“We have a lot to do to get ready, but we’re up for that mission,” Tia Stone, president of the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce said to more than 300 people at last week’s chamber banquet.
The annual banquet recognizes community members and businesses who were active and went above and beyond in their service. In addition, the chamber announced plans for the upcoming year.
“2022 will be a year of work which focuses on serving our members and building community by fleshing out the new programs while perfecting processes,” said Cheryl Webster, chamber board chair. “We’ll work with our members to assess their challenges. With the combined experience, creativity and passion of our board members, staff and fellow Chamber members, we’ll help to solve those challenges.”
Also, during the banquet, Stone and Diana Phillips, outgoing board chair, gave highlights of the chamber’s involvement in 2021. There were 108 committee meetings, 30 new members joined the chamber in the last three months, and the chamber is over budget in revenue and under in expenses.
In addition to a review of the chamber’s accomplishments, awards were presented for the community’s brightest stars in 2021.
For the first time in chamber history, the citizen of the year and outstanding woman of the year awards were presented to the same person.
Moppy Miller received both awards for her outstanding work in the community, including her role with the Taylor Educational Enrichment Foundation.
“The fact that she has received both of these awards is a true testament to her work in the community,” said Ryan Stiba, Rotary Club president elect.
The customer service of the year award was presented to Stiba, who works at Citizens National Bank, for his role in helping a citizen who had been scammed. Stone said he took customer service to a “beautifully human level.”
“When he discovered that one of his customers had been the victim of a scam, he worked with Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry to ensure she could feed her family,” Stone said.
The business of the year award was presented to Julie Downs, realtor, for being the first sponsor of the Music on Main events in downtown Taylor this past summer.
Deborah Parker was named Ambassador of the Year, and Rhonda Redden received the Chairman’s award.
Awards and Ancira Salsa was also presented to outgoing board members Denis Solbach, Nanccia Phillips Burgess, Tim Tarbell and Jordan Grier.
Last year, the chamber board developed the Vision 2025: Mission Possible Strategic Plan. The plan is to “lead Taylor towards a more prosperous future by strengthening, promoting and advocating for businesses and the region’s economy.”
