Chamber doles out awards

The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce distributed awards to multiple individuals, businesses and organizations last Saturday during their 2023 banquet.

“The Bandera County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone for coming together to honor those who mean so much to our community,” said the chamber’s executive director, James Hernandez. “The amount of votes and support we received was tremendous, and is a testament to how much all of our nominees mean to Bandera County.”

The Frontier Times Museum took home the Cowboy Capital Award, which is given to the individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to Bandera’s image as the Cowboy Capital of the World.

“2023 is the 90th birthday of the museum so to receive the Cowboy Capital Award this year is extra special,” the museum wrote on their Facebook. “ Under the guidance of Executive Director Rebecca Norton our staff Kimberly Miles, Avelinda Winslow and Sandy Miles-Wolfe work together with our Board of Trustees to preserve the history entrusted to us by J. Marvin Hunter. We appreciate your acknowledgement and support. We look forward to welcoming you as you visit the museum and working with you in the future” Additional nominees were Troy and Karen Konvicka (Riding on Faith), Doc and Kimmy Williams, and Debra Slate (Wagon Wides of Bandera).

Additional awards went to Ryan Fenocchi (Citizen of the Year), Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County (Business Community Service Award), Randy Rostad (Volunteer of the Year), Tim and Vanessa Church (Director’s Award) and Roy Dugosh (Wilton Crider Cowboy Preservation Award).

Additional nominees for Citizen of the Year were Art and Lisa Crawford, Alana Smith and Will Dietrich.

Out of the Way Cafe, Backroads Reservations, the SIlver Sage Community Center and Hyo Silver were also up for the Business Community Service Award.

The chamber also presented Kelly Smith with the Director Emeritus award. She is departing the chamber after 10 years. The chamber expresses gratitude to Arlene Guerra and Tammie Jones,also parting directors.

“Thank you to the Bandera Brewery for hosting the event, to Esther Benedict for crafting such beautiful awards, and to Joan Crider for helping to present the Wilton Crider Award,” said Hernandez.