Connect - September/October 2023

ALSO INSIDE

Megan Buckley

megan.buckley@lufkindailynews.com

Advertising Director

Peggy Rains

peggy.rains@lufkindailynews.com

Contributors

Ginger Trotter

Burt Hairgrove

Tara Hendrix

Amanda Crocker

I love fall.

It’s probably my favorite season. Football is in full swing, fall flowers are being planted, pumpkins are out, an occasional fire is enjoyed and those crisp mornings make for a great way to start a day. Fall also means it’s once again time for the 39th Annual Texas State Forest Festival presented by Brookshire Brothers! Gather your friends and family and come enjoy the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rides, eat funnel cakes and ribeye sandwiches and enjoy one of our community’s long-standing traditions.

Our Dream Team has been working for almost a year planning this year’s event. We are so excited to bring new entertainment including The High diving Pirates, a Wild West Show, a Butterfly Encounter, petting zoo, and a huge carnival! This year we will feature live music from the time the gates open until they close on the Swinging Axe stage. Do you love to cook BBQ? If so, come join in the 2nd Annual Big Axe BBQ cook-off presented by Ferrara’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Also new to the festival this year is a Cool Zone presented by McWilliams. Mark your calendar and bring your family out to have fun with us September 14-17 at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center. Check out the feature story on this year’s festival for more details.

We are also honored to recognize some new faces to our community and SHOUT congratulations to some long-standing businesses who have been recently honored as the best in their field. Take time to read their stories and get to know some of the people who make our community so special.

Hope to see you around town and at the Texas State Forest Festival!

Tara Watson-Watkins President / CEO

September / October

CHAMBER CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

First Friday Luncheon

SponsoredbyLufkinCoca-ColaBottlingCo.

Texas State Forest Festival

SponsoredbyBrookshireBrothers

Power Networking Breakfast

SponsoredbySERVPROofLufkin/S.NacogdochesCounty

Elected Officials Reception

SponsoredbyONCOR

OCTOBER

First Friday Luncheon

SponsoredbyLufkinCoca-ColaBottlingCo.

Women's Networking Luncheon

SponsoredbyRegions

Farm Feast

SponsoredbyBrookshireBrothers

Power Networking Breakfast

SponsoredbySERVPROofLufkin/S.NacogdochesCounty

Formoredetails,visitLufkinTexas.org.

Celebrating Excellence in Business and Healthcare

The spirit of achievement and dedication to excellence will take center stage at the upcoming 3rd Annual Celebrate Business: Chamber Business Awards, hosted by the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious event is poised to recognize and honor outstanding contributions in the business and healthcare sectors, showcasing the remarkable efforts of companies and individuals that have left an everlasting mark on the community.

Scheduled for November 9, 2023, at the historic Pines Theater in Downtown Lufkin, the awards ceremony promises an evening of celebration, gratitude, and recognition. The doors will open at 6 PM, with the award ceremony scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.

The Chamber's vision of acknowledging remarkable entities and individuals in the local business and healthcare landscape has culminated in the presentation of several noteworthy awards. The Chamber will honor three distinct business categories: Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees), Medium Business of the Year (11-50 employees), and Large Business of the Year (51+ employees). This multi-tiered

approach ensures that businesses of all sizes are appreciated for their unique contributions to the area's economic vibrancy.

In addition to business accolades, the awards program underscores the Chamber's commitment to community well-being by recognizing the exceptional work of nonprofits with the Nonprofit of the Year award. Healthcare, a crucial pillar of any community, is also celebrated with the Salute to Healthcare awards, encompassing categories like Nurse of the Year, Individual of Merit, Healthcare Professional of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement in Medicine.

A testament to the event's significance is the Diplomat of the Year and Chamber Champion Awards, reserved for two individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Chamber's mission and goals.

To ensure a comprehensive selection process, the Chamber encourages nominations through accessible online nomination forms available on their website, LufkinTexas.org. Nominations will be accepted until 5 PM on October 27, 2023.

CELEBRATE BUSINESS

Ribbon Cuttings

Who doesn’t love carnival rides, one-of-a-kind thrill shows, live music, good food, BBQ, cheer, and so much more? Mark your calendar for the 39th Texas State Forest Festival presented by Brookshire Brothers, September 14-17. This year promises to be better than ever!

