Retiring CEO Dirk Webb goes out to standing ovation
Saturday’s St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala was, as usual, a celebration.
The Chamber celebrated its annual award winners, its outgoing Chair of the Board, Lisa Bertossa, and its incoming chair, St. Cloud Hospital President Brian Wetzel.
But the night was as much a celebration of the contributions of Dirk Webb, who after seven years leading the Chamber is retiring as its President and CEO. Attendees also celebrated Dana Wells, who enters as the Chamber’s Executive Director.
“Dirk has got a lot to look forward to. I’m going miss his friendship. I’m going miss seeing him as frequently as I get to now, but he’s off to an even more in the life that he gets to enjoy,” Wetzel said. “And I think he’s earned it well, and I wish him the very best.”
“Dirk has never needed to be the most important person in the room. In fact, he has a way of making you feel like you’re the most important person, and that is a rare quality in a leader, when I became chair, I expected Dirk and I would work closely together that what I didn’t expect was what I would gain,” Bertossa said. “Dirk, I’m going to miss our chats more than you know. Sometimes, the very best leaders are the ones quietly shining it on everyone else.
Thank you for your friendship and for everything that you have given this chamber and this community.”
Webb, who admitted his childhood dream was to be a “trash man” based on what he saw of the truck, implored Saturday’s guests to keep dreaming.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of this portion of your dream, but keep dreaming,” he said in his farewell speech. “Keep looking for the next great thing that’s going make this community even better than it was today.”
“All that’s left to say is … thank you,” he concluded, and left the stage to a standing ovation.
As for the Chamber’s annual award honorees: President’s Award—Heather Kitner, Chamber Director of Operations Beacon Award—Bridget Jackson Ambassador of the Year—Hunnie Emans Business Champion of the Year—Carliss Jones, Creative1Photos Businessperson of the Year—Crystal Jones Nonprofit of the Year—A Place for Grace New Business of the Year—Texas Roadhouse Small Business of the Year—Creative1Photos Business of the Year— AdventHealth Large Business of the Year—Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital
