Palm trees graced Englewood’s community room, members of the city staff, council and the business community donned flowered attire and a greeter bedecked each visitor with a flowered lei March 31 as about 100 people gathered for the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce Gala.

The decorations were appropriate since the theme of the event was Hawaiian Mahalo, which means thank you in Hawaiian.

Along with the fun, the gala was the opportunity for the chamber to present four awards. The presentation culminated the process that included nominations and allowing the public to vote and determine the winners.

When all the votes were counted, the four winners were:

Entrepreneur of the Year Ted Vasalis of Ted’s Clothiers

Employer of the Year Robert Allgeier of Front Range Bank

Community Caring Award to Brian Hard of Frame de Art II

Best New Business Award to Colleen Mello and Eileen Baranosky of Molly’s Closet.

Ted Vasalis came to the United States from Greece in 1973 and, by June 1975, opened his store at 3476 S. Broadway. He was one of the merchants who spearheaded the creation of the Englewood Business Improvement District three years ago, and now he and his sons are in business nearby at the Breakfast Queen restaurant.

He said he was honored by the award and that he is always looking for ways to work with the city to make Englewood a better place to live, do business and shop.

Robert Allgeier is Englewood branch manager for Front Range Bank at 3594 S. Logan St. He is active in the community and Front Range Bank is a primary sponsor of Second Wind Fund, a local teen suicide prevention program.

He, too, said he was honored and pleased to receive the award and he and his employees will continue to provide service to the customers and the city.

Brian Hart started a Frame de Art I at the University of Denver in 1991 and three years ago, opened the Englewood location. He said his mother provided the example for being involved with the community and helping others. He has raised money for a variety of charities, such as donating $15,000 to Race for the Cure, supporting local sports teams and programs, and his company donated surplus framing supplies to the school art department.

He said he was excited to receive the award because the city has given him and his business so much. He said the city worked with him and the residents have welcomed him. He said he works with the schools and charities as his way to give back to the community.

Colleen Mello and her sister Eileen Baranosky saw a need and opened their store late last year. The store at 3995 S. Broadway is a consignment women’s clothing store specializing in sizes 10 and up. They received the most votes of any of this year’s nominees. Mello said she and her sister were happy they were selected for the award. They said their goal is to be an asset to the business community and the city and to provide good service for their customers.

This was one of the first major Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce events since the change of management and the gala had a decided party atmosphere with music, a variety of food and beverages.

Tony Callahan said he attended two previous galas and really liked the relaxed, fun atmosphere at this year’s event.