Written by Scott Coers – The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet and award ceremony last night, Thursday April 13, 2017. The event was emceed by Wendlee Broadcasting’s Rex Tackett, with Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes presenting the awards to honorees. Outgoing chamber board president Daniel Hudson of TexasBank addressed the crowd as he passed the reins to incoming president Donna Hair of Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

 

Chamber Executive Director Ray Tipton said, “It was an amazing night. It is a great way to recognize those who make an impact on the community and give back to their fellow residents.”

Margaret Coleman was given the highest honor of the night, being presented the Groner Pitts, Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by Brown County Abstract Company. Coleman’s late husband, Stuart Coleman, was the first Brownwood resident to receive this award 10 years ago. Other award winners are pictured below.

 

Groner Pitts Citizen of the Year: Margaret Coleman. Pictured with Robert Porter

Man of the Year – Tim Espinoza. Sponsored by Heartland Chiropractic

Woman of the Year – Marianne Tackett. Sponsored by Auto Glass Magic.

Professional of the Year – Nanda Wilbourn. Sponsored by the Law Office of Jason M. Johnson.

Volunteer of the Year – Grant Magnes. Sponsored by Texas-Clean.

Community Partner – The Brownwood Lyric Theatre. Sponsored by Texas Rock Crusher Railway

Large Business of the Year – United Supermarket. Sponsored by TexasBank

Medium Business of the Year – Texas Rock Crusher Railway. Sponsored by TSTC Foundation

Small Business of the Year – Roberson Rent-All. Sponsored by Demand Staff.

Stuart Coleman Good Neighbor Award – Brian Wade. Sponsored by Wendlee Broadcasting. Brian passed away suddenly on November 26, 2016. Pictured are his children Brent and Ashton Wade who accepted the award in his honor.

Stuart Coleman Good Neighbor Award – Paul Coghlan. Sponsored by State Farm Insurance – Mike Hall.

Stuart Coleman Good Neighbor Award – Keith Clark. Sponsored by Voya Financial Advisors.

Ambassador of the Year – Dustin Larremore. Sponsored by Prosperity Bank.