The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2021 winners of the Chamber Business Awards. Nominated from the community by the chamber board, the winners were chosen by votes from chamber members. “These awards represent the best of the best,” said chamber CEO Daniel Samess. The following businesses have set an exemplary standard in Marathon with their unique contributions to our community. Keys Weekly featured four of the eight winners in last week’s issue, with the rest of the award recipients listed below:
Community Contribution Award (Large Business):
This award is presented to a business that goes above and beyond the call of duty to help their Middle Keys community whenever called upon. 2021’s Large Business award goes to Florida Keys Electric Co-op, taking the win over fellow nominees Centennial Bank and Hawks Cay Resort. “We do our very best to be a valued community partner in all the communities we serve,” said Scott Newberry, FKEC CEO. “On behalf of all the folks here at FKEC, thank you to the Marathon business community for recognizing us.”
Community Contribution Award (Small Business):
The chamber elected to recognize both a large and small business for its 2021 Community Contribution Awards. 2021’s Small Business award was won by Brutus Seafood, edging out other nominees Keys Federal Credit Union, Driftwood Pizza & Subs, and Florida Keys Brewing Co. “I just wanted to thank all of the chamber members who voted for Brutus and myself,” said owner Elise Mucha Reid. “I’m very proud to be a member of such a small community, and I’m very grateful to be able to give back. I’m glad that my staff shows up and supports me and all the crazy endeavors that I always volunteer us for.”
Chamber Best Friend Award:
This award is presented to a person or business that is always there to help the Marathon chamber, putting in time and effort and showing dedication to the chamber’s causes and mission. The Chamber Best Friend for 2021 is Tricia Baker with Marathon Lumber, winning the award over fellow nominees Christina McIntyre from Food for Thought and Sandra Bradshaw. “Thank you, chamber members, for this Best Friend Award,” said Baker. “I try to do what I can to help, and with all the crazy times we’ve had, it’s kind of nice to be recognized.”
Humanitarian Award:
The Humanitarian Award is presented to a business that is always striving to help those in need within the Middle Keys community. Presents in Paradise takes home 2021’s Humanitarian Award over nominees Overseas Pub & Grill, Brutus Seafood, and FIRM. “I just want to say thank you to this amazing community,” said founder Sarah Brawer. “Presents in Paradise started in 2003 and we had 14 kids. This year, we’re expecting over 500, and we couldn’t do it without all the support and all the wonderful people that live here. What an honor.”
With all that they do, Keys Weekly was not yet able to catch up with Tricia Baker and FKEC for a photo. Maybe next week, folks!
