GB Chamber hosts awards gala

More than 200 people were in attendance at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Awards Gala, “An Evening in Paradise” on Feb. 20 at New World Landing in Pensacola. 

The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber was established in March 1988 and serves more than 450 businesses in the greater Gulf Breeze Area. The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction featuring more than $15,000 in auction items.

The room was exquisitely decorated in a tropical  theme with bright colors,  fresh flowers, “birds of paradise,” “plumeria orchids,” tropical plants and candlelight.  A dinner was served followed by a special video retrospective of the Gulf Breeze Chamber’s events and programs of 2009 titled “Good Times in 2009.”

Natasha Parvey of Green Gals Cleaning, LLC and Sheri Beckham of The Original Basket Boutique were the Co-chairs of the 2010 Awards Gala committee.  The chamber’s highest honor, “The Nancy Keyes Spirit Award,” was given to Beth Shoemaker, Advanced Insulation of NWF. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates exceptional, continued commitment to the betterment of the Gulf Breeze Community.

Other 2009 award winners inlucude  2009 Business of the Year, Plastic Engraving, Inc.; Small Business of the Year, Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital;  2009 Emerging Leader of the Year, David Beckham with The Original Basket Boutique; Emerging Business of the Year, Red Iron Design House; and 2009 Volunteer of the Year, Dave Mungai with Choice Video Services.

The Chamber also recognized its outgoing Board of Directors and Committee chairs who served terms in 2009.The new 2010 officers and members of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber Board of Directors were officially inducted with an oath of office administered by Rep. Clay Ford.