Every May, the National Small Business Administration recognizes the contribution that small businesses make to our economy and our communities.

This year, that recognition runs from May 5 to May 11, and we’ve been encouraging residents to SHOP LOCAL and support the small businesses that not only provide jobs, but also support a wide range of charitable causes.

The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce celebrates our business community throughout the year, and every January, at our Installation Gala, we recognize businesses in several categories, based on votes cast by our members.

Our categories are Non-Profit, Service, Play, Dine, Shop, and Stay. Our Chamber Board also selects the Member of the Year, so there are plenty of laurels to spread around!

In 2018, our Board recognized TWO of our members for outstanding contributions not only to the Chamber, but also to the community. Century 21 Jim White & Associates consistently participates as a sponsor of many Chamber events and community fund-raisers, and has provided us with Board members and even a past Chamber Chairman. The Bilmar Beach Resort, an iconic hotel on Treasure Island’s Gulf Boulevard, is also an active and supportive Chamber member, donates weekend getaway packages and other goodies to our projects, and has provided us with volunteers and Board members over the years.

Our own members voted to recognize businesses in our membership categories, based on their customer service, community involvement, and integrity.

Our Non-Profit member of the Year for 2018, Sons of the American Legion Post 158 in Treasure Island, is always front-and-center in the community, providing services to our veterans and raising funds and volunteer support for a number of good causes.

The Vacation Rental Alliance took the prize for Service member of the years, providing a voice and services to the many types of accommodations that shelter our visitors every year, from the large chain hotels to the small family-owned motels. Each of them offers something unique to travelers and “stay-cationers,” and the VRA helps highlight those qualities.

Our visitors aren’t the only ones who like to play in the sun and in or on our waters. The Club at Treasure Island was voted the best place to play by our Chamber members. The Club has facilities for meetings and events large and small, and while it is a membership club, it frequently stages events that welcome fellow Chamber members and the public, too! Pool parties, dances, ice cream socials, and concerts have all made their way onto The Club’s calendar!

Looking for a great place to DINE? Our members selected TWO! The Pearl took top honors as the place to go for fine dining, featuring chef-crafted meals, while Caddy’s Treasure Island is the go-to for casual fare. Both members are active with the Chamber, donating door prizes and sponsoring events, and each has charitable organizations that benefit from their support.

We’re always encouraging residents and visitors to SHOP local, and our members recognized diamond retailer Diny’s Diamonds Florida as our SHOP member of the year. Beverly Diny established this outpost of her family’s Wisconsin-based diamond and jewelry store after visiting Treasure Island and falling in love with our lifestyle. Now, she brings “bling” to the rest of us!

Of course, those who come to our beaches want to STAY someplace spectacular, and our members voted Florida Lifestyle Vacation Rentals as the place to go when looking for the best place to STAY for vacation!

We thank all our members for making our South Pinellas beaches one of the most popular destinations in the state, and, as we wrap up National Small Business Week, we hope you’ll all remember to SHOP LOCAL. Our economy depends on it!