The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance, “1927 A Spiffy Year, Indeed” will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, at the St. Peter Greathouse. The Wilbur "Bill" LaMotta Community Service Award and the Award for Design Excellence will be presented at the gala. The chamber will also celebrate its 85th anniversary this year.
Executive Director Joe Aubain said, “The Wilbur ‘Bill’ LaMotta Community Service Award was established in 1983 and recognizes the outstanding contributions to the U.S. Virgin Islands of public officials and private citizens whose achievements reflect the commitment and dedication exemplified by the life and work of Bill LaMotta. Prior to his death in 1980, LaMotta was president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, a Small Businessman of the Year, a civic leader and renowned Caribbean composer and musician. The award is presented to individuals who exhibit dedication, sincerity, forthrightness and ethics in the performance of his or her duties, or in the practice of his or her business or profession.”
Executive Director Joe Aubain said, “The Wilbur ‘Bill’ LaMotta Community Service Award was established in 1983 and recognizes the outstanding contributions to the U.S. Virgin Islands of public officials and private citizens whose achievements reflect the commitment and dedication exemplified by the life and work of Bill LaMotta. Prior to his death in 1980, LaMotta was president of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, a Small Businessman of the Year, a civic leader and renowned Caribbean composer and musician. The award is presented to individuals who exhibit dedication, sincerity, forthrightness and ethics in the performance of his or her duties, or in the practice of his or her business or profession.”
The 2012 Wilbur “Bill” LaMotta Community Service Award recipients include the following: George HT Dudley Esq.partner, Dudley Topper & Feuerzeig; andMichael Ronan, vice president Government Relations, Caribbean, Latin America and Asia,Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.In 1999, the board of directors added the recognition of an individual involved in the leadership of a non-profit, charitable organization or an organization for the service it provides to the community. The following recipients will be honored this year: Susan Laura Lugo C.A., Caribbean Genealogy Library, co-founder Territorial Coordinator for the Archives, Government of the Virgin Islands; and the Family Resource Center.
TheAward for Design Excellence was established in 1999 to recognize an individual 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. The chamber will honor the following recipient: Long Bay Road Landscaping Improvements – VI Department of Public Works.
There are still advertising and sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets for the gala are $130 per person and may be reserved by calling or e-mailing the chamber at [email protected]. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception beginning at 7 p.m. followed by dinner, dancing to Milo and the Kings, and the program. The attire for the evening is island elegant.