The annual Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Banquet went off without a hitch as over 200 people attended the glittering event on Thursday night at the SLR Training Center.
Chamber Executive Director Lucita Rodriguez served as emcee, giving a welcome to the attendees as well as highlighting chamber events of 2024.
Special recognition went to Rockdale High School’s CTE Program as students helped pull the evening off. RHS Principal Wendy Mahan and CTE Director Lindsey Lillard spoke about the program and its merits for the students.
The evening’s speaker, Justice Ken Wise, who is a sitting judge on the 14th Court of Appeals and the voice behind the Wise About Texas podcast. He gave a speech about Texas history.
The following people and businesses were given awards during the evening, along with the reason why they were chosen.
• Chamber Ambassador of the Year went to Julia Cardona for exceptional dedication to the chamber’s mission.
• Next Generation Leader was Kaitlyn Hendrick, a rising entrepreneur whose drive, creativity and commitment to excellence help shape the future of the business community.
• The Heart of the Community Award went to The Rockdale Reporter for honoring outstanding contributions that inform, engage and uplift Rockdale, reflecting a deep commitment to the community’s growth and spirit.
• The Community Impact Award went to the MARC Center, an organization whose service, advocacy and outreach has created a meaningful, lasting change in the lives of others.
• New Business of the Year went to Three P’s Ice Cream honoring a newly established business that has quickly become a cherished part of the community.
• The Visionary Award went to Moon Brew Coffee Co. in recognition of a business that demonstrates forward- thinking ideas and bold initiatives that strengthen and shape the community.
• Trade s E xc el lenc e Award went to Coop’s Tire Shop in recognition of continued dedication and meaningful contributions as a trusted, locally owned business.
• The Legacy Award went of Attorneys of Texas Title in recognition of continued dedication and meaningful contributions as a trusted, locally owned business.
• Citizen of the Year went to Mayor Ward Roddam for exemplary leadership and service in shaping a stronger, more connected community.
• Business of the Year went to Run Florist Run a distinguished business that exemplifies excellence in growth, innovation and community impact.
The dinner was catered by Thorndale Meat Market and included strawberry and feta salad with pecans and a champagne vinaigrette, smoked sirloin with steak sauce and a creamy horseradish dressing, grilled chicken breasts with mushroom marsala or a creamy lemon burre blanc, and homemade peach cobbler.
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