Around 500 people packed into the Coliseum Thursday night for the 111th annual Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Outgoing board president Daniel Hutson offered a brief speech, thanking board members, ambassadors and others who helped make Brownwood successful during the last year. He also introduced Donna Hair with Brownwood Regional Medical Center who said she was looking forward to the next year as the incoming board president. Mayor Stephen Haynes was the master of ceremonies for the event.

The Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year was presented to incoming president Dustin Larremore by outgoing president Rick Phelps. Three Stuart Coleman “Good Neighbor” Awards were given this year. The winners were Keith Clark, Paul Coghlan and the third was presented to the children of Brian Wade who passed away last year. The Small Business of the Year was won by Roberson Rent All while Medium Business of the Year honors went to Texas Rock Crusher Railway. The Large Business of the Year was awarded to United Supermarkets. Haynes pointed out to the crowd that United has been open for less than two years.

The Community Partner of the Year Award went to the Lyric Theater, which was represented by managing director Eric Evans and the theater’s board of directors. Grant Magness, current president of the Young Leaders of Brown County was named the Volunteer of the Year, while Nanda Wilbourn was named the Professional of the Year. Jodie Armstrong, a former Woman of the Year, presented that same award to Mariann Tacket. Last year’s Man of the Year, Chip Camp presented the Man of the Year award to Tim Espinoza. Margaret Coleman was awarded Brownwood’s highest honor, the Groner Pitts Lifetime of Service Award-Citizen of the Year. Coleman’s late husband won this same award ten years ago.

Others recognized included the graduates of Leadership Brownwood and those who were involved with the Total Resource Campaign. Kim Peterson, for the fifth consecutive year was recognized for raising the most funds.