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Chamber Hosts Awards Gala

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 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 to 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 decor 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."
RUSKIN CHAMBER BOARD/STAFF

James Adcock, Sherell Bennett, Sandy Council, Charlie Lewis, Jim Johnson, Len Gamble, Brandy Knowles, Mike Langjhar Joel Meek, Robert Newhart, Denise Reiter, John Smith, Tony Zipperer

Incoming president: Patti Thornton

Outgoing president: Pat Warbritton

Executive administrators: Linda Thiffault and Lynn Stephen

Executive director: Melanie Morrison

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553. To view a photo gallery of the event, go to southshore.tbo.com and enter Keyword: Ruskin Chamber Gala.

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