2024 Annual Awards Banquet
Celebrating 2023
2023 Beltonian Award - Joe Shepperd
Belton First United Methodist Church has a long history of community service, including a variety of events and activities reaching into our community, such as the annual Back to School with God providing school supplies, Project Celebration, Wednesday lunch for college students, Halloween Trunk or Treat, Community Christmas Party, and ongoing support of Helping Hands Ministry.
Last year the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce became the designated Charter Organization for Boy Scout Troop 117 and Cub Scout Pack 117, however, BFUMC has continued to serve as the host for our local scouting programs, allowing use of their facilities for meetings and events.
And recently, to help address the needs of a growing community and the ensuing parking challenges of increased local businesses in the area, BFUMC agreed to have their church parking lot designated as public parking through a partnership with the City of Belton. This is a significant partnership working together to meet a community need through shared resources.
To help address the needs of a growing community and the ensuing parking challenges of increased local businesses in the area, BFUMC agreed to have their church parking lot designated as public parking through a partnership with the City of Belton. This is a significant partnership working together to meet a community need through shared resources.
Belton First United Methodist Church and Pastor Jeff Miller, a graduate of Leadership Belton, have been great examples of servant leadership in our community, so it is with appreciation we honor them as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.
Last year the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce became the designated Charter Organization for Boy Scout Troop 117 and Cub Scout Pack 117, however, BFUMC has continued to serve as the host for our local scouting programs, allowing use of their facilities for meetings and events.
And recently, to help address the needs of a growing community and the ensuing parking challenges of increased local businesses in the area, BFUMC agreed to have their church parking lot designated as public parking through a partnership with the City of Belton. This is a significant partnership working together to meet a community need through shared resources.
To help address the needs of a growing community and the ensuing parking challenges of increased local businesses in the area, BFUMC agreed to have their church parking lot designated as public parking through a partnership with the City of Belton. This is a significant partnership working together to meet a community need through shared resources.
Belton First United Methodist Church and Pastor Jeff Miller, a graduate of Leadership Belton, have been great examples of servant leadership in our community, so it is with appreciation we honor them as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.
2022 Citizen of the Year - DeShon Williams
DeShon has distinguished herself as a highly valued servant leader in our community. She currently serves as the President of the Belton Fire Corps, Community Emergency Response Team, and on the Bell County Office of Emergency Management Reservists – all volunteer positions.
Established in 2016, Belton Fire Corps is a volunteer program designed to connect community members with the Belton Fire Department to help with non-emergency tasks and support services for our firefighters to help maintain their safety, health, and well-being during emergency and non-emergency incidents, and to support and promote community outreach programs.
The Belton Fire Corps has previously been recognized as the Most Dedicated Volunteer Service in Texas. DeShon is also a recipient of the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service award, recognizing those with thousands of volunteer hours served.
DeShon is a Navy veteran, and has been an Army wife, where she served as a volunteer with schools, FRGs, and as a care team manager.
After transitioning from the Army, DeShon was looking for how to engage with our community. She first found the Belton Citizen Police Academy and CHIPS, then the Belton Fire Department. It’s notable that she served as a firefighter when on active duty with the Navy so that was a natural draw.
It’s no surprise that DeShon is actively engaged with the Chamber. Her involvement includes serving as an Ambassador, as a member of our Military Relations Committee, and as a member of the current class of Leadership Belton.
She is quick to sign up when needed, and typically the first to arrive and last to leave an event. That was especially impressive during the heat of the 4th of July events. She will often bring others along with her if needed, multiplying her impact. One example of that was at the rodeo last year when she recruited others to come when we had a need.
When asked why she volunteers so many hours in so many ways, and she is often asked when people learn she isn’t a paid employee, her response is she just loves what she does – serving people.
DeShon is a servant’s servant and a volunteer’s volunteer, who leads and equips others to effectively make a difference in our community. Her positive attitude and strong servant heart is exactly what distinguishes DeShon Williams and resulted in her being named the 2022 Citizen of the Year.
