Jay Abercrombie and Shannon Wilson The Bullard-area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards and recognition banquet on Jan. 23, honoring businesses and individuals making an impact over 2011.

“Man of the Year” was awarded to Bullard High School head football coach Shannon Wilson.

“I have personally seen him motivate young men and women to give more than they thought were possible,” said outgoing Chamber President, Jay Abercrombie. “He has successfully taught dedication and character in many students over the past two years, working diligently with the football team, especially, to bring them to a level of excellence the other sports exhibited.”

Abercrombie cited Wilson’s stern, but fair, methods as the reason why he has been so successful both on and off the football field at BHS.

“I have never seen as many Bullard people gathered in one location as I did in Carthage and Athens, Texas on those playoff win nights,” Abercrombie said.

Incoming President John Beasley “Woman of the Year” was awarded to Nanette “Momma” Moss for involvement with BISD athletics and the Boy Scouts of America.

“If you’ve ever purchased a drink or snack from the concession stand at any athletic event, you probably saw her there,” Abercrombie said. “She serves as an encourager for many of the young people in our community, and will ‘redirect’ them as needed and loves them as her own. She serves as a second mom to many of the senior boys, as they call her “Momma Moss. During senior night at the football game this year, several seniors noted they wanted to thank “Momma Moss” for being there for them through their high school careers.”

“Business of the Year” was awarded to Allied Waste/Republic Services for playing a part in every event the Chamber arranged. Allied Waste was the key sponsor for the Vietnam Replica Wall brought in at the Red, White & Blue Festival.

Jay Abercrombie and Nanette Moss “This business has given more back to the Bullard community than most people realize,” Abercrombie said. “Every time they are approached for help of any kind, they are willing to jump in and serve. They are committed to keeping Bullard a clean and beautiful place to live.”

Robyn Capps was awarded the “Member of the Year” honor for her daily involvement with Chamber activities. Her involvement with the Chamber began when her husband, former Chamber President Brian Capps took a leadership role in the council and convinced her to help.

“Over the last year, no one has spent more hours on the Chamber and its many events and functions,” Abercrombie said. “She has been a partner with me over this busy and trying year. Without her, I believe we might have struggled to stay afloat. Her dedication to the Chamber’s success in the Red, White & Blue Festival, in membership, to the new website, and many other projects in definitely valued.”

Chamber of Commerce banquet guests partake of a plentiful buffet at Eagle’s Bluff Country Club. PHOTOS BY KYLE HARRIS Each year, the Chamber chooses to remember Cecil Harper for his dedication and selfless acts for the Bullard community during his life. The 2011 Cecil Harper Humanitarian Award was given to Mark Maple for his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, church and humanitarian efforts.

“It is impossible to measure the effect this one gentleman has had on the Kingdom, and our community because of his self-sacrifice,” Abercrombie said.

Gene Keenon accepts the Business of the Year award for Allied Waste. Normally, the seated President of the Chamber gives a “President’s Award.” Because last year’s president, Brian Capps, did not issue an award, Abercrombie chose to issue two.

The first of the two was awarded to David Fritsche for his involvement with the board of directors and for co-chairing the Red, White & Blue Festival.

“Not only was he in charge of the food vendors and dealing with the health department, he took on the role of trying to negotiate a contract with a carnival, which was an interesting exercise to say the least,” Abercrombie said. “He stepped in and helped with the car show and any other place we needed it, leading up to and during the festival.”

The second President’s Award was given to city Utilities Director David Hortman.

Jay Abercrombie and President’s Award recipient David Hortman. “With his leadership and knowledge of Bullard’s downtown utilities, he becomes someone in great demand come festival time,” Abercrombie said. “He and his crew stepped up and filled in numerous roles when we didn’t have the volunteer power to make things happen. The partnership with the city is what allows for someone like this to shine and show their dedication to our community.”

After the awards ceremony, Abercrombie introduced the board of directors as Chris Green as the Chair, David Fritsche as the Vice Chair, Karen Vaughn as the Secretary, and the remaining members of John Beasley, tom Roper, Tony Johnson, Carol McCuistion, Robyn Capps, and Brandi Abercrombie.

The officers introduced included Robyn Capps as the Treasurer, Martha Meders returning as the Secretary, Tom Roper as the Second Vice President, David Fritsche as the First Vice President, and John Beasley as the new President.

Jay Abercrombie shares a laugh with Mark Maple as he receives a President’s Award. The Chamber’s next meeting will be held at KE Bushman’s on Feb. 2.

Receiving awards are David Fritsche (far left photo) and Robyn Capps (center photo).

At left, current President Jay Abercrombie receives a plaque from incoming President John Beasley.

Banquet attendees check out items for the silent auction.