By Jane Bartnett
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce recognized its 2026 award recipients and installed new board leadership during a gala awards dinner Jan. 29 at the Sarasota Art Museum.
Mason Tush III of CB’s Saltwater Outfitters was sworn in as the chamber’s new chair. Tush, who previously served in the role, succeeds Siesta Key attorney Eric Fleming and began his three-year term that evening.
Addressing business owners, chamber members, staff and guests, Tush thanked Fleming for leading the organization through recent hurricanes and for overseeing the selection of Sarah Firstenberger as the chamber’s new CEO. Tush said he plans to strengthen connections among board members and the broader membership while expanding the chamber’s ranks.
He also outlined plans to work closely with Sarasota County officials to reinforce Siesta Key’s role as a premier tourist destination and make the island more accessible and welcoming to visitors.
During the event, the chamber presented a $10,000 donation to the Ringling College of Art & Design Student Scholarship Fund. The contribution was made possible through proceeds from the annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival.
2026 Award Recipients
- Businessperson of the Year: Mike Granthon, Above the Bar Hospitality Group
- Community Partner: Nicole Rissler, assistant county administrator, Sarasota County Government
- Large Business of the Year: Lenny’z Pizza & Island Bar
- New Member Business: Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel
- Service and Leadership: Todd Carter, Beach Club Siesta Key 1947
- Shining Star: Corey McGowan, Morton’s Siesta Market
- Siesta Selfless: Natalie Gutwein, Michael Saunders & Co. Siesta Key; Siesta Key Beautification Alliance; Siesta Sand LIVE podcast; and Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
- Small Business of the Year: Parasail Siesta and High Tide Tiki Tours
- Volunteers of the Year: Tina and Larry Landry
- Siesta Key Crystal Classic Community Donation: Ringling College of Art & Design Student Scholarship Fund, accepted by Laura Wey and Dana Dalpra
2026 Board of Directors
Officers
Chair: Mason Tush III, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters
Immediate past chair: Eric Fleming, The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming PA
Treasurer: Gabe Garcia, Miguel’s Restaurant
Secretary: Doug Black, CardConnect
Directors
Kara Altice-Montes, Altez Vacations; Angela Carlson, Canandaigua National Trust Co.; Steve Cavanaugh, Booking Ally; Kathy Elliott, Elliott Works LLC; Mike Granthon, Above the Bar Hospitality Group; Natalie Gutwein, Michael Saunders & Co.; Helene Hyland, Coldwell Banker Realty; Wendall Jacobson, Beach Bazaar; Todd Morton, Morton’s Siesta Market; Nathan Reid, CPR Medical Transport; and Jerry Williams, Abel’s Ice Cream.
Presenting sponsor was The Law Offices of Eric C. Fleming PA. Dessert sponsor was CPR Medical Transport LLC. Award sponsors included Coldwell Banker Realty, Helene Hyland; Senior Friendship Centers; Signarama; and Visit Sarasota County. Additional sponsors and community supporters included W Insurance; Above the Bar Hospitality Group; The Face of Paris; Professional Mobile Massage Therapy on Land and Sea by Leona; Regions Mortgage; Siesta Sand; Sarasota Trophy; Still Silver Photography; Siesta Key Rum; Sarasota Art Museum; Gulf Gate Flowers; and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is a 501(c)(6) organization. Board members serve three-year terms. A full-time staff of four manages day-to-day operations.
