McKINNEY, TX — The community came together for a night Kentucky Derby Style entertainment on Friday, February 25th to help the McKinney Chamber of Commerce honor the individuals and businesses at their annual Community Awards, presented by CoServ. It’s an event that’s been held every year since 1951.
“It was such an exciting evening to celebrate with all the outstanding businesses, organizations, and people who do so much to elevate our vibrant community. It’s important to take the time to recognize the exceptional work of so many," said Lisa Hermes, President and CEO of the Chamber. “This year was extra special as we are coming out of a global pandemic, and we are so excited to be back in person 100% and be in the same room with over 300 of our community leaders, distinguished citizens, and Chamber members reunited for one of the most anticipated events of the year in McKinney.”
Lisa Hermes and Scott Elliott
For its part, the Chamber gave out four awards: Carey Cox Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Leadership McKinney Alumnus of the Year, Outstanding Small Business of the Year, and Outstanding Business of the Year.
The Carey Cox Citizen of the Year Award was awarded to David Brooks with Independent Financial. One of the nominations for David Brooks came from David Craig and he stated, “I cannot think of anyone in the City of McKinney more deserving of the Carey Cox Outstanding Citizen Award than David Brooks. In addition to his service, to the community, the company he leads, Independent Financial, has been a major employer and taxpayer for the City of McKinney for many years through the good times and difficult times.”
Daivid Brooks shared his apprciation for the recognition by stating, “It was quite an honor to receive the Carey Cox Citizen of the Year Award. I have long admired the women and men who helped build this great community over the decades. I’m humbled to do my part to continue the tradition.”
David Brooks
The Leadership McKinney Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Kim Hughes with Grace to Change. Kim was recognized as a tireless champion for our community and wherever you see a need, you will always see Kim, working relentlessly as a volunteer for those in need.
“Receiving this Leadership Alum award is beyond an honor to be placed in a category with such incredible servant hearted past recipients,” said Kim. “Being of service to our community is an absolute honor to me, I hope to continue to make an impact on the lives of those around me.”
Kim Hughes
The Outstanding Small Business of the Year went to Sarah Marshall with Texan Wealth Management.
“We’re so very grateful and honored to receive this award! Thank you!” said Sarah. “ At Texan Wealth Management, we are dedicated to working with our clients to create financial strategies to build, protect, and transfer their wealth with excellence, so they can focus on what matters most to them. We appreciate the McKinney Chamber and all of the wonderful people we’ve met to help make our community a better place!”
Sarah Marshall
The Outstanding Business of the Year went to a company who had many possible choices for relocation once they outgrew their current space. However, SRS Distribution Inc. recommitted to keeping their corporate headquarters in McKinney at HUB 121 and continue to anchor the corporate expansion along the 121 Corridor. In addition, they have a longstanding record as a community champion through the legacy they are building through their Raise The Roof Foundation that helps those in need right here in McKinney and throughout the US.
“We are incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized by the McKinney Chamber for this prestigious award,” said Dan Tinker, President & CEO of SRS. “We have an amazing company, amazing employees, and have amazing growth on our horizon, and being based in McKinney, Texas is a strategic weapon that enables this growth, success, and our employee’s quality of life.” Accepting the award of behalf of SRS is Ron Ross Chainman of the Board.
Ron Ross
The Chamber wasn’t the only entity honoring individuals or businesses within the city. The City of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corporation, Main Street McKinney, Visit McKinney, and the McKinney Community Development Corporation also gave out awards:
- City of McKinney – Non-residential Historic Preservation Project of the Year – Don Valade for the rehabilitation of Cadence Cycle
- City of McKinney – Residential Historic Preservation Project of the Year – Daniel and Dawn Dillard for the rehabilitation of the Smith/Henry House
- City of McKinney – Development Project of the Year – Michael Kowski of the City of McKinney's Parks & Recreation Department for the Old Settler's Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation
- City of McKinney – The Spirit of McKinney Moving Forward Award – Salesmanship Club of Dallas
- MEDC – Corporate Performance Award – Cirrus Aircraft
- MEDC – Encore Wire / Business Retention & Expansion Award – Raytheon
- Main Street McKinney – Main Street Partner of the Year – Individual – Jennifer Klassen Business – Axis Contracting
- Visit McKinney – McKinney Tourism Partner Award – Main Street Board and Staff
- MCDC – Quality of Life Award Organization– Grace to Change
- MCDC -Quality of Life Award Individual/Project- Angela Poen, Founder and President of Community Garden Kitchen
This year’s event was emceed by Scott Elliott who is a former City of McKinney Council Member, recipient of the 2021 Community Award and who now is the Executive Director of One Heart McKinney, a nonprofit grassroots organization formed during the pandemic.
