Citizens Honored at the 95th Chamber Banquet

On February 10, the Olney Chamber of Commerce [OCC] held its 95th Annual Chamber Banquet to celebrate the members and the community with awards, fine dining and prizes.

Deidre Brown, OCC Director, along with board members and volunteers, spent many hours decorating and planning for the special event that was held at the Olney Civic Center. The OCC went above and beyond turning the center into a lavishly decorated space.

A silent auction began at 6 p.m. while guests paraded around the auction to bid on the donated items and Dr. Greg Buenger, aka “The Piano Man,” played the piano and sang for the guests.

Next, Pastor Chad Edgington gave an invocation, followed by dinner served at beautifully decorated tables containing stunning flower arrangements provided by OCC member Tammy Montgomery of Olney Floral. The floral centerpieces were included in the auction at the end of the evening.

Fine dining was catered by The Orchard Catering from Wichita Falls and served by National Honor Society members and David H. Penn scholarship volunteers, who volunteer for the Olney Chamber of Commerce to receive hours to qualify for that scholarship.

After dinner, Mayor Rogers gave a short introduction and OCC Director, Deidre Brown, gave recognition to the sponsors and OCC board members.

The title sponsor of the event was Brazos Communications. Platinum Sponsors included Archer and Gunn Mercantile, Ameriprise Financial, Atmos Energy, Farmers Insurance, Ciera Bank and Dr. Mark Mankins. Gold Sponsors included Hometown Coffee & Tea, Ron and Melody Rogers, Branum PLLC, Livingston Gundogs, Air Tractor and Team Legacy. Silver Sponsors included Smart Graphics, O.S.I., Interbank, Trudy Capps and Olney Floral & Design.

Next, the award ceremony began. Award presenter Lori Cox presented the Pioneer Award to Clifton Key. Mark McClelland presented the Pipeline Spirit Award to Landon Rowe, Arpagea Pagsuberon presented the Volunteer of the Year to Will Sadler, Rue Rogers presented Citizen of the Year award to Dan Birbeck, which was accepted by Wendy Birbeck, and Chad Edgington presented Business of the Year to Here’s Your Sign owner Spencer Key.

After the awards ceremony, The live auction was opened and moderated by Mark McClelland, President of Tower Extrusions. . Luke Leonard and Sammy Livingston assisted with calling out the winners of the raffle and auction.

OCC Director Deidre Brown closed the event by thanking the sponsors, chamber members, volunteers and guests.