LP Chamber Hands Out Awards At Annual Banquet

"Very deserving" was said more than once Thursday night during the Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce awards banquet at Placid Lakes Country Club.

A total of 12 awards were presented during the annual event which drew a crowd of 164 people.

The Harry Seeber Award, named after the man who served as a director and executive director of the Lake Placid chamber, went to Ronnie Hathaway.

Presenter Bert Harris III said Hathaway has volunteered on many projects and "runs a business in his spare time."

Hathaway has removed trees, given lots of mulch and truck loads of dirt, according to Harris. Harris noted that tires have been punctured on Hathaway's truck, but the chamber wasn't billed.

"Lake Placid citizens are blessed because of people like Ronnie Hathaway," Harris said.

The Dal Hall Memorial Award, which goes to an outstanding government official, was given to Highlands County Commissioner Andrew Jackson. Hall's daughter, Emily Hall, was the presenter.

Jackson is the liaison to the Highlands County Tourist Development Council, the Veterans Council and the Sun 'n Lake Improvement District. He was the liaison to the Highlands County Economic Development Commission.

An attorney, Jackson began his law practice in Lake Placid. He is a former director and president of the Lake Placid chamber, served as the president of the Lake Placid Jaycees and was involved in youth sports.

The Special President's Award went to Alan Grigsby. Described as a "strong, committed business leader," Grigsby has donated a 12-acre tract of land that is the slated for a community center that will serve as a hurricane shelter. He has paid for surveys of the property and has served on the committee working on the project.

The Lake Placid Leadership Award was given to two men - John Komasa and John Varady - for their work in establishing the Miracle Baseball League for those with cognitive or physical disabilities.

Bill Douglas was honored as the Volunteer of the Year.

In presenting the award, Eileen May, the chamber's CEO, described Douglas as "bright, articulate, has endless energy and a keen sense of humor."

Mike Chapman of Chapman's Construction Co. received the Chamber Board Appreciation Award for exceptional service to the community.

Presenter Pam Karlson said Chapman is "very deserving" and "is available at the drop of a hat." She added that he has donated many hours of time and is serving as the project manager for the community center.

Jeanne Fortier received the Chamber Charger Award.

"Jeannie is one of the first, if not the first, to volunteer her time and efforts to chamber events," said James Colley in making the presentation of the award.

Fortier, the president of the chamber board, has been president of the Lake Placid Merchants Association, is active in her church and the volunteer fire department.

She regularly sponsors events through her business, Home and Office Essentials, Colley added.

The Outstanding Service to Youth Award was presented to Wendy Larson. Larson has been active with Junior Achievement, volunteering as an instructor and has also recruited instructors. Larson was also involved in the bowl-a-thon.

The Industry Appreciation Award was given to the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

The business sponsors Dixie Youth baseball teams and a traveling AAU team as well as other events. Sonja Warner accepted the award for the hotel.

The Spectrum Award, which focuses on beautification and maintenance, was presented to Mid-Florida Credit Union. Branch Manager Debbie Orlos accepted the award.

The building is located at the corner of Main and Interlake. It has housed several restaurants, an aluminum shop, a meat market and an antique mall.

Mid-Florida worked to the preserve the original appearance of the building that was built in 1925 by keeping the original windows, the fireplace mantel and some of the molding inside.

The Past President Award went to James Colley, who presided over board meetings and other chamber events during his term.

Outgoing directors who were recognized included Margaret Callahan, Pam Karlson and Debbie Malloy-Thorpe.

May spoke briefly about the state of the chamber.

"We will be launching new programs that will attract new visitors to our town and member benefits in the coming year," May said. "The chamber is proud of the accomplishments that we have obtained through Keep Lake Placid Beautiful. Our next two exciting projects will be the landscaping of the U.S. Highway 27 corridor and the beautification of DeVane Park.

"We enjoy a strong membership of talented business professionals and individuals," she added. "The support that we enjoy, both financially and in volunteer time, goes unmatched."

The event was sold out, May said. She added there was a waiting list for people who wanted to attend.