Established in 2016, Belton Fire Corps is a volunteer program designed to connect community members with the Belton Fire Department to help with non-emergency tasks and support services for our firefighters to help maintain their safety, health, and well-being during emergency and non-emergency incidents, and to support and promote community outreach programs.
The Belton Fire Corps has previously been recognized as the Most Dedicated Volunteer Service in Texas. DeShon is also a recipient of the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service award, recognizing those with thousands of volunteer hours served.
DeShon is a Navy veteran, and has been an Army wife, where she served as a volunteer with schools, FRGs, and as a care team manager.
After transitioning from the Army, DeShon was looking for how to engage with our community. She first found the Belton Citizen Police Academy and CHIPS, then the Belton Fire Department. It’s notable that she served as a firefighter when on active duty with the Navy so that was a natural draw.
It’s no surprise that DeShon is actively engaged with the Chamber. Her involvement includes serving as an Ambassador, as a member of our Military Relations Committee, and as a member of the current class of Leadership Belton.
She is quick to sign up when needed, and typically the first to arrive and last to leave an event. That was especially impressive during the heat of the 4th of July events. She will often bring others along with her if needed, multiplying her impact. One example of that was at the rodeo last year when she recruited others to come when we had a need.
When asked why she volunteers so many hours in so many ways, and she is often asked when people learn she isn’t a paid employee, her response is she just loves what she does – serving people.
DeShon is a servant’s servant and a volunteer’s volunteer, who leads and equips others to effectively make a difference in our community. Her positive attitude and strong servant heart is exactly what distinguishes DeShon Williams and resulted in her being named the 2022 Citizen of the Year.
2022 Community Partner - Belton Police Department
Our partnership with the City is critical to the success of our efforts to support our local businesses and organizations, and to build our community. Specifically, the Belton Police Department has served an important role in making events safe for our community.
Certainly, through our most visible activities during the 4th of July Celebration, their involvement is readily apparent. However, throughout the year, in virtually every program or activity we do, we coordinate and work together with our BPD staff. The Belton Police Department is representative of a City that serves and invests in our community.
One very notable action that we want to acknowledge and honor is the Oath of Protection our School Resource Officers took at the beginning of the school year. You will recall that the last school year ended with some very troubling events at schools both locally and around our state and country, creating anxiety and concern for educators.
Chief Ellis and our SROs stood before our educators at Belton High School just before the new school year began to pledge their oath to protect, defend, and serve. It made a difference. The immediate response from our educators was understandably emotional and filled with appreciation. The social media posts about this event went viral, with an overwhelming response of appreciation and praise. It is notable that not every police department did this, but ours did, and it mattered to our educators, parents, students, and community. That is being a servant guardian and making a difference in our community.
On stage with Chief Ellis are four of our School Resource Officers, Lt. Glenn Bennett, Dane Kantro, Megan Adkins, and Jacob Schmille (schme-lee).On behalf of our board and community, we want to thank the Belton Police Department for making a difference in our community, and it is with appreciation we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partners.
Certainly, through our most visible activities during the 4th of July Celebration, their involvement is readily apparent. However, throughout the year, in virtually every program or activity we do, we coordinate and work together with our BPD staff. The Belton Police Department is representative of a City that serves and invests in our community.
One very notable action that we want to acknowledge and honor is the Oath of Protection our School Resource Officers took at the beginning of the school year. You will recall that the last school year ended with some very troubling events at schools both locally and around our state and country, creating anxiety and concern for educators.
Chief Ellis and our SROs stood before our educators at Belton High School just before the new school year began to pledge their oath to protect, defend, and serve. It made a difference. The immediate response from our educators was understandably emotional and filled with appreciation. The social media posts about this event went viral, with an overwhelming response of appreciation and praise. It is notable that not every police department did this, but ours did, and it mattered to our educators, parents, students, and community. That is being a servant guardian and making a difference in our community.
