Herwanea Sirles, event committee co-chair, gave the opening remarks at the Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce Community Image Awards on Dec. 15 at the Rose Garden Center.

About 200 guests wore festive red and silver attire at the second annual Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce Community Image Awards on Friday night at the Rose Garden Center.

“It’s a great way to bring the community, businesses and individuals together at a common location to recognize those individuals for their accomplishments,” executive director Sandra Burns said. “It’s always good to give flowers where flowers are due.”

The Metro Chamber of Commerce is an innovative urban Chamber of Commerce committed to creating and developing economic growth and business opportunities in North Tyler and its surrounding communities.

The community chose nominees for recognition. From those nominated, the community voted for the top three in each category to receive an award.

“The winners that were chosen today were chosen by you, the community,” said Herwanea Sirles, event committee co-chair.

The Community Image Awards are a testament to the dynamic and adaptable business community. Recognizing businesses that don’t usually get attention is essential, and the Community Image Awards provides that opportunity, organizers said.

“The occasion is to celebrate all of you. That’s our special occasion to celebrate small businesses, empower you and thank you for your contribution to the community and for sharing your special gifts,” said Gladys Pettigrew, event committee co-chair.

The categories include banking and financial services, builder, civic organization, florist, food trucks, home health, insurance agency, new business, non-profit, pest control and school counselor.

“It’s an honor to have the community vote on the business that they want to receive this recognition,” Burns said.

First place in banking and finance services was awarded to Altra Federal Credit Union, second place went to Southside Bank and third place was awarded to Kelly Community Credit Union.

The first place builder was announced as Dew Custom Homes, second place was Ed Thompson Construction and third place went to Chris Cooper Homes.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Gamma Omicron Omega Chapter, was awarded first place civic organization; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Tyler Alumnae Chapter, placed second; and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Zeta Kappa Zeta Chapter placed third.

The Flower Box received first place florist, Flowers by Dora was second and Lyons Avenue Florist was third.

Heaven’s Rita was awarded first place for food truck, Soul BBQ was awarded second place and Juicy J’s Tex Melts was awarded third place.

GeGe’s Caring Heart was the first-place home health provider, Heart to Heart Hospice was second place and Hospice Plus placed third.

Joe Williams of Farmer was awarded first place insurance agent, Tim Jones with State Farm was awarded second place and Christopher Insurance Agency was third place.

NJ Beverage Service was the first place for new business.

Tyler ISD Foundation received first place for non-profit organizations, the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Kids of East Texas was second and Hope Haven of East Texas was third.

Manning Pest Control was the first place in pest control.

Dr. Sonya Warren of Clarkston Elementary/Tyler ISD was awarded first place for school counselor, Leigh Anne Barber of Whitehouse ISD received second place and Kelly Wilkes of Chapel Hill High School received third place.

Several business networking events are planned for 2024, including Jan. 23, March 6, May 28, July 23, Sept24 and Nov. 26. The chamber is open to all businesses and representatives encourage anyone to join.

People can apply for membership or view venue rentals by visiting metrochamberoftyler.org/membership-%2Fvenue-rentals.

“We are growing, and we would love for you all to grow with us,” interim president Wendu Minix said.

The Metro asks people to save the date for next year’s 2024 Community Image Awards, which are scheduled for Dec. 13, 2024.