News

Business, community leaders honored

By Jim Kilpatrick, Staff Writer, Lewisville Leader

April 9, 2009

The Coppell Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards luncheon March 25 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.

With more than 70 members in attendance, six annual awards were presented in addition to the Student of the Month award.

The Large Business of the Year award went to Christian Community Action.

“I was very surprised and very honored to receive the award,” said Scott Orr, president and CEO of Christian Community Action. “The staff is very excited about the award.”

CCA distributes more than $1.4 million of food and sees more than 4,000 low-income patients in their health center each year. More than 1,660 people take educational and vocational training programs at the facility annually. CCA also provides more than 57,000 lunches to children during the summer and provides 2,900 children with Christmas toys each holiday season.

The Small Business of the Year award went to Melissa Rozas, DDS.

“It’s a great award to receive and recognition from the chamber,” Rozas said. “We are very much a part of Coppell and we’re here to help the kids and the community.”

Rozas established her business 11 years ago in Coppell.

The Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Christi Greene of Keller Williams Realty.

“I was honored to be recognized in that capacity,” Greene said. “I find it very rewarding to work with the chamber and help to support businesses in our local community.”

The Member of the Year award was presented to Thom Hulme of Countrywide Bank, FSB. Hulme joined the chamber about 15 years ago and has been involved in many aspects since.

“Being recognized this year is a result of hopefully more than just having been a member for the past 15 years,” Hulme said. “It’s a result of being involved and that I can take pride in. On the other hand, I am humbled to be presented the award out of more than 400 members.”

“I hope I can honor this recognition well during the course of the upcoming year and continue to help Coppell take a recognizable role regionally as an ideal place to live and work,” Hulme added.

The Chamber Appreciation Award was presented to Greg Garcia of Colonial Bank. The award goes to the person or individual that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist in the success of the chamber.

“I was extremely surprised and excited,” Gracia said. “I didn’t expect it but I did accept it with much gratitude.”

Garcia has been a resident of Coppell since 1992.

Mayor Doug Stover was presented the Spirit of Coppell Award.

“I was totally surprised by the award from the Coppell Chamber for my contribution to the city,” Stover said.

The Student of the Month award was presented to Merlon Clemmons. He was nominated by teacher Jolynn Kelly.