Manatee Chamber Announces Nominees for 6th Annual MYP Awards
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 6th Annual MYP (Manatee Young Professionals) Awards nominees. These awards recognize young professionals who demonstrate initiative and excellence in their careers, contribute time and energy to serving the community, and seek to support others through leadership and advocacy. We also honor employers who implement creative and intentional initiatives to attract and retain young talent in our region.
The 2026 MYP Award Nominees are:
Individual Nominees:
Tom Anderson, Hendricks Wealth and Estate Management
Karena Ballard, Pittsburgh Pirates / Bradenton Marauders
Skyler Betts, Town Square at University Parkway
Annalee Bowers, Amergis Educational Staffing
Gina Brockman, Golden Girls Solutions
Valerie Bruce, Minuteman Press of Bradenton
Emery Camp, Sarasota Paradise
Amariah Dawes, Johnson Messal Bristow PLLC
Lucinda Derrick, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Rachel DesRosier, Manatee County Government
Taylor Escobar, Oysters Rock Hospitality
Greer Gambill, Splendid Escapes LLC
Jesse Hayes, Dream Wave Media LLC
Jovan Hemenez, Visible Men Academy
Trey Horne, Oysters Rock Hospitality
Ryan Hyatt, Willis Smith Construction, Inc.
Brittany Kiss, Blue Collar Roofing
Christina Maksoud, MakSchu Productions
Sophie McDonald, Made Clean Company, LLC
Ian Nyhus, Oysters Rock Hospitality
Shawn Osborne, Cox Chevrolet
Thomas Pressley, Modern Woodmen of America
Jesslynne Quakkelaar, LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union)
Katie Reeves, Pace Center for Girls
Crystal Scherer, Manatee County Government
Aubrie Stevens-Polson, Harbor Chiropractic
Brooke Mailloux Vellanti, The Keyes Company
Cassie White, Terry Mortgage Team Powered by: Edge Home Finance
Employer Nominees:
Blue Collar Roofing
Clark Financial Partners
Cox Chevrolet, Inc.
Esposito Law Group, P.A. (ELG)
Johnson Messal Bristow PLLC
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Oysters Rock Hospitality
Sarasota Paradise
SERVPRO of Bradenton
The MYP Awards will be presented at the 2026 MYP Gala & Awards: Raise the Stakes on Thursday, April 16th from 4:30 – 9:00 PM at The Elia Event Venue. For additional information, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, or to register for the event, please visit https://www.manateechamber.com/MYPGala.
For more information, please contact:
Debbie McDermott
Member Programs Director
Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 941-748-4842 ext. 117
Email: DebbieM@ManateeChamber.com
Website: ManateeChamber.com
Thank you to our sponsors:
Cocktail Reception Sponsor: Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders
Award Sponsors: Cox Chevrolet, Esposito Law Group, P.A., Goodwill Manasota
Casino Credit Sponsor: LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union)
Invitation Sponsor: Minuteman Press of Bradenton
Jackpot Sponsor: Ware’s Jewelers
Selfie Station Sponsor: SERVPRO of Bradenton
Program Sponsor: Sarasota Paradise
Casino Table Sponsor: Paragon Fitness & Personal Training
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The Manatee Chamber of Commerce, a nationally recognized chamber of commerce with more than 2,200 member businesses and organizations representing 75,000 employees, has offices in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch to serve the greater Manatee County area. Its mission is to build a positive business environment while enhancing the community’s quality of life.
MYP Mission: To provide opportunities for young professionals to connect, lead, develop, and serve.
Manatee Young Professionals has been connecting young professionals for over a quarter of a century. From fostering meaningful relationships to empowering leaders, our mission comes to life in the success stories of our members. Manatee Young Professionals (MYP) is a program of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce geared towards those aged 21-40. MYP is Tampa Bay’s longest-running young professional program and provides business, social, and community resources for young and young-thinking professionals in Manatee County.