Get ready to be thrilled and more entertained than ever before. Join us as we open the gates Thursday, September 14, at 5 PM with the carnival rides ready for you to jump on. Don’t want to run straight to the rides? Join us at the Swinging Axe stage and listen to non-stop live entertainment. We are thrilled to partner with Visit Lufkin and Service Master to provide music the entire 4 days of the festival. At 6:30PM Thursday, officials will present the city with the Music Friendly designation. It’s going to be a fun filled evening!

Do you love classic cars, trucks, jeeps, and motorcycles? Come out Friday night for The Pineywoods Classic Car Show presented by BOM Bank. The awards presentation will begin around 8 PM. Saturday is also sure to be busy this year. The 4th Annual Lumber-JACKED 5K & Fun Run, presented by S&W Expert Collision Repair, will kick off the festivities bright and early at 8 AM on Saturday, Sept. 16. Runners will travel around the scenic Ellen Trout Memorial Lake. The registration fee is $20 for ages 13 and up and $15 for children 12 and under. Registration and the race map can be found on the website at www. texasstateforestfestival.com/forms

Come join us in the evening for a cold adult beverage and eat some fabulous food including a famous Ribeye Sandwich, ribs, turkey legs, BBQ, pizza or delicious Mexican food. There will be a wide variety of food vendors to satisfy any appetite. Back by popular demand is the

Bear Hollow Wood Carver, so be sure to stop by and see the incredible wood carvings, which will be available to take home with you. Bring the kids by the face painting booth, Game Bus, or Children’s Festival area sponsored by Angelina Beautiful Clean and the Texas Forestry Museum. Want to cool down from the heat? Hop into the Chill Out Zone provided by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. For all those who love shopping, the Vendor Market Day will be held throughout the day, Saturday, as attendees find the perfect gift for a loved one or themselves. Dozens of commercial vendors will be open to shop with an array of items on display. So, bring your wallet, it is sure to be a fabulous day for browsing and shopping!

Do you love to cook? Do you love to compete? We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Big Axe BBQ Competition, presented by Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning, will be on Saturday, Sept 16. This year the competition is kicking it up a notch and is joining forces with the IBCA. Cookers can compete and earn points for the Houston Livestock Show with either wood fire or pellet smokers and have the opportunity to compete in 3 categories—beef brisket, chicken, and spareribs.

Taking center stage at 1 PM on Sunday, September 17, come enjoy the East Texas Cheerleading & Pom/Dance Championships, presented by Integra Insurance. Fill the stands and cheer for your favorite High School or Middle School team. This fun activity is always a crowd pleaser!

New and Exciting Shows and Competitions

During all 4 days of the Texas State Forest Festival, you will have multiple opportunities to see our amazing new shows. Come watch Pirates walk the plank and dive into a pirate ship! This high diving show features twin high dive

towers, 4 Olympic style springboards, two inflatable pirate ships and a main stage. This high energy show will tell a salty tale of Pirates on the search for Treasure Island. Who doesn’t love a butterfly garden? Come bring your kids and explore the Butterfly Encounter. Over 300 butterflies will be on display as you walk through a screened-in exhibit where you will have an opportunity to observe them and feed them nectar.

Take a light-hearted trip back to the Wild West with Tumbleweed Crossing, where laughs fly like bullets and hilarity is the law of the land! This Old West town comes to life with a 25-minute show filled with thrilling stunts, crowd pleasing family friendly comedy, and special effects. The good guys always win, and the audience always laughs. Want to get up close and personal with live animals? Come enjoy our incredible petting zoo, back by popular demand.

Hours for the Festival are Thursday and Friday, 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM, and Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM. Check out www.TexasStateForestFestival.com for entry forms, ticket prices, ways to volunteer, and schedules.

Five TOP Performances Come to Lufkin in the Next 60 Days

The Angelina Arts Alliance is launching their 2023-2024 Season with five outstanding live performances during the next 60 days. The lineup of world-class live entertainment coming to Lufkin has something for everyone. Both the Temple Theater Performing Arts Series, and Pines Presents Series begin with country music royalty. T. Graham Brown will take the stage at the Pines Theater on September 14. The Roots & Boots tour kicks-off the Temple Theater season on October 1 featuring Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, and Sammy Kershaw. It is certain to be another season of outstanding artists and performances LIVE FROM LUFKIN!

