2023 Chamber Gala

Irene Castillo Passes the Gavel to Wesley Joyner; Best of Plant City Award Winners Announced

By Jennifer Jordan

At the John R. Trinkle Center on January 26, members and trustees of The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce gathered in their best 80’s themed attire to enjoy a blast from the past and celebrate the Passing of the Gavel ceremony, in addition to the Best of Plant City Awards at the 2023 Chamber Gala.

Members of the Chamber were welcomed by 2022 Chairman of the Board Irene Castillo, who then welcomed Tim Lovett to say the invocation. After the invocation, Clay Keel recited the Pledge of Allegiance, with an electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem following. Second Plate Catering provided dinner for everyone in attendance.

The program then began with Chamber President Christine Miller thanking the City Commission, as well as members, sponsors, and trustees for their continued support and generosity to the Chamber. Miller also thanked her staff for their endless hard work and dedication to their community.

Then the Passing of the Gavel ceremony commenced, with former chairmen lining up on the stage, starting with the most senior past chairman and going in chronological order to the newest chairman, 2023 Chairman Wesley Joyner.

Joyner said of receiving the opportunity to be the 2023 Chairman of the Board, “I’m a sixth generation Plant Citian, and my family’s seventh and eighth generations live here as well. That speaks volumes about this city, the community, the farmers, and the businesses. It truly is great to live, work, and play here.” He continued by saying, “Being the Chairman of the Board, I’m excited to continue the Chamber’s mission, and we’ll continue to provide leadership that will improve Plant City’s businesses and our community.”

Joyner will be working alongside the new 2023 Chamber Board of Directors: Chair-Elect: Lisa Rhodes; Immediate Past Chair and Treasurer: Irene Castillo; Vice Chair of Membership Division: Clay Keel; Vice Chair of Community Relations Division: Shari Sun; Vice Chair Community Events Division: Arley Smude; and Vice Chair of Government Affairs Division: John Haney. The 2023 Board of Directors and Officers were then invited on stage and sworn in with an oath by Plant City Mayor Nick Kilton.

After a brief intermission, the program continued with the announcement of the 16 Best of Plant City awards, 11 of which were voted for by the community and the remaining 5 were chosen by various organizations. The 2023 Greater Chamber of Commerce Best of Plant City awards are:

• Community Service Award- Bikes for Christ

• Customer Service Award- The Barber Company

• Best Community Event Award- Plant City Honor Our Veterans and Active Military

• Health, Wellness, and Fitness Award- V.E.V. Nutrition

• Employer of the Year Award- Patterson Companies

• Non-Proft Award- Hillsborough Cattlemen’s Foundation

• Entrepreneur of the Year Award- Kristi Grooms, Fancy Farms Market

• New Business Award- Bruton’s Cigar Shop

• Small Business of the Year Award- Pelican’s SnoBalls

• Business of the Year Award- Hungry Howies

• Emerging Leader Award- Ryan Gill

• Downtown Enrichment Award (Selected by Historic Plant City Main Street)- Norma’s Cuban Shop

• Economic Development Award (Selected by the Plant City EDC)- Sudler Real Estate

• Spirit of the Chamber Award (Selected by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce)Deanna Hurley

• Visionary Award (Selected by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce)- Jake Austin

• Ambassador of the Year (Selected by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce)Jason Jones

As the evening concluded, members and trustees congratulated and thanked each other, reflecting on how despite the challenges that were faced in 2022, the community remained supportive of each other and continued to flourish. While 2023 is still an uncertainty, the ability to thrive in a supportive community like Plant City is not, and the 2023 Chamber Gala cemented the notion that if business leaders continue working together with each other and the community to create positive change, Plant City will continue to thrive for years to come.