40th Annual Awards Banquet Winners
The Rowlett Chamber of Commerce’s 40th Annual Awards Banquet & Member Meeting was a huge success. The banquet is Rowlett’s premier business event and highlighted the most accomplished companies and individuals as well as the Chamber’s past year accomplishments. The theme for the banquet was Rowlett Possible and featured guests Emmy Award winning television news reporter Steve Stoler and North Texas Commission President/CEO Chris Wallace.
New to the banquet this year was the Dace Washburn Jazz Band, a silent auction and a raffle as well as several promo videos leading up to the banquet. The opening act included a “Mission Impossible” themed video that was compiled by Studio 1:17 and which led to the mission details being handed off to the incoming Chair of the Board, Chris Kizziar.
Nine awards were presented, including 5 new awards. The Ambassador of the Year is awarded to the individual who accumulates the most points while serving on the Ambassador team. The Customer Service, Entrepreneur Trailblazer and Community Impact awards are judged and scored by an independent panel of Chamber executives from across the country. The Leadership Alumni award is selected by the Leadership Rowlett Planning Committee.
The winners of the first 6 awards presented were:
A highlight of the evening were guests Steve Stoler and Chris Wallace who discussed the current legislative session as well as the economy of the North Texas region and the part Rowlett plays in it. They emphasized how important it is for Chambers and businesses to participate, stay informed and let legislators know our thoughts on proposed legislation.
The evening wrapped up with the Chamber’s three highest awards being presented.
The Business of the Year awarded to the Rowlett Chamber business that is an ambassador of goodwill to other businesses as an employer, taxpayer, and Chamber member. This award was voted on by the public and was awarded to Premier Vet Care Animal Clinic.
The Biff Bettencourt Outstanding Service & Leadership Award is the second highest award the Chamber presents. It is named for D. R. Biff Bettencourt, who was the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award in 1996 and 2001. He also served as the Chair of the Chamber from 1998-1999. Biff was a true example of what it means to serve and the award that bears his name is presented to an individual that goes above and beyond in their service to the Chamber, the Community and to others. This year the winner was James Williams of Raymond James Financial.
The Chairman’s Award recognizes excellence, dedication, commitment and diligence in an individual, who has worked with great purpose, promoting the Chamber’s mission, vision and core values. It is a brand new award this year and is selected by the outgoing Chair of the Board. The first recipient of the Chairman’s Award was Mark Hall of Hallmark Bodies for his ability to garner support, see the vision, promote our core values, and represent the Chamber’s Spirit of Excellence as well as being an inspiration to tomorrow’s business and community leaders.
Pictures and the video presentation can be seen on the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RowlettChamber.
Episode 3
