Marco Chamber Awards Recognize Community Volunteers

The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce hosted a full house at the popular Bistro Soleil at the Olde Marco Inn on Friday, January 21. Guests enjoyed an evening of celebration that included welcoming a new Board of Directors and the graduation ceremony for the Leadership Marco Class of 2021.

Attendees were welcomed to the event by Marco Island Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dianna Dohm, who started out the festivities by revealing that CJ’s on the Bay and owners Curt and Jacquie Koon were the Chamber’s choice of Business Member for 2021. They were recognized for their commitment to making the island a welcoming destination, as well as for their support of the many non-profits and other organizations that donate so much to the community. 

The 2022 event also served to celebrate the recipients of the 2020 and 2021 Volunteer and Citizen of the Year Awards, a delay caused by the precautions implemented during the COVID-19 Pandemic over last two years.

The 2020 Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Wanda Burson for her longtime and continuing involvement with organizations such as Sunrise Rotary, Christmas Island Style, the Sail and Power Squadron (America’s Boating Club) and the Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival. An emotional Burson thanked those in attendance for the award.

The 2021 Volunteer of the Year was awarded to well-known resident, Linda Sandlin. Her leadership within the Noontime Rotary Club of Marco Island and projects such as Flags for Heroes are examples of her commitment to the community. Sandlin dedicated her time over many years to the Marco Island Historical Society, and to the successful fundraising efforts to construct the Marco Island Historical Museum. She and her husband Alan are also dedicated members of the Presbyterian Church and involved with its work within the Marco community.

The Chamber quickly moved on to announce the Citizen of the Year for 2020 and 2021. For the year 2020, the Chamber awarded that distinction to resident Jim Richards for his commitment to the community and his philanthropic generosity. Richards serves on several boards and supports non-profits across the island. Known for his dry sense of humor, Richards described himself as, “the guy that sits next to Allison.”

However, getting the 2021 Citizen of the Year recipient to the event without spoiling the surprise involved some clever maneuvering by the recipient’s two daughters, Jessica and Stephanie. The two sisters told their mother, Val Simon, that they wanted a “girls’ night out” together, and then accompanied her to the event. Val Simon, the Publisher and owner of the Coastal Breeze News was honored as Marco Island’s 2021 Citizen of the Year.

“As a member of various boards and committees throughout the island, Val has continued to show her support and commitment to make our community the special place it is,” said Dianna Dohm while announcing her selection.

An emotional and humble Simon made her way to the podium to thank those in attendance for the confidence and trust they have shown her over the many years she’s been part of the Marco community. Two proud young ladies sat and watched as their mother accepted her well-earned award.

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Leadership Marco Class of 2021 graduates. Like a proud school principal, Donna Niemczyk, the Chamber’s Program and Events Manager, introduced the graduates: Debbra Bartman, Caitlin Benarroch, Alisha Garcia-Pacheco, Brunilda Guederian, Elizabeth Kester, Steve Lampar, Bruce Mitchell, Luke Noble, Michelle Richards, George Schoenberger and Julie Walker. 

The final official act of the evening was the swearing in of the 2022 Executive Committee and Board of Directors by Marco Island City Councilor Becky Irwin. Dr. Richard Siegel handed over the reins as President to Tiffany Homuth, the incoming President, who will be joined on the Executive Committee for 2022 by Colleen Long as President Elect, Jacquie Koon as Secretary, Erik Condee as Treasurer, Alex Parker III as Committee Chair and Laura Gelman as Financial Secretary. Board Members are Susan Ackerson, Mary Quinton, Nancy Carrington, Rick Popoff, Dan Collardey, Val Simon, James Garcia, Sandi Sims-Ramage, Kaitlen Magdalener and Richard Summer.