The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding individuals and businesses at its 90th Annual Gala.
The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 90th Annual Awards and Auction Gala on Saturday, December 14, an evening of celebration, recognition, and gratitude for the individuals and organizations that make Huntsville thrive. Held at the Walker County Storm Shelter, the event brought together local leaders, businesses, and community members to honor exceptional contributions to the area.
A Night of Honors and Milestones
One of the evening’s most prestigious recognitions, the 2024 Mance Park Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Huntsville ISD, was presented to J.T. Langley, a dedicated Huntsville native and servant leader. Langley’s impact on the community is both profound and enduring.
A proud 1969 graduate of Huntsville High School and an alumnus of Sam Houston State University, Langley holds a B.S. in Horticulture. He retired after a 31-year career with Lee College, where he served as Department Chairman and a Certified Horticulture Instructor at Texas A&M, in addition to being a Texas Master Gardener. Langley’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom; he has dedicated 22 years to the Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees, where he has served as both President and Vice President.
“Like Mance Park, you have molded the lives of so many individuals, contributing great value to our community and to this world!” read the inscription on his award, a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to Huntsville. Langley and his wife Jennifer have raised four children, all graduates of Huntsville High School, and their grandchildren now attend local schools, continuing the family legacy of community involvement.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Community
In addition to Langley, the gala celebrated many other distinguished winners:
- Ed Sandhop Spirit of Huntsville Award: Presented to Liesa Hackett for her unwavering commitment to enhancing Huntsville’s spirit and community engagement.
- Director of the Year: Awarded to Lexie French for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the Chamber.
- Warm Welcome Award: Bestowed upon Kaye Boehning for her dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in Huntsville.
Photo credit: Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
- Key Member Award: Presented to Charlotte McConnell, recognizing her exceptional commitment to the Chamber and its mission.
- Small Business of the Year: Anthem Technology was honored for its innovation and success as a cornerstone of the local business community.
- Large Business of the Year: Iron Brothers Metals was celebrated for its significant contributions to Huntsville’s economic development.
- Volunteer of the Year: Sue Slater was recognized for her tireless service and positive impact on the community.
- Volunteer of the Year (Group): The Huntsville Lions Club received this award for their collective efforts in serving the community.
The Chamber also expressed heartfelt appreciation to its retiring board members—Clint McLaren, Weldon Wallace, Tammy Farkas, Tim Johnson, Alvin Martin, and Ashley Roberts—for their years of dedicated service and leadership.
A Night to Remember
The gala was not just about awards; it was a celebration of the Chamber’s 90-year legacy and its vision for the future. The event included an auction, networking opportunities, and heartfelt moments of reflection on the Chamber’s impact on Huntsville.
The Chamber extended its gratitude to everyone who made the night possible. “A huge THANK YOU to all our award winners, amazing volunteers, dedicated attendees, generous sponsors, and hardworking staff for making the 90th Annual Awards and Auction Gala a grand success!” the Chamber shared.
As the evening concluded, the sentiment was clear: Huntsville is a community rooted in collaboration, service, and excellence. The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to fostering these values for years to come.
