Lance Winter
KYLE — The Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual “Starlight & Spurs” Awards Gala Thursday, Feb. 19, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, community partners, volunteers and residents for an evening of celebration and recognition.
In her welcome remarks, Becca Hancock, president and CEO of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce, set the tone for the evening.
“On behalf of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to tonight’s awards gala,” Hancock said. “We are so honored to have our business leaders, entrepreneurs, community partners, volunteers and friends gathered together in one room to celebrate what makes Kyle such a remarkable place to live, work and grow.”
Hancock emphasized that while the evening is centered on recognition, it is equally about gratitude.
“We are here to celebrate businesses large and small, the innovators, the risk-takers, the job creators and the steady hands who show up every day committed to serving our community,” she said. “From startups chasing big dreams to established companies shaping our local economy, each of you plays a vital role in the success and spirit of Kyle.”
She also highlighted the critical role of volunteers in strengthening the chamber and the broader community.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this chamber,” Hancock noted. “You give your time, your ideas and your energy not for recognition, but because you believe in building something bigger than yourselves. Tonight, we have the privilege of saying thank you.”
The gala recognized outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Kyle community. This year’s honorees included:
• Ambassador of the Year – Jessie Clayton
• Emerging Business of the Year – Primrose School of Kyle
• Business of the Year (under 50 employees) – UFCU - Kyle Branch
• Business of the Year (more than 50 employees) – City Limits Subaru
• Trailblazer of the Year – David Johnson
• Nonprofit of the Year – Hays CISD Education Foundation
• Spirit of Kyle Award – Tony Arredondo
• Citizen of the Year – Betty Conley
Hancock closed by underscoring the power of collaboration within the business community: “The strength of our chamber — and our city — comes from collaboration,” she said. “When businesses support one another, when leaders step forward and when neighbors invest in their community, incredible things happen. That spirit is what we celebrate this evening.”
The “Starlight & Spurs” Awards Gala continues to serve as a signature event highlighting excellence, dedication and the bright future ahead for Kyle.
