75th Annual Banquet a success

Alice has it all is the message Alice Chamber of Commerce 75th Annual Banquet guest speaker Dr. Anne J. Matula told the audience during her key-note address at the event.
Dr. Matula gave an eye-opening historical speech about the Hub City, where it’s been, where it is and where it should be headed.
“We know where Alice has been and we know that the folks that found Alice were risk takers. We need to use that ingenuity and see where we can take Alice now,” she said. “We have had risk takers from the cattle industry to the oil industry. Why stop now, Alice has it all, don’t stop now use what we have an make it better.”
The night belong to three individuals who have gone above and beyond in our community.
“Each year the Alice Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who been an asset to our local community,” Chamber Ex-Officio and Master of Ceremonies Ray De Los Santos said. “The Hall of Honor Award was created to honor those citizens who have participated in civic and social activities over many years. These citizens must be at least 50 years or older and may be awarded the Hall of Honor Award posthumously.”
The three individuals inducted into the Hall of Honor were Gilbert Aguirre, John Bedgood and Manuel Esparza.
Other awards included the Alice Ambassador of the Year – Nicole Perez-Morris presented by 2011 Ambassador President Nena Castillo Pitts. Pitts also recognized the Chamber staff – Executive Director Juan Navejar and Administrative Coordinator Veronica M. Castillo.
Alice Chamber of Commerce retiring board members, Dee Dee Arismendez, Gap Alaniz, Hector Hinojosa, Virginia Menking and Paul Rycroft were also recognized. The Small Employer of the Year was given to Rosas Funeral Home, Large Employer Excellence was L&F Distributors. The Employer of the Year was awarded the First Community Bank.
Also recognized was Immediate Past Chamber president Servando Garza Jr.