Chamber Celebrates Volunteers at Annual Banquet


The Chamber hosted its’ 32nd Annual Awards Banquet on January 25, 2011, at the beautiful Lake Eva Banquet Hall. The Awards ceremony featured a fabulous dinner prepared by John Michael Weddings & Special Events. Master of Ceremonies Mayor Horace West presided over the ceremonies including: the introduction of 2011 officers and presentation of several awards. Citizen of the Year was presented to Horace West, State Farm Insurance; Volunteer of the Year was presented to Ellen McCarter, Citizen’s Bank; and Haines City’s Employee of the Year was presented to Kari Giddens, Assistant Finance Director (accepted by Donald Carter, Finance Director). Several past presidents participated in the traditional passing of the gavel to Incoming Chair Steve Shealey.

A special thank you to our sponsors: At&t, City of Haines City, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and Polk State College. Thank you also to Bok Tower Gardens, Fantasy of Flight and Legoland for providing decorations for the tourist-themed event.