(Feb. 2, 2017) Cate Nellans was introduced as president, taking over for Immediate Past President Donna Compher, and a handful of awards were handed out during the 2017 Berlin Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner at Fins Ale House and Raw Bar last Wednesday.
Taking home trophies, produced by Plak That Printing Co., were artist of the year Jordan Pippin (Steel N Glory), volunteer of the year Sharon Timmons (Town of Berlin), new business of the year Toby Gilbert (Gilbert’s Provisions), bright idea award-winner Heather Layton (Bungalow Love) and philanthropist Robin Tomaselli (Baked Dessert Café).
Layton, chairwoman of the Berlin Arts & Entertainment Committee, was honored for her part in the Artists Giving Back: Meals for the Hungry dinner on Nov. 29, when a group of artists, business owners and community members came together to feed more than 260 people in Berlin. Additional food collected and cooked during that day provided another 100 meals for West Ocean City nonprofit Diakonia.
Before receiving her own award, Tomaselli accepted on behalf of Layton and the other members of the A&E committee. Tomaselli is the vice president of that group.
“The Artists Giving Back: Meals for the Hungry … was one of the greatest things that I feel that we’ve accomplished so far, and we got way more out of it than we gave,” she said.
The winners were apparently not notified ahead of time and several seemed genuinely surprised when their name was announced, including a tearful Timmons.
Chamber Executive Director Larnet St. Amant said of Timmons, “When I started the position two-and-a-half years ago Sharon took me under her wing and taught me everything. [She] has been the most amazing leader, friend, guide – she knows everything about everything. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts and I’m so glad that we recognized her. She is amazing to our town. We are so, so blessed to have her.”
Chamber Administrative Assistant Harrison Albert shared a similar story.
“When I came here six months ago and started this job I was kind of a nobody. Nobody really knew who I was,” he said. “I was learning not only about the town, but everything around it, and Sharon was just a huge help. She guided me through everything and I couldn’t thank you enough.”
Timmons joked those who her knew best, knew she was never short of words – until that moment.
“You all are an amazing group to work with and for,” she said.
St. Amant said the 31st year of the Berlin Chamber would include a new and more user-friendly website design, and an enhanced member directory.
She also used the occasion to formally introduce Albert.
“There have been lots of changes in the last year, but lots of good changes – and we now have Harrison Albert who is the new assistant,” she said. “He’s a [Savannah College of Art and Design] graduate who is new to the area and he’s very talented and super smart, which is wonderful. He makes me look good.
“He and I are both very committed to the chamber and we’re going to make this a really great year,” she added. “We can’t wait.”
The first business after hours of the New Year will be held at the Berlin Visitor’s Center on March 30 and will include live music, beer, wine and appetizers.
Additional upcoming Berlin Chamber of Commerce events include Spring Celebration, April 15, the Jazz and Blues Bash, May 6, Spring Cruisers, May 20, the Bathtub Races, July 7, and Fall Cruisers, Oct. 7.
For more information, visit www.berlinchamber.org.
Taking home trophies, produced by Plak That Printing Co., were artist of the year Jordan Pippin (Steel N Glory), volunteer of the year Sharon Timmons (Town of Berlin), new business of the year Toby Gilbert (Gilbert’s Provisions), bright idea award-winner Heather Layton (Bungalow Love) and philanthropist Robin Tomaselli (Baked Dessert Café).
Layton, chairwoman of the Berlin Arts & Entertainment Committee, was honored for her part in the Artists Giving Back: Meals for the Hungry dinner on Nov. 29, when a group of artists, business owners and community members came together to feed more than 260 people in Berlin. Additional food collected and cooked during that day provided another 100 meals for West Ocean City nonprofit Diakonia.
Before receiving her own award, Tomaselli accepted on behalf of Layton and the other members of the A&E committee. Tomaselli is the vice president of that group.
“The Artists Giving Back: Meals for the Hungry … was one of the greatest things that I feel that we’ve accomplished so far, and we got way more out of it than we gave,” she said.
The winners were apparently not notified ahead of time and several seemed genuinely surprised when their name was announced, including a tearful Timmons.
Chamber Executive Director Larnet St. Amant said of Timmons, “When I started the position two-and-a-half years ago Sharon took me under her wing and taught me everything. [She] has been the most amazing leader, friend, guide – she knows everything about everything. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts and I’m so glad that we recognized her. She is amazing to our town. We are so, so blessed to have her.”
Chamber Administrative Assistant Harrison Albert shared a similar story.
“When I came here six months ago and started this job I was kind of a nobody. Nobody really knew who I was,” he said. “I was learning not only about the town, but everything around it, and Sharon was just a huge help. She guided me through everything and I couldn’t thank you enough.”
Timmons joked those who her knew best, knew she was never short of words – until that moment.
“You all are an amazing group to work with and for,” she said.
St. Amant said the 31st year of the Berlin Chamber would include a new and more user-friendly website design, and an enhanced member directory.
She also used the occasion to formally introduce Albert.
“There have been lots of changes in the last year, but lots of good changes – and we now have Harrison Albert who is the new assistant,” she said. “He’s a [Savannah College of Art and Design] graduate who is new to the area and he’s very talented and super smart, which is wonderful. He makes me look good.
“He and I are both very committed to the chamber and we’re going to make this a really great year,” she added. “We can’t wait.”
The first business after hours of the New Year will be held at the Berlin Visitor’s Center on March 30 and will include live music, beer, wine and appetizers.
Additional upcoming Berlin Chamber of Commerce events include Spring Celebration, April 15, the Jazz and Blues Bash, May 6, Spring Cruisers, May 20, the Bathtub Races, July 7, and Fall Cruisers, Oct. 7.
For more information, visit www.berlinchamber.org.