Chamber Notes

By Daniel Kushmer

It is a very humbling experience to be a part of history. The chamber is celebrating 75 years of continued service to its members. I am so thankful the board of directors has allowed me, a third generation "Cracker," to be at the helm.

Last Friday night the chamber began what is sure to be the best year yet, with the celebration of "Diamonds are Forever." The 75th Anniversary Awards Banquet and Silent Auction was a star-studded event, attended by the movers and shakers of this great community. Russell Rhodes of Fox 13 and "Peppermint" Patty Wood of the Ruskin Tea Room served as guest host and hostess. With their brand of experience, professionalism, and of course humor, they began by reading the minutes from the very first organizational meeting back on Jan. 25, 1928. Keeping the celebration going the nights festivities moved into the awards celebration.

Miranda Kelly, 2003 president and myself presented the SouthShore Media Galore Awards. The Tampa Tribune and the Sun and SouthShore News were the first recipients of this awards thanking the media for the dedicated coverage of Ruskin. The fine newspaper "The Observer News" also received this award for their tireless dedication to Ruskin and the chamber. Charles Darcy, 2002 president presented the President's Award to Mary Ann Wilhelm. Mrs. Wilhelm serves as treasurer for the chamber and under her leadership the chamber has improved all accounting procedures and the bottom line. The E.G. Simmons Award is given to an individual (or, in this year's case, individuals) that exemplifies the phrase "community servant." This year the award was given to Charlie and Shirley Riddle, a couple dedicated to Ruskin.

Russell and Patty introduced the 2003 board of directors and again highlighted a rich history of the chamber. Glenn Dickman presented the keynote address and spoke on the history of Ruskin and the role his family played in this history. The Dickman's and Miller's founded this community in 1908 and continue to be a driving force in our history. Dickman surprised the crowd by presenting a check in the amount of $10,000 to Wendell Smith supporting one of his many charities.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winner of the Honorary Mayor race. Four candidates sought your dollars for the chamber and their charity, and in the end it all boiled down to who raised the most money. And the winner is, Bob Tiberio. Are you ready for this? Tiberio raised more than $11,000 for chamber activities and his charity, the Ruskin Woman's Club.

This was a tremendous kick-off for a tremendous history of your chamber of commerce. We would like to thank the many fine contributors making this event possible. Tampa Electric Company sponsored the Silent Auction, Harriet's Flowers provided the most elegant and appropriate center pieces, I have known Harriet and Gail most all of my life and they are two of the most creative people I know, thank you.

M & M Printing helped out with the programs and Bahia Beach Island Resort and Marina provided the best meal I have ever had.