SPARKS — More than 300 business owners, city leaders and local nonprofit heads gathered around the luncheon table Tuesday at John Ascuaga’s Nugget to honor their best and make a change in command.

The Sparks Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony highlighted the best of the past year and formally introduced incoming chamber president Maury Centeno.

Centeno takes the place of outgoing chamber president Mike Wurm, the current head of the Boys and Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows and now a chamber board member.

Tuesday’s lunch also included the presentation of numerous awards. The chamber chose Legends at Sparks Marina as its business firm of the year, citing its contributions to local retail and development. Nonprofit of the year was awarded to the Disability Resources for its work in the disabled community. The nonprofit provides living arrangements, job development and coaching and respite care.

Tony Fiannaca, founder of Sparks Florist on Pyramid Way, was given the lifetime achievement award after 50 years in business and Sen. Bernice Matthews was named as citizen of the year.

The chamber’s insignia was hung on the stage behind those who came forward to accept their awards. It formally displayed the Hispanic Business Network as part of its name at the luncheon, showing that it is the first chamber in the western United States to successfully meld two organizations, according to Sparks chamber office staff.

Centeno was a past president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has been active in the Hispanic community, for example helping high school age girls as a mentor through the Elitist program.

In June 2008, the Nevada Hispanic Chamber of Commerce merged with the Sparks Chamber of Commerce. The merger was the first of its kind in the region, melding 370 Hispanic chamber members with 1,200 Sparks chamber members.

The Sparks Chamber of Commerce now serves more than 3,000 members.