March 21, 2003 — The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce will host the 2003 annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 29, at the St. Peter Greathouse and Gardens. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 8 p.m.
At this year's gala, the Wilbur "Bill" LaMotta Community Service Award, the Student Achievement Award and the Award for Design Excellence will be presented.
The Wilbur "Bill" LaMotta Community Service Award was established in 1983, Chamber executive director Joe Aubain said. He continued, "The award 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, Mr. 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."
This year's honorees are Judy Pitzl, co-owner of St. Thomas Graphics; Peter Holmberg, Olympic Silver Medalist and Match Racing World Champion, Judge Ishmael A. Meyers, Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands; and Kenneth L. Blake, territorial director of crime prevention for the Police Department.
In 1999, the Chamber's directors added the recognition of an individual whose leadership in a non-profit or charitable organization furthers the goals and objectives of the organization and benefits the community. The honor this year goes to Louise Ali of Nana Baby Home.
The Award 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. This award goes to James Armour of Armour Enterprises.
The Student Achievement Award was established in 1992 to honor students who have made their schools a better place through their active involvement in student government, extra curricular activities, as well as excelling academically. The honoree for this award is Juel Brin of the Future Business Leaders of America, a community volunteer and graduating senior at Charlotte Amalie High School. A separate Source article about Juel will be posted soon on the Source.
Tickets for the event are $100 and may be reserved by calling the Chamber office at 776-0100. The Sea Breeze band will provide entertainment for the evening.
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