WCCC Recognizes 'Excellence In Business' At Annual Awards Ceremony

 

By Matt Wiley

It’s been a big year for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), as the Chamber added hundreds of local businesses to its directory over the past 12 months. However, only a handful of businesses could be selected for the Chamber’s annual “Excellence In Business Awards,” and the winners officially were announced during a banquet in the Lagoon Pavilion at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa Tampa off S.R. 54 on September 10.

Hosted by Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernie Hooper, the Chamber gave out four prestigious awards this year — for “Small Business of the Year,” “Large Business of the Year,” “Volunteer of the Year” and “Business Leader of the Year.”

WCCC CEO Hope Allen said the night was a complete success.

“It was a lovely night celebrating business,” Allen said, adding that each nominee was recognized individually before awards were handed out in each category.

There were four nominees for “Small Business (fewer than 50 employees) of the Year” including Cloud 9 Studios, The Laker/Lutz News, RP&G Printing and this year’s winner — owner Samantha Taylor and her Pure Health & Fitness Studios (see ad below), who grabbed the honor that all of us at the Neighborhood News were humbled to have received last year.

“Thanks to the amazing women we serve in this community, along with the talented trainers and staff we have to get them great results, all of these ladies together are what helped us win this award,” Taylor said during her acceptance speech. “I thank all of our members for letting me live out my passion of health and fitness and helping them feel and look great. I strive every day to improve your experience with your own level of health and I thank God for the opportunity to do so!”

Wesley Chapel Nissan was recognized as the Chamber’s 2015 “Large Business of the Year,” beating out fellow nominees Nutrition S’mart and Standard Pacific Homes.

“It was incredible (to win the award),” said Wesley Chapel Nissan general manager Mark Perryman. “We spend a lot of time trying to help out in the community. It’s not why we do it, but it’s great to be recognized.”

Wesley Chapel Nissan recently donated $10,000 to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Association, and also regularly sponsors local high school sports teams and even employs students in Wesley Chapel High School’s automotive program to give them real-life automotive service experience while they’re still in high school.

Troy Stevenson, the head of public relations for Wesley Chapel Nissan, was recognized as the Chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year,” which, he says caught him off guard.

“It was a shock,” Stevenson said. “It was the first time I’ve been speechless. I couldn’t think of anything to say. I’m just surprised I was nominated.”

“Business Leader of the Year” went to John & David Williams of Wesley Chapel Toyota. The Porter family (which owns and is developing Wiregrass Ranch) and Perryman also were finalists for the honor.

Allen said that the event also provided an opportunity to introduce a new award named in memory of the late Cindy Freeman (see page 3) called the “Spirit of Business Award,” which will be presented to members of the community who display the spirit of business the same way that Cindy did, by being friendly, gracious and selfless to all. The inaugural award was presented to Freeman’s husband, Kenny.

Congratulations to all of this year’s “Excellence in Business” winners!

For more information, please visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call the Chamber office at 994-8534.