PINES THEATER:

September 14, 7 PM

T. Graham Brown is a legendary singer with a unique sound that has been compared to both George Jones and Otis Redding. With 15 studio albums and more than 35 chart-topping singles, he has made an indelible mark on the music industry since 1986. His hits like "I Tell It Like It Used To Be," "Hell and High Water," and "Wine Into Water" are just a few of his.

TEMPLE THEATER:

October 1, 7:30 PM

ROOTS AND BOOTS TOUR - Collin Raye, Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw are three of the biggest names in country music, and they're coming together for the Roots and Boots Tour! This show is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these legendary artists perform some of their biggest hits, including "Workin' Man's Ph.D.," "In This Life," and "Third Rate Romance." Don't miss out on this incredible night of country music!

October 8, 2 PM

iLUMINATE- This show will take you on an exhilarating ride of music, dance, illusion, technology, and comedy. That's sure to leave you breathless and wanting more. iLuminate has been featured on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The X-Factor, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

PINES THEATER:

October 19, 7 PM

AN EVENING WITH LUCIA MICARELLI & LEO

AMUDEO - American violinist and star of the Hit series

HBO series “Treme,” Lucia Micarelli teams up with Grammy nominated guitarist Leonardo Amuedo to present “An Evening with Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amudeo.”  Working alongside artists such as Barbara Streisand, Chris Botti, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Diamond, their music has been heard all over the world. This duo will take you on a musical journey from classical to contemporary that will mesmerize and captivate you for the night.

November 4, 7 PM

TITO PUENTE JR. AND HIS LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Tito Puente Jr. has found captive audiences who echo his passion for Latin music. Son of the legendary American salsa and Latin jazz musician Tito Puente, Tito Jr. has carried on his father’s passion for Latin music and determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father. Experience exhilarating Latin rhythms that will keep you moving all night!

All remaining single tickets for the entire 2023-2024 season are on sale now Online at angelinaarts.org, by phone at 936.633.5454, and at the Angelina Arts Box Office, located at 108 S. First Street in Lufkin. For the latest information, and full show descriptions visit angelinaarts.org.

Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which enrich, engage, and educate the community.

For even more entertainment updates follow Angelina Arts on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, & YOUTUBE. To receive e-mail updates or brochures by mail call 936-633-5454 Monday – Friday 11 AM - 5 PM.

TIRE

DAY

9 a.m. to noon

OCT. 21, 2023

City of Lufkin Waste/Regional Recycling Center 500 Southpark Drive

Bring up to 4 tires at no charge

$2 each additional car or light truck tire

Semi-truck tires $5 each Semi-truck tires NOT included in the 4 free tires No off-road tires accepted Tires with rims will be a $5 charge

NO business drop off

Electronics, batteries, oil will NOT be collected at this event.

If you have electronics you want to recycle, bring them to the recycling center Monday - Friday. between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Questions? Call 936-632-5326 or email kshrout@lufkintexas.org

Greetings from the Expo!

By Burt Hairgrove

It seems as though Summer 2023 is just about over. Although it is still hot, most folks are getting ready to head back to school and summer vacations are over. The youth rodeo season tracks right along with the school year, so you will start to see lots of trucks and horse trailers heading around the loop to the Expo.

But, before the rodeo action heats up, we have some exciting announcements about upcoming events! On September 8-9 the Jeepin’ for Jesus Jeep and Overlander Show returns. The gates are open from 10am to 3pm each day for this family friendly event. This is a rain or shine event with a ‘flex ramp’, car crush, and food vendors. To learn more, go to www.jeepinforjesus.com.

The Texas State Forest Festival is here! September 14-17 are the best days to come to the Expo all year. There are fun carnival rides, with lots of food and entertainment. Did you know that the Texas State Forest Festival is an awardwinning event and recognized by the Texas Association of Fairs and Events? In addition to the rides and food, the entertainment lineup is great this year. Don’t miss the Big Axe BBQ Competition and the Lumber-Jacked 5K & Fun Run on Saturday the 16th. Come support the East Texas Cheerleading and Pom /Dance Championships. Be sure to get your ribeye steak sandwich from the gentlemen of The Roundtable. You can enjoy some live music in the beer garden and food court and watch woodcarvers showcase their talents. It is going to be a great Forest Festival! To learn more go to www.texasforestfestival.com.

