Organizers report that over 200 people attended the annual Kenedy Chamber of Commerce Banquet on June 15 at the Ruhman Franklin Civic Center.

The theme for this year’s banquet was "Ole West" and several awards and special recognitions were presented.

Walter "Trey" Hill was presented the award for "Citizen of the Year."

H.E.B. was presented with the "Outstanding Business Award."

South Texas Implement was presented with the "Outstanding Agriculture Award."

Katherine and Ed Farris were presented with the "Outstanding Tourism Award" in recognition of the restoration of the old downtown bank building and national television publicity as a result of the project.

Three special Bluebonnet Days Coronation awards were presented in recognition of many years of outstanding dedication and service to the Coronation. They were presented to Cathy and Randy Jurgajtis, Debbie and Billy Shortner and Van Johnson.

Many other awards and special recognitions were presented throughout the evening.

The evening began with Kenedy Chamber of Commerce President Punch Humphries welcoming all Chamber members and guests. The guests enjoyed a buffet style dinner. The tablecloths were branded with south Texas cattle brands and decorated with cactus, horses, and cattle trophies and bandana napkin rings. A slide show was presented during the social hour and meal with many photos of Chamber events from the past year. The slide show was presented by Philip Montez and included photos by Rotha Blomquist and Bonnie Alonzo who photograph chamber events throughout the year.

Bluebonnet Days Queen Katie Ihrig, Princesses Cecilia Vasquez and Mercedes Crawford and Little Bell Aubree Tostado and Little Beau Travis Vickery were introduced and recognized by Board Member Neva Schmidt along with an outline of the upcoming parades for the year.

The Chamber’s guest for the evening was State Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles and was introduced by Kenedy Chamber of Commerce President Punch Humphries.

The new Kenedy Chamber of Commerce board members for 2007-2008 were recognized. They are Charles "Punch" Humphries (president), Dee Hallmark (vice president), Janell Swango (secretary/treasurer), Bonnie Alonzo, Rotha Blomquist, Elmorris Foley, Andrea Lea Jalufka, Neva Schmidt, Joe Sheeran and executive director Carolyn McDonald.