- July 15, 2025
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ActivAge CEO Kris Chana holds the Rising Star award, with Deb Overley and April McManara
Photo by Ian SwabyBrittany Lewis and her mother, Charmaine Fiorentini, of Humble Hearts Caregivers
Photo by Ian SwabyLyn Sky and Alicea Nikole of Cirque Vertigo
Photo by Ian SwabyMichelle Olivo of Castle Concierge claims the Breakthrough Business of the Year award from Erik Vatter, president of Bank of America
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Kasten looks on as AG Lafley, CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy Inc., claims the Community Impact award.
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn Tully, costume administrator at Sarasota Opera
Photo by Ian SwabyMakayla Lane and Jessica Obiedzinski of Sarasota Contemporary Dance welcome guests to the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyBianca Naughton recites the Pledge of Allegiance
Photo by Ian SwabyA spotlight shines at the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyVannesa Poole and David Crawford
Photo by Ian SwabyHarvest House's vice president of advancement Katie McCurry and director of accounting and HR Sara Stoner
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Kasten, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, looks on as Stephen Heese of Chris-Craft claims the award for Workforce Development & Innovation.
Photo by Ian SwabyDaniel DeLeo at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, presents the Small Business of the Year award to Amanda Parrish, a partner and COO of Fawley Bryant Architecture.
Photo by Ian SwabyA plume of dry ice rises as the ceremony begins.
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Kasten applauds Tammy Hauser of Discover Sarasota Tours as she accepts the Woman-Owned Business of the Year award.
Photo by Ian SwabyMarlon Brown, director of govenment affairs for the Chamber, Bianca Naughton, and Heather Kasten
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Kasten welcomes Kendra Simpkins, founder of Operation Warrior Resolution, to claim the Non-profit of the Year award.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The team at Oysters Rock Hospitality claims the Hospitality Business of the Year award.
Photo by Ian SwabyFredy Lezama and his wife _______, of Taco Fusion Express, a finalist
Photo by Ian Swaby
Mirza Velic, chief experience officer at Sarasota Ford, claims the Large Business of the Year award.
Photo by Ian SwabyA pyrotechnic effect goes off as the ceremony commences.
Photo by Ian SwabyDr. Kelly-Anne Shedd-Hartman and Dr. Jennifer Lichon claim the Medium Business of the Year award, presented by Janet Hazuda of MidFlorida Credit Union
Photo by Ian SwabyHeather Kasten and Daniel DeLeo at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick address attendees.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlexander Reeves of Cirque Vertigo
Photo by Ian SwabyMichelle Olivo of Castle Concierge told attendees at the 2025 Sarasota Business Awards that she has three principals she follows as a business owner.
Those are passion, perseverance, and patience, but after receiving the Breakthrough Business of the Year award, she had more to add.
"Today I'm going to add a fourth 'P,' and it's pride," she said. "I'm very proud of myself for being up here, in addition to being very honored."
Held June 20 at The Ora, the awards, which are hosted annually by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, drew a full house for a spectacle that included local entertainers and performers greeting guests as they entered.
Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Chamber, said the event celebrated the excellence, perseverance and innovation on display.
"These are the folks who pour time, talent, their savings and their sanity, into building something that truly matters," she said. "And let's be honest, owning a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes grit, guts and a really good coffee maker, you're the ones who work before the sun comes up and long after it goes down, and somehow you're the first ones to say yes when there is a need in this community."
She said since October, the Chamber has welcomed more than 266 new members, and a few weeks ago, the Chamber was named a national finalist for Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, with results to come in July.