As October gets going we have the Texas High School Rodeo Association coming to Lufkin to compete October 7-8. The very next weekend sees the return of the Pineywoods Youth Rodeo Association. The Expo will host Texas Horse Sales Fall auction on October 20-22. The Ark-La-Tex Longhorn Association will have their annual show on October 27-29. Believe me, these are some of the best examples of a classic Texas breed to be seen anywhere.

Make sure to come out and attend some of these great events!

As always, See you at the Expo!

Leadership 101

As you continue to ascend to new levels in your work development, it is critical that your leadership strengths grow along with you. By participating in any of our leadership programs, you will be exposed to cutting-edge leadership strategies, practices, and tools. We want to help you leverage next- level practices to achieve your career and organizational goals.

Whether it is our 9-month Leadership Lufkin and Leadership Tomorrow programs, the 6-month Leading Edge Program, or becoming a member of the Leadership Lufkin Alumni, each program attracts participants from a wide-variety of industries, organizations and fosters a dynamic learning environment. Class participants will learn from subject matter experts about issues most important to our future through educational experiences and discussions. Participants will learn more about the Lufkin community and come away with ways to plug in and give back. The best part is you will come away with new business partners and have the potential to make lifetime friendships.

LEADERSHIP TOMORROW

The Leadership Tomorrow program was developed for area high school juniors and gives students the opportunity to learn about Lufkin/Angelina County firsthand. These students will build important skills for interacting with future employers, explore opportunities that exist for their futures in this area, and to give back to the community through volunteer service projects. The year kicks off with a welcome reception with their parents, sponsors, and school personnel, followed by a day of team building and getting to know one another. This year, a Leadership Forum was added, a day where students will hear from local professionals about their career journeys and what leadership means. Five additional sessions will follow throughout the school year where students will build their leadership skills and learn about social services, healthcare, education, local economy and government in Angelina County.

LEADING EDGE

This leadership program is designed to empower individuals for lifelong community engagement and leadership through nonprofit board service. Throughout the six-month program, participants meet monthly

for board governance leadership training, facilitated by the Angelina College Center for Nonprofit Leadership. Each Leading Edge member is also provided with an accomplished mentor to provide valuable insight and share their own nonprofit experience. Shadowing a local nonprofit board rounds out the leadership training under the Leading Edge program. Upon completion, graduates obtain a certificate in Board Governance from Angelina College and the opportunity to be placed into a board bank.

LEADERSHIP LUFKIN

The Leadership Lufkin program is designed to identify and educate existing and potential leaders in the Lufkin/Angelina County community. Day-long sessions introduce the class to different aspects and issues within the county. A leadership training segment is also included in each day’s session. In addition to the session days and leadership training, the program requires each participant to attend a two-day opening retreat, a three-day trip to Austin to study state government and host the Lufkin/Angelina County Day reception, and a five-hour volunteer shift at the Texas State Forest Festival. Each class member also attends a City Council Meeting, an Angelina County school board meeting, a County Commissioner’s meeting, and a Lufkin Police Department Ride-Along. Commitment to community service is then demonstrated through a class project that is carried out from start to finish during the nine-month program.

LEADERSHIP LUFKIN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Anyone who has successfully completed the Leadership Lufkin program is eligible for alumni membership. With over 900 graduates of the program, the alumni association serves to be a resource within the community by providing members with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills through educational programs, contribute to scholarships for Leadership Lufkin and Leadership Tomorrow, establish professional networking and new friendships, and reconnect with classmates. If you are a graduate of Leadership Lufkin and not yet a member of the alumni association, you can join for $40 annually, or become a lifetime member for $500. For more info on leadership programs, or to become a member of the alumni association, email Admin@LufkinTexas.org.

The graduates of the Leading Edge Class of 2023 are pictured during their recent graduation ceremony at Ralph & Kacoo’s in Lufkin in June 2023.

