2025 Beltonian Award -
Wayne Carpenter

The Beltonian Award is given in recognition of longtime achievement in volunteer service to the Belton community. That 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 lifetime legacy award.  Tonight, we honor an individual who has clearly met that criteria, Wayne Carpenter. 
Wayne is an educator, serving in our schools in a variety of roles, including bus driver, teacher, principal, and deputy superintendent. I love the story he tells about how one of the students in his high school government class questioned him about how he was serving the community. Wayne responded by running for city council and served for 30 years over the past four decades as council member and mayor. He has continued to teach us all how to be a life-long public servant leader.
Wayne is also an artifact, as described by his granddaughter. That doesn’t mean just old, but rather a treasured part of our history. He is one of a handful of people who can talk with authority about the history of Belton – the good, the bad, the people, the challenges, and the successes, and more. Wayne readily shares stories connecting our past to the present and future of our community.
Wayne is a servant leader, serving on numerous boards and organizations, including the Bell County Museum, Bell County Health District, Lions Club, and Friends of the Belton Library.   He has been a great example of a humble and gracious leader, serving as a role model for us all.

2025 Citizen of the Year -
Rebecca Briggs

The Citizen of the Year Award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community through Chamber-related activities during the previous year.
Our 2025 Citizen of the Year is Rebecca Briggs.
Rebecca is a Realtor and co-owner with husband Stan of Imperium Real Estate, and is also a Registered Nurse working with Premier ER and Urgent Care. She has served on our Board of Directors since 2021, on our Executive Committee since 2022, and as Secretary of the Board since 2023.
As you may know, Rebecca is an avid tennis player, and has used her passion for the court to lead our tennis and pickleball tournaments. This past year she came up with the idea for a new event, featuring pickleball, live music, great food and drinks, and an overall fun opportunity for people to connect. It was eventually named the Better Together Benefit.
The success of this event resulted in an increase of our scholarships for Belton ISD students through the Belton Education Foundation and Belton Career Builder Adopt A Student initiative.
Rebecca is a strong supporter of the Belton Chamber, encouraging others to join, sponsor events, and actively participate. She is a great role model for others how to engage and serve.

2025 Ambassador of the Year -
Apple Fulton

Our Ambassadors serve a vital role in the Chamber, actively promoting its mission throughout our community. While they are best recognized as the leaders of ribbon-cutting ceremonies, they also serve as hosts for events such as this banquet and other networking gatherings.
Each year, the Ambassadors nominate one of their own for the Ambassador of the Year Award—an honor given to someone who exemplifies outstanding service. This award is especially meaningful as it reflects the respect and appreciation of one’s peers.
Our 2025 Ambassador of the Year is Apple Fulton.
Apple is the Human Resources Manager at Emerson Construction – recipient of our Business of the Year Award last year.
She has been a great Ambassador for the Chamber, 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 graduate of Leadership Belton and even recruited her husband, Adam with Finney Insurance, to become an Ambassador and join Leadership Belton this year.
She is a willing servant leader, and has been a great representative not only of Emerson Construction, but also of the Chamber and our community.

2025 Community Partner -
Henry T. Waskow VFW Post 4008

Bobby Bishoff and Post 4008 have been valued partners with the chamber, actively involved with our Military Relations Committee, and taking a lead in planning and coordinating our Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.
We have experienced significant growth in participation for those ceremonies, and the leadership and resources provided by Bobby and Post 4008 have been instrumental in their success.
That kind of willingness to serve and partner in any way, whether through volunteers, participation, or use of resources, makes them worthy of recognition.

2025 Community Partner -
Temple College

Temple College is celebrating 100 years of service to Central Texas this year, and it is appropriate for us to recognize and express our appreciation for their partnership in workforce development for our community.
The extraordinary growth in offerings and programs at Temple College has consistently met the needs of our growing community, providing much needed training and opportunities not only for traditional college students, but also for many seeking career change or enhancement.
Temple College is also a valued partner of Belton ISD in providing students with opportunities to receive college credit while still in high school and even middle school. They continue to find ways to expand those offerings to meet the needs of our students.
This level of excellence should not be taken for granted, so it is with great appreciation that we honor Temple College as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.

2025 Community Partner - 
WorkForce Central Texas

WorkForce Central Texas offers services to jobseekers, employers, veterans, youth, and parents in need of childcare. They partner with community non-profits, city and county offices, chambers of commerce, businesses, colleges, and universities throughout the seven-county region to facilitate economic success. Workforce Central Texas is indeed helping create a brighter future for Central Texas.
Despite facing numerous challenges this past year in regard to funding and policy changes, WorkForce Central Texas has continued to be actively engaged and committed to preparing and equipping a ready workforce for local businesses. Their career exploration resources and job fairs have been valuable tools for students, veterans, job seekers, and businesses. And we can always count on their awesome Career Center staff to participate in ribbon cutting events!
This level of commitment should not be taken for granted, so it is with great appreciation that we honor WorkForce Central Texas as a Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Community Partner.

