TAMPA, Fla., [August 31, 2023] – The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it will honor Ronald G. Wanek, Tampa Electric, Ybor City CRA, and Rosalie G. Simms at its 57th Annual Gala on September 23, at 6 p.m. at the Historic Columbia Restaurant. The 29th Adela and Cesar Gonzmart Award will be presented to Ronald G. Wanek of Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC for his contributions to the revitalization and growth of Ybor City. Under Ronald’s leadership, Ashley has become the largest manufacturer of home furnishings and one of the best-selling home furnishing brands in the world. Ashley Global Retail is based in Ybor City with over 500 employees and has contributed over $232 million to the Florida economy, significantly impacting the growth of Ybor City. The Ybor City Business Impact Award will be presented to Tampa Electric and City of Tampa’s Ybor City CRA, who are being honored for their Ybor City archway light project along 7th Ave.The archway light project was completed months ahead of schedule in early 2023. The 21 archway lights, made of aluminum, include a “Y” medallion at their center and are outfitted with energy saving LED lights. This public/private partnership between Tampa Electric and the Ybor City CRA is a stellar example of the Ybor City community working together to invest in a brighter future.The Ybor Chamber Service Award will be presented to Rosalie G. Simms for her dedication and commitment to serving the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. Rosalie has worked for the Ybor Chamber for over 27 years. During this time, she has served as a representative for Ybor City, sharing with others the beauty and history of what she describes as a “hidden gem.” As a lifelong citizen of Ybor, Rosalie has dedicated countless hours to projects in support of restoring her once vibrant town back to its original glory. |
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The 57th Annual Ybor City Chamber of Commerce Gala will feature tapas, cash bar, live entertainment, and dinner. This year’s platinum sponsors are the Columbia Restaurant Group and the Tampa Bay Rays. The black-tie event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. September 23, 2023. Gala sponsorships are available at www.Ybor.org. Contact the Ybor Chamber for more information at (813)-248-3712 or membership@ybor.org. |