INCOMING CLASSES OF 2023-2024

HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Charles Bryan, BioLinked

LUFKIN HIGH SCHOOL

Savannah Brightwell, Rebecca C. Brightwell, PLLC

sponsored by Chick-fil-A South Loop Crossing

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Addison Boulware, Overseas Hardwoods Company

Keyla Contreras, Lehmans Pipe & Steel Inc

Alexandrea Foy, Double S Industrial Contractors

Wyatt Graham, Integra Insurance Services

Jacob Matthews, Restaurant Services

Price Weiblinger, Alexander, Lankford, Hiers Inc

DIBOLL HIGH SCHOOL

Jaydn Burns, Solitaire Homes

HUDSON HIGH SCHOOL

Jenna Easley, Kenley Properties LTD

Remi Radke, Lee TranServices, Inc

Claire Stanford, Denman Avenue Baptist Church

Savannah Trevathan, East Texas Veterinary Clinic

Elliott Winston, Smitty's Car Wash

Sacorian Gardner, Embrace It

Timera Garett, Commercial Bank of Texas

Joel Hernandez, Oncor

Karisma Herrera, Brookshire Brothers

Peyton Jelinek, Jay Jackson - State Farm Insurance

Brynn Jones, Just Kidding Around

Clara Keath, Jason S. Armstrong, P.L.L.C.

Reagan McDonald, 6 Degrees Wealth

Samantha Nichols, Susan's Studio of Dance

Alexis Pelletier, Lexy Trucking LLC

Lucas Robertson, Lufkin Gears, LLC

Lincoln Shirley, Austin Bank

Landon Smith, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

Sidnee Thompson, Angelina Title LLC

PINEYWOODS COMMUNITY ACADEMY

Lynzie Thompson, Southside Bank

ST. CYPRIAN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Oscar Cruz, Century 21 Cota Realty

sponsored by Community Title

Sandi Adams, FITT LIFE

Jessica Baker, Hospice in the Pines

Helena Barchenger, Southside Bank

Misty Blier, Mama Bears Cleaning Crew LLC

Ethan Boyd, Edward Jones Investments

Jessica Bravo Moran, Regions Bank

Thomas Brown, St. Luke’s Health - Memorial Lufkin

Brittinee Handy, Grand Luxe Realty Co.

Landon Lohmann, RoyOMartin - Corrigan OSB LLC

Jaylon Mark, Joe Hancock: Allstate Insurance

Dakota Marks, Reach Behavioral Therapies

Blane McBride, Brookshire Brothers

Pam McCain, The Blood Center East Texas

Josh Moore, Conterra Networks

Colleen Murray, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

Mandy Pinner, McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Ashlyn Reece, The Advanced Financial Group

Randy Roberts, Angelina College

Cory Robertson, JM Chevrolet

Will Rothhauser, UBank

Javier Rubio, Commercial Bank of Texas

Travis Smith, Georgia Pacific

Nolan Smith, Oncor

Angela H. Spencer, Heart to Heart Hospice

Wendy Williams, GANN MEDFORD Real Estate, Inc.

