2019 Beltonian - Roscoe Harrison
This award is given in recognition of longtime achievement in volunteer service to the Belton community. That service could be for service in education, church, a service organization, youth programs, or any area that improves the quality of life in Belton. It’s a legacy award.
Tonight we honor a Belton treasure and living legend – Roscoe Harrison. You’ve likely heard his story before…
Roscoe is a native of Belton, graduating from Harris High School in 1963. He has an impressive and distinguished resume of experiences throughout his career as a journalist, including being part of the team from Jet Magazine that won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the death and funeral of MLK, Jr.
It is notable that Roscoe broke barriers as the first African American serving in several different positions, including at KCEN-TV, KTEM Radio, Temple Daily Telegram, and San Antonio Express-News. He also served as Director of Community Affairs for Scott & White Healthcare, and as Deputy Press Secretary for former Texas Attorney General and Texas Supreme Court Justice John Hill. For almost 20 years he has served as Pastor of the 8th Street Baptist Church in Temple.
Roscoe’s work is commendable, but his volunteer service above and beyond those duties is extraordinary. He has been actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations, serving on boards and leadership for many, including Bell County Museum, Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation, CARE Leadership Network, Hope for the Hungry, Kiwanis Club, Nolan Creek Masonic Lodge, Temple Area Interdenominational Co-ed Ministerial Association, UMHB, West Belton-Harris Ex-Students Association, and Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. He has served in a variety of ways, always representing his community and striving to make it a better place for everyone.
Roscoe is an advocate for children, as noted in his involvement with various organizations and boards. He actively supports public education, serving as a popular guest speaker in our schools. His willingness and enthusiasm to share the story of the West Belton-Harris School has captured the attention of our students for many years.
When Don Owens and I were talking about the people who have won this award, we quickly identified Roscoe as a notable omission. Don and Judy then set out to formally nominate Roscoe, and the Chamber Board quickly agreed that he was overdue this recognition.
I had the privilege of telling Roscoe that he would be honored as our 2019 Beltonian. His response was both shock and humble appreciation. What followed was a wonderful time of hearing Roscoe talk about others who have won the award. Dr. JW Pittman, 1970 Beltonian, delivered Roscoe in 1944. Noah Nelson, 1996 Beltonian was Roscoe’s Scoutmaster. As you can imagine, Roscoe knew nearly all and had a story or two about each one.
As described in the award criteria, Roscoe has demonstrated longtime achievement in volunteer service to the Belton community. His service has covered the range of education, church, service organization, youth programs, and multiple areas that have improved the quality of life in our area. Our community is better because of Roscoe Harrison, so it is fitting and appropriate that we thank him for a lifetime of service to our community.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are Board members Terri Covington and Matt Gunter.
Tonight we honor a Belton treasure and living legend – Roscoe Harrison. You’ve likely heard his story before…
Roscoe is a native of Belton, graduating from Harris High School in 1963. He has an impressive and distinguished resume of experiences throughout his career as a journalist, including being part of the team from Jet Magazine that won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the death and funeral of MLK, Jr.
It is notable that Roscoe broke barriers as the first African American serving in several different positions, including at KCEN-TV, KTEM Radio, Temple Daily Telegram, and San Antonio Express-News. He also served as Director of Community Affairs for Scott & White Healthcare, and as Deputy Press Secretary for former Texas Attorney General and Texas Supreme Court Justice John Hill. For almost 20 years he has served as Pastor of the 8th Street Baptist Church in Temple.
Roscoe’s work is commendable, but his volunteer service above and beyond those duties is extraordinary. He has been actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations, serving on boards and leadership for many, including Bell County Museum, Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation, CARE Leadership Network, Hope for the Hungry, Kiwanis Club, Nolan Creek Masonic Lodge, Temple Area Interdenominational Co-ed Ministerial Association, UMHB, West Belton-Harris Ex-Students Association, and Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. He has served in a variety of ways, always representing his community and striving to make it a better place for everyone.
