Ashley Kontnier
The Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Star Awards event at Dripping Springs Distilling Thursday, March 5. Various awards were presented to Dripping Springs businesses and individuals, including Business of the Year, presented to Dripping Springs Automotive.
Businesses open for three years or less vied for the Up & Coming Business award, including Dynamo Dusty’s Tree Service, Fire & Flow Pilates, The Girly Birds, Natkhat Flavors and Slice Street Pizza. “So many of you, and many of you who are in this room tonight, came week after week, day after day, despite the fact that we made your pizza wrong, despite the fact that we were 30 minutes or 40 minutes or three hours late to make your pizza,” said Slice Street Pizza owner Darius Aram, as he accepted the award. “I think that this would not be possible in any other community and this community is really something special.”
Prior to the awards, Chamber President Susan Kimball, left, was surprised to be recognized for her 10 years of service to the organization. “I wouldn't be standing up here today if it wasn't for Susan Kimball, as well as many people here wouldn't be so involved in the business community. And we are a very tight knit community. We are a special community and it is 100% because of this lady right here,” said chamber board chair Eustacio Lara.
The Dripping Springs Community Library was voted Non-Profit of the Year. Executive director Mindy Laird accepted the award and thanked attendees. “Looking out right now, I see friends. I see library volunteers; I see staff members. I see other nonprofits that support us; I see business supporters and sponsors. Everywhere I look is someone that has supported us. So, thank you so much,” she said.
For 2026, the Hometown Hero award was changed from an individual to an organization whose mission it is to support other organizations and nonprofits. The finalists were Dripping Springs Community Foundation, Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club, Dripping Springs Lions Club, Hill Country Rally for Kids and Rotary Club of Dripping Springs. “We thank each of you for giving of yourselves to serve this community. Tonight, your dedication does not go unnoticed,” said award presenter Stephanie Moody of Ally Medical. “The winner is Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club.”
Outstanding Customer Service Award winner Acopon Brewing Co. founder Dave Niemeyer, right, poses for a photo with the 2025 winner, Dr. Chae Tracy of Curis Functional Health. “This is, no offense to the other awards, but this is the most important one. If you don't have it, you're going to suffer,” Niemeyer said.
Bill Warren and Michelle Matthews of Pig Pen BBQ jointly accepted the award for Business Person of the Year. “These individuals exemplify what it means to be a true leader in business and their contributions have not only elevated their organizations, but have also enriched the broader Dripping Springs community,” said Paul Fletcher, CEO of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, when presenting the award.
