During the Coastal Connections Conference, Seaside Retailer magazine recognized its six Starfish Award winners from 2023. Scott Hamblen of Sunshine Ace Hardware, one of the 2023 winners, shared a video presentation titled, “Sunshine after the Storm,” which detailed how and why Sunshine Ace Hardware jumped into action to give back to its employees and the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022.
“When the hurricane comes through, and maybe you don’t have a roof, you don’t have power, everyone wants to figure out how to restore that for their family, and we’re a lifeline,” he said. “So, we get open as soon as possible to provide people gas, power, so they can get back to some sense of normal life.”
Impulse Souvenirs sponsors Seaside Retailer’s Starfish Awards program. One winner is featured in each issue of the magazine. Nominations can be made at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.
Additionally, Seaside Retailer knows the importance of giving back to retailers and communities in need. A portion of Coastal Connections Conference proceeds are being donated to Maui wildfire relief efforts. A portion of proceeds from the inaugural Coastal Connections Conference in January 2023 also went to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts.
