Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Partners at 2023 Annual Banquet

Rockwall, TX March, 28, 2023 – The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated “5 Star Success in Business & Community” at Southern Junction on Tuesday, March 21. The annual event highlights the many individuals and businesses who have contributed to the success of the Chamber and recognizes outstanding partner organizations who have made a significant impact in our community and business climate.

In her opening remarks, Darby Burkey, President and CEO of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted their recent 5 Star accreditation awarded by the US Chamber of Commerce. In doing so she referenced the many “rock stars” who support support the Chamber & the business community. She further addressed the Chamber priorities, including pro-business advocacy, tourism and organizational excellence, which serve both the business community and large community at large.

Recapping the event, Burkey, said, “We were thrilled to honor each of the nominees, milestone partners and winners at our Annual Awards Banquet presented by All Care Comfort Solutions.  The Chamber is at the heart of the community connecting local leaders in all facets to collaborate to make a positive impact in our 5-Star quality of life and local economy. Congratulations to these fine businesses who each won awards!”

Best Practices in Community Involvement & Impact
Presented by City of Rockwall Mayor Pro-Tem, Trace Johannesen and City of Rockwall Mayor, Kevin Fowler

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

• Clay Cooley Rockwall
• Doc’s Roofing – WINNER
• HomeBank Texas
• Republic Services
• Timpa Law Office

Excellence in Customer Focus
Presented by City Of Fate Assistant City Manager, Justin Weiss and City Of Fate Mayor, David Billings

This award showcases a company whose customer service ability has transcended to the masses. Their reputation for excellent customer focus has been experienced and publicized by many. Their positive focus has resulted in an increase in client satisfaction, client retention and referrals.

• b1 Bank
• Hanby Insurance
• Maaco Rockwall – WINNER
• My Computer Guy
• William Branch – AmCap Home Loans

Emerging Business of the Year
Presented by Rockwall Wealth Advisors, Gerald Hendrik

This award recognizes a Chamber Partner who has made a distinct impact in the business community within their first 12-18 months of partnering with the Chamber. They have demonstrated a capacity for creativity, innovation and experienced growth. This company has shown and embraced true Chamber spirit and an overall contribution to the community.

• APlus Payroll
• Avidea Social
• JCK Corporate Management, Inc.
• Rayson’s Creations Kaptured Memories – WINNER
• The Traveling Toro 

Small Business Partner of the Year
Presented by Rockwall County EMS, Mitch Ownby and City of Heath, Director of Public Safety, Brandon Seery

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 the community, Chamber driven initiatives, a proven track record, growth and sustainability and a commitment to quality.

• Key Element Media
• Providence Place Bridal
• Spidermen Services
• Toro Steam Cleaning
• Young Chefs Academy – WINNER

Medium Size Business Partner of the Year
Presented by McLendon-Chisholm Mayor Keith Short and City of McLendon-Chisholm City Councilman Dan Tucker

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

• Choctaw Casino Grant
• Frost Bank
• Legends Fit – WINNER
• Volkert
• Williamson Foundation Repair

Large Partner Organization of the Year
Presented by Rockwall ISD Superintendent, Dr. JJ. Villareal and Rockwall County Judge, Frank New

This award honors an organization that has made a significant impact on our area and within the Chamber through leadership, marketing and strategic alliance and contributions. This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated success and has displayed overall community development for the greater Rockwall area.

• American National Bank
• ATMOS
• Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
• Texas Health Hospital Rockwall – WINNER
• Special Products & Manufacturing

Non-Profit of the Year
Presented by All Care Comfort Solutions, Leigh & Ben Northcutt

• Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Texas
• Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County – WINNER
• Lone Star CASA
• Meals on Wheels Senior Services
• Rockwall County Helping Hands

Destination Partner of the Year
Presented by Maaco Rockwall, Shane Hollas and City of Rockwall Police Chief, Ed Fowler

This organization has made an economic impact to Rockwall County by demonstrating the ability to bring in outside visitors to our community. This business is a leader in reputation, marketing and service. The partner is committed to promoting Rockwall and it’s surrounding areas as a true destination and consistently brings our unique hometown feel to their patrons.

• Buffalo Creek Golf Course
• Hilton Dallas Rockwall Lakefront
• Rockwall Community Playhouse
• Rosini Vineyards – WINNER
• Shenaniganz

Chairman’s Award
Presented by ATMOS, Eva Hummel

• Cindy Tayem, Oncor

Chamber Partner of the Year
Presented by Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Darby Burkey

• Frank McLeod, Minuteman Press Rockwall

Recapping recent successes, incoming Board Chair, Brady Hill (Farmers Insurance) said, “Our Chamber had an another amazing year, topped off with achieving our first ever 5 star accreditation. Eva leaves some gigantic shoes to fill as the Chairman of the Board. She, among others, was so instrumental in our accreditation and an extremely successful 2022. Luckily for me, as we continue on in 2023, I still have her to lean on. I’m excited to continue to work with Darby, who is the absolute best in the business when it comes to running a chamber, and our board with a few new faces.” Hill added that growth-oriented plans are underway saying, “We have some big plans for getting our events back to pre-pandemic levels and some other exciting things for our members. This year has already started off on the right foot and it’s just going to continue to get better.”

Outgoing board members, whose terms concluded in 2022, recognized for their many hours of service and leadership to the Chamber included:

• Lorne Liechty, Liechty & McGinnis, Attorney’s and Counselors
• Brandon Morris

Incoming board members, Barry Street (Pegasus Foods) and Trevor Reed (Volkert, Inc) were welcomed to the 2023 Board.

Shane Hollas, Leadership Rockwall Chair and 2024 Board Chair, added, “Congratulations to Eva for helping Darby navigate the 5 Star Chamber achievement.  It is a huge accomplishment since only 2% for Chambers in the United States have achieved 5 Star Accreditation.  I’m excited for another great leader, Brady Hill, to take the reigns for 2023 and for my term as Chair in 2024.  We have a strong succession plan of proven leaders who work well together and are dedicated to the success of this community and it’s businesses.”

Thank you to all who attended and the Chamber partners whose support and sponsorship helped make this evening a huge success and an enjoyable event. For a complete list of participating sponsors, please visit our awards banquet page.

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