Winners Acknowledge Tyler Area Chamber Awards

TYLER — Former mayor and longtime civic leader Barbara Bass made it clear she didn’t do it alone as she was honored Tuesday with the T.B. Butler Award as Tyler’s most outstanding citizen — given each year at the annual meeting of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. While thanking the Chamber for the honor, Bass told attendees, “When we work together as a community, we not only change this community for the greater good — but we change the lives of people around us. Folks — it is about community.” Bass also stressed the importance of her religious faith in her community endeavors.

The W.C. Windsor Award for most outstanding citizen under the age of 40 went to Citizens National Bank Vice President and community volunteer Carmen Carpenter. Last year’s winner, Garnett Brookshire, said, “Her colleagues recognize that her leadership roles set the tone for many young professionals in Tyler.” Carpenter thanked the Chamber for the award — and for giving it to previous winners “to acknowledge and affirm that all that hard work…is recognized and appreciated.”

Attendees also took a moment to remember banker, community volunteer, and former Chamber Chairman Jerry Woolverton, who died Friday at age 57.

Other honors handed out at the banquet:

Small Business of the Year: East Texas Communities Foundation

Large Business of the Year: EyeCare Associates of East Texas

Volunteer of the Year: Jim Bodenhamer, Brookshire’s Grocery Company

The meeting also featured a year-in-review video and a look to the future from incoming Chairman Howard Patterson. The new chairman- elect is Skip Ogle.