LIVINGSTON – The Tyler County 78th annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was held Thursday, May 1 at the Alabama Coushatta Multi-Purpose building. The theme for this year year’s banquet was “Business is Blooming.”
The evening began with Chamber president Cathy Bennett welcoming everyone, followed by the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and the color guard presenting the flags. Whitney Williams had the honor of singing the anthem, and Bradley McLendon and Brent Beaux with the Woodville Volunteer Fire Department had the honor of presenting the flags. Tyler County Sheriff Bryan Weatherford gave the invocation.
Attendees were entertained by tribal dancers in colorful traditional costumes while dinner was served, catered of Kevin Stark and Country Boy’s Smoking.
The program began with a welcome speech from Herb Johnson, Second Tribal Chief of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe, and also a board member with the chamber.
The awards were next on the program. New Business of the Year was presented to Judalet’s Fire and Ice. Business of the Year was presented to the Alabama Coushatta Tribe. The Chambers Choice award was presented to Citizens State Bank. The Non-Profit of the year was iserve 365.
“The Spirit of Tyler County” award was presented to long-time Tyler County businessman and civic leader Gil Tubb.
“The Future of Tyler County” award was presented to Andrew Harmon, the assistant executive director of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG). An award recognizing “Outstanding Service” was presented to Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Blacksher, and the “Citizen of the Year” award was presented to Greg Adams, long-time employee of the Tyler County Appraisal District.
Adams, who instituted GIS mapping for the county’s Appraisal District, in the early ‘90s, spoke about his life, career and efforts last year to get the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to go with an alternate route following the old railroad right-of-way for the greenlit relief route project.
The Teacher of the Year awards were presented next. Vicki Jones, of Colmesneil ISD, was presented her award by Shelby Tillery, elementary principal. Julie Borel, of Woodville ISD was presented her award by Andrew Ireland, middle school principal. Meghan Huddleston, of Spurger ISD was presented her award by Jeff Burnthorn, superintendent. Nancy Bearden, of Chester ISD was presented her award by Amy Dinger, principal. Warren ISD had two teachers of the year; Macy Swinney, from the elementary campus was presented her award by Heather McInnis, elementary principal, and Keith Jones was presented his award by Kristina Wiedman, junior high principal.
