Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards ceremony on Saturday evening, Nov. 9, presenting eight community awards, two special awards, a Chamber Ambassador of the Year award and two Taste of Breckenridge awards.

Debra Fox, who works at Soggy Dog Wine and Brew alongside her son and daughter-in-law, business owners Amanda and Brian Holloway, accepts the Business of the Year award on their behalf. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

The theme for this year’s event, held at the First Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center, was “A Celebration of Hometown Heroes.” Also included were presentations by this year’s Texas Midwest Community Network’s annual leadership project team for Breckenridge, as well as by the reigning Miss Breckenridge, MacKenzie Cloud.

In addition to the traditional awards — Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Ag Citizen of the Year, Educator of the Year and Civic Organization  of the Year — the Chamber added three new awards this year: the Influencer of the Year, Outstanding Community Partner of the Year and Local Artist of the Year.

The community nominated people, businesses and organizations for the awards, and a Chamber committee picked the recipients. This year’s award winners are:

• Citizens of the Year: Lisa and David Stowe
• Business of the Year: Soggy Dog Wine and Brew
• Ag Citizen of the Year: Julie Calkins
• Educator of the Year: Shelby Copeland
• Civic Organization of the Year: Stephens County Humane Society
• Influencer of the Year: Jessica Wade
• Local Artist of the Year: Becky Hicks
• Outstanding Community Partner of the Year: Katherine Parker

In presenting this year’s Citizens of the Year award, last year’s recipient, Brian Kight, said about Lisa and David Stowe: “Tonight, we gather to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions of individuals who have profoundly impacted the very fabric of Breckenridge. We recognize a pair of visionaries whose relentless dedication has transformed our town into a vibrant and thriving hub for residents and visitors. In recent years, the growth and success of their businesses has been nothing short of transformative for Breckenridge. Their recent establishment has created new life into our local economy, drawn visitors from near and far, providing a delightful experience. They have taken on … the challenge of renovating and restoring properties, ensuring that Breckenridge not only retains its charm, but also offers high quality, affordable housing options. Their efforts have helped alleviate the housing shortage, providing beautiful homes … for countless families and offering businesses prime locations to thrive. Their dedication is further enhanced by their generosity toward the youth of Stephens County, whether supporting local schools, sports teams or community events; their contributions have left lasting imprint on the lives of many young individuals. Their philanthropic spirit is evident by their support of events where their contributions help … light up our skies and bring joy to our community. They have also extended their generosity to various fundraisers, from golf tournaments to Boom Fest, embodying the true spirit of giving back. It is a spirit of selflessness … coupled with the vision of community growth and prosperity that makes them truly deserving of the recognition. It is with great pride and admiration that we Present the Citizen of the Year Award to Lisa and David Stowe.”

Paula Roach, the owner of Ol’ Timer’s Diner, last year’s Business of the Year, presented this year’s business award to Soggy Dog Wine and Brew. Owners Amanda and Brian Holloway couldn’t attend Saturday’s event, but Brian’s mother, Debra Fox, accepted the award on their behalf.

“It’s my profound honor to introduce the recipient of this year’s Business of the Year Award, an accolade that recognizes community spirit and innovations,” Roach said about Soggy Dog and the Holloways. “It takes a visionary leader to not only adapt, but to truly thrive. Our award winner tonight is the embodiment of such leadership. Over the last year, this business has grown exponentially, so much so that they are now seeking a new location to accommodate their success. This growth is not just a testament to their business ability, but also to their greater commitment to our community. One of the unique aspects of this business is its innovation approach to customer engagement. By harnessing the power of social media, they have created a vibrant online presence that extends far beyond our local borders. The regular updates and engaging content invite others from near and far, drawing attention to our beloved Breckenridge. As we reflect on the positive impact this business has had, we must also recognize the family’s role in this journey. By the owner’s side is his own family members who share in the vision and dedication that have fueled their success.”

Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce President Ronnie Langford introduced the Stephens County Humane Society as the Civic Organization of the year. “The civic organization award honors a group that has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to civic engagement and community development. This prestigious award recognizes organizations that have effectively mobilized resources, partnered with diverse stakeholders, and implemented innovative projects that address local needs and enhance the quality of life in Breckenridge,” he said. “The organization, operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, has been a sanctuary for those in need. They they provide pet food to local families who might otherwise struggle to feed their fur babies, and they support the Breckenridge Animal Shelter with resources and care when a pet has no place to go. They tirelessly seek out foster homes or other rescue operations, ensuring that no animal is left without hope. Their work is powered by generous donations and the success of various fundraisers, including the annual Wags and Whiskers 5K and Furry Fun Run, which brings our community together in support of this noble cause. This organization not only aids animals but also enriches our community through initiatives like the Humane Society Thrift Store and Pet Photos with Santa, offering services to our residents and pet owners alike. Tonight, we honor the heart and soul behind these efforts. It is with gratitude that we presented the Civic Organization of the Year Award to the Stephens County Humane Society.”

Before the awards were presented, the meal for the event was provided by local restaurants as a part of the Taste of Breckenridge. The Best Table Decor award was presented to Blackhorse Mercantile and Cafe, and the Best Food award was presented to Ol’ Timer’s Diner.

Additionally, the Chamber presented two special awards: the Hometown Hero award to Rhonda Crawford and the Outstanding Community Collaborator award to Cynthia Northrop.

This year, the Chamber organized a group of volunteers, the Chamber Ambassadors, to help with the organization’s activities, and at the ceremony, they presented the Ambassador of the Year award to Paula Grissom.

A video of the ceremony can be viewed on the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Lisa and David Stowe, right, were honored as the Breckenridge Citizens of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. They were presented with the award by last year’s recipient, Brian Kight. The Stowes own Blackhorse Mercantile and Cafe, Caddo Creek Investments and Stowe’s Independent Services. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Debra Fox, right, accepted the Business of the Year award on behalf of her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Amanda Holloway, the owners of Soggy Dog Wine and Brew. Paula Roach presented the award; she is the owner of Ol’ Timer’s Diner, last year’s Business of the Year. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Shelby Copeland, a social studies teacher at Breckenridge Junior High School, received the Educator of the Year award at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony. She was presented with the award by Maylun VanWinkle, left, who recently was named the Event Manager for the Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Stacey Donaldson, left, and Kathy O’Shields, center, accept the Civic Organization of the Year award on behalf of the Stephens County Humane Society. The award was presented by the Chamber of Commerce President Ronnie Langford. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Becky Hicks, right, received the new Local Artist of the Year award at the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual ceremony. She was presented with the award by incoming Chamber President Martiza Fambro. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Katherine Parker, right, was named the Outstanding Community Partner of the Year, a new award this year. She was presented with the award by Heather Bronkhorst, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce presented a special award to Rhonda Crawford, center, for being a Hometown Hero. Crawford is the former Chamber director, as well as the current director of the Breckenridge Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center. She was presented with the award by Yuri Huntington, current Chamber Executive Director, and Maylun VanWinkle, Events Manager for the Chamber. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Breckenridge City Manager Cynthia Northrop, second from left, was presented with a special award for being an outstanding community collaborator. She is pictured with Chamber director Yuri Huntington, events manager Maylun Van Winkle and Chamber board president Ronnie Langford. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Lisa Stowe, left, and Paula Roach received the Best Table Decor and Best Food award, respectively, for the meal served during the awards ceremony. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

From left, Breckenridge High School students Miley Roberts and Jonie Jackson, along with advisers Lisa Echols and Mindy West, gave a presentation on this year’s Texas Midwest Community Network’s annual leadership project for Breckenridge. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

The reigning Miss Breckenridge, MacKenzie Cloud, spoke to the crowd at the Chamber of Commerce’s awards ceremony about her role as Miss Breckenridge, as well as about the local first responders, who are Hometown Heroes. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: David and Lisa Stowe thank the Chamber of Commerce and the community after being named the 2024 Citizens of the Year at the annual awards ceremony. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)