Chamber presents annual awards

Ty deCordova, an auctioneer with the Buffalo Livestock Auction Co., takes bids on a wine basket at the annual Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Proceeds will help pay for a new Civic Center. Journal photo David Stone The annual Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce banquet, which was very well attended, was held on Saturday night at the Groesbeck Civic Center.

The banquet featured the presentation of eight awards and a live and silent auction which benefited the new Groesbeck Civic Center.

The recipients of three of the awards — Youth Citizen of the Year for 2009, the Woman of the Year for the 2009, and the Citizen of the Year for 2009 — were not revealed until Saturday night.

The recipients of the other five awards had been previously announced.

Cassie Anders, a Groesbeck High School senior, was named as the Youth Citizens of the Year for 2009. This award was presented by Keri Thoele, principal of Groesbeck High School.

Betsy Norman was named Woman of the Year for 2009 with this award being sponsored by the Groesbeck Study Club. Brandye Wilson, president of the Groesbeck Study Club, presented the award.

This year, the Citizen of the Year Award was actually Co- Citizens of the Year Award for 2009 with this award being presented to Penny and Arnold Gray. This award is presented by the Chamber of Commerce. Dennis Wilson, the 2008 Citizen of the Year, made the presentation.

The winners of the Business of the Year for 2009, the Co- Organizations of the Year for 2009, the Elementary Educator of the Year for 2009, the Middle School Educator of the Year for 2009, and the High School Educator of the Year for 2009 had been previously announced. Stories on the award winners previously appeared in the Journal, and these stories were also included in the banquet program. The plaques for these awards were presented Saturday night. Theses awards are presented by Chamber of Commerce.

The Educators of the Year for 2009 were Alisha Baize, Elementary; D’Anna Baker, Middle School; and Lupe Willis, High School. These awards were presented by Phil Koester and Dr. Harold Ramm, GISD superintendent.

The Co-Organizations of the Year for 2009 were the Lord’s Storehouse and the Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry. Accepting the plaque for the Lord’s Storehouse was Besty Norman, immediate past president, and Myrna Cantrell (now of Huntsville), one of the founders of the Lord’s Storehouse. Bill Haynes, executive director of the Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, accepted the plaques for his organization. All of the workers of both organizations were recognized. Tom Hawkins made the presentation.

Sherrod Services, L. L. C. was named the Organization of the Year for 2009. Martha Stanton, Chamber director and Groesbeck City Administrator, made this presentation.

Ty deCordova was the auctioneer for a very lively auction. He was assisted by Dennis Wilson and Matt Brooks. A sizeable sum was raised to benefit the new civic center.

The Chamber also sold stretch tickets for a television. Dr. Harold Ramm was the lucky winner. The proceeds from the stretch ticket also benefited the new civic center.

Phil Koester, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, was master of ceremonies for the evening. Dennis Wilson led the pledge to the American flag, and Rev. Ron Bellomy, pastor of the First United United Methodist Church, gave the invocation.

The audience enjoyed and greatly appreciated the beautiful dinner music provided by Mary Belle Leach. The delicious banquet meal was catered by Darla Wurtz Cooking Service of Groesbeck.

Tom Hawkins, Chamber president, gave brief remarks about the activities of the Chamber of Commerce. He also recognized county, school, city and hospital districts and LMC officials and employees and visiting Chambers of Commerce. The officers and directors of the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce were also recognized. All candidates for public office were given the opportunity to introduce themselves.

Since the proceeds from the auction and stretch ticket drawing were designated for the new civic center, Hawkins concluded his remarks with a tribute to the Red Stocking Follies, a hometown musical variety show. This production raised the money to build the current civic center which has served the community for nearly 40 years. All participants in the Follies present were asked to stand.

The Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank those who decorated tables and those who donated items to the silent and live auction. A note of thanks to these groups will be carried next week.