The 61st Kingsland/ Lake LBJ Chamber Awards Banquet & Ceremony, held on Feb. 20, at Log Country Cove, brought out hundreds of members and their guests, Burnet and Llano County leaders and international titleholders on a wintry night.
The highlight of the evening, presented by chamber president Andy Virdell and other board members, was the recognition of outstanding businesses and individuals in the community.
Award Winners
Nelly Griffin, Person of the Year, based on her contributions to the community, participation in community activities, and cooperation with individuals and civic organizations. She also serves as the Spanish director at the Pregnancy and Life Center; Derek Timmons, last year’s winner, presented the award to her.
Spyke’s BBQ received the Business of the Year award. The successful business has been owned by the Yow family since 2017 when they purchased from the restaurant from its long-time owners. Billy and Lindsey Yow and their daughter, who accepted the award from Angie and Darla Godfrey, representing last year’s winner, Reflections Day Spa & Salon.
Full Throttle was awarded New Business of the Year. Owners of this new business, Kathy and Kevin Todd Lawdermilk and Scott Westlund, are true community partners in their support of our community park and many other advocacy efforts. Cindy Burleson, owner of last year’s winner, The Thirsty Armadillo, gave the award.
Sharing the Harvest was named Organization of the Year. The nonprofit served over 28,000 individuals and 8,032 households in 2024 – twice the number as two years ago. Accepting the award from last year’s winning organization, the Kingsland Boys & Girls Club, were board members and volunteers Cynthia Green, Tammy Manning, Michelle Wilkins and Debbie Winters.
Invited Dignitaries
Among the Burnet and Llano dignitaries invited to share the evening were: Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham; Carol Cunningham, representing Congressman August Pfluger’s office (U.S. Dist.
11); Llano County Sheriff Marquis Cantu and his wife, Sarah; Llano County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Deb Edwards, and her husband, Bill; Llano County Pct. 3 Constable Tim McLean and his wife, Nicole; KMUD President Dianne Wolfington; Llano County Treasurer Cheryl Regmund; Blair Manning, director of Tourism for Burnet County; Stephanie McCormick, representing Burnet County.
Special Guests
Special guests also included representatives from the AquaBoom court who helped sell the raffle tickets.
The Royal International pageant winners, Madeline Grace Asbell, Miss Role Model Junior Teen, and Maia Wain, Miss Junior Teen.
As advocates for youth empowerment and caregiving awareness, Madeline and Maia use their platforms to inspire young people to make a difference. Madeline, who recently spearheaded efforts to establish Feb. 14 as Caregiving Youth Awareness Day in Texas, has been recognized by Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Pete Flores (SD-24) and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson for her work.
Sponsors
This annual red carpet affair would not be possible without our sponsors: Big Easy Saloon, Boat Town, Danna Lawn & Tree Service, Goliath Luxury Homes and Log Country Cove as well raffle prize donors and volunteers.
