2017 Annual Banquet Award Winners

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Banquet was Thursday, September 21 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. The following awards were presented:

Roy J. Smith Award:  Eula “Sis” Beck
The Roy J. Smith Award is given for outstanding community leadership. Leadership by extraordinary people is a part of every thriving community. Our community was blessed with the leadership efforts and outstanding contributions of the late Roy J. Smith. This award has been named in his honor and is given to an individual for their lifelong commitment to improving the Central Texas area.
















Large Business of the Year:  Carlson Law Firm
The Large Business of the Year Award is given to a Killeen area business with more than 50 employees. This business should have a sustained positive impact on the area and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. The awardee will have displayed a spirit of teamwork, be active in projects benefiting the Chamber and greater Killeen area, and support the mission and values of the Chamber. 
















Small Business of the Year:  Linnemann Realty
This award is earned by a Chamber member business with fewer than 50 employees and who has contributed greatly to programs and events benefiting the Chamber and the community.
















Public Education Council Individual of the Year:  Lovie Dunn, Central Texas College
The Public Education Council Individual of the Year award is given to an individual who has participated in Public Education Council sponsored events and supports community education activities. This commitment to excellence and demonstrated leadership is an inspiration to others.

Public Education Council Business of the Year:  Central Texas College
The Public Education Council Business of the Year award is given to a member in good standing with the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce that has actively participated in Public Education Council events, supports community education activities, and allows employees to volunteer time at educational events.

Welcome Council Member of the Year:  Kelly Brown, First National Bank Texas
The Welcome Council was created to match experienced members of the Chamber with new members. The Welcome Council Member of the Year award is given to a Welcome Council volunteer who has shown exceptional initiative and dedication to the organization. This individual has actively participated in Welcome Council events, mentored new Chamber members and served as a model representative of the Chamber.

Non-Profit of the Year:  Grace Christian Center
The Non-Profit Council was formed to bring like-minded organizations together to learn more about transparency and governance in this changing world, and to figure out new ways to work together to serve the community. The Non-Profit of the Year is given to a not-for-profit member that has a positive impact on the area and the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. This organization has shown a history of proven impact and dedication to serving the community’s needs.

Greater Killeen Young Professional of the Year:  Ashley Whitworth, First Texas Bank
The Greater Killeen Young Professionals was formed to give young professionals access to events and programs that would allow them to grow professionally and help grow the community. The Greater Killeen Young Professional of the Year should exhibit dedication and service toward the Greater Killeen Young Professionals, be an example of the qualities the organization stands for, and be a member in good standing or an immediate past member.