2025 Business of the Year - Roam Roof and Solar

We are honored to recognize a company that has proven, time and time again, that being a great business also means being a great neighbor. This award celebrates more than success, it honors commitment, reliability, and service to community. And no one exemplifies those values better than Roam Roof & Solar.
They are frequently seen as sponsors of community events, always ready to step up and help raise money for community needs, and to support educators, veterans, and anyone in need.
Reaching back a little farther, when disaster struck and a tornado impacted our community in 2024, Roam Roof & Solar didn’t hesitate. They immediately mobilized their team to provide emergency tarping, helping families protect their homes and begin the process of recovery when it mattered most. Whether they were a customer or not, Roam was there to help.
They also sent their entire crew to support the Vista Thanksgiving meal handout at Heritage Park, ensuring families had food, dignity, and care during the holiday season.
Where there is a community need, Roam Roof & Solar steps up as a reliable, dedicated community partner. They don’t ask to be recognized. They simply see a need and respond.
Their leadership, generosity, and heart for service reflect the very best of what local business can be.

2025 Business of the Year -
​TrueHarvest Farms

TrueHarvest Farms is known for their amazing, pesticide-free gourmet greens grown right here in Belton in their hydroponic greenhouses. They have expanded their greenhouses and enhanced their innovative techniques to create an impressive operation and reach. We had the opportunity to take our Leadership Belton group out for a tour recently and were all quite impressed with their automation and sustainability efforts.
What might not be as well-known is their commitment to community service through what they call “TruePossibilities.” TrueHarvest partners with local non-profits and food pantries to minimize food waste, and partners with local programs that connect adults with disabilities to meaningful work in the area. They are committed to putting an emphasis on hiring adults with disabilities, and support this underrecognized talent pool in finding meaningful, long-term employment. That doesn’t happen everywhere.
Their commitment to supplying fresh produce for people in need through local food pantries is especially meaningful for those who would otherwise not have that opportunity. It was no surprise to see their delivery truck at the recent Vista Thanksgiving meal distribution sharing their produce with hundreds of families.
TrueHarvest also provides educational and interactive tours of their greenhouses and operation, participates in local career days, and speaks at schools, providing engaging and informative opportunities for students.

2025 ​Non-Profit of the Year -
Helping Hands Ministry

Helping Hands Ministry is an extraordinary community effort started in 1995 by visionaries who believed that we can be more efficient and effective when we work together – a great example of how we are better together! Including programs like the food pantry, Project Apple Tree and Laura Mae’s Resale Shop, Helping Hands is Rooted in our Community. Supported by a variety of individuals and churches representing many denominations, Helping Hands Ministry helps fill the gap for our neighbors in need. Many of those who receive services have jobs but need assistance stretching over-stressed family budgets.
This past year, Helping Hands has been faced with increasing numbers of families needed assistance due to unusual circumstances like the government shutdown, as well as the ongoing effects of increased costs due to tariffs and inflation. As always, our community has responded to care for our neighbors through the structure and resources of Helping Hands.
We are thankful to have such a coordinated and well managed organization like Helping Hands to help us care for our neighbors, and it is appropriate that we recognize those efforts with our thanks. 

2025 Community Connector -
Judy Garrett

Judy Garrett is a passionate promoter of Belton, and for many people, she was their first point of contact here. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for Belton have been seen as she connected people with possible locations for their business, or welcomed them to Belton for a special event or gathering.
Judy worked in the hotel industry prior to joining the Belton Chamber staff, and then eventually on to the City of Belton where she helped expand CVB efforts. Her impact in bringing businesses and events to Belton is notable.
Specifically, Judy’s history working in the hotel industry provided a perspective and skill set to connect our local hotels with groups bringing events to Belton, and to promote customer service and hospitality for our guests so their experience would be a positive one, and their return more likely.
As a small business owner, Judy provided a place for connection, and again found ways to help people discover the charm of Belton.
She also has a creative flair for bringing new opportunities for people to gather together. Belton’s Bacon, Blues and Brews, Legends on the Chisholm Trail, Rockin’ Rotary, Polka Fest, and Christmas on the Chisholm Trail are examples where her creativity helped connect Belton businesses, residents, and visitors.
It's also worth mentioning that whenever there was a question or problem with downtown trash or parking, Judy was often the point of contact.
Judy recently retired from her position with the City, and we know she will continue to be a promoter and cheerleader for Belton as she explores new opportunities, but we wanted to use this event to say thank you.