Business leaders from across the Clearwater area joined AMPLIFY Clearwater as they hosted “Stars Among Us – Awarding Excellence in Entrepreneurship” at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday, November 4, 2022, as announced by AMPLIFY in a press release Monday. This event was designed to celebrate the positive contributions by individuals and businesses across the community. “We have so many shining stars here in Clearwater. These individuals and businesses work tirelessly to create a better place to live, work and play and we were grateful to gather and celebrate them” states President & CEO of AMPLIFY, Amanda Payne.
AMPLIFY Clearwater’s award nominees and winners are as follows:
Business Excellence Award:
For the Business Excellence Award, we recognize three companies that are stand out organizations. Specifically, these businesses have a reputation for integrity and a high level of customer service in the community. The business, its owners, and/or its employee(s) participate and/or support community and industry-related activities.
The nominees for the category of 5 or fewer employees were Action Accounting, Imaani Bilal’s Family Child Care, and Tiny Paws Daycare. Imaani Bilal’s Family Child Care was selected as the winner.
The nominees for the category of 6 to 24 employees were 3 Daughters Brewing Company, Wildflower Café, and Yo Mama’s Foods, Inc. Yo Mama’s Foods, Inc. was selected as the winner.
The nominees for the Business Excellence Award in the category of 25 or more employees were BayCare Health System, KnowBe4, and Select GCR. BayCare Health System was selected as the winner.
Business Resiliency Award:
Nominees in the Business Resiliency Award category are businesses that have responded to the pandemic with positivity and an exceptional level of leadership. They have found innovative ways to sustain and grow their business during the pandemic, and have supported their staff throughout the shutdown. These organizations have also demonstrated a positive social conscience by utilizing their resources to improve their community.
The nominees were Alligator & Wildlife Discover Center,Beachside Hospitality Group, and Way2Go Rides. Beachside Hospitality Group was selected as the winner.
Champion of Business Award:
This award was created to honor an individual or organization who has shown great dedication to our community, to our businesses and to AMPLIFY Clearwater.
The nominees were Ken Hamilton of the Palm Pavilion, Phil Henderson of Starlite Cruises, and V. Raymond Ferrara of Provise Management Group. V. Raymond Ferrara was selected as the winner.
Community Spirit Award:
This recognition pays tribute to an individual or organization that makes a big difference in the lives of others. They are committed to corporate social responsibility and dedicated to making the Tampa Bay Region a better place to live, work, and play.
The nominees were ClearPath Health LLC,Lotz of Blessings, andWest Coast Medical Resources. West Coast Medical Resources was selected as the winner.
Culture Creator Award:
Creating a positive company culture is a universal necessity in all sizes of business. The recipient for this award is intentional in the development and wellbeing of its employees.
The nominees were AnyDesk, DeliverHealth, and Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties. AnyDesk was selected as the winner.
Environmental Steward Award:
Organizations that have demonstrated exceptional contributions, commitment, and actions to make a positive impact on the local environmental landscape. They are a role model for business in environmental sustainability best practices, and have helped to build environmental awareness and promote environmental stewardship within the Tri-Cities.
The nominees were Keep Pinellas Beautiful, KnowBe4, and The Tropics Boat Tours. KnowBe4 was selected as the winner.
Founder Award:
The Founder Award recognizes someone who started small but thought big. This top-tier recognition pays tribute to an entrepreneur who has reached the pinnacle of prosperity.
The nominees were David Habib of Yo Mama’s Foods, Inc, Joy Gendusa of PostcardMania, and V. Raymond Ferrara of Provise Management Group. David Habib of Yo Mama’s Foods, Inc was selected as the winner.
Generation AMPED Award:
This award was created to recognize a new generation of leaders who are providing innovative solutions to social and business challenges, and improving the quality of life in our community. This award symbolizes the aspiration to transcendent leadership to be pursued by each new generation and to build a better world by creating tangible and practical solutions to some of the most significant challenges faced by our communities.
The nominees were Brandon Halter of Mercedes-Benz of Clearwater, Jared Gill of Chase Bank, and Jasper Klein of Way2Go Rides. Jared Gill of Chase Bank was selected as the winner.
Hospitality Hero Award:
This prestigious award is given to an industry leader whose exceptional commitment has significantly enhanced and perpetuated the tourism industry in Clearwater.
The nominees were Juli Norberg of Hampton Inn & Suites, Paul Andrews of Shephards Beach Resort, and Sonny Flynn of the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center. Sonny Flynn of the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center was selected as the winner.
Launch Award:
The Launch Award will honor a business that began no more than two years ago. Its innovative approach ensures that it’s well on its way.
The nominees were Bay Paws Pet Resort, ClearPath Health LLC, and Our Children Have Rights.Org. Our Children Have Rights.Org was selected as the winner.
Minority-Owned Business Award:
This award recognizes a minority-owned business and/or woman-owned organization that exhibits excellence, best business practices and has had a significant impact on our community. This year, Duke Energy sponsored memberships in AMPLIFY Clearwater to 10 small, diverse businesses based in the Tampa Bay region providing them with unique access
to community resources, networking and business events, educational assets, and other valuable tools. This membership opportunity aligns with the Chamber’s vision for promoting diversity through leadership programs with an intentional focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our small business ecosystem. We appreciate Duke Energy’s partnership in our vision.
The nominees were ClearPath Health LLC, Rock Solid Fitness, and Yo Mama’s Foods. Yo Mama’s Foods was selected as the winner.
Nonprofit Excellence Award:
The recipient for the Nonprofit Excellence Award has demonstrated excellence in non-profit business management practices and resource development and achieved growth in the number of programs, networks, partnerships, collaborations and services that demonstrate community impact and experienced steady growth in clients served.
The nominees were Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties,Lotz of Blessings, and YMCA of the Suncoast. Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties was selected as the winner.
Carol Hague ACHIEVEHERS WOMAN OF THE YEAR Award:
Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, the Carol Hague Woman of the Year Award recognizes an individual who was distinguished herself in our organization, her profession, and her company. The recipient epitomizes the values for which AchieveHERs and AMPLIFY Clearwater stands and represents the best of who we are as women and as leaders.
The nominees were Jasmine Collins of Way2Go Rides, Jeanie Renfrow of Valley Bank, and Sharon Fekete of 13th Avenue Media. Sharon Fekete of 13th Avenue Media was selected as the winner.
Don Ewing Emerging Entrepreneur Award:
The Don Ewing Emerging Entrepreneur Award selects a young professional who is shaking up the small business space. This award was named in the honor of Don Ewing who dedicated his life to being a servant leader in our community.
The nominees were Andie Ritchie of HotWorx Studio, Garret Steed of Crumble Cookie, andJasperKleinofWay2GoRides. JasperKleinofWay2GoRideswasselectedasthewinner.
TASTE FEST People’s Choice Award:
The nominees for the 2022 Taste Fest People’s Choice award were BayStar Restaurant Group, Rusty’s Bistro of Sheraton Sand Key Resort, and Savor the Moment Catering. Both Rusty’s Bistro and Savor the Moment Catering tied as dual winners in this category.
Images of this year’s event can be found HERE compliments of our partner The Guide to Greater Tampa Bay.
AMPLIFY Clearwater would like to thank Ruth Eckerd Hall for hosting and the following businesses for sponsoring this event:
- Green Screen Sponsors – Mercedes-Benz of Clearwater, The Bank of Tampa
- Champion Sponsors – Sheraton Sand Key Resort, West CMR, Hill Ward Henderson, Provise Management Group
- Bronze Sponsors – Candlewood Suites, Regions Bank, Shephards Beach Resort and the YMCA of the Suncoast
