Former State Sen. Dennis Jones, right, introduces 2013-2014 Mr. Seminole Gene Stern during the annual Seminole Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Banquet Jan. 19 at the Wine Cellar restaurant.
SEMINOLE – Local investment broker Gene Stern received the Mr. Seminole award Jan. 19 during the Seminole Chamber of Commerce’s annual Installation and Awards Banquet at the Wine Cellar restaurant.
Stern is the 49th winner of the award, which dates back to 1965 when city founder Jesse Johnson received the first Mr. Seminole distinction.
The award is handed out yearly to a man or woman who has gone beyond the call of duty in serving the community.
Stern was a charter member of the Tuesday Club and Rotary Club of Seminole. He was also a co-winner of the Chamber’s first Merit Award and served on the Chamber board of directors for four years.
He also was a major supporter and helped start what is now Teacher Appreciation Day.
In other awards presentations, Victor Adamo, owner of Realty Executives Adamo and Associates, was named Boss of the Year; Lake Seminole Square received Business of the Year and Dr. Steve Nickse, organizer of the annual Kids Appreciation Day at Seminole City Park, received the Merit Award.
In a special presentation, former Seminole Mayor and former chamber executive director Jimmy Johnson was named executive director emeritus.
In other action, Nancy Giles took over as chair of the chamber board, which also includes Adamo as chairman-elect; treasurer Jim Olliver, secretary Diane Luttmann and past president Gary Scarsbrook.
Directors for 2013-14 are Michael Lurie, Laverne Welch, Phil Crow, Marianne Fisher, Eva Jones, Sandy Hartmann and Don Bates.
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