Lexington Chamber Former President/CEO Otis Rawl Receives Order of The Palmetto

LEXINGTON, SC – Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center former President/CEO Otis B. Rawl Jr.
was awarded the Order of the Palmetto at the Chamber’s breakfast meeting Tuesday morning.

The Order of the Palmetto is the state’s highest civilian honor awarded to citizens of South Carolina for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements
of national or statewide significance.

Notable South Carolinians including Sen. Ronnie Cromer and Lou Kennedy, President & CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, wrote letters in support
of Rawl’s nomination.

“The award itself is given to those who have helped the whole state of South Carolina,” said Sen. Cromer. “Otis is definitely one of those because of his
service to the SC Chamber and a champion for businesses in South Carolina.”

“The Lexington Chamber and Lexington County have benefitted from Rawl’s leadership,” said Chamber President/CEO Angelle LaBorde. “Otis receiving this prestigious
honor is reflective of the value of his decades of service and contributions to our state.”

During his tenure as Chamber President/CEO from 2016 to 2020, the Chamber was awarded with 4-Star Accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerce
for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community. The Chamber also hosted successful community events
such as Dining On The Dam, where 1,300 guests from the Midlands community and beyond walked the Lake Murray Dam and enjoyed dishes that incorporated
Certified SC Grown products while taking in the view of Lexington’s most recognized landmark.

Prior to joining the Lexington Chamber, Rawl served as President and CEO of the SC Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2014. Rawl joined the SC Chamber in
2001 as vice president of public policy and was named chief operating officer in 2008. Before his career with the SC Chamber, Rawl worked with the
SC Department of Revenue for more than 20 years. In addition to his work at the department of revenue, Rawl served a six-month term with the SC State
Treasurer’s Office and was also appointed chief of staff of the SC Department of Public Safety by the governor in 1995.

A 4-Star Accredited Chamber, The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center has been creating a community that grows business for more than 60 years. Through
services, advocacy and education for its nearly 800 shareholders, the Chamber and Visitors Center strives to promote business prosperity and a thriving
community. To learn more about the Chamber and the Lexington area, visit www.lexingtonsc.org.

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