The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held their 2014 annual awards banquet on Thursday, April 10th at the Brownwood Coliseum.
Over 400 attendees were present to see this year’s award recipients for man and woman of the year, the lifetime of service award as well as many other recognitions.
Long time businessman Calvin Fryar received the night’s highest honor, the Groner Pitts “Lifetime of Service” Award.This year’s man of the year award went to Rex Tackett and woman of the year was Jodie Armstrong. (see full award list below).
The banquet also showcased the “changing of the guard” for the Brownwood Chamber as Aaron Diaz of Staples stepped up as chairman of the board, taking over for Brownwood Regional Medical Center CEO Chip Camp.
The 2014 class of Leadership Brownwood was also recognized for the completion of this year’s course.
Groner Pitts “Lifetime of Service” Award—Calvin Fryar
Calvin Fryar was named the Groner Pitts “Lifetime of Service” Award winner this year. He is a native of Coleman County and a graduate of Brownwood High School and Howard Payne University. He has a long history of service to Brownwood and Brown County and has been recognized many times for those contributions. He has served as President of the CenTex Stadium Corporation, which in 1970 built the current Gordon Wood Stadium without any tax dollars. He has been the president or chairman of many boards and commissions locally and around the nation. This lengthy list includes: Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Brownwood Rotary Club, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation and the American and Texas Maine-Anjou Cattle Association. Additionally, he has served on the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, Brown County Tax Appraisal District board, Gordon Wood Hall of Champions and the Advisory Board of the Comanche Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1971 he was recognized as Outstanding Man Under 35 by the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce. In 2011 he received the Distinguished Citizen Award and The North Star Award from the Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Fryar began work as an engineer for Southwest States Telephone Company in 1960 and then went into business with his brother-in-law; J. Fred Perry in the mid-1960’s when they formed P F & E Oil Co. In 1974, he was involved with importing the first Maine-Anjou cattle into the United States from Europe. He has travelled throughout the US and Canada promoting the breed.
Presently, he is the owner of Fryar Cattle Company, a partner in CBF, Inc., Chairman of Brownwood BancShares and CEO for PF&E Oil Company.
Pictured at top is Fryar (right) receiving the award from last year’s recipient Dr. Steve Kelly
Man of the Year—Rex Tackett
For 45 years, Rex Tackett has had a passion for the radio industry. He believes that radio offers a unique opportunity and has an obligation to serve the community as well as serving listeners, customers and associates. Since moving to Brownwood in 2001, he has served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Kiwanis Club of Brownwood where he received Kiwanian of the year in 2007. He has also served on the board of the Brown County Youth Fair, Aldersgate Enrichment Center, the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also frequently lends his talent as an Auctioneer and Master of Ceremony at events across the state of Texas. He is sought after for his auctioneering skills, having helped raise 100’s of thousands of dollars for organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Brown County, American Cancer Society, West Texas Rehab, CASA, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center, Brown County Youth Fair, area Volunteer Fire Departments and many more charitable organizations. Throughout his career, Rex has put the power and influence of his radio stations behind every deserving project in the communities in which he has served.
Pictured above is Rex (left) accepting the award from last year’s Man of the Year, Dr. Don Bostic
Woman of the Year—Jodie Armstrong
Jodie Armstrong was born and raised in Brown County. She hit the road for a time to pursue her passion for music performing across the nation. She has served on numerous boards in various capacities, volunteers with a number of nonprofit organizations, and currently serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Central Texas Opportunities, Community Children’s Advisory Committee, Brownwood Reunion Celebration, and Schubert Music Club of the National Federation of Music Clubs. During her service as Public Health & Emergency Preparedness coordinator for Brownwood/Brown County, she received extensive certifications, honors, and acknowledgements. Her hard work, talents and abilities have earned her countless awards and recognition. As if all of her volunteer work weren’t enough, she works as the Marketing and Admissions Coordinator for CARE Nursing & Rehab Center, operates the business she purchased in 1996 along with her husband, teaches piano, is a vocal coach, and is a member of the High Mesa Cowboy Church praise band. She enjoys a slower pace of life with her husband Don on their ranch outside of Blanket with visits from her 2 married children, 5 step children, and 9 grandchildren.
Presenting the award to Jodie is last year’s recipient Tammy Robinson (pictured above).
Volunteer of the Year – Debbie Morelock. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Professional of the Year – Larry Mathis. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Community Partner – Heartland Cruisers. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Large Business of the Year – Oncor Electric Delivery
Medium Business of the Year – Staples of Brownwood. Accepting the award is General Manager Aaron Diaz.
Small Business of the Year – BrownwoodNews.com. Accepting the award is owner Lisa Tipton.
Good Neighbor Award – Jeannette Chesser. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Good Neighbor Award – Lahonda Blevins. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Good Neighbor Award – Dallas Huston. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Good Neighbor Award – Brittany Cooley. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Good Neighbor Award – James Cooley, Jr. Accepting the award is James’ wife Teresa. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Good Neighbor Award – Beverly Norris. Outgoing Chamber board chairman Chip Camp presents the award.
Ambassador of the Year – Donna Wilhelm. Presenting the award is outgoing ambassador president Daniel Hutson.
