Plant City businesses, library, take a bow

Four businesses and the public library won awards Thursday at an annual banquet that honors firms and organizations for their work ethic and community service.

The businesses of the year winners included:

In the Field magazine won in the growing business category for firms open two to 10 years. The agriculture magazine, founded about five years ago by Karen Berry, has editions that cover nine Florida counties. Berry, who uses the motto, "No Farmers, No Food," said she felt blessed to win the award and thanked her family, staff and advertisers.

Southside Farm & Pet Supply was chosen small business (1 to 15 full-time employees) of the year. The owner, Dennis Der, founded the business in the late 1970s and now has a 30,000 square foot complex that includes a veterinarian clinic and a line of western wear. He is known for his strong support for youth agriculture organizations, including 4-H and FFA. His civic involvement includes a program that takes disabled soldiers on hunting trips. "We believe in giving back to the community," said Der, whose latest charitable venture is taking the handicapped and disabled on fishing trips.

Johnson Barbeque won in the mid-size business (16 to 50 employees) category. Owen Johnson, a member of a family that has owned restaurants for more than 50 years and that founded the BuddyFreddys restaurants, said he has 30 employees and recently expanded seating from 60 to 95. "I'm very, very blessed to be here," said Johnson, who thanked his family, staff and customers for his restaurant's success.

CF Industries was picked as large business (51 or more employees) of the year. The company, which has a large phosphate complex north of the city, produces 2 million tons of fertilizer per year. Chief Chemist Harold Falls said the company supports school projects, the Plant City Children's Theatre and other charities, and does its best to be "environmentally aware," and doesn't hesitate to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on projects to protect the environment.

Bruton Memorial Library was honored for its role in the community. The city-owned library, which traces its roots more than 80 years, offers 120,000 books and other items for checkout, and sponsors many exhibits and programs. "We're very proud to be a part of the city of Plant City," said Anne Haywood, library director since 1991. Bruton Memorial won in a category set aside for a business or organization that has exemplary contributions to the city; previous winners include United Food Bank of Plant City and MacDonald Training Center's James Ranch.

This was the 17th annual awards banquet, sponsored by the Plant City Economic Development Council and Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Nominees that didn't win included growing business, Camellia Rose Tea Room & Gifts and Panera Bread; small business, Creative Flower Designs by Glenn and Rita Staffing; mid-sized business, Parkesdale Farm Market and Southern Hospitality; and large business, Toufayan Bakery of Plant City and Verizon.

"They are all winners," said Bob Tanner, a local banking executive and the evening's master of ceremonies.