Chamber holds 62nd Annual Awards Banquet
Tyler County Booster - January 2009

The Tyler County Chamber of Commerce held it’s 62nd Annual Awards Banquet Friday. Keynote speaker for the event was Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce President Mary Ann Reid. Ted Watts was named Citizen of the Year and was presented by Eleanor Holderman. Honorary Outstanding Citizens were Beverly Reese, presented by Tyler County Judge Jacques Blanchette and Fr. Edigio Vecchio, presented by Tyler County Commissioner Pct. 1 Martin Nash. The Legacy award went to Gloria Newsome for her years of dedicated service to the county. She was presented by Ofeira Gazzaway of Heritage Village. The Business of the Year award was unusual, going to a group of businesses that make up the Bed & Breakfasts of Tyler County. Presented plaques during the event were Clear Creek Bed & Breakfast, Enchanted Oaks Bed & Breakfast, Holly Hill Lodge, Texas Star B&B, The Curve Rest Stop, Village Street B&B and Winnaway Bed and Breakfast. The Chamber has experienced a difficult year in 2008 and has reorganized with a new board for 2009. Jimmie Cooley has been named Chamber President for the new year. Check out more photos of award winners on Pg. 9a of this issue.