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Lake Placid Chamber recognizes community service

Courtesy photo

From left: Kim Miller received the Harry Seeber Award from Kerry Thompson during the Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet Thursday night at Placid Lakes Country Club.

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: October 25, 2009

LAKE PLACID - The Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce honored those who give their time and talents to the community during the annual awards banquet Thursday night at Placid Lakes Country Club.

The Harry Seeber Award, named for the chamber's first executive director, was given to Kim Miller.

Presenter Kerry Thompson said there were seven nominations for the award, which is based on outstanding community service. The nominations are made by chamber members.

In describing Miller, Thompson said she is "well known and respected in Lake Placid and is the backbone of committees."

Miller has served on the Lake Placid Christmas Parade, Caladium Festival and Web site committees. She is a past treasurer of the Lake Placid Jaycees.

Nancy Connell was named the Volunteer of the Year.

Eileen May, the chamber's CEO, presented the award. May said Connell takes on multiple projects and finishes them in a timely fashion.

The mother of seven, Connell volunteers at St. James Catholic Church, Florida Hospital and for the Leisure Lakes Homeowners Association.

The Lake Placid Leadership Award went to the town's spry 76-year-old mayor, Tom Katsanis.

Ray Royce, who presented the award, described Katsanis as a man of "unquestionable integrity."

"He has a lot of energy and is a real go-getter," Royce said.

The Dal Hall Memorial Award is for an outstanding government official. This year's recipient is Highlands County Commissioner Don Bates.

In presenting the award, Susie Bishop said "he has an open door policy to anyone at anytime. I can attest to that. He is much deserving."

Sharion Hudson received the Chamber Charger Award.

"She has given her heart and soul to Lake Placid," said presenter Lee Dyce. "She's compassionate and kind."

The Special President's Award went to Kerry Thompson. Thompson is the treasurer of the chamber board and has been on the board for three years. He has also served on several committees.

The Outstanding Service to Youth Award was given to Curtis Slade.

A graduate of Lake Placid High School and the school's former varsity football coach, Slade served as president of the Lake Placid Athletic Association for six years. During that time $30,000 was raised annually for youth athletics in Lake Placid.

The Past President's Award was given to Jeanne Fortier.

"I face a real challenge following her," said Bishop, the 2009-10 president of the chamber. "She displayed outstanding leadership."

The Spectrum Award is given to a business for its perpetual beautification and continued maintenance. The Valencia Professional Center on Dal Hall Boulevard, with 8,000 square feet of office space, was recognized.

The winner of the Industry Appreciation Award is Colley Financial

Services.

Bill Rogers may be reached at 863-386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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