Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Riverview Chamber
celebrates best of local businesses
By KEVIN BRADY
Kevin Brady PHOTOS
Tanya Doran, the chamber’s executive director, was given a special award to mark 10 years with the chamber.
Lords and ladies of Riverview’s realm packed The Regent Friday night, Jan. 11, for a medieval-themed celebration of civic and business leadership.
Amid the gowns and gauntlets, the Riverview Chamber of Commerce handed out business awards, honored Riverview Chamber Executive Director Tanya Doran on 10 years of explosive growth and installed a new board of directors.
“This year we continue to set our sights on continuing to grow the membership of the chamber,” chamber President Michelle Mosher told a packed house of more than 500 guests. “We look forward to a year of living our core values of leadership, fun, teamwork, diversity and integrity.”
But there is more to the chamber than its core values, said Mosher, who joined the organization in 2012. “If you plug yourself in, this organization becomes your family. In my opinion, one of our core values should be love because this chamber loves big,” said Mosher who cited numerous examples of members helping out each other at times of loss.
Business of the Year awards were split into three categories: Small, medium and large businesses. The awards drew 63 nominees this year with a panel of five judges deciding the winners.
“I was very surprised to win,” said Donna Fore of P.F. Auto Glass, Inc., nominated in the small business category. Her company’s success boils down to taking care of the customer, Fore said. “Every car (we treat) like it’s my mother’s car.” Preservation 1st Financial Group, LLC and Thatcher Properties were also nominated.
Faith Hanaway, right, co-general manager of The Alley at SouthShore took home the award in the large business category at the Riverview Chamber’s annual business awards ceremony.
“It is such a compliment and honor to win,” said Faith Hanaway, co-general manager of The Alley at SouthShore. “We take very seriously having fun and we take very seriously being part of our community. It’s an honor. This chamber is my family.” The Alley was up against FirstLight Home Care and Shapes Fitness for Women – Riverview in the larger business category.
Bryan Hindman Electric took home the honors in the medium-sized business category, beating out Mary & Martha House and Brandon Family Law Center.
Tanya Doran, the chamber’s executive director who is celebrating a decade with the group, was also singled out for special recognition by Mosher. The chamber has grown rapidly under Doran’s leadership, with more than 700 members on its rolls today.
“Everyone (at this chamber) pitches in and helps out; it’s togetherness,” said Jerry Rothstein of Keep it Simple Computer Services, a member of the chamber since 2012.
“Members who join tend to stay,” said Rothstein, a board member since 2016. “Our retention rate last year was 80 percent — for a chamber that’s incredible. Tanya and her staff are just unbelievable.”
Call the chamber office, 813-234-5944, for more information. The chamber recently moved to a new home, 10101 Bloomingdale Ave., Suite 102, Riverview, FL 33578. The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 2019 Greater Riverview Chamber Board of Directors.
From left, James Pulkowski, Mara Shaughnessy and Elijah Heath.
Belz Law brought its own medieval flair to the evening.
The team from Chick-fil-A took home the award for best decorated table at The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce annual Membership and Awards Dinner.
