Weatherford Chamber hands out annual awards

Related Photos

2012 Ambassador of the Year Gail Tilley, right, with Chamber President Tammy Gazzola
Athena Award winner Julie Lundy, right, with Gazzola.
James H. Doss award winner Ed Kramer, with Gazzola. CHRISTIN COYNE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
Outstanding Citizen award winner Dennis Hooks, left, with chamber member Bob Glenn. CHRISTIN COYNE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
Newcomer Business of the Year: Brioche Bistro and Bakery. CHRISTIN COYNE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
Large Business of the Year: Southwest Ford. CHRISTIN COYNE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
Small Business of the Year: Snow Garrett Williams Certified Public Accountants CHRISTIN COYNE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO

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October 5, 2012

Weatherford Chamber hands out annual awards

Margarita Venegas and Christin Coyne CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Fri Oct 05, 2012, 08:00 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — Weatherford Chamber of Commerce members congratulated two established businesses, one new business and three individuals Thursday night at the annual awards ceremony, which saw a packed room at the Sheriff’s Posse grounds.

The annual awards ceremony honors three individuals.

Ambassador of the Year goes to the chamber ambassador who has been most active during the year. This year’s winner is Gail Tilley.

The chamber also recognizes a leader with the annual Athena award, which is given by chambers throughout the world to members who have achieved professional excellence, been active in their community and have assisted others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential. This year’s winner is Julie Lundy. Lundy is involved with the chamber, Zonta, Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Rotary and other community organizations, developed programs, negotiated contracts and had success in her family life, Claudia Bowden said of Lundy.

“She has become a victor with her life,” Bowden said.

The James H. Doss and Outstanding Citizen awards, are given to a members who have shown dedication to and helped the community. This year’s winners are Ed Kramer and Dennis Hooks.

“You could have sworn he’s already won the James H. Doss award,” Brett Baker said of Kramer. “He’s one of the most generous members of the Weatherford community.”

Kramer has given of both his money and time to many community organizations, Baker said, adding that the most impressive thing about Kramer’s generosity is that there is no direct public relations benefit as Power Service Products, Kramer’s business, does the majority of its business out of state.

Attention at the end of the evening then turned to the three business awards. Each year, the chamber has a group of judges that evaluate businesses nominated for the awards of Newcomer of the Year, Large Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

“Our judges really have a difficult time,” chamber President Tammy Gazzola said about the selection process, noting that every business nominee was truly great.

Newcomer of the Year was given to Brioche Bistro and Bakery.

Large Business of the Year was given to Southwest Ford.

Small Business of the Year was given to Snow Garrett Williams Certified Public Accountants.

The opening speaker for the evening was Deborah Cron, former superintendent of Weatherford ISD.

There’s no need any longer to have to shop in Fort Worth when Weatherford has so much to offer, she told the crowd. With sales tax revenue up, new roads being built and more businesses opening and interested in Weatherford, it’s clear that the future is looking up for Weatherford, Cron said.

“All of these indicators are proof positive that our community is doing well and its future is bright,” she said.