The Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce presented annual awards Monday, Jan. 25, (clockwise from top) Keith Bryant, Man of the Year, and Cathy Krafve, Woman of the Year; Chamber President Brian Capps presents Presidents Award to Teresa Adams-Wilks; John Edgar received the Cecil Harper Humanitarian of the Year award; Brandi Abercrombie received the Chamber Member of the Year award; and Susette Beckham, owner of Legends Burger Cafe, received the Chamber Business of the Year award. The Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce annual awards were presented at the recognition banquet Monday, Jan. 25, at Eagles Bluff Country Club.

The 2009 Business of the Year award was presented to Susette Beckham, owner of Legends Burger Café.

“They have established themselves substantially both in their business and in their personal lives,” said Chamber President Brian Capps of Legends during the presentation. “This business made Bullard a destination to the surrounding areas.”

(Banner Staff Photos by Don Treul) Legends has been in business in Bullard for about two years.

Cathy Krafve was named Woman of the Year. Krafve was instrumental in organizing the annual Red, White and Blue Festival that honors veterans in Bullard.

“She expresses so much energy and passion in her work that she truly takes her assignments to heart,” Capps said of Krafve. “She worked tirelessly to make sure our veterans were recognized during this event.”

Capps said the Man of the Year “has traits I want my children to follow.” He presented the award to Bullard Independent School District Superintendent Keith Bryant.

“He considers our children’s education the utmost importance and always shows a positive, can-do attitude,” Capps said of Bryant. “His role in our children’s lives portrays a positive image of his character and dedication to this community.”

Bullard Mayor Teresa Adams-Wilks was presented the Chamber Presidents Award.

Capps said Adams-Wilks “continues to amaze me,” citing her commitment to Bullard, the time she volunteers and committees she serves on, including as a director on the Bullard Area Chamber of Commerce board.

“She truly has the communities’ best interest at heart,” Capps said.

Brandi Abercrombie received the Chamber’s Member of the Year award.

Capps said Abercrombie “has shown a willingness to help in practically all of the Chamber events throughout the year” and “performed a great job on organizing the various subcommittees that are essential for the festival’s success while showing strong leadership in challenging situations.”

The Cecil Harper Humanitarian of the Year award was presented to John Edgar, who has served as lieutenant governor for the state Kiwanis Association and has worked with Kiwanis and the Key Club at the high school. Also a member of the Rotary Club, Edgar helped coordinate the Salvation bell ringing project at Brookshire’s in Bullard.

“He has a long, dedicated history of serving both to our community and others,” Capps said of Edgar. “He was a friend of Cecil Harper and we are proud to call him a friend of ours.”

The large crowd also survived the antics of keynote speaker, Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith, who has had more than 50 public speaking engagements in the U.S. and abroad. His “Cowboy Philosophy” included witty anecdotes sprinkled with a bit of auctioneering.

The 2010 Chamber officers also were announced. Capps will continue to serve as president, Larry Melhart will be the first vice president; Larry Morgan will serve as the second vice president, Martha Meador will be the secretary; and Sherri Glover will be the treasurer.

The Chamber board will include Tony Johnson, Adams-Wilks, Chad Davis, Mike Alexander, Jason Campbell, Jay Abercrombie, Brandi Abercrombie, David Fritsche and Chris Green.

Future Chamber meeting include at 6 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 4, April 1, June 3, Aug. 5, Oct. 7 and Dec. 2. Locations will be announced. The Feb. 4 meeting will be at the Bullard City Hall unless otherwise notified.