Staff Report
With the theme “Celebrate the Gold,” the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) kicked off its 50th Anniversary year by holding its Annual Membership and Awards Dinner last month at The Regent in Riverview. This year’s event was presented by the GRCC and Suncoast Credit Union. Over 350 GRCC members and guests enjoyed the golden table decorations prepared by table hosts representing their interpretation of a Golden Celebration.
2015 President Jennifer Caskey, CenterState Bank (Riverview), turning over her gavel to 2016 President Dr. Bryan Thatcher, Thatcher Properties. Later in the program President Thatcher swore in the GRCC 2016 Board of Directors and encouraged the audience to follow the Golden Rule throughout this Golden year for the Chamber.
Past presidents of the Chamber as well as founding member, Ken Brandon, were called to the stage to receive the Commendation recognizing this organization for its 50 years serving the community and providing meaningful connections.
Five annual GRCC awards were presented to very surprised and humbled winners by their previous year recipient. Then the finalists for Business of the Year were announced and winners were awarded.
Annual awards were presented. Melissa Hartmann from Le-Vel Thrive is this year’s Honorary Mayor of Riverview. Jennifer Hart from Impact Taekwondo Center, LLC and Send Out Cards received the 2015 Ambassador of the Year Award. The 2015 Margy Watkins Volunteer of the Year went to Faith Hanaway, Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc. The 2015 Shining Star of the Year was awarded to Bryan and Marijean Reith of AFLAC.
Joe Eletto, Century 21 Beggins was awarded 2015 Citizen of the Year.
“This award was a total surprise to me. I am not only thankful, excited and honored to have received it, I am also very humbled by it,” noted Eletto.
The Business of the Year with 10 or less employees went to Riverview Mortgage; Businesses with up to 50 employees was awarded to Summerfield Crossings Golf Club; and for the over 50 employee business, The Bridges Retirement Community took the award.
For more information on the GRCC, visit www.riverviewchamber.com.
