Tuesday night Steve Jones was given the gavel to lead the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce in 2023 at the Annual Banquet held at Lamar State College Orange.
Jones, owner of Unique Data Services, said the theme for his term is “Live To Give.” Chairman Jones invited businesses and individuals to encourage people, especially younger people, to get involved in their community. “Ten years ago I was asked to be a volunteer at the first Bassmasters event and I’ve been hooked ever since,” Jones said. “It’s so rewarding to give back to your community.”
Jones introduced his Executive Board which includes Jessica Hill, Judge John Gothia, Wade Smith, Travis Williams, Amy Peevey, Dr. Shaun McAlpin, and Joe Love. Kristin Placette, pictured with Jones, will join the Past President’s Council following her year as Chairman.
The event was catered by Old Orange Cafe and Gary Stelly emceed the banquet. Captain Frankie Zuniga provided the Invocation and Benediction. Those in attendance were reminded of several Chamber events coming up in 2023. The Mardi Gras Parade will be Feb. 11. Businesses and organizations are invited to have a float in the parade so call the Chamber for more details. Golden Triangle Days is in Austin Feb. 27-28 and the Bassmaster Elites return to the Sabine River June 1-4.
Several awards were handed out during the evening. And each award came with a Congressional Certificate from Lanie Brown with Congressman Brian Babin’s office.
Benitris Edwards was a two-time winner during the evening. She was presented with the Ambassador of the Year Award and her non-profit Stars of Gate City #57 was recognized with the Non-Profit Community Service Award. Edwards has been a go-getter since joining the chamber. She attended the most events as an ambassador and brought in the most new members.
Jill Watson was recognized for being the 2022 Ambassador Chair. She passed that title over to Leigh Ann Harrell for 2023.
The Business Community Service Award was presented to Innovative Air Solutions. Started by Robert Currie in 2008, his business has been air conditioning and heating but his passion has been given back to the community.
Placette recognized Heather Montagne as her Chairperson of the Year. She thanked her for always being there when she needed her.
And the final award of the night was for Citizen of the Year. The honor not only recognizes someone for their accomplishments and service over the past 12 months, but sometimes as a lifetime achievement for their commitment to their business and their community. And that certainly can be said for Al Granger, owner of Granger Chevrolet, Granger RV, Granger CDJR, and Granger Supercenter.
Granger has been in the automotive business for 47 years. In fact when he accepted the award inside the Shahan Center, he noted that he was standing at the location (Green Ave. downtown) of his very first business, AutoMart.
The Granger name can been seen on many vehicles in town. But Granger has not only been committed to making his business better, but the community as well as Team Granger sponsors or hosts many events around Orange. “The greater Orange area has been good to me,” he said. “It’s only right that we return the favor and try to do it better than before.”
Social Media