BUDA — The Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Buda Economic Development Corporation, hosted the third annual Buda Business Appreciation event Thursday, May 8, celebrating local entrepreneurs and the impact of small businesses on the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
The event recognized outstanding businesses across 10 categories, honoring contributions to innovation, growth, community support and long-standing commitment to the Buda area. Chamber Executive Director Monica Davidson praised the honorees for their dedication and creativity.
"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community," Davidson said. "Today we celebrate not just their success, but their resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship that defines Buda."
Jacquie Martinez, assistant director of Small Business Initiatives for the Buda EDC, reflected on the organization’s two-decade history of economic leadership, noting that strategic investments and workforce development have made Buda a thriving business hub.
“Small business owners persevere. They adapt, they innovate and they find ways to thrive,” Martinez said. “We are proud to support so many of you in this room.”
During the program, Brian Dyer, assistant director of Development and Recruitment for the Buda EDC, announced a new initiative: the Sun Radio Southbound Music Series, launching May 23 in historic downtown Buda. The monthly free event will spotlight Texas roots music and promote local businesses.
Several businesses received awards for excellence in their categories:
• Home-Based Business of the Year: Sweet Cakes 4 U
• Community Spirit Award: City Limits Subaru
• Up-and-Coming Business of the Year: Teal House Coffee and Bakery
• Retail Business of the Year: Zoi Market
• Professional Services Business of the Year: Star Tex Real Estate
• Restaurant of the Year: Mudbugs – A Cajun Joint
• Manufacturer of the Year: Deep Eddy Vodka
• Deep Roots Business of the Year: Leif Johnson Ford of Buda
• Development Award: Steve Ogden, for Main Street redevelopment
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards: Moil Enterprise, Sunfield Hand Pies and Abuelita’s Bakery
Additional honors included the Rene Alcala Legacy Award, presented to Rebecca Acosta-Ojeda for her mentorship and community impact, and the inaugural Community Partnership of the Year award, given to Hays CISD and Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the first edition of their Buda Magazine, a collaborative publication between the chamber, the city, and the EDC designed to showcase the city’s growth, identity and culture. The cover photo, taken by local photographer Desiree Steele, features Stagecoach Park and captures Buda’s natural beauty and community spirit.
“This magazine is a celebration of Buda and a tool to share its story with the world,” said Jennifer Storm, president and CEO of the Buda EDC, one of the magazine’s coordinators.
For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, visit www.budaedc.com.
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