๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ญ:
Highlights from the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon
Story and Photos by: PAULA JIMENEZ / www.infinitieplusmag.com
The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 125th Anniversary in grand style during its annual luncheon. The Brookshire’s W.C. Center was transformed into a vibrant space of community spirit and collaboration, beautifully catered by the renowned Villa Montez with Montez Brothers Catering and Mundo Villapudua, featuring the culinary talents of Chef Carlos, Chef Willy, and their team. Their enthusiastic team deftly served a sumptuous Latin American gourmet-style lunch to an impressive crowd of over 700 attendees.
As guests entered the sitting area, they were greeted by the talented Jazz Combo from the University of Texas at Tyler, performing live. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees engaged in lively discussions about partnerships and innovation, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the TACC 2024 2025 award recipients.
The attendance list featured local community and business leaders, as well as elected officials, including Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes. Former TACC Chairman James Sheridan led the introduction and welcoming opening with his characteristic humor, commending the legacy forged over the past 125 years. He introduced his successor, Tom Perkins, the current Chairman of TACC, calling him an โupgrade.โ
He expressed his gratitude to everyone who played a role during his time as the TACC’s 2023-2024 Chairman and took a moment to thank not only sponsors and local elected officials but also his family and colleagues. His exit speech included thanking his wife, Gillian, whom he referred to as the “love of his life.”
Additionally, he mentioned his girls, Mom, Bob, and his boss, Claude Henry, at Texas Bank and Trust. “You are going to hear the words thank you a lot, but first, I must thank my Lord and Savior, because as the good book says, apart from Him I can do nothing,” Sheridan said.
Leading the invocation was Reverend Orenthia Mason. Although she couldnโt attend in person, she made her presence felt by delivering a powerful prayer over the phone through the microphone. Following her prayer, Senator Bryan Hughes, State Representative Cole Hefner, and State Representative Daniel Alders took the stage for the TACC’s special presentations during the announcement of the award recipients. The wait was over; it was time for the grand moment.
The 2024-2025 award recipients are as follows:
Small Business of the Year Award
Brooke Dillard accepted the award for HGR General Contractors. HGR Contractors has been serving clients for twenty-five years, specializing in high-quality commercial construction.
Pictured: James Sheridan and Brooke Dillard
Large Business of the Year Award
Tom Trimble accepted the award for Oncor. They have over 100 employees who live and are engaged in the Tyler Area.
Pictured: James Sheridan and Tom Trimble
The Jerry Woolverton Volunteer of the Year Award
This year was uniquely special. The award was given to a driven team of 300 individuals who successfully recruited 633 new members for the TACC during their membership drive. Their efforts over just four days raised over $240,000 in membership dues. Talk about a beyond successful outcome.
Rookie of the Year Award
This particular award is specifically dedicated to a member of the TCAA Contact Club. TCCA describes the Contact Club as being the heart of the Chamber. This year’s recipient is Kimberly Taylor, Community Relations Specialist at Delek US’s Tyler Refinery. In her first year, she welcomed 15 new businesses into the Chamber. “Her passion for connecting people and supporting local initiatives shines through in everything she does,” said Peter Scheele, Chairman of the Contact Club.
Pictured: Kimberly Taylor and Peter Scheele
Henry Bell, III Legacy Award – Grant Ingram, Chief Operating Officer of TACC, presented the inaugural award. “Itโs my honor to present the first annual Henry Bell, III Legacy Award, which honors an individual whose unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions have profoundly shaped the economic and civic landscape of the Tyler area,” Ingram said. He asked the crowd to please join him in celebrating a remarkable man and a true pillar to the community โ Mr. Herb Buie.
W.C. Windsor Award – Described as one of Tylerโs most meaningful honors. Each year, the TACC presents this award to someone who embodies the spirit of young leadership that continues to move Tyler, Texas, forward. Megan Riaz, last yearโs recipient, presented this year’s award to Casey Foster. Casey serves as a Realtor with One Rock Real Estate and as a Business Development Consultant. “Iโve had the privilege of serving alongside him on the best Chamber Drive team โ the Red Team. Heโs someone who genuinely cares about people and our community,” said Riaz. “It is my great honor to present the 2025 W.C. Windsor Award to my friend โ Casey Foster.”
T.B. Butler Award – Presented by last year’s recipient, Aaron Martinez. “This award has always been about people who make Tyler better โ not just through their accomplishments, but through their compassion and commitment to others,” said Martinez. He proudly introduced Shannon Dacus, trial attorney at The Dacus Firm. He described her as having the same spirit of community that leads with strength and compassion.
On a final note, Tom Perkins presented James Sheridan with an honorary plaque symbolizing appreciation and gratitude for Jamesโs superb work.
Pictured: James Sheridan and Tom Perkins
And, Henry Bell, president of TACC, also received recognition. “Henry, through your leadership, this Chamber hasnโt just endured โ it has thrived,” Perkins said.
In closing, Sheridan said. “May God continue to bless our community, and our Chamber, as He has done so richly these past 125 years.โ
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