A variety of awards are handed out to recognize people and organizations that make a difference.
By MELIA BOWIE
Published June 18, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY - The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce named its Ambassador of the Year and honored a number of area organizations at its recent banquet.
Leading the list of honorees was Chris Masseo.
A broker and co-owner of Florida Luxury Realty in New Port Richey, Masseo set a precedentFriday when she was named the chamber's Ambassador of the Year for the third year in a row.
"They should put term limits," she said with a laugh, expressing her gratitude for the award and her surprise at also winning the chamber's 2003 Outstanding Citizen Award.
"That was a real big surprise to me and very emotional," she said.
For nine years Masseo has worked with the chamber's ambassador group, which hosts ribbon cuttings and welcomes new businesses into the chamber. She served as chairwoman of the group this year and was vice chairwoman last year.
Also honored at Friday's banquet attended by more than 280 people was Florida Youth Ranches Inc. as Outstanding Area Youth Organization for its efforts in preventing juvenile delinquency.
The Cotee River Lions Club, established 27 years ago, was awarded the chamber's Outstanding Service Club for work that included providing more than 2,800 eye exams, 2,700 pairs of glasses and 19 eye surgeries to those in need.
Carole Pearson, who retired in January as principal of Marchman Technical Education Center, was honored as the year's Outstanding Public Servant.
"She grew up here and has provided service to the people of this community for the past 30 years," said chamber president Joe Alpine, noting Pearson's positions as board members at the New Port Richey and Pasco libraries in addition to the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
The Eminent Pioneer Acknowledgement Award went to Judy Vincent for someone who has demonstrated outstanding service in West Pasco for more than 20 years.
"She's been a real blessing to our community," Alpine said.
In a rare tie, Lester Cypher was recognized for his work feeding Pasco's hungry and needy families along with Emile Laurino, CEO of the Center of Independence, for 25 years of work helping the developmentally challenged become independent.
Cami Austin, vice president of People's Bank on Ridge Road, was named winner of the chamber's Outstanding Community Service Award for 2003.
"She is definitely committed to the civic, business and charitable interests in Pasco," Alpine said of Austin's involvement in the community.
Also recognized at Friday's awards ceremony were the past chairmen of Chasco Fiesta; special awards were given to Ken Huber for 13 years as Chasco Fiesta treasurer and Roger Michels for 38 years as chairman of the Chasco Fiesta Street Parade.
- Melia Bowie covers business in Pasco County. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6229, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6229. Her e-mail address is bowie@sptimes.com
