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Ruskin Chamber Hosts Awards Gala, Honors 6

Tribune by LOIS KINDLE

Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, and John Smith, Ruskin's honorary mayor, preview a slide show that played throughout the 81st annual chamber banquet and silent auction.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: January 28, 2009

APOLLO BEACH Dressed in party attire, 232 guests attended an Academy Awards-style gala at Southshore Falls Jan. 16 to celebrate Ruskin's finest.

The Ruskin Chamber of Commerce's 81st Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction was the chamber's way of thanking its membership for a successful 2008, a venue for it to recognize businesses and individuals for their contributions to the community and an opportunity to raise operating funds for the chamber.

"We welcomed 111 new members during the past year," said Melanie Morrison, executive director of the chamber. "That brought our total membership to 360 members, an all-time high."

During her opening remarks, Morrison reviewed the chamber's accomplishments for 2008, which included its inaugural Shop Ruskin First Business Expo and partnership role in organizing the Big Give in Ruskin, the first of many to come. Perhaps the most significant, she said, was the fundraiser held for the Bloomingdale Library attack victim.

"In four hours, more than $20,000 in cash was raised on site," she said. "Of the 1,200 people who attended, 250 were Ruskin chamber members. This is a true reflection of the generosity of our business community in Ruskin and South Shore.

"What makes this chamber stand out from others is without question our members," she said. "When you have a great board, enthusiastic group of ambassadors and an incredible membership to work with, the rest just seems to fall into place."

Sporting a black tuxedo, Ruskin's honorary mayor, John Smith, emceed.

Statuettes and gift baskets were given to winners in six categories: Business Person/Large Business of the Year; Business Person/Small Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Rising Star Award, Volunteer of the Year and the E.G. Simmons Award. There were three nominees in each category.

Special recognition was given to Joel and Jackie Rosenberg as the chamber's "Dynamic Duo."

Following the presentation ceremony, Smith was given the key to Ruskin as the community's honorary mayor, and outgoing President Pat Warbritton passed the chamber gavel new President Patti Thornton.

"I'm happy to give this to you," Warbritton said.

"I bet," Thornton joked.

What made this gala different from others in the past, said Morrison, was its theme. Every detail mimicked the Academy Awards, from the limousine and red carpet out front to the sparkling décor and program.

"It's a keeper," Morrison said.

"I thought the entire event was wonderful," said Penny Smith, co-owner of H&R Block. "The turnout was great, there was no doubt the winners were thrilled and deserving, the room looked grand and the food was delicious, especially the desserts. The special touches, like the limo and red carpet, were delightful."

NOMINEES AND AWARD WINNERS

AWARD: Business Person/Large Business of the Year

PRESENTER: Mike Langjahr

NOMINEES: Sherrell Bennett/South Bay Hospital, Jim Johnson/Mosaic Fertilizer LLC and Gracie Guinto/Trustco Bank

RECIPIENT: Sherrell Bennett/South Bay Hospital

AWARD: Business Person/Small Business of the Year

PRESENTER: Len Gamble

NOMINEES: The Rev. Jerry Lubrano/Destiny, Sy and Leah Momenzadeh/Sava Café, Mary Ann Wilhelm/Wilhelm Heating & Air Conditioning

RECIPIENT: Sy and Leah Momenzadeh/Sava Café

AWARD: Ambassador of the Year, given to the most active, enthusiastic chamber representative of 2008

PRESENTER: Ron Simpson

NOMINEES: Jennie Harris, John Smith and Ron Simpson

RECIPIENT: Jennie Harris

AWARD: Rising Star Award, given to the most involved new chamber member

PRESENTER: Denise Reiter

NOMINEES: Joel Meek, John Lawson and Walt Vickers

RECIPIENT: John Lawson

AWARD: Volunteer of the Year

PRESENTER: John Smith

NOMINEES: Tony Zipperer, Brenda Raysbrook and Len Gamble

RECIPIENT: Len Gamble

AWARD: E.G. Simmons Award, given to the person who most exemplified selflessness in 2008

PRESENTER: Beth Howard

NOMINEES: The Rev. Jack Palzer, Donald "Beanie" Tichy and DJ Gary Stebbins

RECIPIENT: Donald "Beanie" Tichy

RUSKIN CHAMBER BOARD/STAFF

James Adcock

Sherell Bennett

Sandy Council

Charlie Lewis

Jim Johnson

Len Gamble

Brandy Knowles

Mike Langjhar

Robert Newhart

Denise Reiter

John Smith

Tony Zipperer

Joel Meek

Patti Thornton, incoming president

Pat Warbritton, outgoing president

Linda Thiffault and Lynn Stephen, executive administrators

Melanie Morrison, executive director

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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