Lewis and Tereletsky named Man and Woman of the Year at annual chamber banquet
The wait is over.
The Man and Woman of the
Year, along with 5 Under 55 Recipients and the Russ Mcewen Community Award winners were announced at the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Thursday evening. The 2023 Man of the Year is Tumbleweed Smith and the Woman of the Year is Judy Tereletsky. The Russ Mcewen Award was presented to the City of Big Spring Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
“A picture may hold a thousand words, but our 2023 Man of the Year would rather tell the stories for those willing to listen to hear,” Mike Tarpley, 2022 Man of the Year stated as he announced the award. “Our Man of the Year is known to many as Tumbleweed Smith, but his real name is Bob Smith Lewis.”
Tumbleweed Smith referred to
Man of the Year award as the highest honor he’s ever received. For him, just living in Big Spring is an honor and a privilege; it has always been home.
“I thought the privilege of living in Big Spring was rewarding enough. When I got here in 1960, I found the three things that are important in life: Number one, someone to share my life with. Number two, something to do and number three a place to do it,” Smith said. “I don’t deserve this, but I’m not giving it back.”
2022 Woman of the Year Jill Willbanks introduced the Woman of the Year.
“I am very surprised, but very honored. I never would have thought that I would have been chosen for it, but I very much appreciate it,” Tereletsky said, after receiving her award.
The 5 Under 55 Recipients included: Eric Barber, John Green, Terri Telchik, Garrett Gunn, and Brandon Hefner. Michelle Hamlin was reinstated as the Chamber President for the coming year.
“Real leadership is less about seeking applause and rewards and doing the best work you’ve ever done and having an impact you’ve never imagined,” Hamlin said. “We can’t do this alone. As a community we have to work together, as a board we look forward to our continued partnership with our members an strive to add new partnerships annually. We are not just here to help you, we are here to help each other, which in turns help businesses in our area grow and prosper.”
Hamlin discussed the progress that was in 2023 through the events, projects and future plans, including the annual health fair, clay shoot, Amazing shopping Race, Small Business Saturday and Holiday Sip and Shop. The launch of the new website was also announced and all are encouraged to visit it for more information.
“If you have not been involved in one of these events you should make plans to attend in 2024,” Hamlin said. “We have some of the best small businesses, and believe it or now, you can do all your shopping in Big Spring and Howard County. Remember, when you shop local, eat local, support local, you are investing in our community.”
As Hamlin closed, she issued a challenge to Chamber members and the community: attend events, support local businesses, advocate for Howard County, befriend a new business and let them know the benefits of becoming an invested part of the community and the Chamber.
“Whatever it is you choose to do, make it an invest in yourself, in your business and in our community. The Chamber’s challenges as a business are real and the future of the Chamber depends on succeeding and growing with each challenge,” Hamlin said.