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Legacy & Lights

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Annual Awards Gala

Professional Service of the Year

Winner: Jyro Signs

Nominees: 1558 Brand Agency, Ryan Mason State Farm

The recipient of this award must provide Professional Services in the community, must be a member in good standing with the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, must have demonstrated excellence in business practices, and must have demonstrated service to the community.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Winner: Angela Lopez

Nominees: Ryan Mason State Farm, Tim Taborksy, Hunter Freeman

This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship through innovation, leadership, and community involvement. The recipient demonstrates outstanding initiative in building and growing a successful business, overcoming challenges, and contributing positively to the local economy. This individual shows vision and determination, creates opportunities for others, and actively supports the mission and values of the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce.

Employee of the Year

Winner: Sergio Arredondo

This award recognizes outstanding individuals who embody dedication, teamwork, and excellence in the workplace. They consistently go above and beyond, whether it’s through leadership, positive attitude, innovation, or commitment to your company’s success.

Marketing Achievement Award

Winner: SOCO Coffee

This award honors the social media growth and success of a local Chamber member in 2025.

Young Professional of the Year

Winner: Annabel Gaul

Nominees: Hunter Freeman, Allie Freeman, Jaylen Corwin

The Young Professional Award is given each year in recognition of the outstanding citizen under 35 years of age who displays exceptional dedication to our Chamber through service above and beyond the norm; must work for a Chamber member business or organization.

Seasoned Professional of the Year

Winner: Ryan Andersen

Nominees: Ryan Mason, Kilie Mason, Shawn Wilson

This award honors an experienced professional who continues to lead with excellence, integrity, and passion for their work. The recipient is someone 40+ years old, who not only demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication in their field, but also serves as a mentor and example for others in the business community. Their career reflects a legacy of leadership, professionalism, and service that strengthens both their organization and Midlothian as a whole.

Person of the Year

Winner: Melissa Shook

This prestigious award honors an individual whose leadership, vision, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Midlothian community. The recipient demonstrates outstanding integrity, service, and influence, inspiring others through both professional accomplishments and personal character. They are a true ambassador of what it means to lead with purpose, uplift others, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and spirit of Midlothian.

Best Dining Experience

Winner: Mo & Hari’s Neighborhood Bistro

This award was voted on by a select team of Chamber Ambassadors. After visiting Chamber members all over town, they selected this restaurant for having the best ambiance, service, food, and overall experience.

Best Cocktail

Winner: The Dessert Bar – Crème Brulee Martini

This award was voted on by a select team of Chamber Ambassadors. After visiting Chamber members all over town, they selected this member for serving the yummiest cocktail that will have you ordering another!

Friendliest Business

Winner: Scooter’s Coffee

This award was voted on by Chamber Ambassadors, and it is being presented to the business that makes their customers feel most at home. This business goes the extra mile to make sure its customers leave with a smile on their faces.

Event of the Year

Winner: United Way of West Ellis County – A Night United

Nominees: Chamber Bingo, Christmas at Founder’s Row

This award recognizes an outstanding event that made a significant impact on the Midlothian community or local business environment. Whether it brought people together, showcased innovation, or supported a meaningful cause, this event exemplified creativity, organization, and community spirit. The winning event leaves a lasting impression and contributes to the vitality and connection that make Midlothian thrive.

Best Ribbon Cutting

Winner: Blue Mint Thai & Asian Cuisine

This award was voted on by Chamber Ambassadors, and it is presented to the business that had the best ribbon cutting in 2025. From music, to giveaways, to unique activations, this ribbon cutting was more than an event; it was a celebration.

Chamber Achievement Award

Winner: Eric Janszen

This award is selected by Chamber executives to honor one person’s next-level commitment and dedication to service to the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, and the greater Midlothian community.

The Chairman’s Award

Winner: Ted Harrington

The Chairman of the Board selects one individual to honor their leadership, service, and humility to the Chamber in 2025. This award is a celebration of character, and is indicative of the recipiant’s servanthearted dedication.

Gene Page Ambassador of the Year

Winner: Jay O’Meilia

This award recognizes an Ambassador who repetitively went the extra mile in an effort to support the Chamber this year. Rising beyond expectation or demand, this person was present, generous, and built long-lasting ties as a Chamber Ambassador.

Leadership Midlothian Alumni Award

Winner: Dr. David Belding (MISD)

This award honors an alumni of Leadership Midlothian, recognizing their cosistant dedication to acting as a leader to the community.

Gene Rodger Community Service Award

Winner: Manna House

Nominees: Jennifer Salzman, Wyatt Snider

The Gene Rodgers Community Service Award is given each year to recognize the outstanding citizen or group who displays exceptional dedication to our community through service above and beyond the norm.

New Member of the Year

Winner: The Dessert Bar

Nominees: Midlothian Marshals, Ink Craft Creative Designs

This award is given to a member who has joined the Midlothian Chamber within the last 12 months, who has enthusiastically promoted and supported the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce outstandingly, is a strong participant in the Chamber’s functions throughout the year (luncheon, annual events, ribbon cuttings, after hours, etc.), has encouraged other businesses to get involved in the Midlothian Chamber, and has demonstrated support of the community.

New Ambassador of the Year

Winner: Allie Freeman

This Ambassador joined the program in 2025, and jumped in headfirst. Volunteering, contributing, and acting as a true liason from the Chamber to the community without hesitation.