Saturday, the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce held its annual Gala event, themed “A Magical Evening”.
Prior to handing out its annual awards, which honor outstanding Chamber members and businesses, magician Dan Stapleton astounded the crowd with his wonders. He included St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson in the act, who was gracious enough to climb into the guillotine—and climbed out fully whole as part of the show.
Outgoing Board chair Joe Reilly of OUC ceremoniously handed off the gavel to the incoming chair, Lisa Bertossa of Keystone Residential Group, who will assume her role beginning next month.
As one of his last duties, Reilly gave the Chairman’s Award, reserved for outgoing Chair to honor someone who significantly served during their year, bestowing it upon She-Lia Henry of Account On Us.
Among the annual awards given out:
Business of the Year: Osceola Heritage Park
Business Person of the Year: John Barna, Good Call Sports
Business Champion of the Year: Brian Wetzel, Orlando Health— St. Cloud Hospital
Beacon Award: (One who serves the community in a special way) Melissa Vallejo, Experience Kissimmee
President’s Award: Brian West, West Crash Consulting
Community Award: Silver Spurs Rodeo
Non-Profit of the Year: First Nature Foundation
New Business of the Year: Sips and Dips
Small Business of the Year: Grass Creek Construction
Large Business of the Year: AdventHealth
Photos by Taylor McFee
