Tuesday night the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Banquet at the Sunset Grove Country Club. It’s an opportunity to thank those for their work with the chamber the past year, and welcome in the new group that will lead the chamber into 2016.
There’s also a few awards that are handed out. Gisela Houseman introduced Steve Jones as the Citizen of the Year. Jones, a retired Major from the Orange Police Department, was the site coordinator for the Bassmasters Elite Tournament in March after serving as the coordinator back in 2013. A surprised Jones was emotional as he thanked the audience who stood with applause.
Joe Love of First Financial Bank recognized Chad Havens of Bridgefield Electric with the Business Community Service Award. Havens “made a dream become reality” when he built a covered rodeo arena called the T2 Arena in Little Cypress. It has been used for several charity events. Havens’ electrical business has also been generous to the community.
The non-profit Community Award was presented to Orange Christian Services by Johnny Trahan of Entergy. OCS and its many volunteers service thousands of people in the county.
Tad McKee of the Stark Foundation won the Chairperson of the Year Award and Rose Simar was given the Ambassador of the Year Award. Ambassador’s Amie Comeaux and T.W. Permenter received “life” status.
Outgoing President Dean Granger of Granger Chevrolet handed the gavel and the President’s jacket to Maureen McAllister who works at Sabine Federal Credit Union. McAllister’s theme for the year is “Make It Happen.”
Chamber Executive Director Ida Schossow and Lacey Lemoine were recognized for their work at the chamber office.
Father Steve Leger of St. Henry’s Catholic Church gave the invocation and benediction. Gary Stelly of KOGT Radio was the emcee.
More photos in the KOGT Photo Gallery.
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