Hardee County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Meeting, November 6, 2006

Two new prestigious awards will be presented this year at the Annual Meeting: The Mildred & Doyle Carlton, Jr. Award; and the Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by Mosaic.

Mildred & Doyle Carlton, Jr. Award 2006 - For highest integrity, stewardship, and uncompromising moral fortitude in his personal life and his generosity and commitment to the community's good in his public life. Congratulations to Miles Judah, proprietor of Pete’s Pharmacy, for being chosen as the first recipient of the Mildred & Doyle Carlton, Jr. Award. Miles is a true humanitarian and manages to offer that personal touch while providing progressive pharmaceutical care. Miles, a willing and caring pharmacist, always has time to offer words of wisdom and/or encouragement. Miles has a fabulous state of the art building making it easier to serve his customers.

Hardee County Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year 2006. Congratulations to Elizabeth Durrance, owner of Cat’s Corner, for becoming the first recipient of the. Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. Cat’s Corner has been in the family for three generations: first, Mama Cat; then daughter, Gloria; and now daughter-in –law, Elizabeth. Cat’s, has many loyal patrons not only from Hardee, but from Desoto, Highlands, Charlotte and Polk Counties. Elizabeth knows her customers wants and needs and offers a wide variety of gifts, china, silver, jewelry, crystal and much more, and all the while maintaining a “home town flavor”, with friendly and helpful co-workers. Cat’s Corner, a tradition in Hardee County, now in its third location, is preparing to expand the store. A tribute in this day and age.

Our special guest, famed Florida artist, Robert Butler, is bringing a collection of his art works which was recently displayed in Highlands County. Robert has recently released a book that will be available for purchase that evening. In his book he references Hardee County. Always popular, a Robert Butler original finished at the event will be auctioned off. Don’t forget your checkbook if you have your mind set on owning a Robert Butler original. "For many years, I've lived close to nature and witnessed the beauty my privileged eye has been allowed to see. As an artist, it is important to me to share my experiences, and whenever I work, it is the larger view that I strive to maintain. I

invite you to look at your experience in the same way. The textured tapestry we call reality is constantly changing.  An artist is one of the few who will be privileged to add his or her special splash of color."   -Robert Butler 1999

Also at the Annual Meeting is the installation of Officers and Directors: President – Jama Abbott; Vice President – Vanessa Hernandez; Secretary – Carol Hancock; Treasurer – Erica Scheipsmeier; Past President – Terry Atchley. Two year term ending 2007: Tony Pazzaglia; Sandy Larrison; Jason Clark; & Dennis Jones. Two year term ending 2008: Joyce Fulse; Thomas Trevino; Lavon Cobb; and Mike Manley.