FMB Chamber pays tribute at Gala
The 72nd Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Gala announced a new chairperson of the board, saluted the outgoing two-term chairman and offered many awards and recognition during its Saturday evening event at DiamondHead Beach Resort.
Chairman Andrew Cochrane, who was noted as only the second person to serve two terms as chairperson in the organization’s long history, emceed the event until he gave way to 2012 Chairwoman Jennifer Seaborn,
Cochrane introduced his successor as “professional with a splash of humor” and confessed that she “will be heads and shoulders better than I ever thought of being” near the end of the evening.
“She is much more diplomatic, very cautious before she gives thoughts, while versed about the island business and has a firm repoire about the (Lee County) TDC (Tourist Development Council) and VCB (Visitor Convention Bureau),” he said.
Seaborn announced the organization’s challenge for the future. She is the director of marketing and sales for SunStream, Inc.
“I will extend to our board of directors and the entire membership to commit to make 2012 the year that we will individually as well as collectively make the needed effort to mend the fences that exists and commit to strengthen the fabric of the business community on the island,” she said. “This must be done be effort and outreach and not based necessarily on the geographic location. As the saying goes, ‘many hands make the light work.'”
The Madris Gras-themed event featured networking, socializing, a dinner buffet, a performance by the Hot Flashz Dance Team, the announcement of the 2012 Chamber Board of Directors and a number of prestigious awards. Ten distinct Chamber awards were followed by community awards for those who chaired individual committees within the organization.
Lee Parks Director Barbara Manzo, who accepted the Image Award for her department, called the construction of Crescent Beach Family Park “a labor of love” and thanked Town of Fort Myers Beach officials for assistance in the project.
In receiving the Improvement Award, Beach resident John Richard was applauded for his future building vision -particularly his latest project which houses the business Zushi Zushi- as a property owner on Old San Carlos Boulevard.
In the Special Recognition Award, Laurie Albion was praised for her “under the radar” work.
“Believe me, without having her these past few years, we would not have the exposure that we do today,” said Cochrane, who received the Citizen of the Year Award from past Chairwoman Fran Myers (1985) and eight more past chairmen in attendance. They included John Albion (1988); Roxie Smith (1991); Dr. Tom Williams (1992); Tom Myers (1994); Ann Alsop (1997); Scott Gregory (2002); Robin Calabrese (2005); and Jane Ross (2007).
Ellis Etter, Pink Shell Resort’s director of marketing and sales, was grateful for the Professional of the Year Award, but accepted it on behalf of everyone who has not yet won the award.
“It’s hard to accept this because there are so many people that are extremely deserving of this,” he said. “We do what we can for the community and be a good neighbor to in some way hopefully help to make Fort Myers Beach a great place to live and work.”
Cochrane will be remembered for his role in the community. His second term as Chamber Chairman to the Board was self-accepted only after a resignation left the organization without an able, experienced body to jump into the position.
“The collective leadership of our President John Albion and fellow directors of the board have been pivotal for seeing us through what people would have described our economy as a perfect storm,” he said. “I wish to express a word of sincere gratitude as to the support that I have received from fellow directors and all of the assistants and contributions that we continue to receive from our dedicated members.”
BOX
Chamber awards
Image Award Lee County Parks & Recreation
Environmental Award Veolia Environmental Services
Improvement Award John Richard
Friend of the Beach Award Nancy MacFee, Lee VCB program manager
Business of the Year Award Gavin’s Ace Hardware
Special Recognition Award Laurie Albion
Citizen of the Year Award Andrew Cochrane
Professional of the Year Award Ellis Etter
Outstanding Service Award Celeste Hug
Member of the Year Award Brooke Klay
Chairman Awards
Andrew Cochrane Sand Sculpting Committee chairperson
Eric Tibbs Ambassador Committee chairperson
Amy Jane Mellott Sprit of the Holidays Committee chairperson
Fran Myers Legislative Committee chairperson
Steve DeAngelis Taste of the Beach Committee chairperson
Dan Eaton Christmas Boat Parade Committee Chairperson
Tom Myers Traffic Committee Chairperson