The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards and Taste of Liberty event last Thursday evening at the Econo Lodge in Hinesville. Local businesses and business employees were honored for their dedicated service to the community and the chamber.

The honorees were categorized by size of company. The event also recognized the Business Leader of The Year.

K&M Xtreme Clean earned the award for best 2018 self-employed business. The Hinesville Housing Authority won in the category of 2-15 employees. PC Simonton and Associates won the honor for a business with 16-35 employees. Coastal Electric Cooperative won in the category of 36-50 employees and ESG Operations took the honor for businesses with 51 or more employees.

Brigitte and Jimmy Shanken and the Team Shanken group was honored as the Business Leader of the Year.

Chamber and CVB CEO Leah Poole, also recognized Randy Mayfield, of Georgia Power, as the 2018 Chamber Champion. Civic Leader of the Year went to Roger Hutchinson. The 2018 Chamber Volunteer of the Year was Wendy Kirkby. Poole also announced Ameris Bank as the 2018 Chamber Business Champions.

At the event several food vendors were on hand as attendees cast their vote for the winners of the annual Taste of liberty.

LongHorn Steakhouse beat out the competition winning best desserts with their Chocolate Stompede. Sho’ Nuff Smoking Good BBQ swept the remaining categories for People’s Choice, Best Main Course and Best Local Flavor.