FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest chairman during the 87th annual Chairman’s Gala last week, and he’s already set his sights on three priorities for 2011-12.

Phil Cusa, who will retire June 30 as administrator of Thomas Hospital after 19 years with the facility, steps into the shoes filled for the past 12 months by Jim Byrd. Although he plans to focus in retirement on his recently launched healthcare strategy and financials consulting firm, PLC and Associates, Cusa said the chamber boosting its reach and impact will take top billing.

“We’re a very unique chamber in that we have three major cities we represent, and the more people who bring their ideas to the table, the better we can be,” he said.

Specifically, Cusa said he wants to focus on tapping into the collective power of members, volunteers and staff working as a team; communicating the goals and benefits of the five-year “Blueprint for a Better Tomorrow”; and growing membership.

“A chamber’s just as good as its membership makes it, so our challenge in the coming year will be to reboot, redefine and reinvigorate our operation,” Cusa said. “Let us know what you expect from us, and then work with is as we try to get there.”

Darrelyn Bender, the chamber’s executive director, said Cusa has been actively and extensively involved with the organization’s long-range “Blueprint for Tomorrow” and also chaired the Total Resource Campaign.

“Phil has always been guided by a deep and consistent commitment to doing what is right and doing what is best for the community,” Bender said.

A native New Yorker from the Bronx, Cusa has called the Eastern Shore home since 1992, following an 11-year stint as director of managed care and CFO for Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla.

“Phil has always enjoyed being involved in the community and gives generously of his time,” said Jim Byrd, the chamber’s outgoing chairman.

Cusa also passed the torch as 2010 Community Leader of the Year to David Clark, general manager of the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa, whom he said “represents the absolute best in service to the community, respect for employees and dedication and commitment to outstanding customer service.”

Clark was recognized specifically for serving on the governor-appointed Southwest Regional Workforce Development Committee; a 23-year career with Marriott that began as an assistant golf professional; and co-founding “Tee off for a Cure,” Children’s Golf Tournament that has raised $200,000.

Clark’s other accolades through the years include:

• 2009 Hotelier of the Year from Alabama Hotel/Restaurant Association.

• 2009 Marriott Corp.’s General Manager of the Year.

• Spirit to Serve Communities Award.

• 2007 General Manager Leadership Adversity Award, Central Region.

• 2006 General Manager Leadership Award, Central Region and North American Lodging Operations.

Meanwhile, law firm Britt and Norton was honored as the 2011 Small Business of the Year. In presenting the award, Earl Blackmon with Hartmann Blackmon and Kilgore, the award’s 2010 recipient, said “Everyone is quite aware that the past several years have been quite challenging on many levels. In the face of a severely depressed real estate and financial environment, this company has grown and thrived. There has been a marked increase in transactions closed in the firm’s two offices (in) Fairhope and Gulf Shores, new staff has recently been added and more are planned. Despite the depressed market, this firm has expanded its staffing levels, with no reduction in salaries or benefits to any of its employees.”

In addition, the Windmill Windmill Market earned the Environmental Award; Sally Wagner of Hartmann Blackmon and Kilgore was named Ambassador of the Year; Mark Stejskal received the Bulldog Award and Kenny Graves earned the Service Award. An additional eight businesses were honored for their longevity for reaching the 25-year milestone supporting the chamber.