The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce brought two events under one roof for a night of reminiscing and looking toward the future in the annual Chamber Gala.
Typically the Gala features a catered dinner and includes the swearing in of the new board of directors as well as the passing of the gavel from the current chairman of the board to the new chairman.
This year that event merged with the annual Best of Plant City awards, where the public comes together to vote on their favorite businesses, events and leaders in Plant City.
The 2019 Best of Plant City Awards as presented by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce are:
Best Community Event Award: Relay for Life of Plant City, American Cancer Society
Community Service Award: GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club
Customer Service Award: Krazy Kup
Employer of the Year Award: Star Distribution Systems, Inc.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Leo Mesquita, Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop
Health & Wellness Award: Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City
New Business Award: The Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast
Non-Profit of the Year Award: Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City
Small Business Award: Krazy Kup
Business of the Year Award: YMCA
There were also four awards given out that evening that were selected by a a designated organization or committee.
The Downtown Enrichment Award was selected by the Historic Plant City Main Street and awarded to the Sparkman House Luxury Bed & Breakfast. The Economic Development Award was selected by the Plant City Economic Development Corporation and was awarded to South Florida Baptist Hospital.
The Rising Leader Award was selected by RISE Plant City and was awarded to Vicky Saunders. The Spirit of the Chamber Award was selected by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and was awarded to Michelle Valdes.
Each award recipient received a plaque in honor of the public’s votes and many are already on display in businesses throughout Plant City. Krazy Kup is a routine winner and has its large collection of awards on display for all to see as they order a fresh cup of coffee. Local groups like the Relay for Life of Plant City and the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club proved they are cherished in the hearts of the community as they received an outpouring of support from voters.