Thursday, November 10th, the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 119th Annual Dinner & Awards gala. A crowd of over 300 came together to pay tribute to the accomplishments of the business community and the Chamber over the past 12 months. And this year, we had a lot to celebrate even in times of change and uncertainty.

We officially welcomed new Chamber President & CEO Page Michel. She brings over 20 years of experience to San Marcos, and we’re confident she will lead the organization to reach new heights!

The main focus of the event was to recognize the Passing of the Gavel between the Board Chairmen and honor the business community along with education and non-profit partners.

Passing of the Gavel

Outgoing Board Chairman Matthew Worthington of PAM Health reflected on the past year, while Incoming Chairman, Thomas Curtis of Chuck Nash Auto Group, laid out a roadmap for the year ahead. Under his leadership, the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Staff are dedicated to Driving Change in the community!

Citizen of the Year

The 2022 Citizen of the Year has a long history of service and generous giving.

Community involvement is a staple of his life.

He has served on the San Marcos Industrial Foundation, San Marcos Chamber, San Marcos Women’s Sports Foundation, San Marcos CISD Education Foundation, Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts, CTMC Foundation Board, United Way, San Marcos LBJ Museum Board, plus several committees and boards at Texas State University.

He has worked diligently to help the students of Texas State University through supporting endowed scholarships for athletics, business, fine arts and communication.

The San Marcos Chamber is honored to announce the 2022 Citizen of the Year…John Navarrette!

Business of the Year

This award is presented annually to a business that has had exceptional growth, job creation, revenue growth, innovative products or services, exemplary customer service, volunteerism, and demonstrated economic support of the overall San Marcos area business community.

This year’s winner had an interesting beginning.

It started out as an Internet TV show that helped make technology understandable for the average person.

That passion for technology and helping others is what led the business owner to found the company in 2010.

What sets this business apart is its passion and vision.

The owners aim to help your technology work for you, so you can focus on your business.

The Chamber congratulates 2022 Business of the Year Winner… tekRESCUE and owner Randy Bryan!

Emerging Business of the Year

This annual award is given to a business that has been open for less than 3 years. The business is selected based on its recent launch, creation of jobs, innovative products or services, exemplary customer service, and involvement in the overall San Marcos area community.

This business’ story is like something you’d see on the big screen.

Its owner was previously working in a very successful corporate job, but always had a dream of becoming a professional chef.

In 2020, despite being at the height of the COVID Pandemic and shuttered venues, she still pursued her dream and it made it a reality.

Her business filled a niche and her customer base exploded!

The mission of this business is to make San Marcos a strong community of tableside gatherers.

In a world where division, isolation, and loneliness is rampant, this special company strives and succeeds in bringing people together…to share a meal and to build a stronger community.

The 2022 Emerging Business of the Year Award is Southern with a French Twist and owner Ashley Casebier!

Education Partner of the Year

This award is annually presented to an Education Partner that is an active member of the San Marcos business community that has made an exemplary contribution to the education of youth in our area.

Launched in 2017, this organization is a grassroots coalition focused on providing underrepresented and underserved youth and families to STEM and Agriculture pathways while infusing Entrepreneurship and the Arts. They help faith-based and grassroots organizations with resources and funding so that the STEEAAM equity gap can be bridged in their communities.

Please join in congratulating the 2022 Education Partner of the Year – ACCEYSS Network and its founder, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd!

Non-Profit of the Year

This year’s winning non-profit provides services that are truly invaluable to our area’s youth.

In 1986, a group of concerned citizens organized and developed this organization to provide shelter to maltreated children and support services to families.

As a private non-profit, their Children’s Shelter exists as a residential care home for children to develop a trusting relationship with each adult so that they will know that not all grown-ups will hurt them and that they are worthy of love and respect.

Their objective is to reduce child maltreatment, truancy, juvenile delinquency, as well as, increase families’ protective factors and resiliency to crisis.

This is such a vital goal to the future of the children in our community.

The Chamber is honored to announce this year’s Non-Profit of the Year is the Greater San Marcos Youth Council!

Green Business of the Year

Over the past decade, this business has established itself as one of the premier leaders in the country in the roofing industry, becoming a Master Elite Contractor and winning the GAF President’s Award in 2021.

But during this past year, the business took on a new challenge, expanded its impact, and expanded its name.

Through its partnership with GAF, this business is now able to bring Timberline Solar Shingles to Central Texas, adding a way for customers to save money on their electricity costs while being a good steward of the environment.

Please join the Chamber in congratulating our 2022 Green Business of the Year award winner: Divided Sky Roofing & Solar and owner John Hardy!

Ambassador of the Year

This award is voted on by the members of the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club. They vote on candidates who have the highest number of points earned during the prior year, plus their service, attitude, professionalism, and personal attributes.

This year’s winner’s involvement in the community goes beyond shaking hands at networking events and ribbon-cuttings.

She has become a mainstay at business and community celebrations. She is always encouraging others to participate in all that the Chamber offers.

She is forward-thinking and works to improve the Ambassadors Club in all that they do.

The Chamber congratulates the 2022 Ambassador of the Year: Tiffany Quibodeaux.

GSMP Corporate Citizen of the Year

David Case of Schertz Bank & Trust was recognized as the Greater San Marcos Partnership’s 2022 Corporate Citizen of the Year.

David first came to San Marcos as a student at Southwest Texas State University, and he’s been a proud San Marcos Citizen ever since.

He is the epitome of community involvement, serving on numerous City Boards & Commissions and volunteering for many non-profits in the area, including Sights and Sounds of Christmas, the 2019-20 Chairman of the Chamber Board, and many others.

Congratulations to David Case on this honor!

Thank you to our Annual Dinner Sponsors!

And a huge thanks to these Annual Dinner Silent Auction donors!

Additional Photos from the 119th Annual Dinner & Awards