Columbia Chamber names its Ambassador of the Year.

• Position: David Pankau

David Pankau has received the Ambassador of the Year award from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

He will be honored at the Chamber's 119th Annual Gala on Oct. 6, according to a news release.

The award, sponsored by Colonial Life, is presented to a member of the community who demonstrates outstanding business ethnics and has influenced positive promotion and preservation of the Midlands area.

"David Pankau is a leader in the business community whose tireless efforts have helped to grow and shape Columbia as we know it," said Carl Blackstone, president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber.

Pankau was with BlueCross BlueShield for 30 years and served as president and CEO from 2010 until his retirement July 1.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in public health from the University of South Carolina. Pankau served on the board of directors of Midlands Business Leadership Group, Palmetto Business...