Thrive
Good ‘Burger Awards showcase St. Pete’s storm heroes
Chris Steinocher, like many St. Petersburg residents and business owners, is still picking up the pieces after back-to-back hurricanes. He also realizes the importance of community support during challenging times.
Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, brought over 600 people together Wednesday night for the 12th annual Good ‘Burger Awards. The event, held at The Floridian Social, was less than a mile from his storm-damaged headquarters.
Proceeds will help the chamber complete nearly half a million dollars in repairs. Tickets to celebrate the city’s resiliency were free for first responders.
“It was just a moment to remind people that there are heroes in every neighborhood,” Steinocher said. “And they look unlike any other heroes we’ve ever seen in our lives. They are the people we didn’t know we could count on, that we now know we can count on.
“This is a symbol of what I saw the last month.”
The event also served as a fundraiser for the chamber, which faces nearly a half-million dollars in storm damage.
The event’s moniker is a tribute to a former mayor who referred to his constituents as ‘Burgers, as in St. Petersburg-ers. The chamber established the awards ceremony to showcase business owners and community leaders who positively impact the community.
Steinocher said he didn’t want to sit at home thinking about what could have been and storm damage. He pointed to groups of people smiling and hugging while live music played in the background.
Steinocher noted that positivity can have a ripple effect. He called the event a “toss into the pond” to let people know “St. Pete is going to be all right.”
“I feel like a chamber of commerce is only as good as the people we bring together, and my God, we’ve got the best people,” Steinocher added. “So, why not have a party and take care of everybody.”
The nonprofit organization also needs to raise funding. Steinocher said the historic chamber building downtown was “devastated.”
Waterlogged flooring and walls were removed. The roof also needs repairs. Steinocher said a chamber of commerce works best with a physical representation.
“It’s not a concept,” he said. “It’s a community, and a community functions best when they can see each other.”
The ceremony honored first responders and other local hurricane heroes.
Some of the organization’s staff lost their homes. Those who dodged the worst of the storms know people who were less fortunate. Steinocher called St. Petersburg a wounded community now lifting each other up.
Christie Bruner, vice president of advocacy for the chamber, is one of those people. Her home flooded during the storms, and her family remains displaced.
“Seeing the community come together, in person, to celebrate and support each other was so meaningful and heartwarming,” Bruner said. “The only way through this disaster is together – and we will all be stronger on the other side.”
The chamber awards businesses, nonprofits and community leaders in the following categories: Arts & Culture; Makers & Shakers; Eats & Treats; Community Conscious (Grassroots); Community Conscious (Large); New Biz on the Block; Sustainability Stewards; Wellness Warriors; Most Valuable ‘Burger; and the Sunshine Award.
For the first time in 12 years, every nominee received an award. Hurricanes Helene and Milton disrupted the voting process. “We’re all winners tonight,’” Steinocher said.
Caitlin Olson, community engagement specialist for SPCA Tampa Bay, let attendees hold adoptable puppies outside the event.
Bruner said recognizing the organizations and people – especially first responders – who were hurricane heroes embodied the chamber’s mission statement. “The mission is to ensure economic growth and vitality for all in our community,” she added.
Steinocher noted that storm impacts have frayed nerves and increased tensions. He believes highlighting the city’s good ‘burgers showed people they are safe and not alone.
“Resilience is not about how long you can hang on,” Steinocher said. “Resilience for a community is having resources in your reach to continue going forward. If you go in that Good ‘Burger event, within your reach is every resource you need to make sure you are successful again.”
Visit the website here for a list of the dozens of nominees who received awards Wednesday night. There is also a link to donate money to the chamber’s rebuilding efforts.