Roscoe is an advocate for children, as noted in his involvement with various organizations and boards. He actively supports public education, serving as a popular guest speaker in our schools. His willingness and enthusiasm to share the story of the West Belton-Harris School has captured the attention of our students for many years.
When Don Owens and I were talking about the people who have won this award, we quickly identified Roscoe as a notable omission. Don and Judy then set out to formally nominate Roscoe, and the Chamber Board quickly agreed that he was overdue this recognition.
I had the privilege of telling Roscoe that he would be honored as our 2019 Beltonian. His response was both shock and humble appreciation. What followed was a wonderful time of hearing Roscoe talk about others who have won the award. Dr. JW Pittman, 1970 Beltonian, delivered Roscoe in 1944. Noah Nelson, 1996 Beltonian was Roscoe’s Scoutmaster. As you can imagine, Roscoe knew nearly all and had a story or two about each one.
As described in the award criteria, Roscoe has demonstrated longtime achievement in volunteer service to the Belton community. His service has covered the range of education, church, service organization, youth programs, and multiple areas that have improved the quality of life in our area. Our community is better because of Roscoe Harrison, so it is fitting and appropriate that we thank him for a lifetime of service to our community.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are Board members Terri Covington and Matt Gunter.
2019 Citizen of the Year - Matt Bates
This award is given to the person who made a significant contribution to the community during the previous year.
Matt has distinguished himself as a highly valued servant leader in our community. He serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Belton, and in that role has been an exceptional representative and servant leader in our community. Matt does his job well, and consistently goes the extra mile, providing assistance wherever needed, and responding to requests with a willing and helpful response.
Matt has been an exceptional partner for the Chamber. He was instrumental in helping us plan for and manage our successful 4th of July Celebration, especially since this was my first year with the Chamber. He was kind, patient, and gracious in his guidance of this rookie through the various steps during our planning for new events like the Parade, Downtown Street Party and Patriot Fest, while working closely with our Festival team to make adjustments as needed for it to be the best ever.
Matt has also been a great help for our Leadership Belton projects, working with both our Class of 2019 Trail Blazers team on the Trail Marker project along the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail, and with the Class of 2020 Court Masters team as they plan to resurface the basketball courts in Yettie Polk Park.
Matt has also distinguished himself as a leader in our community through his work on the City of Belton Parks Master Plan and expansion of Heritage Park. He works well with the community, engaging others in the process, and finds answers to questions and challenges.
Matt doesn’t seek the spotlight, and in fact, as you might expect he was surprised and puzzled why he was chosen for this award. His ever present smile, positive attitude, and strong servant heart is exactly what distinguishes Matt Bates, and resulted in his being named the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Nelson Hutchinson and Sandra Russell.
Matt has distinguished himself as a highly valued servant leader in our community. He serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Belton, and in that role has been an exceptional representative and servant leader in our community. Matt does his job well, and consistently goes the extra mile, providing assistance wherever needed, and responding to requests with a willing and helpful response.
Matt has been an exceptional partner for the Chamber. He was instrumental in helping us plan for and manage our successful 4th of July Celebration, especially since this was my first year with the Chamber. He was kind, patient, and gracious in his guidance of this rookie through the various steps during our planning for new events like the Parade, Downtown Street Party and Patriot Fest, while working closely with our Festival team to make adjustments as needed for it to be the best ever.
Matt has also been a great help for our Leadership Belton projects, working with both our Class of 2019 Trail Blazers team on the Trail Marker project along the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail, and with the Class of 2020 Court Masters team as they plan to resurface the basketball courts in Yettie Polk Park.
Matt has also distinguished himself as a leader in our community through his work on the City of Belton Parks Master Plan and expansion of Heritage Park. He works well with the community, engaging others in the process, and finds answers to questions and challenges.
Matt doesn’t seek the spotlight, and in fact, as you might expect he was surprised and puzzled why he was chosen for this award. His ever present smile, positive attitude, and strong servant heart is exactly what distinguishes Matt Bates, and resulted in his being named the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Nelson Hutchinson and Sandra Russell.
