Award winners honored, members recognized at Chamber banquet

Chamber_Feature_DSCN1509 — Mayor David Sweet (center) accepts the award recognizing the City of Rockwall as the Chamber's Partner of the Year. "I was very honored to accept the award on behalf of the council and staff. The city is very proud of the relationship we have with the Chamber and very excited about the future," Mayor Sweet posted on his FB page.

(Rockwall) More than 180 members and guests gathered at Allure Restaurant at Chandlers Landing Jan. 12 for the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and Member Appreciation Banquet.

The event was sponsored by American National Bank Texas, ANB Trust Department, Business Directories of Texas, the City of Rockwall, Ebby Halliday Realtors, Endodontic Specialists of Rockwall, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Hilton Bella Harbor, Lake Pointe Medical Center, My Computer Guy, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation, Rockwall Flower & Design Studio, Texans for Bob Deuell, Timpa Law Firm and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital – Rockwall.

After welcoming the business representatives, Chamber members and community guests, Dana Macalik, Chamber President, recognized the outgoing Board Members and introduced the 2012 Board of Directors. Then she introduced outgoing Chairman Cheryl Dunlop who gave an overview of the successes for 2011. Dunlop concluded her remarks with the introduction of the incoming Chairman, Cindy Tayem.

Cindy Tayem was enthused to present the audience and the Rockwall business community with a few key points from the business plan of the Rockwall Chamber. She noted that the overall focus for 2012 would be member retention. The key objective for the campaign is to strengthen branding and endorse the benefits that a partnership with the Chamber will bring to any business, small or large.

Chamber Ambassadors, Stephen Straughan, Straughan Properties, and Sheila Hair, My Computer Guy, gave an overview of the new Chamber Ambassador Program and spoke of the importance the Ambassadors play in the success of the Chamber.

The awards were presented by outgoing Chairman, Cheryl Dunlop.

2011 awards include:

Chamber Partner Appreciation award: City of Rockwall
Small Business Partner of the Year: Ebby Halliday Realtors
Large Business Partner of the Year: Hilton Bella Harbor
Spirit of Rockwall: Stephen Straughan, Straughan Properties, LLC
Ambassador of the Year: Stephen Straughan, Straughan Properties, LLC
Directors of the Year: Cindy Tayem, Oncor Electric

A special Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Larry Parks, American National Bank, for his outstanding, long-time commitment and support to the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rockwall community as a whole.

Dana Macalik, Chamber President, then thanked everyone for their support and made her closing remarks.

See related stories announcing the nominees and new Board:

Local Businesses Up For Honors at Chamber Banquet

Chamber Announces 2012 Board of Directors

Submitted by Paula Kerr, events and publication manager for the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce; edited for publication by Blue Ribbon News.

To submit your news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.

Awards, banquet, Chamber, feature, Mayor, small business partner of the year