Businesses and Individuals were honored at the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, June 12, in the Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park.

The evening was filled with good cheer, laughter and friendship and included a dinner buffet, cash bar, door prizes and an awards ceremony that was held in the lounge overlooking the golf course.

“The Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner celebrates the outstanding achievements of a carefully selected group of distinguished individuals, businesses and community organizations,’’ said Chamber President John Morris. “All of our 2018 honorees are being honored for their dedication and support of Madison businesses and the community as a whole.”   

In the Business Improvement category, the Chamber honored the AVE Florham Park with the 2018 Best New Building award while Daddy Matty’s,  received the 2018 Innovation Award.  Harvest Bistro, received Best New Relaunch and the 2018 Outstanding Preservation Award went to The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. The 2018 Appreciation Award honored Thomas Haralampoudis of Madison for his generosity and support of the businesses and the community of Madison.

The Chamber 2018 Community Service Award was presented to the Forum Club of Madison for the organizations dedication and ongoing service.

The recipient of 2018 Distinguished Service Award honored Bar Method Madison, owner Gina Striffler, for her substantial contributions to the community of Madison.

 “Gina has implemented over 50 non-exercise related projects in 2017 and 2018 – countless fundraisers for community and charitable causes to which 100 percent of monies raised were donated to the cause,” said Karen Giambra, chamber executive director, in opening remarks.  

“Gina’s unique, supportive community within her four walls of Bar Method truly reaches out beyond her four  walls to service the broader community.  Her mission is to “be the good” and make a difference.”

The much-anticipated “Extra Mile Award” is the only chamber award determined by the general public.  This year, it honored Healthy Italia.  

“Our honorees delivered thoughtful, enjoyable and touching acceptance speeches and the Chamber Board –  can’t thank them enough for their efforts,” said Morris.

 “The very memorable night was made possible by our honorees, guests, award presenters, many Chamber volunteers and the event’s organizer, Karen Giambra, chamber’s executive director.”