Gustavo Rattia receives the Pearl Award on behalf of his company, Oceana Blue Media, at the Golden Oyster Awards Gala March 18. The company was also named Chamber Member of the Year.
The Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and individuals at the eighth annual Golden Oyster Awards Gala, an event created to honor businesses and individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Chamber and the community. The event was held March 18 at Pinckney Hall in Sun City and was presented by Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
More than 45 businesses were nominated to receive an award for nine different categories. Nominee applications for the awards were vetted by individuals in the Chamber of Commerce industry from Louisiana, Tennessee and Florida.
Based on specific award category criteria, the following local businesses were recognized as recipients among the different categories:
Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Monty Schwartz
Bluffton Chamber Young Professional of the Year: Marcus Walsh
Nonprofit of the Year: Programs for Exceptional People (PEP)
Community Philanthropy Award: Pay Proudly
New Business of the Year: Southern Sky Recovery
Business of the Year: WHHI-TV
Chamber Member of the Year: Oceano Blue Media
Lifetime Achievement Award: Daniel Wood
Wood was honored for his lifelong service to the Greater Bluffton Community. He is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for all, giving back, and is heavily involved in several civic organizations within our community. In addition, he is known as the founder of the Arts & Seafood Festival, a Lowcountry signature event.
In addition to the above awards, one of the award recipients received the Pearl Award, the highest honor that is awarded to a recipient based on standing out above the rest for their contributions and service to the Greater Bluffton area.
Gustavo Rattia, and his Oceano Blue Media company, was chosen as the 2022 Pearl Award recipient for “standing out” above this year’s award recipients for his dedication and impact to the Chamber and the Greater Bluffton community. He tirelessly gives of himself and his talents to make the Chamber and community better.
“It is a true honor and privilege to prestigiously recognize local businesses for their contributions that they have made to the Greater Bluffton community,” said Natalie Osterman, CEO of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. “This event was a true testament to (our) community, and we were elated to see so many women and men coming together to celebrate, connect, and support local businesses.”
Since its creation in 2012, the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce has been the “voice” of local businesses, providing them with valuable resources and opportunities to help them connect, grow and succeed in an ever-changing economy.
For more information about the awards, visit blufftonchamberofcommerce.org.
