The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Brooklake Country Club. Businesses and Individuals were honored. Awards were given in eight categories at the year-end celebration.
The evening was filled with good cheer, laughter and friendship and included a dinner buffet, cash bar, door prizes and an awards ceremony that was held in the lounge overlooking the golf course.
“The Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner celebrates the outstanding achievements of a carefully selected group of distinguished individuals, businesses and community organizations. All of our 2018 honorees are being honored for their dedication and support of Madison businesses and the community as a whole.” said Chamber President John Morris.
In the Business Improvement category, the Chamber honored the AVE Florham Park, 90 Park Ave. with the 2018 Best New Building award while Daddy Matty’s, 6 Elmer St. received the 2018 Innovation Award. Harvest Bistro, 50 1/2 Main St. received Best New Relaunch and the 2018 Outstanding Preservation Award went to The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, 9 Main St.
The 2018 Appreciation Award honored Thomas Haralampoudis of Madison for his incredible generosity and support of the businesses and the community of Madison.
The Chamber 2018 Community Service Award was presented to the Forum Club of Madison for the organizations dedication and ongoing service.
The recipient of 2018 Distinguished Service Award honored Bar Method Madison, 122 Main St., owner Gina Striffler for her substantial contributions to the community of Madison.
“Gina has implemented over 50 non-exercise related projects in 2017 and 2018 – countless fundraisers for community and charitable causes to which 100% of monies raised were donated to the cause,” said Karen Giambra, Chamber executive director, in opening remarks.
“Gina’s unique, supportive community within her 4 walls of Bar Method truly reaches out beyond her 4 walls to service the broader community. Her mission is to “be the good” and make a difference.”
The much anticipated “Extra Mile Award” is the only Chamber award determined by the general public. This year honored Healthy Italia.
“Our honorees delivered thoughtful, enjoyable and touching acceptance speeches and the Chamber Board can’t thank them enough for their efforts,” said Morris. “The very memorable night was made possible by our honorees, guests, award presenters, many Chamber volunteers and the event’s organizer, Karen Giambra, Chamber’s executive director.”
The awards were sponsored by Jacquie Dinsmore of TAPInto Madison and the centerpieces were sponsored by Whole Foods Market, 222 Main St. The Madison Pharmacy, 66 Main St. donated the balloons that served as part of the table centerpieces.
(above) Extra Mile Award Winner Healthy Italia owners Laura & Cristina.
(above) Distinguished Service Award Winner Gina Stiffler pictured with the Bar Method Madison staff.
