This past Saturday four local business owners were honored as nominees for the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year. Each nominee demonstrated the tenacity, commitment and dedication necessary to be successful in today’s business world, and each nominee deserves to be recognized as an asset to our community.

Congratulations to Beverly Belury, co-founder of the Contagious Leaders Coaching Club and managing partner at John Hersey International; Phil Rodakis, owner of

Phil’s Filling Station Grill; and Robert and Rose Sampieri, owners of Pal’s Inn Pet Resort; and a special congratulation to Sherry Sledge, owner of Bodyworks Center for Perfect Health, for being named the 2011 Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year.

I would also like to thank Teresa Russo-Cox, the Member Services Committee of the Chamber, the staff, the volunteers, and the entire membership of the Chamber of Commerce for making the awards dinner a tremendous success.

The night was truly a great experience and it made me proud to be part of such a great organization.