Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce recognizes organizations and business in the community with 2020 Awards

By BRITTANY FHOLER
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their annual Chamber Awards earlier this year. 
Due to Winter Storm Uri, however, the distribution of the awards was delayed until now. Usually, the chamber recognizes its annual awards recipients at its annual banquet held in early February, but the banquet was canceled due to the pandemic. 
The Ambassador of the Year award went to Lisa Sherwood, of Amy’s Attic Self Storage. 
“This award is awarded to a person who participates in the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program and exemplifies volunteerism, attends chamber functions such as ribbon cuttings, networking events, business and organization of the month presentations, assists with membership retention, volunteers for chamber activities, is an active advocate for the organization and its members and is willing to help with any initiatives that may come along,” as stated in the chamber’s announcement. 
Sherwood said she was honored to be selected and receive the award.
“I’m glad that Amy’s Attic Self Storage allows me time to serve as an Ambassador to help the community and the Chamber,” Sherwood said. “Our motto here at Amy’s Attic Self Storage is “Caring People Serving a Great Community,” and that’s what I do as an Ambassador.”
Copperas Cove High School senior Russel Cochran was named Junior Ambassador of the Year. This award is given to a a CCISD High School Junior or Senior who is a next generation leader for the community of Copperas Cove, and has “demonstrated a passion for the chamber initiatives and events, civic education, community service, youth leadership development, tourism and entrepreneurship.”
Cochran accepted his award on the CCHS baseball field last week in front of his teammates. He gave thanks to God for everything He’s done and for putting him “in the position to be able to take a leadership role in our community.”
“It’s really big to me because I want to be able to advance in the business area, so having this award, it really allows me to show that I can lead and be able to go help throughout my community,” Cochran said. 
DECA advisor Charlotte Heinze said that this award shows that Cochran is a true leader. 
Cochran has worked with the Chamber of Commerce over the last two years, she added. 
“When the pandemic hit, him and his teammates were probably instrumental in putting ideas out, doing surveys, just helping out where needed with the Chamber, and I just think it was a great opportunity for them to see the flip side of business- not just the good but the bad- and they stepped up,” Heinze said. 
The award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year goes to Copperas Cove Blue Santa, which collects gifts for hundreds of children in the Copperas Cove area each year.  
Jeff Stoddard, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Copperas Cove, was recognized with the Colleague of the Year Award, (Mark Peterson Award).. 
“This award is designed to recognize a member who has demonstrated extraordinary service in the community by forging strong relationship and opportunities between the Chamber of Commerce, its members and community partners through volunteerism, program support and other involvement,” reads the Chamber press release. “This recipient is committed to innovative chamber initiatives and events and provides whatever resources are needed to ensure the success of the Chamber’s mission as exemplified in the life of Mark Peterson, who defined community involvement.”
Stoddard said he was honored to be recognized but also wanted to give praise to the Parks and Rec staff. 
‘The Chamber of Commerce and I have a great working relationship, however many of the tasks which make the Chamber’s events so successful are completed by the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department,” Stoddard said. “Their hard work and dedication to this community is truly amazing.  I am blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing staff.   Mark Peterson was a very active member of our community and to be recognized with an award in his memory is humbling.”
The Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation was recognized as the Outstanding Community Partner (Jim French Award). This award is given to an individual, business or corporation in recognition of their community service and collaboration with the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce. “They often donate their time, talent, products and services and other precious resources as exemplified in the life of Mr. Jim French, who embodied all these characteristics.”
Tourism Partner of the Year went to Udderly Creative, based in Lampasas. 
“This business or organization has demonstrated a superior ability to satisfy visitors’ expectations through the service and/or products they provide during tourism events,” reads the press release from the Chamber of Commerce. “This recipient is committed to supporting and promoting these tourism initiatives that markets the city of Copperas Cove as a vibrant and thriving community to visit, live, work and play in.”
Molly Lesley, owner of Udderly Creative, said she was grateful to receive the award. 
“As a new business owner, this award means paving the way for even more greatness for Udderly Creative,” Lesley said. 
Large Business of the Year award went to Navy Federal Credit Union. 
“This award is presented to the large business that has demonstrated excellences in providing great quality products and services, employee benefits and professional development,” reads the Chamber’s press release. “This business is dedicated to its consumers, community involvement, creating career opportunities and providing sustainable jobs in our community.”
The Copperas Cove Leader-Press was recognized as Small Business of the Year. 
“This award is presented to the small business (with less than 25 employees) that has demonstrated excellence in business practices, customer service and community involvement,” reads the Chamber’s press release. “This business will be viewed as a respected corporate citizen, exhibit growth potential and offer value to the community through either job creation or general positive image.”