North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Kaye Collins
Many gathered at the Loris Chamber of Commerce Legacy Awards Banquet on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and mix and mingle began at 6 p.m. Dinner began at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony began promptly at 8 p.m. with Morina Martin and Gregory Martin as emcees.
Jennifer Prince presented a well-organized synopsis of her daughter Ivy Prince’s attributes making her the Youth Leadership Legacy Award winner. Beginning at age 12 Ivy assisted in creating the Loris 4-H Club. She gained opportunities and gained knowledge of community service and leadership qualities. At age 14 Ivy organized community drives to help with personal hygiene kits, food items, books as well as a mini refrigerator and microwave, coffee pots and stocked up for the families with children in the NICU in Florence. By age 15 she launched her Cooking Capable with Ivy. This has launched Ivy’s career through a series of workshops, taught family style designed to teach those of all abilities how to make simple, affordable, nutritious and delicious meals. She has been recognized as South Carolina’s Young Entrepreneur of the year, HTC Community Member of the Month and recieved the Spirit of 4-H Award. She was featured in Clemson World Magazine and this past summer received the State 4-H Award. At the age of 15 Ivy was writing her own grants. Now a high school graduate, attending classes at Horry Georgetown Community College, she continues her vision of Cooking Capable with Ivy and other interests she has and accomplishes as a young woman. Ivy thanked everyone for the Youth Leadership Legacy Award with a great big smile.
The Outstanding Educator Award was presented by former students of Loris High School teacher Jennifer Boyd. Kelcee, Tucker and Kolby McCants honored their former teacher as she acknowledged Boyd’s dedication to her craft that is evident in the way she carefully plans her lessons ensuring that every student understands the material. “She challenges her students to think beyond surface level and inspires them to explore knowledge with curiosity and confidence,” said Kelcee. “This type of instruction has encouraged both my brothers and I to aim higher, to embrace challenges and to trust in our capabilities.” She explained that Mrs. Boyd served as a steadfast source of support during times of personal difficulty and that her guidance has exceeded beyond the classroom and academics reminding us that obstacles and barriers provide opportunities of growth.
Cameron Dozier spoke of Pastor Tommy Shelly of Crossway Church for his attributes to the community announcing he received the Religious Community Award. “Tommy has poured so much love and service into our community,” said Dozier. “Their leadership services as chaplain for the Loris High School athletics.” He continued to share that Shelly and his church group cook turkeys for the community meal organized by Ernie Ross and Open Hearts Community Outreach group. “He faithfully supports the FCA at both the middle and high schools each week, investing in the lives of our young people,” Dozier explained, “and for many years his church has operated a food bank serving countless families in need with compassion and care.” He finished by sharing that their work is a shining example of what it means to live out faith through service. “I am proud to not only recognize him tonight, but also to call Pastor Tommy Shelly my brother and friend.
Loris Police Chief Gary Buley began his speech with what being a police officer truly means, wearing the uniform and the responsibility that comes with it. He said that one officer stands out because he goes above and beyond, not for the recognition, it is the power of service. He presented Sgt. Bobby Brush of the Loris Police Department with the Public Safety and Emergency Services Award. Both were childhood best friends. “What sets Sergeant Brush apart isn’t just his professionalism it is his consistency, care and his commitment to doing things the right way even though no one is watching.” expressed Buley. Brush mentors young people, de-escalates tense situations with calm and respect, he goes over and beyond through community outreach and most importantly of all Brush has made it clear that safety isn’t just about enforcement, it’s about trust.
“There are some people that view their job as simply a way to make a living and there are others who view their job as something more,” said Mike Suggs. The recipient of the Government Contribution has certainly done that by devoting their entire career to government service, primarily in Horry County as a dedicated government employee providing support services to local government and an appointed official. The recipient, Wayne Fox, is dedicated to community service through civic and service clubs such as the Masonic Lodge and the Loris Blue Pride Boosters Club. He is a member of several professional organizations such as the State Fire Marshall’s Association and the International Code Council. He is a man of faith and a member of the First Baptist Church of Loris. Fox adopted Loris as his home when he moved to South Carolina from Louisiana. He is a family man. He and his wife have three children and five grandchildren. His career of nearly 36 years has taken him from Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority to Horry County Government and now the City of Loris. “I mentioned a servant’s heart. This man truly has that,” said Suggs, “While his official job title is building inspector he is always willing to do anything to make Loris a better place.” He has made a career of helping citizens through government service and is truly deserving of this award.
The Humanitarian Award was presented to Giving Hope Gardens as her daughters Mallory Suggs Cox and Jordyn Suggs expressed their love of the nonprofit business. “Giving Hope Gardens is more than a greenhouse and plant nursery,” said Cox, “it is a place where adults with disabilities are empowered with meaningful employment and given the chance to grow and shine.” She shared that beyond the greenhouse and classroom walls their mission touches countless lives by welcoming adult day programs, special education classes, church groups and volunteers who all come together in a spirit of service and belonging. “This year has not been without hardship,” expressed Cox, “Giving Hope Gardens has faced challenges that tested its strength.” Through it all they maintained their true mission to provide opportunity, dignity and hope to those they serve. “Giving Hope Gardens demonstrates extraordinary commitment to serving others, uplifting the most vulnerable and building a stronger and more inclusive community,” said Cox. “They are the perfect recipients of the Humanitarian Award,” Jordyn Suggs said. “It is our honor to present this award to Giving Hope Gardens, Please join me in congratulating them for their dedication to serving others and building a more inclusive community.” Lori Suggs accepted the award graciously.
