Siesta Key Chamber honors members at annual Awards Dinner

By Ian Swaby
| 2:00 p.m. February 2, 2025

Eric Fleming, board chair of Siesta Key Chamber, presents a check to Lora Wey and Dana Dalpra for funds raised during the Siesta Key Crystal Classic.

Siesta Key
Neighbors

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand sculpting event in October marked the reemergence of the island shortly after the hurricanes, said Eric Fleming, board chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Nonetheless, he said the Chamber's Annual Awards Dinner, held Jan. 30 at Sarasota Art Museum, was an opportunity to recognize the progress made.

"Tonight's a great way to reflect on that, really cheer on the people that worked hard and that made that happen, and made this recovery happen, and also look to the future and acknowledge that there's still more to do, that there's still a lot left to rebuild, and coming together and working together as a team to get us back to even better than we were pre-hurricane," Fleming said.

The event recognized Chamber members, from volunteers to businesses, for their work in the community.

Kathy Elliott, a board member of the Chamber who was honored along with her husband Chris Elliott for their role in supporting the Chamber with graphic design through Signarama Sarasota, called it "awesome" to be recognized.

"I have a lot of passion about what's going on on the Key..." she said. "It's very fulfilling to be able to know you can make a difference. And we've tried to do that."

Commissioner Mark Smith, one of the event's honorees, offered the opening speech.

Longtime volunteer Phil Trego is presented with a message from his grandchildren.

Board Chair Eric Fleming and Phil Trego, a volunteer of over 30 years

Stacey Francis of Jamaica Royale and Tropical Sands Accommodations was honored with the Shining Star Award for her customer service.

Randy Frey, president of Nu-Look Pressure Cleaning and Home Services Inc., was honored with the New Member Business Award for his dedication to the Chamber, his volunteering for community cleanups and help reopening Clayton's Siesta Grille after the hurricanes.

Tim and Cynthia Holliday of Children's World and Business World were honored with the Small Business of the Year award. They have implemented an RFID technology for checkout, implemented green initiatives like Florida friendly landscaping and have hosted the largest collection site for Toys for Tots in the area.

Miguel Garcia, founder of Miguel's Restaurant, was honored with the Large Business of the Year award.

Board chair Eric Fleming presents an award to Commissioner Mark Smith, who was presented with the Service and Leadership award and has served on boards and committees including the sheriff's advisory board, All Faiths Food Bank, the Siesta Key Village Association, the Siesta Key Association and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Board chair Eric Fleming presents an award to Kathy Elliott and husband Chris Elliott, who were honored with the Siesta Selfless award for using their artistic and marketing skills to create signage for Chamber events, and volunteering at the Crystal Classic.

Kathy Elliott and husband Chris Elliott, owners of Signarama Sarasota were honored for using their artistic and marketing skills to create signage for Chamber events, and volunteering at the Crystal Classic.

Maureen Gresk, general manager of Siesta Beach eats, was honored with the community partner award for her dedicated customer service, her organization of free meals during the hurricanes and her community support.

Mike Quillen, owner of Gecko's Grill & Pub, was honored as businessperson of the year.

Ervin Helmuth, owner of Blue Ribbon Transportation, won a free membership through a business card drawing.

Phil Trego, a volunteer of over 30 years, and Brittany Stokes

Siesta Chamber's Nancy-jo Manney, Brittany Stokes, executive director Ann Frescura and Marisa Merlino

Eric Fleming, board chair of Siesta Key Chamber, offers a speech.

Helene Hyland presents the Siesta Selfless award.

Mike Sanford, who couldn't be present that night, was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award. A volunteer for the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, he worked every day of the event to cart gallons of fuel to fill generators, offer snacks, deliver bags of ice and restock drinks.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.