Parker Installed as Chamber President

By Coastal Breeze News Staff

Hideaway Beach Club was again the beautiful setting for the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce Installation of the 2016 Board of Directors and Graduation of Leadership Marco Class of 2015 on January 17.

Executive Director Sandi Riedemann welcomed guests, and along with 2015 President Dick Shanahan, graduated an enthusiastic Leadership Marco class. Calling themselves graduates are: Lynn Alexander, Marisa Cleveland, Patrick Corkhill, Catherine McConville, Elizabeth Novakovich, Tracey Petricca, Steven Purcell, Laura Schneider, Melissa Scott, Dianna Schearer, Ryan Williams and Rev. Dr. Mark Williams. Leadership Marco Chairpersons Charlette Roman and Lana Withers were recognized for their hard work organizing the program.

Also

recognized was Nancy Carrington, Marco Island Florist and Gifts, who was named “Chamber Champion” for her significant contribution to the Chamber of Commerce, going back to 1993. And in fact, that evening the elegant floral centerpieces were provided by Marco Island Florist and Gifts.

The new board, sworn in by Supervisor of Elections Jennifer Edwards, includes President Alex Parker III, President Elect Dan Collardey, Secretary Erik Condee, Treasurer Jada Shigley, and members Susan Ackerson, Ron Albeit, Desiree Buhelos, Nancy Carrington, Bruce Gear, Daniel High, Tiffany Homuth, David Hyatt, Jacquie Koon, Patrick Neale, Rick Popoff, Mary Quinton and Lori Wagor.

As Dick Shanahan stepped down, he

was recognized for his dedicated and outstanding service in 2015. Alex was presented with the gavel, and assumed his position as Marco Island Chamber of Commerce president. Alex, originally from Detroit, Michigan, has been on the island for ten years, and is the owner of AP Builders. Alex recalled how Dick personally approached him to be his replacement as president. The crowd laughed when Alex shared with them that the only other time Dick had been to his office was when his “roof leaked.”

With a perfect Henry Ford quote, Alex addressed the crowd, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working

together is success.” Alex praised the “very successful” Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is to promote a healthy business and tourism climate.

Alex told guests that the Chamber of Commerce “is not a social club,” and spoke of how the Chamber helps to “build and grow businesses.” Although socializing is not the purpose of the Chamber, Alex said its members “socialize, without apology,” and benefit from networking. Making it clear to all present that the many benefits of membership in the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce go well beyond promoting business, Alex said, “You have become my friends, my extended family…you can’t put a price on that.”