More than 350 people celebrated Taylor’s most accomplished volunteers, dignitaries and businesses Tuesday night.
On Jan. 17, The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards banquet, “Building on a Strong Foundation” at the Williamson County Expo Center. The event featured awards for the Rotary Club of Taylor’s Citizen of the Year, the Taylor Area Business Women’s Outstanding Woman of the Year and the Chamber’s Customer Service and Business of the Year.
President Tia Rae Stone said this event, which highlighted how the Chamber plans in 2023 to fulfill its mission of leading Taylor for a more prosperous future, was the most successful yet.
“We had about 8% more people registered this year than last,” said Chamber President Tia Rae Stone. “It was the largest and best attended banquet since I began working here just before the 2016 banquet.”
During the dinner, which was catered by Thrall Country Diner, a number of community members were spotlighted for their outstanding service to Taylor.
Sam Dowdy, the president of S&D Plumbing, was named Rotary Citizen of the Year. “This year’s recipient … is an inspiration to all who know him,” said Ryan Stiba, presidentelect of the Rotary Club. “He walks a journey of unwavering faith, and he doesn’t just speak the words ‘to whom much has been given, much is expected,’ but he lives by those words daily.”
Dowdy was chosen for this honor presented by the Rotary club, whose mission is “service above self,” for his work in the community, including serving for a number of organizations and boards, including the Taylor Chamber, for which he has played a major role in their building’s renovation, the Taylor Economic Development Corporation, Rural Area Capital Workforce Solutions, PHCC or Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation, and Hope and Love Foundation out of Galveston.
Stacy Stork was named Taylor Area Businesswomen’s Woman of the Year.
“(Stork) is definitely a woman of integrity, honesty, and a very big heart,” said presenter Regina Jo Carlson, the business development manager for the Taylor Economic Development Corporation and TAB representative. “She has gone the extra mile to make her community a better place. She does not just talk the talk. She walks the walk in all areas of her life.”
Stork was chosen for her energetic efforts to serve, including for Taylor High School, the Boy Scouts of America, the Taylor Fire Department’s Red Santa program, Blackshear O.L. Price Ex-Students Association, Naomi Pasemann Elementary School, Rotary, Chamber and a number of additional organizations and efforts.
“(Stork) is one who is always there to lend a helping hand in ways seen and unseen, especially when someone has a worthwhile need,” Carlson said.
Other awards recipients included John Matthews, who received the Customer Service Award of the Year, and Gatti’s Pizza being named the Business of the Year.
In addition, the chamber announced plans for the upcoming year. “Our mission of leading Taylor for a more prosperous future has three legs: public policy advocacy, business success and resource development,” Stone said. “Our big push for 2023 is to really connect with our members to see what types of programs would be helpful to their businesses. To engage in that process, we will host industry sector meetings throughout February to hear from the various types of businesses. Our ambassador, board and professional staff will also be making lots of visits and phone calls, so our members have many ways to connect and stay engaged.”
In addition, Stone said the Chamber is also planning a Williamson County Day at the state capitol Feb. 28, “so our members can make the case for their own businesses and for Taylor directly to our elected representatives in Austin.”