2019 Ambassador of the Year - Tracy Conoley
Our Ambassadors serve an important role for the Chamber, actively promoting the Chamber throughout our community. They are most well recognized as the ones who lead ribbon cuttings but also serve as hosts for events such as this banquet, business after hours, etc. Each year the Ambassadors vote among themselves for the Ambassador of the Year, the one who stands out as an example of exemplary service. So this is an award recognizing the respect and appreciation of one’s peers.
Tracy began the year working with Gale Force Web Pros but moved to The Wood Group of Fairway Independent Mortgage where she serves as a Branch Marketing Specialist. Both have supported her involvement in Chamber activities.
Tracy has been an amazing Ambassador, always present at events, enthusiastically supporting whatever is going on. She is an exceptionally willing servant leader, volunteering to help with whatever project or event is coming next. She was also actively involved with our 4th of July Celebration, serving on the Parade, Festival, and Downtown Street Party committees. Tracy accepts every challenge, is eager to serve, and is a great representative not only of her employer but also of the Chamber and our community.
Not coincidentally, Tracy was honored last week by the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors as their Affiliate of the Year. We all recognize the impact Tracy has on our community!
On a personal note, I could not be prouder of Tracy. I have had the privilege of knowing her for a long time, watching Tracy grow up from an ambitious and determined teenager into an impressive and respected professional. She is strong and resilient, and has faced life’s hurdles with courage and grace. I am continually impressed by Tracy’s eagerness to serve, and very thankful to have her serving as a leader in our community.
Presenting this award on behalf of our Ambassadors is the 2018 Ambassador of the Year, Ambassador Chair, and Board Member Emily Kirkpatrick; and Board Member and Tracy’s boss Matt Wood.
Tracy began the year working with Gale Force Web Pros but moved to The Wood Group of Fairway Independent Mortgage where she serves as a Branch Marketing Specialist. Both have supported her involvement in Chamber activities.
Tracy has been an amazing Ambassador, always present at events, enthusiastically supporting whatever is going on. She is an exceptionally willing servant leader, volunteering to help with whatever project or event is coming next. She was also actively involved with our 4th of July Celebration, serving on the Parade, Festival, and Downtown Street Party committees. Tracy accepts every challenge, is eager to serve, and is a great representative not only of her employer but also of the Chamber and our community.
Not coincidentally, Tracy was honored last week by the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors as their Affiliate of the Year. We all recognize the impact Tracy has on our community!
On a personal note, I could not be prouder of Tracy. I have had the privilege of knowing her for a long time, watching Tracy grow up from an ambitious and determined teenager into an impressive and respected professional. She is strong and resilient, and has faced life’s hurdles with courage and grace. I am continually impressed by Tracy’s eagerness to serve, and very thankful to have her serving as a leader in our community.
Presenting this award on behalf of our Ambassadors is the 2018 Ambassador of the Year, Ambassador Chair, and Board Member Emily Kirkpatrick; and Board Member and Tracy’s boss Matt Wood.
2019 Business of the Year - Extraco Banks
Extraco Banks has consistently demonstrated a commitment to our community through their involvement in a variety of community building activities. Fittingly, they have used slogans like: Community Banks Serving Central Texas. When we strengthen the communities we serve, everyone wins.We understand that to sustain a healthy business, you must sustain a healthy community. At Extraco, corporate social responsibility is part of their culture – it’s fundamental to their values and is how they manage their company. Extraco Banks believes in giving back to their communities. Extraco has a comprehensive and ongoing plan of community involvement, serving:
The Extrapreneur Award program supporting small business development, and the recent Dream Day 2020 are examples of their extraordinary efforts to support our community. They are well known for their support of programs involving our youth and local nonprofit organizations, as well as chamber programs. It is notable that they focus on the goal of being a good neighbor, and encourage their team members to actively participate in the community.
Extraco team members Steve Johns, Joanna Melton and Karen Wheeler currently serve as Chamber Ambassadors. Karen Wheeler also serves as the chair of our Leadership Belton program.
