The Crestwood-Sunset Hills Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Feb. 24, released the names of its 2008 award winners.

Businessperson of the Year

Michael R. Orlando

Orlando is president of GO Banquet Corp. and general manager of the Orlando Gardens Banquet Center on Watson Road. Orlando Gardens plays host to many chamber events, including the Mardi Gras Gala Auction, Awards Banquet and numerous luncheons

Citizens of the Year

Morris and Linda Thomas

The husband and wife community volunteers have been residents of Sunset Hills for over 26 years. Morris “Butch” Thomas owned M.B. Thomas Auto Sales, Inc. until he retired in 2002.

Morris is President of the Sunset Hills Historical Society and Linda is very involved in the society as well.

In addition to a long-list of community service, Morris and Linda helped organize the Lemay Flood Benefit Auction in 1993, raising over $73,000 for flood victims.

Rookie of the Year

Steve Boggeman

Boggeman grew up in the Crestwood/Sunset Hills area – working at the old Crestwood Mall to help pay his way through college. He opened Eraser Top Design in June 2006. Since then, Boggeman has been very active in a number of chamber activities. He has also coached baseball, softball, basketball and soccer for his children’s teams

Steve and his wife, Angie, of 19 years have two children – Danielle and Mitch.

Community Improvement Award - Truman Bank

9945 Watson Road in Crestwood

The Crestwood-based Truman Bank has been identified as a branch with tremendous growth due to the vibrant community in which it is located. The bank completed construction of a new 4,700 square foot facility in the fall of 2008.

Branch Manager, Tracy Mazanec, has been with Truman Bank since 2006 and has been very active in the chamber.

In addition the chamber awards, the chamber is partnering with the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Rotary Club in honoring Randy Martin, the recipient of the Paul Harris Award; and the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Kiwanis Club in honoring Stella Gault, the recipient of the Bernard J. “Jimmy” Fidler Citizen Service Award.

The public is welcome to attend a special awards luncheon honoring the above on Tuesday, March 17, at Orlando Gardens Banquet Center, 8352 Watson Road.

The reception begins at 11 a.m. with lunch following at 11:45 a.m. The price is $18 per person with reservations required. Reservations can be made by calling the chamber office at 843-8545 or e-mail; info@ourchamber.com.