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Chamber Names Businesses Of Year

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By JOYCE McKENZIE The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Over the years, the return on their investment in the community has reaped both personal and financial rewards.

But the accolades from their peers last week were especially gratifying for two couples who chose to build their businesses and establish their homes in Temple Terrace.

Paul and Sherrill Tomasino, owners of the Sherwood Forest office and retail complex on North 56th Street since 1984, were honored Jan. 16 with the 2007 Ed Hanna Business of the Year award by members of the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce.

The Tomasinos have spent about $1 million on renovating the 43,000-square-foot center and have averaged an occupancy rate of 85 percent to 100 percent during the past three years.

The business's projected income for 2008 is expected to be 19 percent more than in 2007 and a 20 percent increase over 2006.

"It's such an honor to be recognized by your peers, but we don't do it for the recognition," said Sherrill Tomasino, who accepted the award alone, as her husband was out of town on business. "But the recognition is the affirmation that you've done the right thing."

Marc and Ruth Morris, owners of Marc Morris A/C & Refrigeration, started their business in their home's garage in 1996 as a one-man operation run by Marc.

In July 2007, the company opened a retail office and showroom on Bullard Parkway with eight employees who service residences, restaurants, schools, food banks and produce businesses throughout the county.

The business that more than doubled its earnings from 2004 to 2007 was chosen as the 2007 Business of the Year in the category of 10 or fewer employees.

"It's a very proud moment and humbling at the same time," said Marc Morris, a lifelong Temple Terrace resident. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished and I'm humbled by how the community has responded."

The winners were selected from among 21 nominees and four finalists, including Century 21 Sunshine Realty and Bloomingdays Flower Shop.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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