When we were planning for the first Downtown Street Party to kick off the 4th of July Celebration, Extraco Banks stepped up and helped us bring Holly Tucker as our featured performer. Davy Villanueva served on our planning committee and was so appreciated and valued, we have recently recruited him to join our board of directors effective January 1.
These people exemplify the spirit of investment in community that Extraco Banks promotes within its organization. We are thrilled to recognize Extraco Banks as our 2019 Business of the Year.
Representing Extraco Banks tonight include President of Metro Markets Steve Wolfe, President of the Central Texas South Region Brian Reinhart, Senior Vice President Thomas Sinkey, and Vice President and Regional Manager Davy Villanueva, as well as our local Belton team members.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Kayla Potts and Brent Burks.
- Churches and charitable organizations
- Public and private education
- Service clubs and professional organizations
- Civic and municipal organizations, including libraries, fire departments and chambers of commerce
The Extrapreneur Award program supporting small business development, and the recent Dream Day 2020 are examples of their extraordinary efforts to support our community. They are well known for their support of programs involving our youth and local nonprofit organizations, as well as chamber programs. It is notable that they focus on the goal of being a good neighbor, and encourage their team members to actively participate in the community.
Extraco team members Steve Johns, Joanna Melton and Karen Wheeler currently serve as Chamber Ambassadors. Karen Wheeler also serves as the chair of our Leadership Belton program.
When we were planning for the first Downtown Street Party to kick off the 4th of July Celebration, Extraco Banks stepped up and helped us bring Holly Tucker as our featured performer. Davy Villanueva served on our planning committee and was so appreciated and valued, we have recently recruited him to join our board of directors effective January 1.
These people exemplify the spirit of investment in community that Extraco Banks promotes within its organization. We are thrilled to recognize Extraco Banks as our 2019 Business of the Year.
Representing Extraco Banks tonight include President of Metro Markets Steve Wolfe, President of the Central Texas South Region Brian Reinhart, Senior Vice President Thomas Sinkey, and Vice President and Regional Manager Davy Villanueva, as well as our local Belton team members.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Kayla Potts and Brent Burks.
2019 Sponsor of the Year - Vista Real Estate
This year our board wanted to recognize one of our members who invested in our community through a very special sponsorship.
Vista Real Estate stepped up to be the lead sponsor of our first Downtown Street Party. The Downtown Street Party was planned to kick off our 4th of July Celebration with a new tradition, and it was a huge success, with crowds exceeding our expectations and a high level of enthusiasm for the entire event.
While all of our sponsors had a significant role in the success of this and other chamber programs and activities, what distinguished Vista Real Estate as extraordinary was the way their entire team jumped in to plan and make the event a success.
Kayla Clayton and Caroline Moore served on our planning committee, and dozens of Vista Realtors and staff joined in to set up and work the event. It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off an event like that and we were fortunate to have Vista “all in.” Kayla and Caroline were also actively involved in making our Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ and Stick-horse Stampede successful.
In talking with Emilio Perales and Jimmy Torres, it is clear that they place a high priority on community involvement and support for worthy causes. When they support a program or activity, they make an “all in” commitment. We have recently recruited Emilio to join our board of directors, effective January 1, and know that he will bring that passion to our chamber board.
Congratulations to our Sponsor of the Year, Vista Real Estate. Representing Vista Real Estate are Emilio Perales, Jimmy Torres, Kayla Clayton, and Caroline Moore.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Misty Baker and Keith Leija.
Vista Real Estate stepped up to be the lead sponsor of our first Downtown Street Party. The Downtown Street Party was planned to kick off our 4th of July Celebration with a new tradition, and it was a huge success, with crowds exceeding our expectations and a high level of enthusiasm for the entire event.
While all of our sponsors had a significant role in the success of this and other chamber programs and activities, what distinguished Vista Real Estate as extraordinary was the way their entire team jumped in to plan and make the event a success.
Kayla Clayton and Caroline Moore served on our planning committee, and dozens of Vista Realtors and staff joined in to set up and work the event. It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off an event like that and we were fortunate to have Vista “all in.” Kayla and Caroline were also actively involved in making our Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ and Stick-horse Stampede successful.
