
Marco Island’s Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 35th Anniversary and the beginning of the Christmas Season on December 2nd at Bistro Soleil in Old Marco. 184 celebrants, including most living past chamber presidents, enjoyed soft breezes on the terrace while sipping cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres. It resembled a school reunion as old friends had a chance to mingle outside of daily chores and occupations.
Scott Campbell, CEO of Physicians Regional Healthcare System, led off the pre-dinner proceedings as the Jade Sponsor of the event. He spoke glowingly of Marco Island, the Chamber, and the extensive plans of the Physicians

Bill Filbin.
First Chamber President Marv Needles offered the opening toast and reminisced about the early days of the Chamber. Current Chairman Kevin Donlan joined Mr. Needles in welcoming the guests, who began enjoying their Beef Wellington, courtesy of Chef Denis Meurgue and Bistro Soleil.
The first award was to the longest running family business on Marco Island, Condee Cooling and Electric. Mary Lou Condee, wife of the late Don Condee, Sr., Don Condee, Jr. and

Dave Rice.
Then came the prestigious annual awards. First up was the 2012 Marco Island Volunteer of the Year, presented to Bill Filbin. He has a record of volunteer work about as long as Residents Beach. After serving in Vietnam in several capacities, Mr. Filbin devoted himself to helping others, whether by serving dinners to the needy, providing assistance to countless veteran’s organizations, or participating in civic service clubs and charities. In accepting the award Mr. Filbin was eloquent in thanking the people of Marco for doing so much to

Charlotte Husted, Mary Lou Condee and Don Condee, Jr. were recognized for their family owned business.
The, long time resident Tarik Ayasun was utterly surprised to receive the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. He has dedicated himself to everything from coaching youngsters how to play soccer, to serving on the Code Enforcement Board, to serving as President of the Chamber to acting as President of the Board of Directors of the Marco Island Charter Middle School. He was obviously overcome by the remarkable portrait of him by J.J. Stithcomb, and got a good laugh when, on being handed his crystal award, asked his wife Janice, “Did we make that”? Tarik arrived in

Barbara Rosenberg with Herb Savage joined the celebration.
Dave Rice received the 2012 Citizen of the Year Award and, by so doing, became the first Marco Islander to

The Wendy Renee Duo entertained with soft background music. Sandi Riedemann, the Chamber’s Executive Director, emceed

Pat Neale, Tarik Ayasun and Dick Shanahan.SUBMITTED PHOTOS
All were wished a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and “At least 35 more years of success at the Chamber.”
Other sponsors included the Marco Eagle/Daily News, Teco People’s Gas, CJ’s on the Bay, First National Bank of the Gulf Coast, Hideaway Beach, Marco Island Florist, Marriott Marco Island Resort & Spa, Rick’s Island Salon & Day Spa, Comcast and Woodward, Pires & Lombardo.
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