CALLAWAY, Md. – On Friday, March 8, 2024, members of the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce, along with esteemed guests, convened in a festive gathering to mark the remarkable milestone of their 50th Anniversary. The event was a testament to enduring bonds, shared accomplishments, and a night filled with elegance and warmth.
The special event was held at the White Rose in Callaway – a beautifully designed event space that opened its doors in May of 2022. The venue’s elegant, neutral color scheme was the stunning backdrop to the glamorous brown and gold event decor.
The 184 guests mingled during the cocktail hour – enjoying sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while listening to light music provided by Joel Tuminaro. After the cocktail hour, the evening’s Emcee and former Board Chair, Chad Day, warmly welcomed the distinguished group of guests. This group included notable figures such as Brooke Lierman, Maryland State Comptroller; Randy R. Guy, President of St. Mary’s County Commissioners; Mike Alderson, St. Mary’s County Commissioners; Joseph M. Stanalonis, Maryland Circuit Court Judge; and Amy Lorenzini, St. Mary’s County Circuit Court Judge, among others.
Mr. Day opened the evening by paying a heartfelt homage to Nick Smith, a founding member of the organization. He then introduced Ann Lewis, Mr. Smith’s daughter, who has played significant roles as both Ambassador and Ambassador Chair for the organization. Ms. Lewis shared touching reflections on her father’s legacy, expressing how proud he would have been to see the Chamber celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Following Ms. Lewis’s heartfelt remarks, Delegate Todd Morgan read a Proclamation issued by the St. Mary’s County Commissioners.
After the proclamation was read, a series of speakers took the stage, including Brooke Lierman, Maryland State Comptroller; Vince Whittles of Serpro, a former president; Earnie Williams of Shore United Bank, who has been associated with the Chamber for over 30 years; Frank Taylor, Charter Member and representative of Taylor Gas, a founding member company and more. A recurring theme in many of the speakers’ reflections is the sense that the Chamber is a caring and supportive community, closely resembling a family.
The heartfelt tributes set a warm tone that carried into the elegant dinner and dancing that followed. Guests enjoyed the privilege of selecting from three exquisite entrees created by Personalized Touch Catering, all served by the friendly and impeccable White Rose staff before taking to the dance floor to move to tunes expertly spun by Crow Entertainment. Donna Jordan, a professional dancer, owner of House of Dance, and Lecturer Professor at St. Mary’s College, was present throughout the evening, engaging attendees with fun and easy-to-learn dance moves. Her expertise added a lively and interactive element to the event.
The evening was rounded out by a live auction hosted by William Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Realty & Auctions and more dancing. Guests were also able to capture their memories with photo keepsakes from Shawn Spencer of Spencer Photography. The remarkable evening was made possible thanks to the meticulous planning of the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce events committee, under the expert guidance of Karen Clark-Reddon from DevonShire Perfect Events.
As the night wound down, guests gathered for the grand finale: the cutting of the celebratory cake, a magnificent creation that mirrored the evening’s elegance, adorned in gold to match the gala’s color scheme. This moment, captured under the soft glow of the White Rose’s chandeliers, symbolized not just the culmination of a successful event but the unity and shared vision that has propelled the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce through half a century of service and leadership in the community.
With the final notes of the evening’s entertainment fading into the background, the attendees exchanged farewells, enriched by the night’s festivities and the collective acknowledgment of the Chamber’s invaluable contribution to the growth and prosperity of St. Mary’s County. As the 50th Anniversary Gala came to a close, the spirit of camaraderie and optimism was palpable, leaving members and guests alike looking forward to the future, confident in the Chamber’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping the next chapters of St. Mary’s County’s story.
The BayNet extends heartfelt congratulations to the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce on this golden milestone. Through dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the community, the Chamber has not only celebrated a remarkable past but has also laid the groundwork for a future filled with promise and potential. Here’s to the next 50 years of success, innovation, and community service.
To learn more about the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce and its mission please visit: https://smcchamber.com/
This is a follow-up article to St. Mary’s County Chamber Of Commerce To Celebrate 50 Years, An Introspective Look At The Chamber’s Impact, published on February 17, 2024
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I’m really glad all those rich people had a great time. Please don’t tell me the economy isn’t doing good..