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Sumter Chamber to Present Business and Industry Awards

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Business/Industry Awards to seven outstanding businesses, citizens and volunteers at its Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 20, 6:30pm at the clubhouse at Lakeside Landings, 10052 Regatta Blvd. (off County Road 472) in Oxford.

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry of Wildwood was named the Outstanding Large Sumter County Business/Industry of 2011. Charlotte Pipe, a family owned business, was recognized for being committed to their employees. Despite the recent recession and drop in the construction market, Charlotte Pipe has avoided having to lay off employees.

CenterState Bank in Bushnell was selected as Outstanding Small Sumter County Business/Industry of 2011. CenterState was honored for its ongoing commitment to serving the community. CenterState employees are frequently seen volunteering for local non-profit groups, and played a vital role in the chamber's Beef and Boogie Festival in November.

Take Stock in Children is the chamber's Outstanding Non-Profit Organization in 2011. Take Stock provides scholarships for low income youth, helping them attain a college education, which benefits both the student and the local community.

Outstanding Sumter County Chamber Volunteer for 2011 was Connie Mahan. Mahan is extremely active in the local community and works to help other businesses succeed and thrive. Connie was also recognized for her volunteer work on the successful Beef and Boogie Festival.

The chamber selected Tammy Gorby of Lake Panasoffkee as its Outstanding Chamber Citizen of 2011. Gorby, who co-owns Panasoffkee Hardware with her husband Jake and works for Devereux Kids, has played a vital role in uniting the Lake Panasoffkee community through her work with the Lake Panasoffkee Neighborhood Project and the Lake Pan Business Council. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Sumter County Children's Alliance, a coalition of community organizations dedicated to improving the lives of county youth.

Two new Beautification Awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner. Sumter Electric Cooperative will be honored as Commercial recipient for its commitment to landscaping and maintenance of its facilities throughout the county. Lickity Splits Ice Cream Parlor earned the Retail Beautification Award for its renovation of a heavy equipment rental shop at 1858 CR 48 in Bushnell.

The chamber will also install its new Board of Directors for 2012 and recognize those who are stepping down from the board. Current Vice President Bob Hunt, shown, of Wildwood Country Resort will be sworn in as Chamber President. Lt. Bob Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office is the new Vice President, Brandell Campbell of CEMEX is Secretary and Brooke Hibbard of CenterState Bank is Treasurer. The chamber also welcomes three new board members: Steve Stiffler of InsurAmerica-Florida, Randy Mask of Sumter Electric Cooperative and Connie Mahan of Connie Mahan Real Estate Group.

Dawn Cary of Veranda Home Furnishings steps down after two years as Chamber President. The chamber will also thanks Jim Duncan of Sumter Electric Cooperative, Brad McNeill of C.W. Roberts Contracting, and Joe Santoro, entrepreneur, for their service on the chamber board.

Trey Adams, area coordinator of Honor Flight, will be guest speaker at the dinner. Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to transport America's World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. at no cost to visit and reflect at the war memorials.

Tickets for the Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner are $40 per person and $75 for couples. RSVP is required. Please call the Chamber office at 352-793-3099 or email sumter-coc@sumterchamber.org.

The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce is the primary business organization in Sumter County, Florida, representing more than 440 business members. Its mission is to serve as the gateway to our county for visitors, residents and businesses alike, helping grow and thrive through increased visibility, advocacy, networking and information. For information about membership, please contact the chamber at 352-793-3099 or visit www.sumterchamber.org.