In talking with Emilio Perales and Jimmy Torres, it is clear that they place a high priority on community involvement and support for worthy causes. When they support a program or activity, they make an “all in” commitment. We have recently recruited Emilio to join our board of directors, effective January 1, and know that he will bring that passion to our chamber board.
Congratulations to our Sponsor of the Year, Vista Real Estate. Representing Vista Real Estate are Emilio Perales, Jimmy Torres, Kayla Clayton, and Caroline Moore.
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members Misty Baker and Keith Leija.
Legacy Award - Cochran, Blair and Potts
It’s not often that a local business celebrates a milestone as significant as being in business for 150 years. Cochran, Blair and Potts is a Belton institution with a rich history and a legacy that is extraordinary. Founded in 1869, and eventually moved to Belton in 1884, CB&P is the oldest family owned department store in Texas.
We had the privilege yesterday to take the Leadership Belton group to CB&P to hear their story and see the museum upstairs – worth a visit if you haven’t been there. Robert shared how this family owned and operated business has evolved over the decades and thrived despite significant changes in the retail industry. The CB&P building itself is a history lesson, with the renovation in 2016-17 serving to restore it to its original appearance with beautiful woodwork, limestone walls, and tin ceiling.
But it’s not just survival throughout changes in retail economics that distinguishes CB&P. It’s a family business, with generations of children raised in and around the store, learning the values of hard work, customer service, and a commitment to providing their customers a quality experience.
It is interesting to note that Roscoe and Prince Harrison’s father worked at Cochran, Blair & Potts for 44 years in the work clothing department in the back annex.
The Potts family has a legacy of community service, with at least 4 generations represented in service as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.
The Potts family has left their mark on our community in many ways, including the Roy and Jean Potts Belton Swim Center was named in honor of these wonderful people who loved the community, had a passion for children and swimming, and gave of their resources to reestablish the BHS swim program.
In recognition of the significant and historic influence this local institution and family have had on the Belton community, we are proud to honor the Potts family and CB&P with the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award.
Representing the 6th and 7th generations of the Potts family: Rob, Robert and Ashley, and Michael and Julia
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members David Tuma and Chris Flor.
We had the privilege yesterday to take the Leadership Belton group to CB&P to hear their story and see the museum upstairs – worth a visit if you haven’t been there. Robert shared how this family owned and operated business has evolved over the decades and thrived despite significant changes in the retail industry. The CB&P building itself is a history lesson, with the renovation in 2016-17 serving to restore it to its original appearance with beautiful woodwork, limestone walls, and tin ceiling.
But it’s not just survival throughout changes in retail economics that distinguishes CB&P. It’s a family business, with generations of children raised in and around the store, learning the values of hard work, customer service, and a commitment to providing their customers a quality experience.
It is interesting to note that Roscoe and Prince Harrison’s father worked at Cochran, Blair & Potts for 44 years in the work clothing department in the back annex.
The Potts family has a legacy of community service, with at least 4 generations represented in service as Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.
The Potts family has left their mark on our community in many ways, including the Roy and Jean Potts Belton Swim Center was named in honor of these wonderful people who loved the community, had a passion for children and swimming, and gave of their resources to reestablish the BHS swim program.
In recognition of the significant and historic influence this local institution and family have had on the Belton community, we are proud to honor the Potts family and CB&P with the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award.
Representing the 6th and 7th generations of the Potts family: Rob, Robert and Ashley, and Michael and Julia
Presenting this award on behalf of the Chamber are board members David Tuma and Chris Flor.
Community Partner Recognition
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There are a few people we would like to specially recognize this evening for their significant work and influence during the past year. As we have reflected on a very successful year for the Chamber, a few people stood out as exceptional partners who helped make that happen.
