It was advertised as a “Come one, come all” party Saturday night in the Cana Ballroom. And, come one, come all they did, at least as far as the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce is concerned as it honored its best during its annual gala.
With a circus theme setting the stage, the traditional five business-related awards for the 2021 calendar year were presented, as were a handful of others during the special night of celebration.
In all, 51 nominees were honored in the five main categories, as were chamber members in general, culminating in the presentation of awards.
“Welcome to the greatest show in Boerne,” said emcee Robb Weller, who also is the incoming chamber board of directors chairperson. “Prepare yourselves for a night of excitement and fun that can only be experienced under the bright lights and big top of the Cana Ballroom.”
The ballroom was decorated in a circus theme as posters, a full-size toy cannon and other decorations greeted guests as they arrived. Inside, jugglers entertained those in attendance and tables were decorated with boxes of circus animal crackers and popcorn.
Before the award winners were announced, Weller acknowledged all Boerne chamber members, saying the evening is about “a celebration of you, our valued members.”
“Without your support, the chamber could not achieve its great success,” he said, asking those in attendance to give themselves a round of applause.
Shortly thereafter, the awards started coming.
“Tonight we celebrate a theme of daring performances and inspiring fetes,” Weller said. “Being a performer requires many things, but three are most important: showmanship, courage and unusual skill. Tonight, we honor our top performers, our 2021 award nominees.”
First up was a special award presented to Connie McFall Clark of Connie Can Write for the Ambassador Council’s Member of the Year. The award recognizes the chamber’s most dedicated volunteer for the prior year.
Weller then explained how the awards process worked for the five main awards, saying the ball got rolling in October.
“Each nomination was made by your peers, and not the chamber,” he said, stressing the awards are based on 2021 achievements and accomplishments as well as the background information provided.
A committee looked over each category’s nominees carefully, Weller said, and, “choosing each winner was difficult.”
“Each of the nominees are winners in their own right,” he said.
The five main awards then were presented, starting with the chamber’s nonprofit of the year, which recognizes a member organization for its exceptional achievements in building community and enhancing quality of life. There were 13 nominees.
The Rotary Club of Boerne earned the honor, and current Noon Rotary President Leigh Owen and past President Jessica Johnson accepted the trophy. The two businesses of the
The two businesses of the year – large and small – were next on the program. The “large” category is for businesses with more than 50 employees while the small category is for those with under 50.
“These businesses show exemplary commitment to our community,” Weller said, adding the awards are given to chamber member businesses for impactful products or services, exceptional achievements and an exemplary commitment to the community.
There were seven large businesses nominated, and Cibolo Creek Health & Rehabilitation was named the winner. There were 15 small businesses in the running, and My Urgent Care Clinic of Boerne earned the honor.
Next up were the businessman and businesswoman of the year awards, given to individuals for his or her greatest achievements and exceptional commitment to Boerne’s business community. Seven men and nine women were nominated.
Scott Edwards of Mammoth Contracting LLC and Staci Almager of Hill Country Family Services earned the spotlight.
Three honorary awards wrapped up the evening.
The KCA Services Community Leader Award, given to recognize the selfless contributions a chamber business or member makes in the community as a leader, was presented to Kevin Thompson of Frost Bank. The Chairman of the Board Award was given to outgoing chamber board President Jo Lynn Fisher. The Chairman’s Award went to Susie Allen.
“Thank you for sharing this wonderful evening with us,” Weller said as he wrapped things up.
Nominees
Following is the list of 2021 nominees for each of the five main chamber awards.
• Nonprofit: 100 Women of the Hill Country, Boerne Community Theatre, Boerne Police Foundation, Boerne Volunteer Fire Department, Boerne Young Life, Captain Mark Tyler Voss American Legion Post 313, Cibolo Center for Conservation, GVTC Foundation, Kendall County Fair Association, Native Plant Society of Texas – Boerne Chapter, Rainbow Senior Center at Kronkosky Place, Noon Rotary Club of Boerne and Roy Maas Youth Alternatives.
• Large business: Bandera Electric Cooperative, Cibolo Creek Health and Rehabilitation, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors, Frost Bank, GVTC Communications, Perry Homes and Texas Star Nut & Food Co.
• Small business: A Signature Production; Blue Sky Storage; Boerne Radio; The Boerne Star; Comfort Inn & Suites Boerne; Dog & Pony Grill; Ferris Orthodontics; GRIT Co.; Handmade on Main; Leger, Ketchum & Cohoon PLLC; Living Water Chiropractic; McRae MD Medical Laser Center; My Urgent Care Clinic; Phyllis Browning Co.; and Solid Realty Group.
Businessman of the Year: Jacques DuBose, American Red Cross, Hill Country Chapter; Patrick Cohoon, Leger, Ketchum & Cohoon PLLC; Scott Edwards, Mammoth Contracting LLC; Gavin Grosenbacher, Grosenbacher Custom Homes; Bill Hetherington, Bandera Electric Cooperative; Jon Miller, Visiting Angels; and Baron Wiley, Boerne Radio.
Businesswoman of the Year: Staci Almager, Hill Country Family Services; Amy Bierstedt, Handmade on Main; Jessica Davila-Burnett, JDB Public Relations; Jessica Johnson, Solid Realty Group; Debbie McNeal, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors; Dr. Elizabeth McRae, McRae MD Medical Laser Center; Tamara Perry, My Urgent Care Clinic; Emma Faye Rudkin, Aid the Silent; and Pam Weise, Tres Bella Salon.
AWARD WINNERS
Nonprofit of the Year
Rotary Club of Boerne
Large Business of the Year
Cibolo Creek Health and Rehabilitation
Small Business of the Year
My Urgent Care Clinic – Boerne
Businessman of the Year
Scott Edwards, Mammoth Contracting LLC
Businesswoman of the Year
Staci Almager, Hill Country Family Services
Comment
Comments