Christina Jackson presented the Robert Brooks Entrepreneur Award to Jamesha Gore-Coggin of State Farm serving Loris and North Myrtle Beach. “This business that has been open for less than five years and has made a significant impact on the City of Loris. Jamesha has passion, spirit and genuine commitment has built relationships while promoting the overall wellbeing of Loris residents. Her entrepreneurial journey has led to aspirations of growth and innovation by contributing to community initiatives and supporting local programs. When she first opened her business she immediately began to build trust and engagement with local residents specializing in insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of the community. “Not only is she a young entrepreneur, she serves on several boards including McLeod Health Foundation Board that represents Loris and the Coastal region,’ said Jackson. “In this position she and the board have been instrumental bridging gaps for patient needs and transforming lives in our community.” Her loyalty and presence have created a reliable caring business for our local people.
Every great community has a place that feels like home. A little like the old Cheers, where you walk in and everyone knows your name. That’s what this business has given to Loris. It’s more than coffee and fresh baked goods it is a gathering place, a smile, and a reminder of the small-town spirit we’re so proud of. What makes it even more special is that it’s a true family-run business, built with love and commitment to our community. They’ve not only created a thriving shop they’ve helped Loris grow, by supporting events, welcoming neighbors, and making sure everyone who walks through their doors feels like they belong,” expressed Suggs. “It is my honor to present the 2025 Business of the Year to Mattie Jane’s.” Sherrie Keen stood up on the stage attempting to reach the microphone to thank everyone who nominated her business.
“It’s my absolute honor tonight to present the Citizen of the Year Award to someone who truly embodies the spirit of service, compassion, and community.” said Sherrie Keen “I want to express my deepest gratitude to this person for the incredible warmth and support they’ve shown my husband and myself since we arrived in the community,” shared Keen, “from the very beginning, they welcomed us with open arms, introduced us to so many wonderful people, and gave me the confidence to open my own business.” Their encouragement and help along the way have meant the world to me, and I truly don’t know where I’d be without their guidance and kindness. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey. “Most of you know him as the warm smile behind a local diner, a place that’s more than just a restaurant. It’s a gathering spot, a safe haven and for many, a second home.” she stated. What truly sets him apart is what he does outside the spotlight. Every Thanksgiving, while most of us are sitting down with our own families, he’s making sure no one in the City of Loris goes without a hot meal hosting free community lunches that feed hundreds. He’s organized countless benefits for families in need, never asking for recognition, only asking how he can help. His commitment to his church, his tireless support for local causes, and his unwavering dedication to his family all speak to a man whose values are rooted in love, generosity, and faith. He doesn’t just talk about community he builds it. Day by day. Meal by meal. Heart to heart. “So tonight, on behalf of the entire City of Loris, it is my great privilege to present the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award to Mr. Ernie Ross.”
Scott Montgomery, CEO of Loris McLeod Hospital, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. Montgomery said to Mr. Ronald Fowler for his lifetime commitment to education, public service and community leadership in Horry County. Fowler is a native to Horry County and has dedicated more than five decades to serving the people and institutions of this region. He is a graduate of Wofford College and holder of a Master’s degree in Education from USC. Mr. Fowler has spent his professional career enriching lives through education and faithfully served Horry County Schools for over 50 years. Beyond education, Mr. Fowler has made a lasting impact through civic and community service. In 2001 he was appointed to the Loris Community Hospital District Board of Commissioners where he served as Chairman and Vice Chairman. He was also on the Board in 2011 when McLeod Health and Loris Healthcare System formalized their long standing and mutually beneficial partnership with a decision to affiliate. In 2012 Mr. Fowler represented Horry County on the McLeod Health Board of Trustees where he currently sits as Chairman. He also served as Chairman of the Governance Committee and serving as a member of Nominating Finance, Audit and Compliance, Planning, Physician Development and Workforce Development of Education. “Ronald Fowler embodies the values of service, integrity and commitment.” said Montgomery, “His enduring contributions have touched countless lives and continue to shape the future of Horry County.” His final statement given, “For his unwavering dedication and remarkable legacy, he is most deserving of this distinguished honor.”
Sherrie Keen presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Ernie Ross, owner of Ernie’s Diner. Keen expressed her deepest gratitude to Ross for the incredible warmth and support shown to her husband and herself as they arrived in Loris. She stated that Ross embodied the spirit of service and compassion for the community. “He is the one who welcomed us with open arms and gave me the confidence to open my own business,” said Keen, “His encouragement and help along the way meant the world to me.” She explained that Ernie’s Diner is a place where customers are welcomed with a warm smile and that the restaurant is a gathering spot for many of his customers. “At Thanksgiving, while most of us are sitting down with our own families, he is making sure no one in the City of Loris goes without a hot meal,” she expressed, “Ernie has organized countless benefits for families in need, never asking for recognition.” Ernie is a man who asks how he can help, his tireless support for local causing and unwavering dedication to his family and church community.
“The Loris Legacy Awards Banquet was a wonderful celebration of our community,” said Samantha Norris, Executive Director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, attendees, and presenters for sharing their time and thoughtful words.” She stated each award was so well deserved, and the chamber truly enjoyed showcasing a taste of flavors from our local businesses, which made the evening even more special. Ritchie’s General Store and Eatery provided prime rib, fried chicken, brussel sprouts, cooked carrots and had a mashed potato bar. Mattie Jane’s Coffee Shop provided street corn dip and humus with chips and a selection of their flavored beers.
