HOUSTON – The North Channel Chamber held their 39th annual Awards Banquet and Member Gala, last Saturday night at the Marriott Gulf Freeway. Featured speaker was Grant Taylor, of TV’s Buck Commander, and the TV program Duck Dynasty.
The evening was focused on the members of the Chamber, who received recognition and awards for their contributions to the Chamber.
About 250 persons attended the event, whose major sponsor was Platinum Copier Solutions.
Taylor spoke to the audience about his experiences after joining the Buck Commander group in 2011, and the phenomenal interest the public has in their group. He said at the peak of their popularity, they have had 11 million viewer of their program.
Taylor told of how a small, obscure company known as Duck Commander went from producing 10 duck calls a day, to handling 5000 orders a day, and how it became a household name with the TV show “Duck Dynasty.” The program is essentially a hunting show, shown on the Outdoor Channel.
In 2013 they sold 1.3 million duck calls, more than all the hunters in the country combined.
In explaining why the show is so successful, he notes that it is funny, relatable, and appeals to an outdoorsman’s spirituality.
A new and returning board of directors was sworn in by Constable Ken Jones. Retiring board members Allatia Harris, and Greg Ollis, were recognized for their service.
Ken Jones received a Great Seal award for his service to the community.
The Ambassador of the Year award went to Charlotte Jackson of San Jacinto College.
The Board Member of the Year was awarded to Joe Stephens.
Committee Member of the Year was Allatia Harris of San Jacinto College.
Two Business of the Year were recognized with awards: Mike Williams of Edward Jones, and Ronnie Dwairy of Bestway Oilfield.
The Dr. Ed Lehr Chairman’s award, named for the first chairman of the chamber, was awarded to Lucia Bates of LB Marketing Solutions.
The evening closed with remarks and thank-you’s from the outgoing chairman, Kim Gonzalez, and introductory remarks from the new chairman, Lucia Bates.
Silver sponsors of the Gala included CenterPoint Energy, East Houston Regional Medical Center, Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, LyondellBasell, Physicians ER, Port of Houston Authority, United Community Credit Union, and Woodforest National Bank.