Columbia chamber to honor 5 business leaders at annual gala.

Five Midlands leaders will be recognized by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards gala on Oct. 7.

As previously announced, longtime banking executive Mike Brenan will receive the Ambassador of the Year award. He will be joined by four other honorees: Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group and the chamber's Young Professional of the Year; Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Public Servant of the Year; Bryant Davis, assistant director of government and community services for Richland County, Diplomat of the Year; and Joanie Thresher, executive director and on behalf of USO South Carolina, Military Advocate of the Year.

The 118th gala, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and featuring a fast-paced new format, will be held Oct. 7 at Central Energy...