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New Leader On Board

KARI LONG-MCGRATH BECOMES PRESIDENT OF AP CHAMBER BOARD

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Kari Long-McGrath talks about her experiences with chamber of commerces after being passed the gavel for the 2009 Avon Park Chamber president Thursday at the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Banquet.

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By Bill Rogers | Highlands Today

Published: June 8, 2008

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AVON PARK — Kari Long-McGrath said she learned a lot while doing a college internship at the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, including how to cut a grand-opening ribbon and how to attract new members. Her mentor at the chamber also taught her something else.

"No matter what — if you are in front of people and you don't know what the heck is going on — just smile," she said. "I can guarantee you there will be lots of smiling this year."

Long-McGrath took over as the new president of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce board of directors Thursday night during the chamber's awards banquet at the Avon Park Community Center.

Dennis Meliti is the outgoing president. Meliti thanked many people and commented that the board of directors works well together.

Meliti reported that "the state of the chamber — financially — is very, very excellent and sound."

He added the chamber has more members than ever and noted that David Greenslade, the chamber's executive director, has done " a wonderful job" of managing expenses.

The Business of the Year Award was presented to Heartland National Bank for the financial institution's commitment to coming back to downtown Avon Park to open an office.

The bank opened for business in September of 1999 and currently operates four offices in Highlands County.

"It is a full-service commercial bank and offers a variety of interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing accounts," said Rhonda Beckman, who presented the award to Jim Clinard, Jerry Whidden and Donna Vinson. "In the last year they had a very good year in spite of the lagging economy. The bank has stayed true to its mission of providing sound innovative banking services to Highlands County.

"Their focus on customer service through knowledgeable employees who work and live in our community, has been essential to their success," Beckman said.

John Barben was named Citizen of the Year. Barben's list of civic activities includes serving on the Leadership Highlands Executive Committee, past board member and president of the Avon Park chamber, past board member and president of the Highlands Citrus Growers Association, chairman of the Avon Park CRA. He is also a marshal in the Avon Park Christmas Parade and the Mall Festival.

"He does a whole lot of other things," said Jeff Mechlin, who presented the award to Barben.

The Community Service Award went to Reflections On Silver Lake. The mobile home park was recognized for the effort of approximately 35 volunteers who helped drive tractor trams at Flywheel Park, so that the chamber could benefit from it as a fundraiser. Volunteer Brenda Ellis accepted the award for Reflections.

Newsom Plaza, 1023 U.S. 27. S., received the Beautification Award.

Newsom Eye and Laser Center opened a Sebring office in 2001. The business expanded to Avon Park last year and renovated and updated the building where the practice is located as well as the strip center. Leesa Skipper represented Newsom at the banquet.

Donna Vinson and Jeff Mechlin were selected as Directors of the Year.

The Wanda Daymon Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Katiana Oritz. Ortiz received $1,000 in Daymon's name. Daymon, who was the director, community relations and marketing at South Florida Community College, died in 2006.

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