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Sun City Center Chamber celebrates successful 2015

 
Courtney Hudson-Brown of Lifevantage receives an award from the Greater Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce.
Courtney Hudson-Brown of Lifevantage receives an award from the Greater Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce.
Published Jan. 14, 2016

New Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cedrick Wilson set the tone for an evening of recognition, anticipation and congratulations with the theme of "Dare to dream, strive to achieve."

The chamber honored members at its annual banquet and rewards dinner Jan. 8 at the Renaissance Country Club. Wilson, a manager with Service­Master 24 Hour, offered an enthusiastic speech as he took over for outgoing chair Mike Langjahr of Sun City Center Funeral Home.

Chamber CEO Dana Dittmar followed, expressing appreciation for the volunteers and board members who helped produce a successful year.

"We've got to keep moving forward," Dittmar said. "We have new places to go."

Hal Jeffery, youth minister at Ruskin United Methodist Church and chaplain for the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, received the night's most prestigious award as the Community Leader of the Year. Last year's winner, Charlotte Clark of American Momentum Bank, described Jeffery as "one of the most caring and active men I know. He's all about bringing people together and does so much for others."

In addition to working as a concert promoter, Jeffery has served the community as a youth and senior pastor and has organized food drives, including serving 50,000 meals with the Meals of Hope program and preparing 3,000 Thanksgiving dinners for those in need.

The Frank King Volunteer of the Year, named for the late exemplary volunteer, went to Margaret DeLuca. King's widow, Mary, and previous winner Dee Williams presented the award to DeLuca.

Other award winners included Marcile Buzbee of Aflac (ambassador of the year), Courtney Hudson-Brown of Lifevantage (new member of the year), Steve Sciuga of A-Plus Heating and Air Conditioning (business of the year), and Good Samaritan Mission (nonprofit of the year).

Contact Kathy Straub at hillsnews@tampabay.com.