Monday night inside the Bridge City Community Center the Chamber of Commerce recognized Mayor David Rutledge as its Citizen of the Year.
Rutledge is in his second term as Mayor after serving as a councilman since 2005.
He graduated from Bridge City High School in 1971. He worked as a pipefitter before getting his degree and joining DuPont as an engineer. He would retire in 2013. Retirement wouldn’t last long as he would become a consultant for Neches Engineering.
He has been married to Becky Rutledge for 46 years. Becky also serves the community as a member of the BCISD School Board.
Earl and Shirley Duhon, owners of Dupuis Tire & Service Center were recognized as the Business of the Year.
The Duhon’s purchased Dupuis in 2016 to keep the longest running business in Bridge City going, which now stands at 79 years. The Duhon’s thanked their employees and those in attendance stating, “as long as the public wants us here, we will be here.”
Stephanie Roberts (below) was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year. Roberts and her husband David run David’s A/C.
President Beth Arnold also passed the gavel to new Chamber President Candace Mulhollan. Mulhollan reiterated the motto of “Growing Stronger Together” and talked about continued growth in the Bridge City and Orangefield area.
Mulhollan will host the next Networking Coffee on Feb. 11 at 8am at the BC Community Center.
Kristen Placette was the chair of Monday’s event. Tuffy’s catered the banquet and Kirk Ellender served as the Master of Ceremonies.
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