Best of Business

The late Dutch Wilkinson and Buddy Wisdom were remembered with the Howard Clemmons Distinguished Service Award at the annual Best of Business awards banquet presented by the Granbury Chamber of Commerce Friday night at Lake Granbury Conference Center.

Family members accepted the awards for the men.

In making the announcement, it was said that both left a mark on the community, supporting many endeavors. Both were veterans, business entrepreneurs and neither had ever met a stranger.

Wilkinson’s wife, Brenda, and daughter-in-law Melinda Wilkinson accepted the award for the former owner of Plantation Inn.

Wisdom’s wife, Doris, and daughter Cheryl Wisdom accepted the award for the founder of Gran-bury Skating Rink.

The service award goes to individuals who most closely represent Howard Clemmons’s unselfish dedication and devotion to the Chamber, the people of Granbury, Hood County and the state of Texas. Clemmons was the Chamber Chairman in 1977.

Ambassador Of The Year went to Charlotte Kuykendall of Holiday Inn Express. She was praised as one of the main stays of the committee.

Volunteer Of The Year went to Joe Overstreet. He is known as Parade Boss as he coordinates a huge piece of the largest event in Gran-bury each July 4th.

Director of the Year was selected by the board and was awarded to Jan Caldwell Hulett. She has been on the board for six years and served in various roles involving government affairs.

The Rising Star Award went to GreenFox Marketing Solutions, Eric Wilkins. The company continues to add additional services to its thriving organization.

Small Business of the Year went to Bond Arms, credited for a strong reputation for great service and over the top quality.

The Large Business of the Year went to First National Bank of Granbury, a chamber Ally Partner for many years. The company supports dozens of community organizations and are involved in most community projects.

The Cornerstone Award went to Daffan Cooling and Heating - Tom Peregrino, president. The award is given to a business or organization that has been a chamber member for 15 years or more and demonstrates excellence in business practices.

Business Man of the Year went to Tom Loughrey of Taco Casa. He opened the restaurant in Granbury five years ago and became immersed in many facets of the community.

Business Woman of the Year went to Vicki Nivens, of Granbury Flowers and Gifts. She has created and oversees numerous successful businesses throughout North Texas.

The Chamber’s executive board and officers of the corporation include Chairman Mike Loter, Christian Brothers Automotive; Past Chair Dr. James Largent, Largent Consulting, LLC; Chair-Elect Elizabeth Crawford, Joe’s Pasta & Pizza; Treasurer Cody Garrison State Farm Insurance (N/A); and CEO Mike Scott, Gran-bury Chamber of Commerce.

Directors of the corporation include Gordon Bond, Bond Arms, Inc.; Danny Hill, Classic Chevrolet Buick GMC; Janice Horak, Tarleton State University; Rhett Keisler, Revolver Brewing (N/A); Tom Loughrey, Taco Casa; David Orcutt, Lake Gran-bury Medical Center; Lee Overstreet, Winston Properties; Joy Paris, Re/Max Lake Granbury - Joy Paris, Inc. (N/A); Randy Pearson, Town Square Title; Trish Reiner, Interim Healthcare; and Bart Rodgers, First Financial Bank.

dschneider@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 255