Nominees named in Rockwall Chamber Choice Awards

crowd-1 — There was a full house at Southern Junction for last year's Chamber Awards Banquet. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

(ROCKWALL, TX – Jan. 6, 2017) Voting is underway in the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Choice Awards, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of area businesses and individuals to the community and to the local economy.

You do not have to be a member of the Chamber to show your appreciation for your favorite local business or organization.

You may vote once a day per email address at rockwallchambervotes.com. Voting ends at noon, Monday, January 16th.

Nominees will be recognized and winners will be announced during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, January 24 at Southern Junction Nightclub and Steakhouse. In addition to the awards presentation, the “Can I Get a Yee Haw” event includes live music, steak dinner, and a prime place to see and be seen by the most influential business leaders in the community.

This year’s Chamber Choice Award nominees include:

Best Practices in Community Involvement

This award showcases a company that demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and philanthropy as a part of their core business values.

1. Alliance Bank
2. American National Bank
3. Honda Cars of Rockwall
4. Southwest Kia- Rockwall
5. Willis Fine Jewelry

Best Practices in Customer Service

This award showcases a company whose customer service has resulted in an increase of client satisfaction, client retention, referrals and/or profits.

1. Baker Bros Plumbing
2. Ebby Halliday Realtors
3. LoneStar Timeshare Transfer
4. Mellow Mushroom
5. The Joe Wimpee Agency

Emerging Business of the Year

This award recognizes an emerging company that has demonstrated a capacity for creativity and innovation and experienced growth. This company has demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit and overall contribution to the community.

1. Lindsay Mitchell- Ebby Halliday Realtor
2. NTX Indoor Digital Billboards
3. Rockwall Makerspace
4. Selfies on Canvas
5. Smallcakes

Corporate Business Partner of the Year

This award honors an organization that has made a significant economic impact on our area and within the Chamber through leadership, marketing & strategic alliances, charitable (sponsorship) contributions. This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated business success and has displayed overall community development for the greater Rockwall area.

1. American National Bank
2. Baylor Scott White-Lake Pointe
3. Honda Cars of Rockwall
4. Republic Services
5. Southwest Kia- Rockwall
6. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital

Medium Size Business Partner of the Year

This award recognizes a mid-size business which has maintained stability over its business life for the operations and successes. Has made outstanding contributions during the past year to employees and the community. Has an excellent reputation and been a strong advocate to the community and the Chamber, and is recognized for integrating excellence and commitment to quality into their business structure.

1. Allegiance Title
2. Evexias Medical Center (aka Hormonal Health)
3. Guaranty Bank
4. Guild Mortgage- Crystal Tatum
5. Z Constructors

Small Business Partner of the Year

This company is recognized for integrating excellence and commitment to quality as a core value and point of reference into their business structure. The award recognizes participation in community and Chamber-oriented projects, a proven track record, growth and sustainability of a company and a commitment to quality.

1. Brian Llewellyn Agency- State Farm Insurance
2. Dallas Glass & Door Co., LTD
3. Housewarmers of Rockwall County
4. Key Element Media
5. Rockwall Wedding Chapel

Non-Profit of the Year

This award recognizes a registered not-for-profit organization who is a member of the Chamber and that has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural or economic well-being of the Rockwall Area while exhibiting stability, maintaining a good relationship with its volunteers and demonstrating best business practice.

1. Children’s Advocacy Center
2. Helping Hands of Rockwall
3. Meals on Wheels
4. Soroptimist Rockwall
5. Women in Need

Young Professional of the Year

This award recognizes the efforts of an outstanding Rockwall Area Chamber young professional who demonstrates significant accomplishments in their career and has contributed to the business community with leadership and passion. The award is based on four criteria: Leadership, Mentorship, Community Involvement, and Entrepreneurship. To be eligible, a candidate must be a member of The Young Professionals of Rockwall in good standing.

1. Lance Logan
2. Sarah Kelley
3. Charlcie Kirkland
4. Shaun Kirkland
5. Katy Miller

Spirit of Rockwall

This award honors a person whose character, conduct, service, leadership and achievements, personally and professionally, contribute to the current and future development of the Rockwall community.

1. Kevin Fowler
2. Sheri Franza
3. Mary Johnson
4. Lindsey Mitchell
5. Larry Parks