The ChamberSOUTH 7TH Annual Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Baptist Health of South Florida were held on Wednesday April 12th and hosted at the Shops of Sunset Place. The guests enjoyed the bubbly and talented Master of Ceremonies Alex D’Armas of Channel 7, who kept the program flowing. Then, an inspiring presentation from Sergio’s owners John and Carlos Gazitua about their rise from a mom and pop to a successful chain. All while members shared in recognizing fellow businesses that excel in overall business achievement, corporate citizenship, customer service, and workplace environment. Guests connected over the sound of classic Cuban music, fresh sangria and delicious Cuban food catered by Sergio’s! There were four awards categories, each 
delving into different kinds of businesses. The Startup Business Award is for new businesses that are fast growing through innovation and productivity. The Not for Profit Award aims to bring exposure to organizations that are not established for the sole purpose of making money, rather engaged in efforts to benefit our community. The Minority Business Award goes to a company that is operated or owned by one or more persons of minority backgrounds and is able to illustrate the challenges they have overcome to excel in their field. Finally, our last two categories are the High Growth award and Business Champion Award. The High Growth Award acknowledge businesses that have experienced measurable economic growth within the past two years, and the Overall Business Champion Award, selected from all submissions, goes to an organization that exhibits exemplary and innovative ideals that support our community and create positive leadership roles.
The Winners are….
Start Up Business Award, Pilates in the Grove
Not for Profit Award, Art South
Minority Business Award, Duarte Orthodontics
High Growth Award, First National Bank of South Miami
Business Champion Award, University of Miami
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- George Spillis of Grass River Management, new owners of Sunset Place welcomes guests and describes the changes coming to the mall.
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- Claudia A. Cancio on the right with the Duarte’s, winners of the Minority Business Award.
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- ChamberSOUTH members Allison Polk, Patrick Khoury, Jackie Donate and Sarah Desamours.
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- Nikki Spitzer, Karyn Cunningham, Chair Joe Gallaher and Past Chair Claudia A. Cancio.
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- Chamber Board member Mindy Herris and Sarah Artecona of UM, winners of the Business Champion Award.
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- FNBSM Executive Vice President Veronica B. Flores with Chamber Chair Joe Gallaher and Alex D’Armas.
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- FNBSM staff pose for a group photo.
