Glitz and glamour filled the room at the 2020 Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, held at The Depot X in Fairfield, Texas on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
The paparazzi were out in full force, as attendees arrived early to the ‘Red Carpet Affair” to enjoy a Cocktail hour.
Regina and George Robinson wore it best, as they earned this year’s Best Dressed Award for their glittery gold attire.
Once the festivities got underway, Miss Teen Freestone County, Jaysa Smith, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Andrew Weitner performed the National Anthem on saxophone.
Invocation was led by Spain Trask.
The evening’s delicious menu featured Chicken Marsala, Grilled Pork Chops & Onions, Green Bean Almandine, Macaroni & Cheese Circles, Caesar Salad, and Rolls. Dessert was a choice of Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Brownie Delight.
Dinner music was provided by Alysa Carrizales.
There were a few surprised honorees, as this year’s annual awards were announced. All were well-deserved.
Ambassador of the Year went to Kris Simmons of Fairfield Lake State Park, presented by outgoing Chamber Chair, Gail Farish of Creations Flowers & Gifts.
Small Business of the Year was awarded to Bayless NAPA Auto Parts, owned by father and son, Landis Bayless and Josh Bayless, presented by Chamber Director, Averie Grant of Peridot Salon.
Community Spirit Award was presented to Lisa Underhill of Nursing Home Ministry, following a glowing introduction by Dylan White of Call 4 Computers.
City of Fairfield Employee of the Year was awarded to City Secretary Misty Richardson. Presenting the award was Mayor Kenneth Hughes.
Citizen of the Year went to Angela Oglesbee for her service to the community. Teresa Duke of Community National Bank & Trust presented this award.
Civic Organization of the Year was presented to the Kindness From Case Memorial Foundation for their service to the youth of Fairfield and Freestone County. Accepting the award was Olivia Robinson, as presented by Lissa Smith of River of Life Family Worship.
Business of the Year was presented by an ardent Tony Price to Freestone Medical Center (top picture). Accepting the award (above) was John Yeary, CEO of Freestone Medical Center, and George Robinson, President of Fairfield Hospital District.
Business of the Decade went to Community National Bank & Trust for their continual support of the community. Branch Manager Jason Hullum lead his group in accepting the award from presenter Libby Harris of Premier Realty.
Lifetime Achievement Award was given to everyone’s favorite nurse, Miss Pat Robertson. The award was presented by Julee Emmons of Armadillo Emporium / Juls by Jul.
Legacy Award was presented to Bettye and Spain Trask for their tireless service to the community.
Fairfield ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jason Adams, was the last to present awards.
Elementary Teacher of the Year was awarded to Amy Graves. Congratulating her was Elementary School Principal Sheila Ransom.
Intermediate Teacher of the Year was given to Brittany Sanders. Congratulating her was Intermediate School Principal Shetonia Scires.
High School Teacher of the Year was presented to Davin Davis. Congratulating him was High School Principal Sonya Gibson.
Student of the Year went to FHS senior, Connor Jackson, congratulated by High School Principal Sonya Gibson.
And, honoring a teacher recently lost, Junior High Teacher of the Year was awarded to the late Sheila Judkins. Accepting the award on her behalf was Coach Timothy Judkins. Standing with him was Junior High Principal Bryan Gawrywszewski.
Cakes for the auction were baked and donated by Megan Hemple (Explore Corsicana magazine), Lisa Schick (Freestone Medical Center), Charlotte Brantner and Nicole Hughes (MommaCakes); and donated Jason & Brenda Pate (baked by Something Different).
“It is from the bottom of our hearts we thank the City of Fairfield and our Members for supporting the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce through the years.”
Special thank you also goes to The Depot X Event Center for their beautiful facility, and to Creations Flowers & Gifts for always creating a beautiful scene for the evening.
(Photos by Victoria Keng)
–New Chamber Board:
President – Eli Pratt
Vice-President – Josh Bayless
Treasurer – Gail Farish
Secretary – Avery Grant
Directors: Libby Harris, Robert McAdams, and Kim Bishop
Executive Director – Brenda Pate
Admin. Assist. – Ashley DeVillier
–Outgoing Chamber Board members: Gina Martin and Brenda Finley.
–Ambassadors (old and new): Amy Freeman, Rebecca Ballard, Bettye Trask, Bill Billock, Carol Moller, Daniel Stauffer, Debbie Wilson, Elizabeth Waters, Jason Pate, Julee Emmons, Karen Leidy, Kim Bishop, Kris Simmons, Lisa Nichols, Lisa Schick, Mary Small, Nicole Patterson, Patricia Pratt, Randy Martin, Veronica Miller, Russell Gilbreath, Sid and WA Davis, Tammy Eaton, Jim Watterson, Candice Ford, Victoria Keng, Hunter Thedford, Cindy Bolen, Kaley Copeland, and Pinky Walia.
