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Highlands Today

Sebring Chamber Honors Members

Bill Rogers, Highlands Today

Steve Nyhan, at right, received the President's Award during the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet Tuesday night. Shown with him is his wife, Gabi.

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: March 1, 2009

SEBRING - There were lots of laughs, a few tears and some surprised Sebring Chamber of Commerce members who walked off with awards during the 93rd annual awards banquet Tuesday night at the Quality Inn.

A total of 248 people attended the banquet, according to chamber CEO/President Sarah Pallone.

Pallone recognized several people and presented a number of awards.

The recipient of the President's Award, which was picked by Pallone, was Steve Nyhan.

An insurance agent representing Mutual of Omaha, Nyhan moved to Sebring after retiring from the U.S. Army, after 17 years of service, when a disability ended his career. He went into ministry and served fulltime more than 10 years as a youth pastor and a Bible study leader. Nyhan continues today in a voluntary capacity in children's ministry.

"He really understands the value of chamber membership and cares about the members' needs," Pallone said. "His passion for the chamber and its success is overwhelming."

Diana Albritton received the Business Woman of the Year Award. Albritton started Lunch Club Wednesday, which is a networking group for women, in 2006. The club has more than 300 members.

"The club is so precious to me," Albritton said.

Ron Wonderling, general manager of Sun 'n Lake Golf Club, was honored as the Business Man of the Year.

Under Wonderling's leadership, "Sun 'n Lake has become a very successful operation," Pallone said.

"I'm just shocked," Wonderling said. "I have really enjoyed living here in Highlands County and really love being involved."

The Small Business of the Year Award went to Paul's Plantscapes, which has been serving the Sebring area for 17 years. Pallone said owner Paul Valladares is "energetic and passionate about what he does."

Olive Garden was recognized as the New Business of the Year "for excellence in quality customer service and support to the community." Sue McCullough, the restaurant's general manager, accepted the award.

The Olive Garden has created jobs and "continues to give back to the community by donating food for community events," Pallone said.

The Business Beautification Award was presented to The Palms of Sebring. The Palms has recently undergone an expansion to its facility and added a physical therapy center for residents. Janice Roberts, marketing director, was given the award.

Four Points by Sheraton Sebring, Chateau Elan was named the Progressive Business of the Year. The hotel added 42 rooms and suites as well a banquet facility that can accommodate 400 people.

"The chamber recognizes businesses who have an economic impact to the community," Pallone said before giving the award to Reinhard Haubner, the hotel's general manager.

Pauline Price was named the Volunteer of the Year for "outstanding service and devotion" to the chamber.

Pallone said Price has contributed more than 800 hours since mid-August as a bookkeeper, "implementing much-need controls, systems and procedures so that the chamber can operate in a way where we set an example and move forward as the leading business organization in Highlands County."

Susan Jones, outgoing president of the board of directors, made some comments about her year in that position.

"What a heck of a year," Jones said.

Jones talked about the past and mentioned many events and programs the chamber is involved in.

She then discussed how challenging 2008 was and the "significant financial crisis," referring to the situation involving Dan Andrews, the former CEO/president of the chamber.

Andrews was fired last April for mismanaging the finances of the chamber. He was arrested after a seven-month investigation by the state attorney's office and charged with theft and fraud.

Jones briefly became emotional, paused and said: "I took this year very seriously."

"I want to thank our business leaders during our darkest hour," added Jones, noting how important their support was.

Jones also thanked Pallone, whom she said was "brave enough to take the reins" during a difficult time.

David Noel took the gavel from Jones as this year's president of the board.

"We're in a new time," Noel said. "We have a new board that is excited, and we're heading in a new direction.

"The chamber will try to right the ship; we want to help you," Noel added.

Pallone said several chamber members are celebrating anniversaries this year. They include: Highlands Community Church, 10th; The Palms of Sebring, 50th; Florida Hospital Heartland Division, 60th; and Wauchula State Bank, 80th.

Following dinner and the awards presentation, Doc Holiday, who bills himself as "The Hilarious Hypnotist," put on a funny show. He hypnotized several people who volunteered and were good sports about it. They said - and did - some amusing things.

Bill Rogers may be reached at 386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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