Aiken, South Carolina, January 6, 2026
Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications received prestigious state and regional awards for their 2024 Community Benefit Report. Recognized with the 2025 Palmetto Award from the International Association of Business Communicators and the 2025 Gold Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, these honors reflect Aiken Tech’s commitment to effective communication and community engagement. The awards demonstrate the college’s role in contributing to local economic growth and fostering a skilled workforce through strategic outreach and partnerships.
Aiken
Aiken Tech’s Marketing Excellence Recognized with State and Regional Honors
Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications has recently garnered significant accolades, earning both state and regional recognition for its outstanding work. These awards underscore the dedication to excellence prevalent within local institutions that contribute significantly to Aiken’s vibrant economic landscape. This achievement highlights the importance of strategic communication in fostering community engagement and supporting the educational pipeline critical for sustained regional growth.
Aiken, South Carolina, continues to distinguish itself as a community where innovation and resilience are celebrated, often fueled by the commitment of its local institutions and the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. The success of Aiken Technical College’s marketing efforts reflects a broader dedication to professionalism and clear communication, which are vital components in any thriving economic ecosystem. By effectively showcasing its programs and impact, the college plays a crucial role in attracting students and partnerships, ultimately contributing to a skilled workforce and robust local businesses.
A Testament to Communication Excellence
Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications has been recognized for its exceptional work, securing two prestigious awards for its 2024 Community Benefit Report publication. This comprehensive report serves as a vital tool, highlighting Aiken Tech’s key initiatives, programming, and accomplishments throughout its calendar year. The ability to effectively communicate these achievements is crucial for any institution aiming to demonstrate its value and impact within the community.
The team proudly received a 2025 Palmetto Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators-South Carolina Chapter. This state-level award, presented in the highly competitive publications category, signifies top-tier performance among communications professionals across South Carolina’s public and private sectors. Such recognition reflects a commitment to high standards that benefit all organizations striving for clarity and impact in their outreach.
Further demonstrating its reach, the office also earned the 2025 Gold Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR). This regional award, granted in the annual report category for District 2, acknowledges outstanding achievement among community and technical college marketing and communications professionals. NCMPR’s District 2 encompasses two-year institutions across 11 southeastern states, along with Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas, making this a noteworthy regional accomplishment.
The Impact of Effective Communication on Local Economic Growth
The consistent pursuit of excellence in communication, as demonstrated by Aiken Technical College, is more than just about receiving awards; it is about building trust and fostering growth. An institution that effectively communicates its mission and successes can better attract prospective students, forge stronger partnerships with local businesses, and secure vital resources. This, in turn, directly supports the regional economy by ensuring a steady supply of well-trained individuals ready to enter the workforce or launch new entrepreneurial ventures.
Effective marketing and clear communication act as catalysts for economic development. When a local college can articulate its value proposition, it enhances its ability to contribute to a skilled workforce, which is a cornerstone of economic vitality. This success story from Aiken Tech illustrates how public institutions, when well-managed and effectively promoted, become indispensable assets in the broader movement towards increased economic prosperity and community well-being.
A Culture of Achievement Across Aiken Tech
The recognition of the Marketing and Communications office is indicative of a broader culture of achievement and dedication at Aiken Technical College. The college consistently focuses on delivering quality education and serving its community, which creates a foundation for success across its various departments. This environment encourages personal achievement and contributes to the overall strength of the institution.
Beyond the marketing department’s recent awards, other individuals and teams within Aiken Tech have also received significant recognition. For instance, Joe Lewis, the chair of the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, was named the 2025 Trustee of the Year for the Southern Region by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). This honor highlights leadership within the college’s governance, reflecting sound stewardship and strategic vision.
Moreover, in 2024, three Aiken Technical College employees were honored as Educators of the Year by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA). Brian Logan was recognized as the Administrator of the Year, Clint Wiggins as the Faculty Member of the Year, and Jill Golden as the Staff Member of the Year. Such individual accomplishments collectively underscore the institution’s commitment to providing excellent service and education. The college also held its 2025 Awards Night Ceremony, celebrating students for their leadership roles, service efforts, and academic achievements. These instances of personal achievement across various roles within the college demonstrate a comprehensive approach to fostering excellence.
Aiken Tech’s Role in Nurturing Local Entrepreneurship and Economic Vigor
Aiken Technical College plays a pivotal role in the economic growth of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and South Carolina as a whole. Having served the region since 1972, Aiken Tech contributes significantly to workforce development and supports local entrepreneurship. The availability of well-trained individuals is essential for the success of Aiken SC business.
