Pictured: Janene Amick (center) received the 8th Annual Robert P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Janene is pictured with her husband Tim Amick, Vicki Bartz, and Jason Bartz. Photo courtesy of Manatee Chamber.

Last week the business community in the greater Manatee County region came together to celebrate successful leadership and a long list of accomplishments at the Manatee Chamber’s Annual Dinner. The event also marked the 8th Annual Robert P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership, named after the late Bob Bartz who was President of the Chamber for more than 30 years. His leadership was marked by humility, tenacity, and a deep commitment to doing the right thing.

All of the speakers on stage talked about the importance of partnerships, recognizing that we are stronger together in facing challenges and seizing opportunities for our region. The past five months of hurricane response have brought that to the forefront like no other time in my memory. Short- and long-term recovery efforts have required constant communication, collaboration, trust, perseverance and leadership that does not demand nor expect accolades for doing the right thing or going the extra mile.

One highlight of the event was honoring representatives from Manatee County, our six cities, the School District of Manatee County and area non-profits. The individuals attending represented the collective efforts of thousands of public sector and non-profit employees who have given so much to keeping our region safe and on the road to full recovery. They received two well-deserved standing ovations from the more than 550 business leaders in attendance!

The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the Bartz Award to Janene Amick, CEO of the Florida Cultural Group / Manatee Performing Arts Center (MPAC). She has spent the past 19 years with MPAC, with an overall career spanning multiple sectors, including arts, marketing, development, facilities management, education and nonprofit leadership.

Janene leads her team with the empowering philosophy of “leading with your strengths.” City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown shared this, “I have had the privilege of working with Janene Amick for many years. I have remained inspired by her continued passion in helping others. She is particularly skilled at bringing others together to help them achieve their goals through her volunteerism.”

Ron Allen, a former Bartz Award honoree, said this, “Janene’s passion for the arts and community is truly unmatched. A true bulldog for the betterment of Bradenton and Manatee County, she is relentless in her dedication and drive. There is no stronger advocate for our community’s growth and success.”

In accepting the award, Janene shared her personal priorities of faith, family, friends and service as well as her belief that by working together we all achieve more. She also encouraged each of us to consider what we can do today to mentor and serve others.

It was an inspiring message – we are stronger working together.

Jacki Dezelski is President and CEO of Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured: Janene Amick (center) received the 8th Annual Robert P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Janene is pictured with her husband Tim Amick, Vicki Bartz, and Jason Bartz. Photo courtesy of Manatee Chamber.