Brownfield Chamber holds annual banquet

by admin

One of the bigger events of the Chamber was held on Monday evening, February 17th. The Annual Brownfield Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held at Reddy Vineyards Red Wine Event Center.

A full house enjoyed a brisket dinner cooked and served by Chris Bayless and Tencha’s Restaurant. Reddy Vineyards Wines were also available.

Always the highlight of the event is the naming of the Citizen of the Year and the Business Leader of the Year. It is tradition of the event that the winner of the previous year’s award introduce the new award winner. Katy Jane Seaton introduced Kristin Dill to the crowd as the 2019 Business Leader of the Year.

Kristin has owned and operated Forever Fitness and Nutrition for many years in Brownfield, and has seen it grow from just a nutrition drink business to a fitness and exercise business set to move into a brand new 13,000 square foot building later this year. Kristin, who is married to Ryan Dill, has supported Brownfield and Terry County at every opportunity and has truly been a blessing to this community. She and Ryan are the parents of three boys and one girl.

Kristin was shocked and thanked the crowd for their support through the years. “I wasn’t sure about Brownfield when I first started a business here, but now I love this place and I love the people here.”

Anthony Furgeson introduced the Citizen of the Year. Last year’s winner, Doc Grant, was unable to be there. Layne Marlow was introduced as the new Citizen of the Year. Layne works for the South Plains Underground Water Conservation District. He is so involved in the community and always willing to do anything for anyone. He is well known around the community for his skills on the grill and is a willing cook for many Chamber events, as well as other events in the County. He is a help to producers in the area and just an all around great guy.

Layne was also shocked with the honor and had a hard time speaking to the crowd but did offers his thanks for this great award. “I just can’t believe this. I don’t feel like I deserve this, but I appreciate the honor.”

2019 Harvest Festival Queen, Allison Hogue entertained the crowd just before featured speaker Tim Siegel spoke. Tim is the father of Luke, who was injured in a golf cart accident in 2015. Luke suffered a traumatic brain injury. Doctors told Tim and his wife Jenny that Luke would never walk or talk again. Tim has dedicated his life to making sure that Luke has the best in therapy and care and Luke has made some slow progress.

Tim spoke about the accident and the days that followed as being the darkest of his life. But, through his struggles and caring for his precious son, he and his family established Team Luke Hope for Minds. This organization raises money to support others with traumatic brain injury and also supports research for this.

Tim spoke very much from the heart about his feelings and the things that get him through each day. “That young boy back there (pointing toward Luke) is my hero. He works hard every day and I do believe that one day he will speak words again and he will walk again.”

Tim talked about regaining his passion and urged the crowd to find their passion and never quit trying. “Lean on your family, your friends and your faith in everything you go through. Always make good choices and be careful, and lastly, have faith and hold on to that faith.”

Tim has also written a book, “It’s in God’s Hands,” which he gave to everyone in attendance. He also urged everyone to remember that March 3rd is Hope for Minds Day.

Chamber Executive Director Lorena Valencia closed the evening by thanking all those who had a part in making the banquet a success and also thanking Vijay Reddy for the use of his barn and event center.

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