Stone Harbor Chamber Announces 2009 Biz of the Year, Fitzpatrick Memorial Award

STONE HARBOR — The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce announced MiMi’s SunCatcher retail store as this year’s winner of the annual Sue M. Wilson Business of the Year Award.
According to a release, MiMi’s has prospered since 1953, when Betty Rousenbacker bought the shop from Mi Mi. Tom Markle expanded his family’s business in 1981 with the SunCatcher surf shop on 95th Street and 2nd Avenue here.
Carrying only the highest quality apparel and equipment for surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders and wake boarders, Markle has created an excellent business reputation with the help of his two sons, David and Steve.
Businesses chosen to receive the Sue M. Wilson Business of the Year Award must be outstanding citizens, whose achievements have brought a distinctly positive reputation to the Stone Harbor business district. From the store’s beginning in the 1950s, Tom Markle and his family have helped establish a tradition of excellence.
Al Carusi was also honored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce with the Pat Fitzpatrick Memorial Award. Al Carusi and his wife, Betty, bought their first home in Stone Harbor in 1986. He served in the 2nd Armored Division during the Vietnam Era as a Company Commander.
As the commander of Stone Harbor’s American Legion Post, Carusi has demonstrated his dedication to the community. Under his leadership, the American Legion has undergone major renovations both inside and out, with grants from the Cultural Commission of Cape May County and National and State Historical statuses.
He also initiated the Legion partnering with the borough by organizing an annual ‘Southend Cleanup’ where Legion members clean the island from 11th Street south picking up trash and debris.
The American Legion is now open for public tours staring, June 14, Flag Day, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (609) 368-1987.