Networking virtual style - Big Spring Chamber Banquet and Expo
The annual Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Business Expo took place virtually, with 75 attendees logged in. Area businesses joined together for watch parties to take part in the annual festivities and award recognitions.
"It was a success for being the first time for doing something like this," Debbye Valverde, Executive Director of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, said. "In this day and time, even when we can't come together and network I think it went well."
Valverde extended big kuddos to Manny Negron and Hayley Herrera with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for not only presenting the idea, but for helping
to manage the process and the event.
"Big Kuddos go to Manny and Hayley who are our producers, for bringing this to us as a way to do this and still recognize our award recipients,
and our essential workers who are everyone in this community," Valverde said.
Negron added, "It was a different type of banquet. We were all a little skeptical, but once we got to planning and talking about it more the pieces started fitting and the event came together.
In addition to Big Spring business owners and business professionals, Senator Drew Darby and representatives from his office, representatives from Ted Cruz's office, and Seminole Chamber of Commerce representatives were in attendance.
"I would like to think our small community did something big like a virtual banquet. We were able to put a spotlight on some gems in the community with a twist ... going virtual," Negron said. "The banquet went very well and smoothly. We want to extend a big thank you to all of our sponsors and those who attended. We are hoping we can meet in person next year."
The Man and Woman of the Year - Mark Barr and Joan Beil - were officially recognized. Each had extended family on the Zoom call with some as far away as New York. The second round of 5 Under 55 was also annouced. The 2020 recipients included: Tabitha Clark, Reina Cisneros, Shonda Folsom, Leslie Elrod-hobbs, and Jeff Ward. The Russ Mcewen Award was also presented to Bulldog Steel for their investment into the community and positive impact they have been making in Howard County.
As part of the program, the passing of the gavel from outgoing Chamber President Mark Richardson to incoming Chamber President Kristy Tyra also took place, in Chamber Banquet fashion.
Richardson expressed gratitude to those who paved the path before him, such as previous Chamber Board President Randy Johnson, and those who have supported him along the way in his term. An overview of his initial goals and was happy to report that all of his goals were accomplished. While Richardson's term took place as Howard
County found their way through a pandemic, it was still one of business and community support and growth.
"This board never wavered. We had to adjust our way of doing business, get creative, and even postpone, but we did what we had to do to support our members of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce. Never in the history of the economic status of our community has shopping local been more important. You know that, you realize that."
The past year was different and required adjustment, and while Howard County and the rest of the nation are not out of the woods yet when it comes to the impact of the pandemic, there is still growth to show and partnerships thriving.
"We must continue to try local and buy local. We must continue to support and encourage businesses as they continue to adjust .... We must fight through this together," Richardson said. "The Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce is going to stand with you as we recover... The Chamber was tested unlike any other time in history and in my opion we not only stepped up we hit it out of the park."
As the gavel was passed, Kristy Tyra took control
of the reigns and stepped into her role as the 2021 Chamber Board President. Tyra originally arrived in Big Spring in 2016 with Oncor and was welcomed with open arms. As the community was embracing Tyra, she was doing the same and doing her part to get involved.
"... we are in unprecedented times. If you would have told me that our economy would be shut down, our kids would be out of school for months and businesses forced to shut their doors I would have told you it would never happen, but yet, here we are," Tyra said. "The greater thought though is what can we do as a community to make sure our businesses stay open and thrive despite the pandemic."
Tyra continued, "Our businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They employee our citizens, provide services and we have to make sure we protect these businesses and help them grow and be around for years to come."