By Jerry Morgan, Reporter

The large hall next to Prado’s Mexican Cafe was a crowded, lively scene Saturday evening, January 26, as around 200 attended the 2008 DeLeon Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture’s annual awards banquet.
Jessica Prado sang, her parents, Eddie and Nellie, provided the food buffet and dining facilities and Dr. Randy Mohundro entertained and served as master of ceremonies.

Chamber members, various officials, candidates for public office, students and area residents attended and enjoyed various types of BBQ, enchiladas and Mexican side dishes, as well as the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors.

Before the evening was concluded, everyone attending had the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and be inspired by the stories of their fellow community members doing good things.

The DHS students in the Family, Career & Community Leaders of America organization served as the waiters for the occasion. Their sponsor was Gloria Hodges.

Outgoing Chamber president Eddie Prado gave a report on the Chamber’s many activities, and was followed by LaJoyce Johnson’s report on the Womens Division activities. Both organizations enjoyed busy and productive years.

Prado cited various new business ventures opened locally or under new management in 2007 including Screens ‘N More, the DeLeon Inn, Pizza Pro, The Gallery, Tropicool Accents and Medway Home Health.
Prado informed the crowd that the Chamber had recently learned that the Doodle Bug Excursion Train ride was permanently cancelled due to rail line damage from flooding making it unsafe for passenger traffic.

Outgoing Chamber directors Marlene Cox, David Kattes and Eddie Prado were give plaques for their service. Newly elected directors Tim Beaty, Peggy Jordan and Kevin Storey were recognized, along with continuing serving directors Dr. Randy Mohundro, Jamie Welch, Barry Hooker, Matthew Iley, Sheri Morgan and Teresa Lampman.

Dr. Mohundro will serve as the Chamber president for 2008, Tim Beaty as vice president and Jamie Welch as secretary/treasurer.

Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the standing ovations for various people honored for their civic and community work.

Katie Thorp was the Golden Deeds honoree. Lisa Nowlin and Delbert Turner were honored as DeLeon’s Woman and Man of the Year. The Business of the Year award went to Comanche County Telephone Company/Mid-Tex Cellular.

The DHS Outstanding Student awards were presented by Principal Jimmy Cearly to Freshman Kyler Caraway, Sophomore Whitney Morris, Junior Carrie Boen and Senior Georgeann Landreth.

Drawings were held for DeLeon Dollars door prizes. Cindy Ranson and Nicky Wilkerson won $50 and Jim Farley won $100.

DELEON’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR. Lisa Nowlin was honored at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet as the Woman of the Year for her community, civic and educational work.

DELEON’S MAN OF THE YEAR. Delbert Turner was honored Saturday evening at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet as the Man of the Year for his many years of service to the DeLeon community.

GOLDEN DEEDS HONOREE. Katie Thorp was presented the Golden Deeds Award at the Chamber banquet in recognition of her efforts to help her fellow senior citizens.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR. Comanche County Telephone Company and Mid-Tex Cellular were honored as DeLeon’s Business of the Year for their many years of providing jobs and civic community support. Accepting the award is company president, Toney Prather.