By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

The Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island has chosen Barbara Rodocker as its "Businessperson of the Year."

The selection was announced at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Installation Banquet on Monday, Nov. 6.

Rodocker, who owns Silver Surf Bradenton Beach and Silver Sands in Longboat Key, developed Bridge Walk, a Landmark Resort in the heart of the Bradenton Beach commercial district.

In 1971, she purchased Silver Sands Apartments. It had only nine units at the time but by 1972, she had built 28 more units. Back then, it was not only her business, it was her home. She and her four children lived there until 1979.

In 1984, Barbara purchased another property, this time in Bradenton Beach, and named it Silver Surf Motel. She tore down multiple units, keeping only one, and built two more buildings. By the time she was finished, she had 50 more units across the street from the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1997, she formed the parent company Silver Resort and in 2000, Barbara purchased land on Bridge Street and began building BridgeWalk, a landmark resort with a restaurant and retail stores. She opened Vinjavagar, a wine, coffee and cigar store, and in 2003, she opened The Sun House restaurant.

She sold Silver Sands around three years ago to concentrate on her Bradenton Beach properties. She currently employs 50 people in her four businesses.

Barbara has served her community by serving on several boards and committees. She is currently a member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and the Bradenton Beach WAVES Committee. She has four children, Angela, who works with her at BridgeWalk, Deanne, who owns Plumeria Day Spa on Bridge Street, Renee and Scott. She also has eight grandchildren.