Jimmy Ciaccio stood frozen, as if he was unsure how to react.

After a couple seconds, he gathered his thoughts.

“Wow,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting this, but thank y’all.”

Ciaccio had just learned that his restaurant, Gaspar’s Patio Bar and Grille, was named the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce Ed Hanna Business of the Year for 2011. The honor was announced at the chamber’s monthly luncheon Jan. 18 at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club.

Gaspar’s was one of three finalists in the running for the award, which was established in 1990 by Ed Hanna, a local certified public accountant who thought that Temple Terrace should recognize companies that had successfully grown their business and contributed to their community.

Other finalists included:

• Home Instead Senior Care, which provides in-home care to senior citizens and is owned by Kristi Campbell; and
• Liberty Manor for Veterans Inc., which promotes the developmental and social needs of homeless veterans and is owned by Connie Blaney.

Sponsors of this year’s award were: CGM Services Inc.; Hanna, Lemar and Morris; and Republic Bank.

The chamber also presented a special recognition award to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute for its service to the community.

“We’re probably the only business in this room that doesn’t want to be in business 25 years from now,” said Jack Kolosky, Moffitt’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, who accepted the award.

By then, he said, Moffitt hopes that cancer will be cured.

At the end of the luncheon, Ciaccio posed for pictures. He said he felt like a winner just to be nominated.

“I love Temple Terrace,” he said. “I love what I do, and I want to continue to do a good job.”

Also during the luncheon, business owners were reminded of:

The City of Temple Terrace’s economic referendum, which any registered voter can vote on during the Republican Presidential Primary Jan. 31. Early voting has already begun.

The chamber’s Business Expo, which takes place March 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Galleria at USF Research Park.

A ribbon cutting for Kayali & Co., certified public accountants, on Jan. 24 from 8 to 9 a.m. at 13250 N. 56 St., Suite 102.

A ribbon cutting for Fifth Third Bank-Leroy Selmon Banking Center, 2206 E. Fowler Ave. on Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.

An After Hours New Member Recruitment and Social on Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel-USF, which is free for members and prospective members (RSVP by Jan. 21 toltice@templeterracechamber.com).

A ribbon cutting for Seema Jain, certified public accountant, on Feb. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 8875 Hidden River Parkway, Suite 300.