Euclid Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Awards Dinner

Mary O'Neil represents Paradise Island Saloon

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On the snowy evening of March 21, 2013, Euclid’s business and civic communities joined together to celebrate the Euclid Chamber of Commerce’s “Taste of Euclid” celebration where local eateries, party centers, and retail establishments showcased their culinary delights, and where Euclid’s leaders and businesses were recognized and presented with the Chamber’s annual awards.

The gathering was held at Euclid’s Lakefront Community Center where over 100 guests enjoyed a menu that ranged from soup to nuts. Participating establishments included Bistro 185, Bronko’s Beverage, Dave’s Market, Dunkin’ Donuts, EHS Culinary Bistro, Grovewood Tavern, Guys Pizza, Indulge Restaurant, Manor Centre Complex, Muldoon’s, Paradise Island Saloon, Paragon Wine Bar, Rascal House Pizza, Southern Fusion, and Tizzanos. Planning Committee members Cheri Ashcraft, Cheryl Cameron, Jennifer Childs, Carol-Ann Ernst, Sheila Gibbons, Rebecca McFarland and Brian Moore wanted to provide an evening that gave exposure to the many attributes of the businesses and organizations that are located right here in the City, and to have fun while doing so.

“We chose to participate in this annual event to showcase the variety of items that we have to offer and the variety of functions that we are able to cater. Also, we are here to thank the businesses in our community,” states Mary O’Neil of Paradise Island Saloon. 

Chris Hammer of Paragon Wine Bar echoed those sentiments. “We are so proud to be a part of this incredible community and to support the work of the Chamber,” said Hammer. Paragon added to the jollity of the evening by providing a beer and wine tasting station.

As the evening progressed, Brian Moore, President of the Chamber, began the award presentation. Not only did each recipient receive a recognition plaque from the Chamber, they also were presented a proclamation by Mayor Cervenik and commendations from State Representative, Armond Budish, and Joseph Jenkins who represented Josh Mandel, Ohio Treasurer.

Winners of this year’s awards include:

Wm. Sopko & Sons Co. / Stamco Industries, Inc.:  Large Business of the Year

HGR Industrial Surplus, Inc.; Small Business of the Year

Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish and School: Organization of the Year

Doug Price and Karen Paganini (K&D):  Business Person(s) of the Year

The HELP Foundation / HELP U SHRED,  Action CARSTAR Autobody, The Euclid Adult Activities Center, and American Punch Company were recipients of a Blue Stone Award.

Additionally, Frank Pietravoia and Donna Perdzock were recognized for their work on the Chamber board.

William Sopko, Sr. who accepted the award for Large Business of the Year spoke about the early days of the company that began over 60 years ago in the basement of their family home. “We have received great support from the Mayor, the City, and Chiefs Brickman and Cosgriff,“ states Sopko, who spoke of the collaboration that was necessary in transporting sections of the towers for their new wind turbine.

Fr. John D. Betters who accepted the “Organization of the Year” award reported, “Since the merger of St. Robert & St. William parishes three years ago, we have funded many capital improvement projects to our facility, have placed the utmost importance on our parish school and equal importance to the outreach efforts in serving our neighbors in the community. We are so humbled and honored to be recognized for these successes.”

Mayor Bill Cervenik was on hand to congratulate the winners and to deliver the closing comments. “My door is always open and my staff and I are always ready to assist members of our business community,” he said.

Fred Siegel from Eaton Family Credit Union seemed to sum up the evening perfectly. “The lake looks great. It’s a cold evening and we are serving a variety of hot dishes that have been prepared locally. It is so wonderful to see so many people attending this event to show their support of the Euclid business community,” he said. 

Congratulations to all of the sponsors, food purveyors, businesses and guests who partnered together to make this dinner an extraordinary event.