Ed Hamilton, a local pastor and civic leader, was recognized Saturday night with a Lifetime Achievement Award as Houston residents gathered to reflect on their successes at the annual Houston Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Hamilton, who came to Houston in 1992 as pastor of Ozark Baptist Church, was among several honored at the event at the community building at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds. He is a former president of the chamber.
“He believed the church should be in the community and that the community leaders should be in the churches,” said Scott Roberts, chamber president, who made the presentation.
Hamilton made a difference, Roberts said, through his church work – where he led the congregation through three building projects – chamber and Houston Lions Club dedication and his work for the Houston Ministerial Alliance.
The Community Volunteer Award went to Richard Bratton, who volunteered countless hours to the betterment of the chamber and its fairgrounds infrastructure, said Kim Scroggins, the chamber’s executive director. He also worked on improvements to the chamber’s community building.
Four other volunteers also were recognized for their efforts: Ted Scroggins, Glenn Romines Jr., Teresa Bratton and Erikke Nielson. Youth volunteers also were honored. They were Calvin Hurd, who organized a project to make improvements to the chamber’s ball field at the fairgrounds, and Brett Reith Jr., who has assisted with several chamber endeavors.
Two new chamber members in Houston also received praise for their help with the organization’s activities. They were Brett’s Auto Body and Jaz Trophies,
Awards and Gifts.
Scroggins also recognized 94-year-old Raymond Johanson of Houston as the chamber’s senior member of the year.
Rep. Don Wells, R-Cabool, was speaker. He highlighted the history of the state capitol and described an effort to refurbish it through private funds.
A table decoration contest was won by the City of Houston. Also placing were The Animal Shelter of Texas County, second; and Brett’s Auto Body, third. Those attending made financial contributions to vote for their favorites. A silent auction of items donated by area businesses also was held.
The annual banquet was the first held at the community building since major improvements have been made during the last year. Scroggins said a drop ceiling was installed, a stage constructed, the electrical system upgrade, sound system installed and dress rooms added. She praised those who had been a part of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Don Romines administered oaths to those who will sit on the chamber’s board during the next year. They are: Roberts, president; Kevin McGowen, first vice president; Rick Vermillion, second vice president; Gayla Bratton, secretary; Eric Wells, treasurer; and Travis Rector, Michelle Vivero, Bill Bridges and Jim Bukowsky, members.
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See the upcoming slideshow of photos from the event at www.houstonherald.com