On stage with Chief Ellis are four of our School Resource Officers, Lt. Glenn Bennett, Dane Kantro, Megan Adkins, and Jacob Schmille (schme-lee).On behalf of our board and community, we want to thank the Belton Police Department for making a difference in our community, and it is with appreciation we honor you as Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partners.
2022 Community Partner - James Grant
The City of Belton is an important partner with the Chamber in virtually everything we do, but the Parks and Recreation Department is especially notable for their support of our many events and activities. James Grant serves as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and Parks Superintendent. He has a big job and a full schedule but is always available to provide assistance, both directly and through his staff.
James helps us coordinate and plan many of the 4th of July activities, including the Downtown Street Party, Parade, Festival, and Carnival. He is not only actively involved in planning events and leading parks staff but is always actively involved personally. James is a worker as well as a leader!
James has also helped us with our Veteran’s Day Ceremony, Patriot Way Brick Walk, and with Leadership Belton projects. He has been involved with so many Leadership Belton projects that we actually talked recently about how he should be considered an honorary graduate, since many of our projects wouldn’t have happened without his direct involvement.
Thank you, James Grant and your team at Belton Parks and Recreation, for making a difference in our community, and it is with appreciation we honor you as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.
James helps us coordinate and plan many of the 4th of July activities, including the Downtown Street Party, Parade, Festival, and Carnival. He is not only actively involved in planning events and leading parks staff but is always actively involved personally. James is a worker as well as a leader!
James has also helped us with our Veteran’s Day Ceremony, Patriot Way Brick Walk, and with Leadership Belton projects. He has been involved with so many Leadership Belton projects that we actually talked recently about how he should be considered an honorary graduate, since many of our projects wouldn’t have happened without his direct involvement.
Thank you, James Grant and your team at Belton Parks and Recreation, for making a difference in our community, and it is with appreciation we honor you as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.
2022 Community Partner - Nelson Hutchinson
Nelson is the owner of Temple Technology Services, although I usually refer to it as Belton Technology services, especially after he relocated to the Gunter Building here in Belton.
Another reason for that is his work in our community, providing computer and IT services to small and not so small businesses and organizations, including the Chamber. Recently he helped us replace and configure some new equipment, spending extra time helping us select and properly utilize the equipment. So, like many of you, we are happy customers, and thankful for his great customer service.
But what really sets Nelson apart as a Community Partner is his longtime service to the Chamber and our community on the 4th of July Parade. He has served on our parade committee for several years, leading the efforts to organize and manage the staging area for over 150 entries.
Nelson served on our board of directors for six years, including serving on the Executive Committee and as Treasurer, but when his term ended, he didn’t end his service. He continued to serve and lead in making sure our parade is well organized and successful.
Another reason for that is his work in our community, providing computer and IT services to small and not so small businesses and organizations, including the Chamber. Recently he helped us replace and configure some new equipment, spending extra time helping us select and properly utilize the equipment. So, like many of you, we are happy customers, and thankful for his great customer service.
But what really sets Nelson apart as a Community Partner is his longtime service to the Chamber and our community on the 4th of July Parade. He has served on our parade committee for several years, leading the efforts to organize and manage the staging area for over 150 entries.
Nelson served on our board of directors for six years, including serving on the Executive Committee and as Treasurer, but when his term ended, he didn’t end his service. He continued to serve and lead in making sure our parade is well organized and successful.
2022 Community Partner - Keith Leija
Keith is the owner of Key Power Solutions, helping many of us, including the Chamber, navigate the challenges of the electricity market. He has been an important resource during recent times of power grid struggles and electric providers implementing rate changes.
Keith served on our board of directors for a full six years, including serving as Chair in 2017. When his term ended, he didn’t stop working and being involved, playing a key role in supporting our 4th of July Celebration.
Keith, with Monica always close by, is an ever ready volunteer to help set up and clean up for the Downtown Street Party, Festival, and Backyard Party at Schoepf’s. But he isn’t just a volunteer worker; Keith coordinates the Festival on Nolan Creek, filling a need to lead others in making an event with lots of moving parts successful.
