Chamber gala honors outstanding businesses and citizens
The following members were honored at the Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the DiamondHead All-Suites Beach Resort for their outstanding contributions and efforts during the 2008 chairmanship of Bill Van Duzer.
Carl Conley, editor of the Island Sandpaper, will take over as new board chairman this year.
The annual major non-committee based recognitions included:
1) Friend of the Beach AwardTed & JoEllyn Reckwerdt
2) Improvement AwardYucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill
3) Image AwardIsland Arts Foundation/ The Purple Heart Theater
4) Outstanding Citizen of the Year…….Mayor Larry Kiker
5) Professional of the Year Award……………Larry Wood, Principal of the Beach Elementary School
6) Environmental AwardTerry Cain for her dedication in protecting Estero Island and its waterways.
7) Outstanding Service Award…………Andrew Cochrane, AAIM Realty
8) Business of the Year Award..South Beach Grill
9) Outstanding MemberDebbie Mooneyham, Colonial Bank
10) Special Recognition AwardC.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team)
The 2008 Chairman of the Board, Bill Van Duzer, was recognized for his outstanding service as chairman with a large clock plaque.
Additional recognition awards were given to the chairpersons of chamber committees and events. Recipients included:
1) Ambassador CommitteeNancy Eaton, Fifth Third Bank
2) Traffic CommitteeTom Myers, Red Coconut RV Park
3) Christmas Boat Parade………………..Dan Eaton
4) 5K Treasure Run…………Jason Patterson
5) Legislative Committee & Annual GalaFran Myers, Red Coconut RV Park
6) Spirit Of The Holidays CommitteeCarl Conley, Island Sand paper & Debbie Mooneyham, Colonial Bank
7) Sandsculpting Festival Committee.Andrew Cochrane, AAIM Realty
8) Easter Egg Hunt Committee.Suzanne Bartels, Lee Memorial Foundation
9) Taste of the Beach CommitteeGeorge Ghanem, Taylor Rental/Creative Events
10) Pirate Festival Committee.Bill Van Duzer, Van Care Construction
11) Island Expo Committee..Nancy Eaton, Fifth Third Bank
Special recognition wen to Patti Cochrane for her efforts as chairwoman of the new beautification committee.