It was truly a “night to remember” January 31, when William Karns (William Karns Enterprises) accepted the Chamber’s chairmanship for 2019 from outgoing chairman Joe Dise (Dise Wealth Management) during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet at the Bilmar Beach Resort.

The gala also saw the installation of the 20019 Board of Directors:
First Vice-Chair Ken Hautmann (Caddy’s), Second Vice-Chair Greg Tong (Sons of the American Legion, Post 158), Treasurer Carol Coward (CPA), J.J. Buggle (Admiral Farragut Academy), Jim Everett (Everett Financial), Dennis Fagan (Century 21 Jim White), Kathleen McDole (Friendly Fisherman), Bob Minning (BC Minning & Associates), Mark O’Donnell (RGA Network), Barry Rubin (Direct HR), Jeremy Runo (Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grill), Lauree Tyner (Madeira Beach Snack Shack), and Amy Verdensky (Squid Ink/Old Salt Fishing Foundation). Advisors for 2019 are Jonathan Evans (City of Madeira Beach), Cathy Hayduke (City of Treasure Island), John Meagher (Johnson Brothers), and Vito Musante (Friday Morning Market). President Missy H. Hahn and Recording Secretary Jill Dunavin serve as non-voting members of the Board.

Awards were presented in a variety of categories this year.

Joe Dise was recognized for his outstanding service as 2018 Chairman of the Board.

John “JJ” Buggle of Admiral Farragut Academy was named 2018 Ambassador of the Year, and Grace Critelli was recognized as 2018 Volunteer of the Year.

There was a tie for 2018 Member of the Year! The award is shared by Century 21 Jim White & Associates and Bilmar Beach Resort.

Membership awards, as determined by a vote of Chamber members, were presented in the categories of Non-Profit, Service, Play, Dine, Shop, and Stay.

The Sons of the American Legion, Post 158, is the 2018 Non-Profit Member of the Year.
Vacation Rental Alliance is the Service Member of the Year.
The Club at Treasure Island is the Play Member of the Year.
Caddy’s Treasure Island and The Pearl Restaurant tied in the Dine category.
Diny’s Diamonds was recognized as the Shop Member of the Year.
Florida Lifestyle Vacation Rentals is the Stay Member of the Year.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Kenneth A. Minihan, a former United States Air Force Officer, and past director of both the National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency.

Chamber volunteer Patty Sebok served as official photographer for the event, which was made possible by the evening’s sponsors: The City of Madeira Beach, The City of Treasure Island, Bilmar Beach Resort, Caddy’s, Direct HR, Dise Wealth Management, Sand Runners Beach Gear Valet, Squid Ink Productions, and Vacation Rental Alliance.