Treasure Island, FL ­­— It was a night to remember as more than 150 business and community leaders gathered at The Club At Treasure Island to witness Gregory Tong, 2017 Chairman of the Board of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce, turn the reins of leadership over to 2018 Chairman Joe Dise, and welcome the Chamber’s 2018 leadership team.

The Chamber’s 2018 Executive Board comprises Chairman Joe Dise, Past Chairman Gregory Tong; First Vice Chairman Larry Butterfield (Kilwin’s John’s Pass), Second Vice Chairman Ken Hautmann (JWC Florida and Caddy’s on the Beach), and Carol Coward (CPA), Treasurer.

The 2018 Board members are Dennis Fagan (Century 21), Jim Everett (Everett Financial), William Karns (William Karns Enterprises), Kim Laskey (Bilmar Beach Resort), Kathleen McDole (Friendly Fisherman), John Meagher (Johnson Brothers), Vito Musante (Friday Morning Market), Jeremy Runo (Daiquiri Shak), and Amy Verdensky (Squid Ink). Jill Foraker (staff) serves as Recording Secretary, and Miranda Borchardt (Madeira Beach), Cathy Hayduke (Treasure Island), Jim Holton (Holton Companies), and Anthony Saravanos (Greenleaf Capital) are the Board’s advisors.

“We had challenges and we met them,” Tong told the gathering. “We had opportunities and we embraced them.” He listed the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2017, including the Chamber’s recognition as an official Visit Florida Welcome Center, the only such Center on Treasure Island; the addition of a Health Fair to the Chamber’s list of activities; the start of the Friday Morning Market’s tenth season at the Treasure Island Community Center; the inaugural Golf Tournament held at the Bayou Club; and the Facebook videos the Chamber produced at John’s Pass, Caddy’s on the Beach, and The Daiquiri Shak to keep residents and visitors informed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Incoming Chairman Joe Dise, of Dise Wealth Management, praised the year’s successes, and set an agenda to build on them.

Pinellas County Commissioner John Morroni was the keynote speaker for the Annual Dinner and Installation Gala, and Treasure Island Mayor Bob Minning was the guest speaker. Both leaders will retire from office after their current terms, and used their platforms to praise the business and community at large for the gains made in a variety of endeavors.

Volunteers Tim Boisvert, who staffs the Chamber’s kiosk, and Maggie Federici, who volunteers in the main office, received awards for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the Chamber, and Tong recognized Ken Hautmann as the Chairman’s Choice for his work throughout the year, most notably for taking a leadership role in producing the Chamber’s first Golf Tournament. Tong also recognized Chamber President Missy H. Hahn with chocolates and a bouquet for outstanding leadership during the year.

Following the Installation of Officers and Board and the presentation of awards, dance band Fencewalk entertained, while a wide range of prizes were offered in a Silent Auction.

“Our sponsors helped us make this evening a truly memorable event,” said Hahn. “From table sponsors, to Silent Auction donors, to our special categories, we couldn’t have asked for better support.”

Centerpiece sponsor: The Princess Martha

Dessert sponsor: Chantilly Cakes

Marketing sponsor: Squid Ink

Entertainment sponsor: Caddy’s on the Beach

Program sponsor: Page Terrace Beachfront Hotel

Silent Auction sponsors included: Advantage Pest Control of Florida; Alligator Attraction; AnyTicket.com; Bay Pines Furniture; Bayou Club of Largo; Bilmar Beach Resort; Caddy’s on the Beach; Courtyard Marriott/Madeira Beach; Diny’s Jewelers of Treasure Island; Dolphin Landing Charter Boat Center; Elite Association Management; Florida Barter; Frabotta’s Italian Kitchen; Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant; Island Inn Beach Resort; Jacqueline’s Salon; Leverock’s Great Seafood; Liberte Realty; Looks & Company “The Salon;” Mattress Warehouse; Office Depot/Crossroads Shopping Center; Pro Signature America; Suncoast Surf Shop; The Club at Treasure Island; The Pearl Restaurant; Tradewinds Island Resort; Treasure Island Animal Hospital; Trevena Styles.

Table sponsors were: Dise Wealth Management; Century 21 Dennis Fagan; City of Madeira Beach; City of Treasure Island; Caddy’s on the Beach; Gators; and Greenleaf Capital.

The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation. The office, located at 245 – 107^th Avenue, is open Monday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm.