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The 74th Annual Awards Banquet of the Dunnellon Area Chamber of Commerce was held January 16th at the Rainbow Rivers Club in Dunnellon. Chamber members participated in making the evening a success. Nathan Whitt of Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak provided the music for the evening and Bently's Restaurant donated the appetizers. Dinner was catered by The Levee Restaurant of Dunnellon.
A highlight of the evening was this year's Making a Difference Award presentation. Charlene Williams of Superior Bank presented the award to Dunnellon's Police Chief, Joanne Black. Chief Black has been an active chamber member and director in 2009 and will continue in 2010. Williams expressed to the crowd how Chief Black was instrumental in the success of the Dunnellon Christmas Parade the past two years. Chief Black has also volunteered her time for other Chamber events such as Boomtown Days and Jazz Up. She is also a volunteer for the Annie Johnson Senior & Family Center where she is not only an active board member, but she also volunteers with food delivery and distribution. She also took an active role in this year's school supply drive. Chief Black leads by example and her officers proudly serve the community alongside her.
Mayor Fred Ward inducted the 2010 Board of Directors into office. They included Vernon Martin Smith, President; Annabelle Dobbs, Vice President; Lisa Sheffield, Secretary; Viola Soffe, Treasurer; Mathew Baillargeon, President-Elect; Joe Smyth; Avonelle Mackerel; Dana Roberts; Dennis Evans; Janice Fifield; Chief Joanne Black; Mike Wilson; Nancy Myers; Sharon Dixon; and Norm Lambert.
The evening continued with award presentations. The Community Service Award was presented to The Community Thrift Shop. Over $10,000 in shop proceeds is awarded annually to the community. Annabelle Dobbs, a dedicated shop volunteer accepted the award.
The Business Beautification award was presented to Victoria's School of Dance. Victoria Melfi and her daughter, Shalyn Barker accepted the award.
The Community Youth Service Award was presented to Boy Scout Troup # 452. Their troop currently has 17 active scouts. This troop has produced 6 Eagle Scouts over the past 5 years.
The Community Involvement Award was presented to the Relay 4 Life of Dunnellon. The 2009 Dunnellon Relay consisted of 18 teams which raised a total of $54,000. Tiffany Lee, the 2010 Chairperson accepted the award.
The Service Above Self Award was presented to Charlene Williams. Williams consistently supports Chamber events such as the Christmas Parade and Boomtown Days, including raising money by running for and winning the Boomtown Mayor Race. She is also an active supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and the Annie Johnson Senior & Family Center.
The Business Leader Award was presented to Lanse Fero. Fero contributed to the success of Chocolate Extravaganza, a fundraiser for the Chamber.
The Chamber Booster was presented to Aaron's Sales & Leasing.
Lanse Fero presented the Director of the Year Award to Mathew Baillargeon of Boomtown Media. Baillargeon was an integral part of Teen Movie Night over the summer, puts out the Chambers email news blasts, and was also involved in Boomtown Days, Jazz Up, and Chocolate Extravaganza.
Lisa Sheffield presented The President's Award to Steve Tyree of Shirt Solutions. Lisa Sheffield acknowledged Tyree for his hard work, intelligence and willingness to always lend a hand when needed.
Vernon Martin Smith presented the Past President’s Award to Lisa Sheffield and thanked her for her past two years of service to the chamber. Smith also thanked Executive Director, Beverly Leisure, for her continued service to the Chamber.
For more information on the Dunnellon Area Chamber of Commerce visit their website at www.dunnellonchamber.org.
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