What a wonderful night in the neighborhood!
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration was truly a night to remember. Each year, this evening gives us the opportunity to come together as a Chamber family, reflect on what we have accomplished and, most importantly, recognize some of the incredible people, businesses and organizations that make Abilene such a special place to call home.
This year’s theme, “A Night in the Neighborhood,” was especially fitting. A strong community is built by good neighbors: people who show up, lend a hand, invest in others and work every day to make their corner of the world a little better. Our 2026 award recipients embody that spirit.
The 2026 Abilene Chamber Awards Recipients:
Outstanding Citizens of the Year | Sponsored by Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Jay & Laura Moore
Chair’s Award | Sponsored by Hendrick Health
Jeff Goodin
Excellence in Agriculture | Sponsored by Taylor Telecom
Crissy Ward, Sadie Grace Farms
Redcoat of the Year | Sponsored by Fullerton & Associates, PLLC
Ernie Kight
Hispanic Business Council Champion | Sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Abilene
Helen Usera
Corporate Star | Sponsored by JACOB | MARTIN
Hendrick Health
Leadership Abilene Alumni Award | Sponsored by Action Professional Outsourcing
Bobbi Hanson
Military Affairs Council Award | Sponsored by Briercroft Fire & Water Restoration
Katie Alford
Nonprofit of the Year | Sponsored by First Financial Bank
Meals on Wheels
Mark Rogers Young Professional of the Year | Sponsored by AbiMar Foods, Inc.
Stephanie DeLaGarza
Congratulations to each of these deserving recipients. Their leadership, service and commitment are helping move Abilene forward, and we are grateful for the impact they continue to make throughout our community.
Of course, an evening like this does not happen on its own. Behind the scenes is an incredible group of volunteers who give their time, ideas, creativity and energy to bring it all together. Our Celebration Taskforce helped turn this year’s vision into a true “Night in the Neighborhood,” and we cannot thank them enough for the work they put into making the evening so special.
The 2026 Celebration Taskforce:
Kimberly Norman-Prater | Gary’s Floral Gallery
Mindi Nagy | Abilene Country Club
Arlene Poteet | ACN
Amy Carnes | American Cancer Society
Adam Lancaster | Coleman County State Bank
Jennifer Kent | Hendrick Health
Shannel Anderson | Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health
Christy Levo | TX Peacock Designs
Lizzie Dillard | Hendrick Health Foundation
Scott Werner | Rebound Sports & Physical Therapy
To our taskforce, sponsors, members, volunteers and everyone who joined us for this special evening: thank you.
Events like this remind me why I am so proud to serve this organization and this community. Abilene is filled with people who care deeply about their neighbors, their businesses and the future of our city. When those people come together, incredible things happen.
Congratulations again to our 2026 award recipients, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration a night we will not soon forget.
It truly was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Onward!