SAN MARCOS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamber recognizes key community commercial figures
All of the professional movers and shakers in the San Marcos area were in attendance at the 121st annual Chamber Gala. The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the winners of various awards that celebrated exceptional businesses, individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the San Marcos community. The prestigious awards honor those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication, innovative spirit and commitment to enhancing the quality of life in San Marcos.
From trailblazing young professionals and innovative businesses to dedicated educators and nonprofits, the event recognized the many contributions that strengthen the San Marcos area. Highlights included the presentation of these prestigious awards: Citizen of the Year: Dr. Kelly Damphousse, Texas State University President Business of the Year: Green Guy Recycling Emerging Business of the Year: Cude Engineers Green Business of the Year: Tanger Outlets San Marcos Education Partner of the Year: CJ Odam - Director of CTE, San Marcos CISD Ambassador of the Year: Sheila Beck, AirOne Heating & Air Conditioning Non-Profit of the Year: The Teacher Reuse founded by Shelly O’Donnell Damphousse was unable to make it in person but his wife Beth Damphousse accepted the Citizen of the Year award on his behalf, which was presented by last year’s winner San Marcos City Manager Stephanie Reyes, and a prerecorded speech of his was also played.
“I’m glad that Beth was there in my stead, because when she and I visited San Marcos a little over two years ago, we both immediately fell in love with the city. And that’s Daily Record photos by Dalton Sweat and Shannon West
San Marcos Chamber Award Winners
AWARDS
what makes tonight even more special for both of us,” Kelly Damphousse said. “This isn’t just an honor for me. It’s really a reflection of the incredible work that our faculty and staff are doing every day here at Texas State to change the lives of the young people that come into this community. … One of the things I love most about recruiting faculty, staff and students to Texas State is that we’re not just bringing them to our campus, we’re also bringing them to this amazing city — the best college town in all of America. San Marcos has such unique character, and that’s a big draw for the people who come to Texas State.”
This event celebrated the spirit of leadership and collaboration that drives the community forward. It spotlighted the many recent contributions that businesses and individuals have made in San Marcos, as well as a recognition of the Chamber’s board leadership transition and a look ahead to a new year of opportunities.
Outgoing San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Justin Payne of Frost Bank gave a speech and handed the torch to the incoming Board Chair Cassidy Berenato of Texas Aviation Partners.
“This past year has been a testament to what dedicated volunteer leaders can accomplish when they work together,” Payne said. “I’m incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made and the foundation we’ve built for future success.”
Bernato was excited by the outcome of the event and what the future holds for the Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m excited to build on this momentum and work together to help San Marcos rise to even greater heights in the year ahead,” Berenato said.
Another major highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2024 Shining Stars Under 40 award winners: Sheila Beck, AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning; Cassidy Berenato, Texas Aviation Partners; Jessica James, Texas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communications; Mike Kamerlander, Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership; Katy Scruton, 3Z Realty; and Thaddeus Watkins, Edward Jones.
“These awards represent the best of the San Marcos community,” said Page Michel, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “The recipients embody what it means to uplift our city through their commitment, resilience and passion for service. We are honored to recognize them tonight and are grateful for their lasting impact on San Marcos.”
For more information about the benefits of Chamber membership and how your business can get involved, call the San Marcos Area Chamber at 512-393-5900 or visit SanMarcosTexas. com.
