Chamber Celebrates 2025, Welcomes 2026

Hideaway Beach Club and its staff hosted another wonderful event, with a perfect sunset view, for the 2026 Annual Installation and Awards Dinner of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

During a lively cocktail hour, Lauren Sheppard serenaded the room as attendees mingled. A sense of a family reunion at a business event was evident as hugs were exchanged and laughter filled the room.

“I'm so excited that we're all here together. I think everybody in this room knows everybody in this room. This is one of my favorite events,” said Dianna Dohm, Marco Island Chamber Executive Director.

Current Chamber president Rick Popoff started the ceremonies by presenting the Business Recognition Award to Grant Phelan.

Phelan was noted for his generous provision of over 400 restaurant gift cards. These allowed the Chamber to raise over two tons of food for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and to collect over 80 pints of blood for NCH.

“His family brand is constantly supporting and sponsoring things on the island. He's been a past Chamber board member and we are so fortunate to have him as an amazing partner,” said Popoff as he called Phelan and his wife, Laurie, to the podium.

Phelan humbly accepted the award while his beaming wife cheered him on. “I don't know if you guys know, but I've actually been doing business on Marco for about 10 years, and my father has been doing business on the island since the late 80s, early 90s,” Phelan said. “I love Marco Island. We have restaurants all around and Marco is by far the greatest community that we can do business in.”

Evelyn Rosetti-Ryan also presented Phelan with the ‘Hunger Heroes of Distinction’ award for his support of the food pantry.

Collier County Supervisor of Elections, Melissa Blazier, installed the 2026 Chamber board: President - Rick Popoff; 2027 President-Elect James Garcia; Board Secretary Dan Collardey; Standing Committee Chair Alex Parker; Directors Nancy Carrington, Kaitlen Magdalener, Jacquie Strategos (Absent), Peter St. Germain, Jada Shigley, Virgil Lindsey, and Colleen Long.

Donna Niemczyk, Leadership Marco’s program guide for 17 years, joined Dohm to present these 2025 grads with their plaques: Nancy Judd, Virgil Lindsey, Brandon Swope, Matt Marshall, ever the class clown Ed Brandt (who took to the stage in a full cap and gown), Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, Kandy Sweeney, Bonita Schwan, and Kevin Hennessy. Absent from the event were grads Suzanne Gibson, Ben Ramsey, and Kyle Cholka.

It was evident that this year’s class was very close. “In appreciation of all you've done for our class, keeping us on track, and always with a smile and grace,” said Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan while presenting Niemczyk with flowers. Each member of the class came forward to exchange hugs with Niemczyk.

Bill Morris was recognized for his consistent efforts with the chamber. “For your dedication and all your hard work this year,” said Popoff.

For Volunteer and Citizen of the Year, Dohm talked about the selection process. Recipients are nominated throughout a two-month period by the Island community. Then past recipients meet, go over the names, and vote. They are not chosen by the chamber, but solely by past recipients.

This year's Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Bill Christ for his indispensable presence on Marco Island. Christ is known for being wherever the needs are, whether that is in the kitchen preparing meals, serving food to the homeless, delivering meals, or supporting the mobile food pantries. He volunteers with Knights of Columbus, numerous Catholic charities, Immokalee Soup Kitchen, and St. Vincent de Paul, to name just a few of the organizations.

Though he is in his 80s, his commitment to volunteer with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry is routine, and he never hesitates to perform the task at hand with a smile and warm greeting.

“What he offers goes far beyond logistics. He provides dignity, kindness, and genuine smiles to every family he encounters. His servant heart knows no borders,” said Dohm.

“I am deeply flattered, but I am just a small part of the very big wheel on Marco Island of people that contribute that do not always get recognized,” said a visibly emotional Christ via a pre-recorded speech.

When the committee chooses the Citizen of the Year they focus on two things: An individual’s body of work over time and how fully they are invested in enhancing the lives of Marco Island residents.

The Citizen of the Year was presented to Cindy Love-Abounader, who has exemplified those two key items for more than 30 years.

Love-Abounader has built strong partnerships with local and statewide organizations, advocated for resources that returned to Marco Island, and worked collaboratively with city leadership to ensure the community is never overlooked.

Programs include youth development, early learning initiatives serving thousands of children, fitness, wellness classes promoting healthy aging, aquatic, water safety programs, and innovative services for those with Parkinson's.

Additionally, Love-Abounader has led hurricane relief efforts, supported Meals of Hope, the Christmas Island Style Parade, Flags for Heroes, and is a dedicated Rotarian.

“She exemplifies service about self,” said Dohm, as the room rose to a standing ovation.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Love-Abounader said, “I can't do this work without everybody like you in the room.” She acknowledged the YMCA as her hub for the last 32 years, leading her to find her family, friends, mentors, and this excellent community.

“We all work together and I think that's what this whole community is about. Working together, loving each other, and caring about every single one. And that is our goal here, to always care and love each another.”

In closing remarks, Popoff praised the work of the past Chamber presidents and volunteers of the board, whose hard work resulted in the current average of six businesses a month joining the Chamber.

“This shows you the growth and strength that we have. My job as the 2026 president is simply to keep this very good oil machine running.”