April 30, 2002 – Another milestone anniversary comes in this year of anniversaries: The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 75 years of the Chamber.
The Annual Awards Banquet at the St. Peter Greathouse Estate and Gardens, St. Thomas, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, will honor the 75th anniversary, as well as present awards to residents who have made outstanding contributions. The Chamber will publish a commemorative booklet for the event, said a release, which will take a look back at the Chamber's history and some of the individuals who were instrumental in shaping the business community.
Dress for the event is "Island Elegant," and tickets, at $100 per person, are available at the Chamber Office. RSVP to 76-0100.
The Wilbur "Bill" LaMotta Community Service Award, established in 1983, recognizes contributions of persons whose achievements "reflect the commitment and dedication exemplified by the life and work of Bill LaMotta," said the release. Prior to his death, LaMotta was president of the Chamber, a 1977 White House honor as a Small Businessman of the Year, a civil leader and renowned Caribbean composer and musician.
He started his Westindy Music business in 1959 as a music publishing company, and parent company to four music stores. He remained very active in civic and community affairs throughout his life.
The award is presented to individuals who exhibit dedication, sincerity, forthrightness and ethics in the performance of duties and practice of a business or profession.
The 2002 recipients are to be:
– Thomas B. Brunt III and Kristine A. Brunt, owners of MSI Building Supplies and Interiors from MSI.
– Dilsa Capdeville, executive director of KidsCope, Inc.
– Dr. Orville Kean, retiring president of the University of the Virgin Islands.
– Malcolm C. Kirwan, vice president for administration and finance, UVI.
In 1999 the Chamber board of directors added the recognition of an individual whose leadership in a nonprofit organization furthers the organization and benefits the community. This year's honor goes to Dilsa Capdeville, executive director of KidsCope, Inc.
The Student Achievement Award was established in 1992 to honor students who have made their schools a better place through active involvement in student government, extracurricular activities and academic excellence. The awards this year go to Monique Toussaint and Rishaun Malone, both seniors at Charlotte Amalie High School.
The Award for Design Excellence was established in 1999 to recognize an individual's or corporation's capital investment in the territory which demonstrates outstanding achievement in quality design, improvement to the environment, commitment to the community and economic growth. This award will go to the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, for the restoration of the Synagogue and Lilienfeld House.
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