South Tampa Chamber Celebrates Outstanding Achievements and Honors Award Winners
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, presented by Tampa General Hospital, at the Centre Club on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The event highlighted the Chamber's numerous accomplishments over the past year, including welcoming 140 new members, hosting 80 events with more than 6,500 attendees, and participating in 35 ribbon cuttings to celebrate local business openings.
Tara Moody, 2024 Chair of the Board, reflected on the Chamber’s success, stating, “This year, we’ve significantly enhanced our advocacy efforts, expanded educational opportunities for business growth, provided support during Hurricane season, and grew our young professionals programming. These are just a few examples of the many strides we’ve made in 2024.”
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and businesses within the Chamber community. Kelly Flannery, President and CEO, emphasized, “A strong Chamber is essential for building a stronger community. Our success in so many areas wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our members and volunteer leaders.”
2024 South Tampa Chamber Award Winners:
- Member of the Year: PamElla Lee Perkins, PamElla Lee Photography
- New Member Spotlight Award: Christi Slaven, Professor Posture
- Volunteer of the Year: Connie Gage, Smith & Associates Real Estate
- Ambassador of the Year: Dale Nabors, Realtor
- Chairman’s Award: Elizabeth Montante, ZIPs Cleaners & Qdoba Mexican Eats
Dotti Groover-Skipper, founder of the HeartDance Foundation and a passionate community volunteer, was named 2024 Citizen of the Year. The HeartDance Foundation supports individuals impacted by sex trafficking and the sex industry. Dotti has dedicated her career to creating programs that drive positive policy change in substance abuse, addiction, and human trafficking. She has developed sustainable community coalitions, served on both local and state boards, and has been widely recognized for her leadership and expertise.
Corporal Gig Brown, a member of the Tampa Police Department, was honored with the 2024 Hero Award for his outstanding service to the City of Tampa and his commitment to the Business Watch Program. This program connects business owners with law enforcement to foster a safer, more family-friendly environment. In 2022, Corporal Brown was named Officer of the Year by the City of Tampa.
Tanya Cielo, the incoming 2025 Chair of the Board and owner of Sky Strategic Marketing, concluded the event by sharing her excitement for the future: “As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we have much to be excited about. We also have a great deal of work ahead as our board, staff, and committees work toward achieving our goals in preparation for the Chamber’s centennial celebration in 2026.”
About the South Tampa Chamber:
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce represents over 600 businesses, organizations, and individuals committed to making South Tampa the premier place to live, work, and play. The Chamber is a Certified Plus Chamber by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, a Three-Star Chamber of Valor by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and was named the 2020 Chamber of the Year. For more information, visit www.SouthTampaChamber.org.
Corporal Gig Brown, a member of the Tampa Police Department, was honored with the 2024 Hero Award for his outstanding service to the City of Tampa and his commitment to the Business Watch Program. This program connects business owners with law enforcement to foster a safer, more family-friendly environment. In 2022, Corporal Brown was named Officer of the Year by the City of Tampa.
Tanya Cielo, the incoming 2025 Chair of the Board and owner of Sky Strategic Marketing, concluded the event by sharing her excitement for the future: “As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we have much to be excited about. We also have a great deal of work ahead as our board, staff, and committees work toward achieving our goals in preparation for the Chamber’s centennial celebration in 2026.”
About the South Tampa Chamber:
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce represents over 600 businesses, organizations, and individuals committed to making South Tampa the premier place to live, work, and play. The Chamber is a Certified Plus Chamber by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, a Three-Star Chamber of Valor by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and was named the 2020 Chamber of the Year. For more information, visit www.SouthTampaChamber.org.