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.
SHANE SMITH – 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. Shane 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. Shane also is a strong supporter of the chamber’s growth and retention efforts. We are thrilled to recognize Shane Smith 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 Joseph Hester (Business Locksmith), 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).
Whataburger– New Member of the Year
Whataburger 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 Whataburger as 2024 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 Waco Surf, 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.
Stephanie Tolbert– Volunteer of the Year Award
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 involved in Chamber activities. The Chamber deeply appreciates Stephanie's efforts in moving the organization forward. Stephanie is currently serving on the Board of Directors.
Past winners include Donna Mulhman (Mr. Electric), 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).
Mr. Electric – 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. Mr. Electric 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. Mr. Electric sponsors the Annual Membership Banquet, Hewitt Express Classic and several City of Hewitt initiatives. The Chamber is proud to recognize Mr. Electric as our 2024 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 Digital Media Butterfly, 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.
TONY DEmARIA'S BBQ, Top Charitable Business of the Year
Tony DeMaria's BBQ was nominated and selected as our Top Charitable Business of the Year! Tony DeMaria's BBQ constantly demonstrates all-around support to the Chamber, its mission and the greater Hewitt community’s development. Tony DeMaria'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.Tony DeMaria's is active in the chamber’s annual Hero Day, GHCOC’s Express Classic, as well as City of Hewitt and MISD partnerships.
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 Raising Cane's, HEB and Walk-On’s Waco.
TWO54 Group, LLC- Marketing Package Winner
The Greater Hewitt Chamber is proud to serve small businesses in our community. Beginning January, 2022, 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 Mission Medicare Insurance Agency, The Grandson, Fluff Wash & Fold, Arrowhead Chiropractic and Superman Electric.
Board Service Awards – Jean Ann Hoover, 17 years
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.
Thank you 2024 awards committee
Lori Adams, Regina Martinez, Reece Flood, Stephanie Tolbert and Gregg Dungan
