Awards, which recognize South Carolinians who “exemplify statesmanship and a steadfast commitment to inclusive progress. Also this week, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce recognized two lawmakers for leadership.
Through the Riley Institute, S.C. Rep. Neal Collins, R–Pickens, will receive the 2026 Legislative Leadership award for his bipartisan approach to policymaking, and his focus on legislation with “long-term impact,” particularly in education and child welfare.
Winning the institute’s Civic Leadership award is William “Bill” Finn, a longtime South Carolina business leader and CEO who serves in leadership roles with several nonprofits, including as board chair of Turn90, which supports formerly incarcerated men.
Finally, the group’s Partners in Progress award went to the Center for Heirs’ Property for their work in helping families secure legal titles to inherited land.
The awards will be presented at the 2026 Building OneSC Forum and
Riley-Wilkins Awards Dinner on Jan. 13.
Meanwhile, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce also announced its 2025 House and Senate “legislator of the year” awards.
Rep. Brandon Newton, R-Lancaster, was honored for his “longstanding support for a pro-business agenda,” as well as his work to advance income tax cuts, according to a Chamber release.
“As the son of a small business owner who took a risk and started a business, I’m proud to stand up in the State House for people like her,” Newton said. “Supporting our business community is vital to the prosperity and future of our state.”
On the other side of the Capitol, Sen. Majority Leader Shane Massey (R-Edgefield) won for his efforts to push through a lawsuit reform bill that supporters say will lower liquor liability and other business insurance premiums.
“It is an honor to receive the Chamber’s Legislator of the Year award,” Massey said. “The Senate delivered major, pro-business victories this year, and I am committed to building on the work that’s been done to make South Carolina even more business-friendly in the decades to come.”
The legislators will be formally recognized at the S.C. Chamber’s 46th Annual Summit, which runs from Oct. 26 to 30.
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