On Thursday, October 22nd, the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce gathered at Branches in West Long Branch for our 91st Annual Louis G. Libutti Business Awards Dinner.
The evening brought together approximately 130 guests, including local business owners, community leaders, elected officials, friends, and family members, to recognize four outstanding honorees whose contributions continue to make a difference throughout the Long Branch community.
Celebrating Our 2026 Honorees
This year's Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award was presented to Charles F. Shirley Jr., recognizing his decades of dedication to public service, municipal leadership, and the Long Branch community.
The President's Award was presented to Paulo Barateiro, recognizing his commitment to Long Branch through entrepreneurship, community involvement, and civic leadership.
Lieutenant Antonia Gonzalez received the Humanitarian Award, honoring her groundbreaking career in law enforcement and her continued advocacy for mental health and wellness among police officers.
Our People's Choice Award was presented to Doggie Sweets, a beloved Pier Village business founded by Patty Dill. Selected by the community, this award celebrates the connection Patty and her team have built with local residents, visitors, and their four-legged friends.
An Evening of Community and Recognition
Beyond the presentation of awards, the evening was an opportunity to bring together the people and businesses who contribute so much to the Greater Long Branch community.
As Executive Director, it was a privilege to celebrate our honorees and recognize the dedication, leadership, and community spirit they represent.
Events like our Annual Awards Dinner remind us that the strength of Long Branch comes from the people who invest their time, energy, and passion into making our community a better place.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Kushner, for their generous support of this year's celebration.
We are also grateful to our Platinum Sponsor, RWJBarnabas Health / Monmouth Medical Center, and Gold Sponsor, Long Branch FMBA Local 68.
Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors: Acrisure, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, Elite Vehicle Solutions, Statewide Insurance Fund, and Wireless Communications.
I'd also like to extend my appreciation to our Awards Dinner Committee, Board of Directors, Branches, and everyone who contributed their time and effort to making the evening possible.
Most importantly, congratulations once again to Charles F. Shirley Jr., Paulo Barateiro, Lieutenant Antonia Gonzalez, and Doggie Sweets.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the people and businesses that make Greater Long Branch such a special community.
We look forward to continuing this tradition in 2027!
