The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and leaders during its 2021 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon presented by First Bank & Trust on Thursday at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Awards including Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Business Person of the Year were awarded to community leaders.

“Our recipients are examples of servant leadership, involvement and dedication to community,” said Casey Doyle, a Lubbock Chamber board member.

During the event Eddie McBride, former president and CEO of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, was also recognized with a Hall of Fame award to celebrate a significant role he has played in the successful conduct of commerce in Lubbock since 1999.

McBride thanked the ambassadors, board of directors and his friends and family for their support and the award.

Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Kim Davis of Texas Girls and Boys Ranch who serves as the chamber ambassador chairwoman and a team leader.

Davis was recognized for her firsthand involvement and the impact that charitable giving can have on the lives of abused and neglected children.

David Vaughn of Alliance Credit Union received the award for Volunteer of the Year.

Vaughn was recognized for serving the community and the chamber through multiple avenues for nearly 20 years.

Paulene Salamon of Kona Ice received the Small Business of the Year award during the event.

Kona Ice has been part of the Lubbock community since 2017. Initially they started with one truck. But they have been building relationships and creating partnerships for the past five seasons, and now have two trucks and one trailer.

The Business of the Year Award was given to United Supermarkets for their partnership with the Lubbock Chamber. They were also recognized for their serving and investing in the community.

Kreg Robertson of Parkhill received the Business Person of the Year Award. Robertson was recognized for having a vision to build the community by creating an innovative and relevant business environment throughout various projects in West Texas.

Melynn Sight, president of nSight Marketing, was featured as the keynote speaker during the event.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses, leaders at annual luncheon