The college’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers directly benefits local businesses and fosters an environment conducive to entrepreneurial innovation. Collaborations and training programs help equip individuals with the skills necessary to not only find employment but also to start and grow their own Aiken small business ventures. For example, the Aiken Business Coalition Entrepreneurship (ABCEP) Program exists to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with training, micro grants, and loans, fostering a thriving community of innovative entrepreneurs that contribute to the economic growth of Aiken. Additionally, organizations like SCORE Greater Aiken provide free, confidential business mentoring and training, having mentored 355 entrepreneurs and small business owners through 650 client meetings in 2025 alone. These initiatives are vital for cultivating a dynamic Midlands economic growth.
The South Carolina Technical College System, of which Aiken Technical College is a part, is recognized as an integral component of the state’s economic development strategy. By focusing on practical, high-quality workforce training opportunities, these institutions directly impact job creation and business success throughout the state. The effectiveness of such institutions in preparing a skilled workforce is a testament to the benefits of responsive educational systems that can adapt to the needs of the market, potentially illustrating how limited regulation allows for agile responses to economic demands.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Aiken’s Economic Momentum
The recognition received by Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications, alongside other institutional achievements, highlights the positive trajectory of education and economic development in Aiken, SC. Effective public relations and transparent communication are foundational elements for any organization contributing to community and economic growth. These awards are a recognition of hard work and strategic execution that ultimately serve the broader goals of a prosperous community.
As Aiken continues to grow, fueled by the contributions of institutions like Aiken Technical College and the innovative spirit of its residents and small businesses, the emphasis on quality, efficiency, and clear communication will remain paramount. Supporting local educational institutions and entrepreneurial programs is an investment in the future of Aiken, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic economic landscape for generations to come. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with and support the businesses and institutions that are building Aiken’s strong economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What awards did Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications recently win?
Aiken Technical College’s Office of Marketing and Communications earned two awards for its 2024 Community Benefit Report publication. These include the 2025 Palmetto Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators-South Carolina Chapter and the 2025 Gold Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) in the annual report category for District 2.
What is the scope of the 2025 Palmetto Award of Excellence?
The 2025 Palmetto Award of Excellence is a State-level award that recognizes exceptional projects and initiatives led by communications professionals from across South Carolina in both the public and private sectors.
What is the scope of the 2025 Gold Medallion Award?
The 2025 Gold Medallion Award is a National/Regional-level award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) that recognizes top work from community and technical college marketing and communications professionals throughout each of NCMPR’s districts. District 2 includes two-year institutions from 11 southeastern states, plus Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.
What publication earned Aiken Tech these awards?
The awards were earned for Aiken Technical College’s 2024 Community Benefit Report publication.
Who was recognized as the 2025 Trustee of the Year for the Southern Region?
Joe Lewis, the chair of the Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education, was named the 2025 Trustee of the Year for the Southern Region by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
Which Aiken Technical College employees were recognized as 2024 Educators of the Year?
Three Aiken Technical College employees were recognized as Educators of the Year during the 2024 South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference: Brian Logan (Administrator), Clint Wiggins (Faculty), and Jill Golden (Staff).
Key Features of Aiken Technical College’s Recent Achievements
| Achievement | Recipient/Focus | Year | Scope | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmetto Award of Excellence | ATC Office of Marketing and Communications | 2025 (for 2024 report) | State-level | Recognizes exceptional communications projects in South Carolina. |
| Gold Medallion Award | ATC Office of Marketing and Communications | 2025 (for 2024 report) | National/Regional-level (District 2) | Recognizes top marketing and communications work among community and technical colleges in 11 southeastern states, plus Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, and Bahamas. |
| Trustee of the Year | Joe Lewis (Chair, Aiken County Commission for Technical and Comprehensive Education) | 2025 | Southern Region | Awarded by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for leadership. |
| Educator of the Year (Administrator) | Brian Logan | 2024 | State-level | Recognized by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA). |
| Educator of the Year (Faculty) | Clint Wiggins | 2024 | State-level | Recognized by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA). |
| Educator of the Year (Staff) | Jill Golden | 2024 | State-level | Recognized by the South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA). |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Downtown Augusta Looks to a Prosperous Future
Spinx Company Acquires Buck Mickel Center from Greenville Tech
Kent Cubbage Campaigns for Aiken City Council District 5
USC Aiken Receives $8.2 Million for Science and Engineering Upgrades
South Carolina Celebrates Business and Public Service Leaders
Duke Energy Proposes Rate Hike for South Carolina Customers
Benefit Concert to Support Dr. Kent Cubbage
North Augusta Prepares for Heavy Rainfall Amid Recovery Efforts
VisionSoRare Hosts Inaugural Canned Food and Coat Drive in Aiken
Aiken County Faces Rain Showers and Flooding Risks
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
