Chamber Of Commerce Hosts 2017 Carousel Awards

Asbury Park

Chamber Of Commerce Hosts 2017 Carousel Awards

DiBenidetto: The commitment of so many residents to the success of Asbury Park is a testament to its character and beauty

By Michelle Gladden

The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Carousel Awards was a tribute to the city’s most gregarious and recognizable faces and to those who shy away from the spotlight but work equally as hard.

Held Friday at The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, hundreds gathered to honor a judge, VFW commander, a veteran police detective, editor, business owner, and a local eatery.

A special tribute was paid to former Chamber President Roy Werts, who died unexpectedly last year, as well as former Madison Marquette General Manager Carrie Turner [at right].

“The commitment of so many residents to the success of Asbury Park is a testament to its character and beauty,” Municipal Judge Daniel J DiBenedetto, this year’s Lifetime Honoree.

DiBenetto, a city resident since 1999, has served as the municipal judge since 2011. A former member of the city’s Planning Board, DiBenedetto helped draft the redevelopment zones, was director of the Urban Enterprise Zone Program, and is a former member of the Chamber.

Other recipients included:

Harold Daley VFW Post No. 1333 Commander Frank Brogna received the Humanitarian Award. The Neptune City native is credited for not only fostering relationships, fundraising and donating his time and support to an array of local groups. The former Military Intelligence Officer is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today he is a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator in the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and Director of the Sheriff’s Veterans Program.

Brando’s Citi Cucina was awarded the Kenneth T Roth Landmark Business accolade. Chef/Owner Steven Botta, a Brooklyn native, opened the venue in 2010 with a particular attention to customer service and quality ingredients. It has since become a popular neighborhood destination known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Plaza Tapatia Owner German Garcia received the Economic Development Award for quietly transforming a small bodega into a specialty grocery store, taqueria, liquor store, bar, and restaurant. German not only employs many local residents but owns and operates the Neptune-based El metate, a Mexican produce and product wholesale import business.

Coaster Editor Ellen Carroll was given the Joan Flatley Spirit of Asbury Park Award. The Asbury Park native joined her parents Doris and Bob Carroll when the launched The Coaster weekly newspaper from their Sunset Avenue home in 1993. She has served as its editor since 1990 and supports a variety of local charitable endeavors and events, including the Mayor’s Ball, recreation program, The Center, Little League and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

And, then the is Asbury Park’s native son – Police Detective Eugene Dello who received the Public Official Award. The youngest of 8 children, Dello rose from the ranks of dog catcher and dispatcher to patrolman and now a well-known and respected detective. His work with the summer specials throughout the busy waterfront area and urban enterprise zones are coupled with being the local PBA’s state delegate.

“This year’s nominees represent the very heart of Asbury Park,” Chamber President, Nikki Ouellette has said. “Entrepreneurs who’ve helped to rebuild the community, law enforcement, veterans, volunteers, residents and icons who have shown us that success knows no boundaries in our city when we work together.”

The honorees also received a formal Senate and General Assembly recognition, presented by Assemblypersons Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey [D-11]. State and County dignitaries were in attendance and Jo Bonanno $ The Godsons headlined.

The Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization that works in support of the city’s business community. Aside from advocacy at the state, county, and local levels, the Chamber administers marketing campaigns and consumer events in support of local tourism and economic development. They also host the city’s Restaurant Tour and Oysterfest and produce the city guide.

Executive Director Sylvia Sylvia-Cioffi announced the creation of the Roy Wertz Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award to be given to a student who exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit.

As in past year’s, attendees fully embraced the Havana Nights theme, donning black tie attire with a bit of flare. Themed “Havana Nights,” bringing a latin flare to Asbury Park’s party of the year, organizers said.

“The Havana Nights theme is particularly appealing to me given my own Cuban heritage,” Sylvia-Cioffi said. “But, the honor of being able to acknowledge these esteemed pillars of the community, simply leaves me feeling thankful to be a part of the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce family.”

Below find a snapshot gallery of the evening: