It was an excellent afternoon in a truly excellent setting as ChamberSouth honored the winners of the seventh annual Excellence Awards during a luncheon at The Shops at Sunset Place.
Hosted by the ChamberSouth Gavel Club, in conjunction with the Small Business Committee, about 200 chamber members, guests, and award finalists and recipients gathered to “champion excellence in business” during the annual event hosted Apr. 12 by First National Bank of South Miami and Baptist Health South Florida.
With Channel 7 morning anchor Alez de Armas serving as emcee, ChamberSouth recognized businesses that during the past year demonstrated excellence in overall business achievement, corporate citizenship, customer service, and workplace environment.
Keynote speaker was John Gazitua, owner of Sergio’s Cuban Kitchen and Bar, who discussed the power and presence of branding of Miami’s small businesses and non-profits.
A sangria reception began the event followed by the noon awards program in a generous urban-style warehouse space donated by The Shops at Sunset Place.
Following are the finalists in each category, with the winner listed first.
Startup Business Award:
Pilates in the Grove
Paddle South Florida
David Hernandez CPA
Not for Profit Award:
Art South
Area Stage Company
Minority Business Award:
Duarte Orthodontics
Sarah Desamours, Realtor with Keller Williams
Que Belle Events
Pilates in the Grove
FAS CPA & Consultants
High Growth Award:
First National Bank of South Miami
University of MiamiUnion Mortgage Investment Group
Total Bank
Overall Business Champion:
University of Miami
