The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce hosted Carrollton’s 54th Annual Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 8 at the Courtyard by Marriot Dallas Carrollton Conference Center.

The luncheon celebrated individuals and businesses for their accomplishments over the past year.

Megan Holloway, Metrocrest Events and Marketing Coordinator said that she feels the luncheon is a good way for the city to feature people and businesses that help develop the community.

“Our annual awards is something we do every year to highlight our business community and just members in our community,” said Holloway. “The aim of this event is to highlight those people in our community who have made a difference and those businesses in our community who are investing in the community and giving back to make a difference.”

Multiple awards were handed out to various individuals and businesses. These awards include first responder awards, small business of the year, large business of the year and many more, the Metrocrest Chamber website states.

Holloway said this event is intended to celebrate past achievements and look forward to future milestones.

“We’ll start it by giving an update to our business community of what we did in 2023,” said Holloway. “That will allow us to let the business community know what we’re doing and how we’re serving them, and how we plan to continue that in the following year.”

Holloway said that this event is intended to highlight, build up and invest in local businesses that give back to the community.

“We’re constantly trying to find ways to invest in the business community. This is a celebration of ways we have invested and ways we plan to continue to do that.” said Holloway.

The following individuals and businesses were granted awards:

• First Responder Awards: Chris Maxwell- Addison Fire, Dakota Waldum- Carrollton Fire, Officer Dayja Patton- Farmers Branch PD.
• Rising Star Awards: Ashley Wake- Town of Addison, Mari Rubio- City of Carrollton, Perla Tavera- City of Farmers Branch.
• Small Business of the Year Award: George Kellas Productions.
• Large Business of the Year Award: Dallas College Brookhaven Campus.
• Businesswoman of the Year Award: Shelia Wooldridge.
• David Oldfield Ambassador of the Year Award: Cody Duffy.
• Milburn Gravley Citizens of the Year Award: Mark and Debbie Sutherland.

“They’re people we work alongside, but they’re also friends.” said Holloway. “It’s exciting to celebrate friends’ achievements.”

This article first appeared on the Carrollton Leader at https://starlocalmedia.com/carrolltonleader/metrocrest-chamber-hosts-annual-awards-luncheon/article_de8ed5b2-dfc6-11ee-899a-4b6a6790d0a8.html