Annual Awards

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is honored to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals in our Chamber that consistently put forth an effort to better our community through leadership and integrity. Our annual awards are presented to winners each year at the Greater Hewitt Chamber Banquet. Special thanks to Digital Media Butterfly and Award Specialties for sponsoring.

Joseph Hester – Ambassador of the Year

A Greater Hewitt Chamber Ambassador serves as the face of the organization, increases member activity and displays a high degree of professionalism and community involvement. Joseph has been a great support to the Chamber’s mission by volunteering throughout the year at major community events, recruiting members and supporting the office with several tasks. Joseph also is a strong supporter of the chamber’s growth and retention efforts. We are thrilled to recognize Joseph Hester as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year.

Finalists for Ambassador of the Year are determined by the number of points accumulated during the calendar year by attending meetings and events. Past winners include Reece Flood, High & Associates, Michael Wyatt (Wyatt Brothers Moving) Donny Hunter (LegalShield), Glenda Ruiz (GTR Vacations) Jeff Nunes (Waddell & Reed), Glynn Beaty (Glynn Beaty Law Firm), Beth Kwasnica (Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat), Carlena Lesso (Jack of All Trades), Merry Bruner (Individual Member), Debbie Grady (Insurance Network of Texas).

Waco Surf – New Member of the Year

Waco Surf has been a great support to the Chamber and City by being actively involved in numerous community events throughout the year. The Chamber is honored to recognize Waco Surf as 2023 New Member of the Year.

This award is chosen from among Chamber businesses or individuals who have been dues paying members less than one year. The recipient of this award has demonstrated support and enthusiasm for the Chamber and shows potential for future leadership within the Chamber. Past winners include Dr. SmiLee, Bulldog Auto Detailing, Landmark Chiropractic, Trish Menchu, Coldwell Banker Apex, D1 Sports Training, Orangetheory Fitness, WTX Media, Brian Black Coaching, Bite of Wisdom Magazine, Allstate Insurance Agency – Robert Humphrey, QuickSnaps Photo Booth and Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat.

Donna Muhlman– Volunteer of the Year Award – Momentum

The Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to the individual who combines a strong vision for furthering the chamber’s mission with the leadership skills to organize fellow volunteers to see that vision to fruition.  This award is presented to the volunteer who has excelled in encouraging community members and Directors to be involvement in Chamber activities. The Chamber deeply appreciates Donna’s efforts in moving the organization forward. Donna is currently serving on the Board of Directors.

Past winners include Lori Adams (BSW Health), Shawna Roscom (Edward Jones), Tolea Smith (Allen Samuels DCJRF, 2019) Justin Anderson (Raising Cane’s, 2018), Mary Ellison (Cen-Tex Roof Systems, 2017) and Regina Martinez (Incommons Bank, 2017), Alee Walker (Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest, 2016), Andrew Smith (Placements Unlimited, 2015) and Chris Watkins (Central National Bank, 2015), Cassie Thomas (Placements Unlimited, 2014), Pat Breen (Action Fire Pros, 2013), Scott Hedges (GENCO Federal Credit Union, 2012), Royce Berger (SCM Promos, 2011) and Donna Muhlman (Mr. Electric, 2010).

Kathryn Eckblad– Volunteer of the Year Award – Spirit

The Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to the individual who combines a strong vision for furthering the chamber’s mission with the leadership skills to organize fellow volunteers to see that vision to fruition.  This award is presented to the volunteer who has excelled in encouraging community members and Directors to be involvement in Chamber activities. The Chamber deeply appreciates Kathryn’s efforts in displaying the spirit of the chamber and moving the organization forward. Kathryn is currently serving on the Board of Directors.

Past winners include Lori Adams (BSW Health), Shawna Roscom (Edward Jones), Tolea Smith (Allen Samuels DCJRF, 2019) Justin Anderson (Raising Cane’s, 2018), Mary Ellison (Cen-Tex Roof Systems, 2017) and Regina Martinez (Incommons Bank, 2017), Alee Walker (Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest, 2016), Andrew Smith (Placements Unlimited, 2015) and Chris Watkins (Central National Bank, 2015), Cassie Thomas (Placements Unlimited, 2014), Pat Breen (Action Fire Pros, 2013), Scott Hedges (GENCO Federal Credit Union, 2012), Royce Berger (SCM Promos, 2011) and Donna Muhlman (Mr. Electric, 2010).

Digital Media Butterfly  – Business of the Year

The Business of the Year demonstrates all-around support to the Chamber, its mission and the greater Hewitt community’s development. Digital Media Butterfly has established a strong reputation of being community-minded by providing leadership on committees for Greater Hewitt Chamber community events and has consistently invested in the Chamber’s efforts over the past several years. Digital Media Butterfly sponsors the Annual Membership Banquet, Hewitt Express Classic and several City of Hewitt initiatives. The Chamber is proud to recognize Digital Media Butterfly as our 2023 Business of the Year. 

The committee uses a weighted rubric to help identify Business of the Year finalists based on financial support, volunteer support, and leadership positions filled by the company within the GHCOC. The winner is selected from among this group of finalists. Past winners include  Clint Allen, State Farm Insurance, GENCO, Cen-Tex Roof Systems, Incommons Bank, HEB Woodway, Stanley Ford McGregor, Bush’s Chicken Hewitt, HEB – Woodway, Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat, The National Banks of Central Texas, Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center and Grande Communications.

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Top Charitable Business of the Year

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers was nominated and selected as our Top Charitable Business of the Year! Raising Cane’s constantly demonstrates all-around support to the Chamber, its mission and the greater Hewitt community’s development. Raising Cane’s has established a strong reputation of being community-minded by providing leadership on committees, donations to several other local non-profits and community needs. Raising Cane’s is active in the chamber’s annual Student of the Year, Hewitt’s Easter Egg Hunt, Hewitt Public Library Hero Day, GHCOC’s Express Classic, Hewitt Public Library Dog Days, Hewitt’s National Night Out, Hewitt’s Christmas Tree lighting and MISD PTA requests.

The committee uses a weighted rubric to help identify Business of the Year finalists based on financial support, volunteer support, and leadership positions filled by the company within the GHCOC. The winner is selected from among this group of finalists and past winners include HEB and Walk-On’s Waco.

 

Mission Medicare Insurance Agency- Marketing Package Winner

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is proud to serve small businesses in our community. Beginning last January, the chamber launched a new initiative allowing members in business for less than 3 years and employing less than a staff to apply. The winner receives a $2,000 Marketing Package, customizable to fit their business needs, in order to boost small business efforts. The winner demonstrates a unique drive and determination in establishing business growth in the greater Hewitt area. Past winners include The Grandson, Fluff Wash & Fold, Arrowhead Chiropractic and Superman Electric.

Board Service Awards –

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is proud to recognize exemplary service within our chamber as well as in our community. It is a great honor to recognize these outgoing Board Members with our Outgoing Board Member Award for their years of service.  We wish you all the best.

Outstanding Service Award- Michael Wyatt

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is proud to recognize exemplary service within our chamber as well as in our community. It is a great honor to present Michael Wyatt with our Service Award as Past President.  We appreciate all you continue to do to help our chamber grow.

Vision Award – City of Hewitt

The Greater Hewitt Chamber is proud to recognize an organization who displays growth, opportunity and development in the greater Hewitt Economy.  It is with our greatest appreciation for all you do to assist the chamber in its endeavors.

Thank you 2023 Awards Committee

Shawna Bradfute, Ken Noble, Stephanie Tolbert, Michael Wyatt, Trish Menchu and Lori Adams