Hugh and Debbie Shine Hugh serves as our state representative, but he does that in a way that is increasingly unusual. Hugh is available to us in a way that many elected officials are not. He meets regularly with us at the Chamber office for a forum open to the public, and is of course always present at virtually every event in our community. He truly represents us – asking for our perspectives and listening to our concerns. Debbie is a treasure – always supportive and gracious. When we have gone to the Capitol for events she is there welcoming us and making sure we are well cared for. Thank you Hugh and Debbie Shine for making a difference in our community, and it is with great gratitude we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partners. Ronnie and Staci Schoepf Ronnie has been one of my main go-to people for the past year, whenever I had a question or need. He and Staci have been incredibly supportive of the Chamber, partnering with us for various events including the very successful 4th of July Backyard Party at Schoepf’s, but also helping us plan for the first Downtown Street Party. Early on in our planning process I went to Ronnie asking for guidance. He was patient and helpful, connecting us with the resources we needed to pull off our first event of this kind. It’s what they do, so they know how to do it well. But their willingness to share that information and expertise with us was beyond valuable. Ronnie and Staci even agreed to not only not have a competing event on the night of our event, but to help promote, sponsor and manage it. They wanted to be part of supporting the Chamber and community and took the initiative to demonstrate that through their actions. Another example of the gracious hospitality of the Schoepf’s was when the Belton Master Networks group that we helped start, originally meeting at the Chamber office, then moved to Brodie’s, needed a new venue on short notice. A quick call to Ronnie was all that was needed. They said “yes, bring ‘em on over,” and since that time Schoepf’s BBQ has hosted the group each Friday morning. Thank you Ronnie and Staci Schoepf for making a difference in our community, and it is with great gratitude we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partners. Adriane and Patrick Hodges Adriane also came to us one day with an idea of hosting an event to raise funds for the National Desert Storm War Memorial being built in Washington, D.C. The Penelope Street Patriot Festival was the outcome of that idea that not only resulted in a successful fundraiser and way to honor her father Captain Jack, but also brought national recognition to Belton. It took considerable effort to coordinate all of the logistics of such an event, and we couldn’t be prouder of their work to make this happen. Similarly, Adriane and Patrick were key to the success of our Downtown Street Party, handling all the details in regard to the sale of alcohol. Early on we realized that a priority for this event was to follow the rules of TABC and for me to not go to jail. Adriane and Patrick know how to do this so generously agreed to take care of all the details, walking us through the steps and making sure we had what was needed. Two events, one week apart, that required a high level of investment. These are examples of the kind of community investment that distinguishes the Hodges. In addition, Adriane and Patrick regularly offer to host events at Bold Republic, and are always hospitable and accommodating. Thank you Adriane and Patrick Hodges for making a difference in our community, and it is with great gratitude we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partners. Frank Minosky Frank has served as the chair of our Military Relations Committee this past year, and in that role he has helped us reorganize and transition to an even more effective partnership with our Fort Hood neighbors. He has also been actively working to make our adopt-a-unit program more efficient and effective. Frank was recently recognized by AUSA with the Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge Medal in recognition of his selflessness and commitment to advocating for the defenders of our nation and their families. That’s quite an honor. Frank’s work to meet the training and employment needs of our soldiers and their families through Workforce Solutions of Central Texas is commendable. The Fort Hood Veterans Treatment Court is a project that is making a difference for many of our soldiers. Each last Friday of the month our local veterans meet for a non-agenda lunch at Dead Fish Grill. This is a program that is championed by Frank, and another way he serves our community and those who served in our military. Thank you Frank Minosky for making a difference in our community, and it is with great gratitude we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner. Emily Kirkpatrick Emily serves as the secretary for our board of directors, preparing the minutes for our full board and executive committee meetings. She also serves as the Chair of our Ambassadors program. In both roles she communicates with each respective group about upcoming events through reminder texts that are extremely helpful for many of us who need the prompt to our busy calendars. She is an enthusiastic leader of our ribbon cuttings, and her celebration jump is legendary. Emily also serves as Chair of our 4th of July Festival on Nolan Creek committee. She coordinates all of the vendors and works hard to make it better each year. As you can see, she has many roles, and serves in many different ways. Thank you Emily Kirkpatrick for making a difference in our community, and it is with great gratitude we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner. |
