Baird Chamber held its Annual Banquet on February 27, 2020. We had about 50 in attendance. The meal was catered by Don Luis Café. Primal Brewing Company came out and let attendees’ sample one of his beers. Table Sponsors for the event was the City of Baird, First Bank Texas, Homestead Nursing and Rehab, and The Painted Donkey. Decoration Sponsors were Bruce and Donna Bell, Parker-Jacobs Memorial Service and Mike and Dela Pickens.
Cindy Hickerson lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. The invocation was given by Jim Dobbs. Dela Pickens introduced the speaker.
Dr. Tammy McGarity is a nurse entrepreneur, holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing, currently works as an assistant professor and DNP Program Coordinator at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and serves as President and CEO for Clinical Advisory Team, a company which she founded in 2005. She has served in various leadership roles throughout her career including Chief Executive Officer as well as Chief Nursing Officer. A known leadership development promoter she publishes and speaks on a variety of leadership, development and other topics currently serving as a national speaker for Grand Canyon University’s OnPulse program. 2020 has inspired her and co-author Stacia Barben to delve into topics and experiences on various leadership development skills and paths through Leadership 20/20 Blog sponsored by Clinical Advisory Team.
Dr. McGarity spoke on her childhood experiences of Baird when she would visit her grandmother here when she was a child. She spoke on business leadership and growing community and business in today’s world.
Receiving Small Business of the year Circa 1880 Restaurant. Jennifer Merritt opened Circa 1880 in December 2018. She moved her family to Baird from Cisco shortly after that. Jennifer has become a staple in the community in such a short time. Circa hit the ground running in getting involved with the school, community and nonprofits. We are lucky to have Jennifer and Circa 1880 staff in Baird.
Receiving Big Business of the year First Bank Texas. Although the name and staff have changed over the last 100+ years, the bank has always been a big part of our community. The staff at FBT are always ready to step up and help our community in any way they can.
Receiving Community Partner of the year Baird Meals on Wheels. They deliver meals to 22 to 24 homes Monday through Friday with around 15 volunteers. These volunteers include retired citizens along with those who still work in and around Baird. This is a much-needed program in Baird, and we are so fortunate to have such giving individuals.
Citizen of the year Debbie Bell McElmurray. Debbie is a go-getter and always the life of the party. She is a retired school teach who still tutors students today. She sits on the Baird Depot Museum Board and volunteers every Friday. She is also a member if the 48 Study Club, holding many offices. Debbie is always willing to help with Easter events and has probably stuffed more than 25,000 eggs for kids to hunt at the city Easter Egg festivities. There isn’t a timed that I can remember when Debbie didn’t have a big smile on her face.
The volunteer of the year goes to Janice Grant. She has been involved in Chamber in many ways over the years. She was one of the founders of the Christmas Village, putting in hours building sets and backdrops. She is always willing to jump in and help wherever needed, saying Hey, can I help? I do not know what I would have done without all of Janice’s help decoration around the city for Christmas. She definitely helped bring all the Christmas spirit to Baird this year and for that, we are very thankful for her.
Community Coordinator Depot volunteer of the year went to Keith Jones. Keith works the depot several times a week, schedules all the other volunteers, keeps up with supplies needed and makes flyers and posters for the depot. He has also been seen working downtown cleaning.
Community Coordinator Downtown volunteer of the year Terry Sue Stevens of On the Bird Walk. Terry Sue can be found out on Market St. cleaning; she keeps an eye on the streetlights and any other needs of downtown. She is a great asset to the community of Baird.
I want to say thank you to everyone who helps make my job easier I could not do this without you.