One of the things Keith does is bring others into the mix. He is always looking for ways to involve and engage others. A great example of this is the way Keith brought in the Buzz Softball organization to add not only helpers to set up, but by providing additional family friendly activities.
Keith served on our board of directors for a full six years, including serving as Chair in 2017. When his term ended, he didn’t stop working and being involved, playing a key role in supporting our 4th of July Celebration.
Keith, with Monica always close by, is an ever ready volunteer to help set up and clean up for the Downtown Street Party, Festival, and Backyard Party at Schoepf’s. But he isn’t just a volunteer worker; Keith coordinates the Festival on Nolan Creek, filling a need to lead others in making an event with lots of moving parts successful.
One of the things Keith does is bring others into the mix. He is always looking for ways to involve and engage others. A great example of this is the way Keith brought in the Buzz Softball organization to add not only helpers to set up, but by providing additional family friendly activities.
2022 Ambassador of the Year - Lorna Brockette
Lorna owns Lorna BZ (bees) Bookkeeping, providing a variety of services in support of small businesses in our community.
Lorna has been a great Ambassador, always present at events, readily volunteering when needed, enthusiastically supporting whatever is going on, and not letting her busy schedule prevent her from serving where she can. She is a willing servant leader, volunteering to help with whatever project or event is coming next. Lorna has been a great representative not only of her business, but also of the Chamber and our community.
Lorna has been a great Ambassador, always present at events, readily volunteering when needed, enthusiastically supporting whatever is going on, and not letting her busy schedule prevent her from serving where she can. She is a willing servant leader, volunteering to help with whatever project or event is coming next. Lorna has been a great representative not only of her business, but also of the Chamber and our community.
2022 Business of the Year - Amy's Attic Self Storage
Amy’s Attic Self-Storage is successful because of the quality of their facilities and commitment to customer service, but they aren’t your ordinary self-storage business. They have distinguished themselves as community partners through their involvement and support of other local businesses and organizations, and their investment in our community.Although they have a small staff, their commitment to reaching out and being involved is notable. They are creative and resourceful in finding ways to be supportive, using their facilities, signage and social media to promote and draw attention to others.One example is their “Brand of the Week” initiative – focusing on local businesses and organizations with social media posts and recognition on their signs. Bringing attention to other small businesses is a great example of our theme of being “Better Together.” We grow together when we support each other. That’s at the core of the Chamber’s purpose and mission.Through their programs, Amy’s Attic Festivals and Amy in the Community, they sponsor community events like Flavor Fest and Food Truck Festivals with proceeds donated to local non-profit organizations. They also have special promotions to draw attention to and support various causes, including the recent “Baby Drive” for Foster Love, collecting supplies for children in need. Around the holidays, they had a promotion called “Community Through Cards,” collecting Christmas cards for residents at local retirement communities and area first responders.When I talked with Bob about this award, he talked about the vision he and Amy and Raymond had when they first opened Amy’s Attic, and how they wanted to be different and distinctive. One comment struck me as especially notable, “If you give back, people will give to you.” That’s a good way to start a successful business.We are thrilled to recognize Amy’s Attic Self-Storage as our 2022 Small Business of the Year.
2022 Business of the Year - R. K. Bass Electric
Started in 1985 by Robert and Cheryl Bass, Bass Electric has grown to over 150 employees providing commercial and residential electrical services throughout the Central Texas area. They are well known for providing quality services and being a successful local business. But what sets them apart and led to them receiving this special recognition is how they have invested in the community, and the example they are to others.
R.K. Bass Electric is a significant partner with our schools, providing training and internship opportunities, as well as jobs, for CTE students. Andy Bass is actively engaged with the Belton CTE Advisory Council, serving as a great resource for the programs preparing our students for success. They also actively support the Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation and a variety of youth organizations.
