Copperas Cove chamber holds annual banquet, recognizes businesses and members
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet on Saturday evening, recognizing businesses and other members of the organization for their service to the community over the past year.
The event, with an 80’s theme in a casino night format, was held at the Copperas Cove Civic CenterHoly Family Catholic Church’s fellowship hall.
New board members were introduced to include Shameria Ann Davis-Williams, Bob Crouch, Emily Uriquidez, and Marcus Fuller. Outgoing board member Charlotte Hines was honored for her 15 years of service to the ch amber. Cliff Sanchez took over as board chair.
President and CEO Beth Galick-Carney gave a rundown of notable chamber activities over the past year.
“The year 2024 was an exciting year for us. We welcomed 50 new members. We added free virtual business education for all of our members. We had a really wonderful Rabbit Fest, even though we got rained out on Thursday,” she said. “For Krist Kindl (Markt), we brought it back to its original location, and even though with the rain, we had a lot of wonderful feedback, and we’re happy to say that we plan to keep it there in the future.”
She said one of the things the chamber is proudest of is the new app, Discover Copperas Cove. She encouraged those present at the banquet to download it.
“This is the app that is going to be amazing for all businesses, visitors and citizens alike. For businesses, it’s a powerful platform to showcase your services, boost your visibility, connect with customers. Whether it’s highlighting your offerings, engaging with the community, this tool will help you stand out,” she said. “For visitors, it’s a one stop resource for exploring Copperas Cove, finding the best restaurants, hotels, must-see attractions and more, all in one place.”
Juana Groat received the Ambassador of the Year award.
This year, Outstanding New Member went to Smile Doctors, for their willingness to go above and beyond in their commitment to the chamber and the community.
“They are passionate advocates for the organization and its members, and always ready to jump in to help with any initiative,” said Galick-Carney.
The Small Business of the Year award is given to businesses with fewer than 25 employees that have made a big impact. This year, the award went to RG Construction.
“Not only did RG construction give the chamber offices a stunning remodel, bringing us to the 21st century, but he also did it all with professionalism, positivity and a huge heart,” said Galick-Carney. “His exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to excellence speaks volumes, and his dedication to our community shines through everything he does. We are honored to have RG construction as a valued member of the chamber.”
Large Business of the Year award went to Central Texas College.
“Not only is CTC one of the area’s largest employers, but it also creates endless opportunities for advanced education, impacting thousands of lives. Their collaboration with CCISD and the high school is truly remarkable, offering seniors a pathway to graduate with college credits and, in some cases, associate degrees. This incredible program opens doors to a brighter future for our young people.”
The Copperas Cove Parks & Recreation Department received the Tourism Partner of the Year award.
“This incredible team led by Jeff Stoddard is truly the backbone of our community events. Their unwavering support makes it possible for the chamber to host tourism events like Rabbit Fest and Krist Kindl Markt, we couldn’t do it without them – literally, I’m not just saying that – we could not do it without them, even tonight.
“Their contributions don’t stop there. They also host their own amazing events, like the Spring Fest and the Polar Bear Plunge, bringing fun and excitement to the residents and visitors alike. Beyond events, Parks and Rec gives our community so much more. They provide our children with places to play sports, create opportunities for outdoor recreation and offer places for everyone to enjoy, from golfing and hiking to walking and relaxing in the great outdoors. Copperas Cove is a better place because of their dedication and hard work.”
Nonprofit Organization of the Year went to Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter.
“In 2024, Cove House made an incredible impact by adding two new duplexes and a six-plex apartment, providing emergency housing for those in need,” said Galick-Carney. “But their work doesn’t stop there. The team at Cove House works tirelessly to connect individuals with the resources they need to find jobs and secure permanent housing. They have helped countless families in our community, and they are not stopping anytime soon. Thanks to Brian and his dedicated team, our community is a better place.”
Colleague of the Year award, also known as the Mark Peterson award, went to two organizations, Rainbow Heart Studio and Not Rich But Enriched.
“They are both shining examples of what volunteering is all about. These organizations have been there for the chamber and our community, giving their time and resources without hesitation, from making our community more beautiful, with collaborating with Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful, to painting murals, to hosting events that bring people together. Both organizations have gone above and beyond. They also continue to support their own nonprofits, proving time and time again that they are invaluable to Copperas Cove and to the chamber.”
The Outstanding Community Partner, or Jim French Award, went to Les and Linda Ledger.
Nancy Nelson presented the award to Les, who accepted the award also on Linda’s behalf, as she was unable to be there Saturday evening.
“Les and Linda’s story is a love letter to Copperas Cove. From their early days as high school sweethearts to the lasting impact as pillars of this community, their partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when two people commit their lives to service,” Nelson said.
Les said they had hoped that Linda, his wife of nearly 60 years, would be able to be there Saturday evening, but hopefully she would be able to return home sometime in the coming week.
“As I said, I can go on for a long time, but I can go on even longer for Copperas Cove. I spoke here one time as a chamber president, and I talked about our assets. We’ve got plenty of cedar. We’re not bothered by a lot of rain. We don’t have to worry about minerals, because we don’t have any.
“One of the things we have, and it’s demonstrated by what’s here tonight. It’s the greatest asset. We’ve got, people, good people, as is evidenced tonight by the members that are here and what they’ve done. That’s an asset that not every community has.”
Ledger said that he remembers when there was no bank in Copperas Cove, and a chamber of commerce committee got a bank, and that brought other banks. He also pointed to AdventHealth Hospital, which was founded as Metroplex, what he said was started by the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce Hospital Committee, which later turned into the Copperas Cove Hospital Authority.
“Folks, we did it because of you. We did it because of the people that we have sitting in this room. It’s an asset that not every city has, and I think it’s an asset that we can continue to maintain. One of my favorite quotes is from Herb Kelleher. ‘The business of business is people.’ Folks, our assets are the people sitting at the tables with you. We cannot lose them. “