Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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STONE HARBOR — The Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce chooses a local business each year for the Sue M. Wilson Business of the Year Award. As an outstanding financial success and a leader in the Stone Harbor community, the Chamber of Commerce announced MiMi’s SunCatcher retail store as this year’s winner.
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 and Second Avenue.
According to a release, “Carrying only the highest quality apparel and equipment for surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders and wakeboarders, Markle has created an excellent reputation for his business with the help of his two sons, David and Steve.”
Those 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, Markle and his family have helped establish a tradition of excellence in Stone Harbor.
Al Carusi was also honored by the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce with the Pat Fitzpatrick Memorial Award.
Carusi and his wife, Betty, bought their first home here 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 Stone Harbor 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 status.
The American Legion is open for public tours starting Flag Day June 14, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
He also initiated the Legion partnering with the borough by organizing an annual “Southend Cleanup” where members of the legion clean the island from 111th street south picking up trash and debris.