But what really sets them apart is an initiative that they refer to as “Work Day in the Community.” In November they closed their office and most of their job sites for a full day in order to send employees out to work in local agencies. This was the second annual “Work Day in the Community,” serving local non-profit organizations, including Body of Christ Clinic, Eldred’s Nursery Foundation, Family Promise of Bell County, Foster Love, Helping Hands Ministry, Hope for the Hungry, Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children, and many others.
We have heard from many of these organizations about how much it meant to have these volunteers working on a variety of needed projects, including cleaning, painting, power washing, installing brick pathways, and of course electrical work. Projects that would have cost countless dollars were completed by these community servants, all while on the R.K. Bass Electric payroll. That’s a significant investment in our community. What would it mean in our community if every business followed this example?
R.K. Bass Electric is a significant partner with our schools, providing training and internship opportunities, as well as jobs, for CTE students. Andy Bass is actively engaged with the Belton CTE Advisory Council, serving as a great resource for the programs preparing our students for success. They also actively support the Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation and a variety of youth organizations.
But what really sets them apart is an initiative that they refer to as “Work Day in the Community.” In November they closed their office and most of their job sites for a full day in order to send employees out to work in local agencies. This was the second annual “Work Day in the Community,” serving local non-profit organizations, including Body of Christ Clinic, Eldred’s Nursery Foundation, Family Promise of Bell County, Foster Love, Helping Hands Ministry, Hope for the Hungry, Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children, and many others.
We have heard from many of these organizations about how much it meant to have these volunteers working on a variety of needed projects, including cleaning, painting, power washing, installing brick pathways, and of course electrical work. Projects that would have cost countless dollars were completed by these community servants, all while on the R.K. Bass Electric payroll. That’s a significant investment in our community. What would it mean in our community if every business followed this example?
2022 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal - Long Family
We want to take the opportunity to recognize and say thank you to Dr. Bill and Kathy Long, and the entire Long family, for their commitment not only to serving in this role, but for providing such an important entry into our annual parade for so many years.
The theme for last year’s parade was “Celebrating Community Connections” so the Long Family was selected to symbolically represent the generational connections that are cherished in Belton.
Originated by Dr. William Long in 1978, then carried on by his son Dr. Bill Long since 2010, the entry features Red Flyer wagons hooked together and pulled by Dr. Long’s lawn tractor. Dr. Long’s son, Will, currently serves as brakeman for the wagon train, but will eventually take over the engineer’s seat, carrying on the family and community tradition through the next generation.
Community members frequently drive past the Long family home in Belton in June to check on the status of the wagon train and to confirm that it is parade season. Friends and neighbors enjoy seeing Dr. Long working to connect all the wagons and try to guess how many wagons will be in the train each year. Long Family children, grandchildren and special invited friends get to ride in one of the honored wagons – a prestigious honor!
There are many wonderful traditions associated with the annual Belton 4th of July Parade, including annual participants and many families watching the parade from the same area of the route for several generations. The Long Family Wagon Train filled with multiple generations of family members is a crowd favorite and one of the most iconic images of our annual parade.
The theme for last year’s parade was “Celebrating Community Connections” so the Long Family was selected to symbolically represent the generational connections that are cherished in Belton.
Originated by Dr. William Long in 1978, then carried on by his son Dr. Bill Long since 2010, the entry features Red Flyer wagons hooked together and pulled by Dr. Long’s lawn tractor. Dr. Long’s son, Will, currently serves as brakeman for the wagon train, but will eventually take over the engineer’s seat, carrying on the family and community tradition through the next generation.
Community members frequently drive past the Long family home in Belton in June to check on the status of the wagon train and to confirm that it is parade season. Friends and neighbors enjoy seeing Dr. Long working to connect all the wagons and try to guess how many wagons will be in the train each year. Long Family children, grandchildren and special invited friends get to ride in one of the honored wagons – a prestigious honor!
There are many wonderful traditions associated with the annual Belton 4th of July Parade, including annual participants and many families watching the parade from the same area of the route for several generations. The Long Family Wagon Train filled with multiple generations of family members is a crowd favorite and one of the most iconic images of our annual parade.
