CHAMBER HONORS COMMUNIITY MEMBERS
Chamber names award winners at its annual banquet
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com
This was a year the Bullard Chamber of Commerce recognized a school board member, a council woman, a judge and the city's largest business at its annual banquet.

Top right, Mayor Pro- Tem Rodger Johnson and ChamberWoman of the Year Pam Frederick enjoy the annual Bullard Chamber of Commerce banquet. Above, Dr. John Alexander sits with his wife Misty. Alexander was named this year's Humanitarian of the Year by the chamber. Left, Dr. Tom McCall presents Brookshire's manager Tony Johnson with the award for Business of the Year. -- Bullard Banner photos by Lori Mellinger

The banquet - held on Monday - awarded Dr. John Alexander the Cecil D. Harper Humanitarian award; council woman Pam Frederick as Woman of the Year, municipal judge and outgoing chamber president Danny Ray as Man of the Year and Brookshire's as Business of the Year.

Tom McCall, who handed out this year's awards, said Alexander's dedication to every aspect of the community made him a natural choice.

McCall said Alexander's efforts have been ongoing and far-reaching, and members cited many reasons for the choice.

Alexander moved to Bullard in 2001, where he immediately became involved with a thriving veterinary practice. But he didn't stop there: Alexander also is well-known in the area for his singing and songwriting with his band "Nearly There," but its public service that stands out most - and what he mentions the least.

He has served as a Bullard ISD trustee for three years. He's been an active member of the Bullard Chamber of Commerce since 2000, serving as president in 2003.

He participates with the College of Veterinary medicine at Texas A&M and is still an active alumnus.

He's also active with the agricultural departments at several schools - including Bullard and Troup. Alexander also supports the Bullard Baseball League.

He serves on the board at Texas National Bank.

Alexander has been married to his wife Misty for almost 15 years. The couple has two children: Miranda, 14, and Jody, 10.

Alexander admittedly can't stay in the same spot for more than a few minutes at a time, he said in an article in BSCENE magazine.

But that's how he likes it -- working hard on behalf of friends, family and his community, according to the story.

Alexander grew up in Carthage, graduated from Texas A&M Vet School in 1997, and has been practicing in Texas ever since.

After stints in Carthage and Alvarado, he came back to East Texas with his family in 1999.

Pam Frederick - Woman of the Year

"Pam exemplifies service - to all aspects of the community, " said Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan. "If you were to model the perfect elected official on someone, it would be Pam."

A school teacher for 18 years, the last two being at Bullard ISD, Frederick is also in her fifth year serving as a councilwoman for Bullard.

Members said Frederick gives back to community with an unparalleled passion.

She's dedicated years now to the revitalization of O.L. Ferrell Park. She spearheaded the most successful Fourth of July celebrations the city has seen.

Frederick worked with Alexander on the "FOR the Future of BISD" committee.

Above, Danny Ray -- outgoing Bullard Chamber of Commerce president -- accepts his award as Man of the Year for the organization. Right, newly elected chamber president Mike Alexander enjoys the banquet with his daughter Lauren.

The two - along with a close-knit group of volunteers -- knocked on doors, passed out brochures and convinced people that Bullard's schools needed more facilities, and while almost every bond in East Texas failed on Election Day, Bullard ISD is building a new elementary school and facilities that will keep up with Bullard's growth and demand for years.

As part of the council, Frederick chairs the city's "Vision Committee." She - along with the rest of the council -- has a vision for a cohesive and enhanced downtown area and persuaded business owners to partner with the city to create a beautiful and enticing downtown area.

This year she spearheaded a partnership with the Bullard Banner News to collect $900 in additional funds for the park on a subscription drive with the newspaper.

Frederick moved to Bullard in 1993. She's been married to Wade Frederick for 17 years and has two children, Mason, 15, and Taylor, 11.

Danny Ray - Man of the Year

Ray has been active in the Bullard Chamber for several years, the last two as president of the organization.

McCall said it was his integrity, honesty and leadership that made him the choice.

"Danny is devoted to the community and is always helping people of all ages. He has made a difference for the teens through the elderly. He has contributed greatly to the Fourth of July celebration to honor veterans and is an active member of several organizations," he said.

Ray also serves as Bullard's Municipal Judge - on one of the few city courts of record in the state. He's held this position since 1998.

Ray has about a 30-year career in law enforcement, 18 of those as chief of police in Diboll. He attended the FBI academy in 1990. Ray was rookie of the year on the Lufkin Police Force.

Ray has been an active Rotary member.

He's been married to Sandy Ray for 25 years. The couple's children include: Brian of Fort Carswell Air Force Base, Fort Worth, Hayden of Bullard.

They have two grandchildren Connor, 7, and Natalee, 9 ‰ months.

Brookshire's - Business of the Year

Brookshire's opened its doors in 2003. Since that time, the store has been instrumental in giving to many local organizations, including various school fund raisers, the chamber of commerce, Kiwanis, Emerald Bay Golf Tournament, the Bullard Community Library, and many more.

This year, it was Brookshire's that made it possible for the chamber's annual Red, White and Blue festival to bring in major entertainment.

The board of directors voted to give $2,500 to the cause.

"Without their support we could not have had the quality entertainment we had," said incoming chamber president Mike Alexander. "The chamber and the community are grateful for all the support Brookshire's gives to Bullard."

Manager Tony Johnson said that's part of what the company does.

"Brookshire's mission is to support events and charitable activities that benefit our community, " Johnson said. "We're humbled to be recognized, and we appreciate the chamber and all of our area residents for their continued support."

Master of ceremonies for the event was newly elected board member Jay Abercrombie.

Entertainment for the banquet was provided by Brook Hill student and Bullard resident Heather Henrichson. Henrichson was recently awareded the Miss South Lake Teen title. Guest speaker was Daryle Hardaway, of Jacksonville, an instructor for the "Seven Steps for Success" program.