GB Chamber Awards

Wednesday, 11 February 2009 04:06 Last Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2009 23:51 Written by Ken Garner

The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Small Business Committee are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2008 Annual Business Awards of Recognition.

The award winners will be announced at the 2009 Annual Awards Gala: “A Black & White Event” to be held on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at New World Landing, 6pm- Midnight. For reservations, business sponsorships or more information call: 850-932-7888 or go to: www.gulfbreezechamber.com

The following businesses and individuals from the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce have been nominated for the 2008 Annual Awards:

Business Awards:

2008 Business of the Year

Each of the nominees won Business of the Month in 2008

The Andrews InstituteAppRiver, LLCBreeze PromotionsChoice Video Services, Inc.CyberTech Computer ServicesGridSouth Networks, LLCGulf Breeze Animal HospitalHomestar Restaurant GroupLevin-Rinke Resort RealtyMail’s A BreezeRichard H. Cantin, CPA, P.A.Fair Play Sports

2008 Small Business of the Year

Since 85% of the Gulf Breeze Chamber members have less that 15 employees, a special award is given to one of these smaller businesses based on business citizenship, business performance, community and Gulf Breeze Area Chamber involvement.Bill Eveleth, ActionCOACHCyberTech Computer ServicesLivingston Business FormsThe Original Basket BoutiqueRichard H. Cantin, CPA, P.A.

2008 Emerging Business of the Year

This award is given to a business that need not be a brand-new business, but is new on the scene and is taking off through its own effort. Must have a growing base of customers, exemplify great customer service, be a member of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce, and have no unresolved Better Business Bureau complaints. CleverOgre Branding AssociatesFair Play SportsGulf Breeze Family Eye CareThe Original Basket BoutiqueRomjue Advertising & Company

Individual Awards:

2008 Emerging Leader of the Year

To succeed in business, the business owner must paint the picture and be willing to share that picture (vision) with the team. It is from this beginning that so many success stories have evolved. It is in the absence of this beginning that so many businesses have failed. This award presented to the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber member who has demonstrated excellent leadership traits in his/her business.

Alecia Overman (Home Builders Association of West Florida)

Limarie Rodriguez, D.V.M. (Gulf Breeze Animal Hospital)

Trudy Romjue (Romjue Advertising & Company)

Brian Tucker (Levin-Rinke Resort Realty)

2008 Volunteer of the Year

Chambers work largely as a result of the efforts of volunteers. This award goes to the individual who has done the following:

Volunteered his/her time/talent to the betterment of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber and in helping the Chamber achieve its vision.
Made a quantifiable contribution to the Chamber as a result of their volunteer effort or made a marked improvement to our community or the Chamber as a result of their volunteer effort.

Karen Jurkowich (Levin-Rinke Resort Realty)

Bronwyn Naylor (Cybertech Computer Services)

Beth Shoemaker (Advanced Insulation of NW Florida, Inc.)

Kara Szostek (Sit Down For Charity)

Brian Tucker (Levin-Rinke Resort Realty)

2008 Nancy Keyes Spirit Award

This award is given to a Gulf Breeze Area Chamber member who exemplifies the “spirit” of Nancy Keyes, a beloved Gulf Breeze Area Chamber employee, member & Gulf Breeze resident. This is a special award that may not be awarded every year. In Nancy Keyes honor, the recipient must demonstrate exceptional, continued commitment to the betterment of the Gulf Breeze community.

Doug Jolly (Red Iron Design House)

Jeff McMillen (Breeze Promotions)

Rishy Studer (Studer Group/Pensacola Pelicans)