Chamber Investors

Congratulations

THE BEST AUTO/TRANSPORTATION

• Best Automotive Dealership-New Cars –JM Chevrolet

• Best Boat/Watercraft Dealer – Ross Motorsports

• Best Car Wash – Smitty’s Car Wash

• Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle – Ross Motorsports

• Best Place to Buy an ATV – Ross Motorsports

• Best Place to Get an Oil Change – JM Chevrolet

• Best Tractor Dealer – Hammer Equipment

THE BEST FOOD & DRINK

• Best Bakery – Farmhouse Bakery

• Best Barbecue – Stringer’s Lufkin Bar-B-Q

• Best Bread/Rolls – Texas Roadhouse

• Best Breakfast – Lone Star Charlie’s Family Restaurant

• Best Chicken – Chick-fil-A

• Best Chicken Fried Steak – Cotton Patch Café

• Best Corn Dog – Royal Dog

• Best Cup of Coffee – The Standpipe Coffee House

• Best Dessert – Farmhouse Bakery

• Best Drive-Thru – Chick-fil-A South Loop Crossing

• Best Fajitas – Café Del Rio

• Best Fast Food - Chick-fil-A South Loop Crossing

• Best Food Truck – TnT Smokehouse

• Best French Fries – McDonald’s

• Best Hamburger – Ray’s Drive-In Café

• Best Happy Hour – Sonic Drive-In

• Best Home Cooking – Cotton Patch Café

• Best Hot Dogs – Wienerschnitzel

• Best Iced Tea – Chicken Express

• Best Italian Food – Roma Italian Bistro

• Best Lunch under $10 – Chick-fil-A South Loop Crossing

• Best Margarita - Guacamole’s Mexican Grill & Cantina

• Best Meat Market – Massingill’s Meat Market

• Best Mexican Food – Café Del Rio

• Best Quesadillas – Café Del Rio

• Best Queso – Café Del Rio

• Best Ribs – Bodacious Bar-B-Q

• Best Sandwiches/Subs – McAlister’s Deli

• Best Seafood – Pelican Pointe

• Best Specialty Food Store – The White Peacock

• Best Steaks – Texas Roadhouse

• Best Tacos – Taco Casa

• Best Wine List (Restaurant) – Restoration Bistro

THE BEST PEOPLE

• Best Attorney – Maira F. Carillo

• Best Bank Teller – Marvin Carpenter, UBank

• Best Bookkeeper – Axley & Rode

• Best Electrician – Alexander Electric, Inc.

• Best Financial Consultant – David Jenkins, VeraBank

• Best Florist – Liza’s Garden

• Best Insurance Agent – Shawn Woods, Morgan &

to our Chamber Investors who were voted The Best of Lufkin 2023.

BBS Insurance Agency

• Best Local Radio Personality – Danny Merrell, KYKS

• Best Mortgage Lender – Philip Price, Premier Nationwide Lending

• Best Real Estate Agent – Brittinee Handy, Grand Luxe Realty Co.

• Best Waitstaff – Karina Garcia, Café Del Rio

THE BEST HEALTH & FITNESS

• Best Assisted Living/Retirement Community –PineCrest Retirement Community

• Best Chiropractor – Keven M. Ellis, DC

• Best Dentist – David T. Palmer, DDS & Amy L. Ross, DDS

• Best Dentist Office – Palmer & Ross Dental Group

• Best Emergency Room – Woodland Heights Medical Center

• Best Home Health Agency – A Pineywoods Home Health Care

• Best Hospice Care Agency – Hospice in the Pines

• Best Hospital – Woodland Heights Medical Center

• Best MRI Center – Dedicated MRI Center

• Best Nursing Home – PineCrest Retirement Community

• Best Orthodontist – Speaker Orthodontics

• Best Orthopedic Care – Dedicated Orthopedic Center of East Texas

• Best Pediatrician – George Fidone, MD, The Children’s Clinic

• Best Pharmacist – Gabe Guijarro, RPh, Lufkin Pharmacy & Co.

• Best Pharmacy – Lufkin Pharmacy & Co.

• Best Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation – St. Luke’s Health Memorial Outpatient Therapy Clinic

• Best Place to Buy Hearing Aids – Audiological Services

• Best Place to Have a Baby - Woodland Heights Medical Center

• Best Place to Workout – FittLife

• Best Urgent Care (Free Standing) – Dedicated Medical Center & Urgent Care

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Best Air Conditioning/Heating Service –McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

• Best Apartment Community – Greenbriar Apartments

• Best Bank – UBank

• Best Caterer – Tome Catering

• Best Church – Timber Creek Church

• Best Cleaning Service – Mama Bears Cleaning Crew LLC

• Best Credit Union – GENCO Federal Credit Union

• Best Day Care Center – First Christian Church Preschool

• Best Employment Service – Express Employment Professionals

• Best Event/Party/Wedding Venue – Shelton’s Place

• Best Foundation Repair Company – East Texas Slab Masters

• Best Funeral Home – Carroway Funeral Home

• Best Gutter Company – JD’s Gutters

• Best Home Automation System – Sound Techs

• Best Home Theater Installation Company – Sound Techs

• Best Insurance Agency – Morgan & Bartlett, Baggett & Shands Insurance Agency

• Best Law Firm – Skelton, Slusher, Barnhill, Watkins & Wells, PLLC

• Best Locksmith Company – Billy Lee’s Locksmith Service

• Best Marketing/Advertising Agency – Lemon Seed Marketing

• Best Nail Salon – Rose Nail & Spa

• Best Plumbing Company – Truss & Son Plumbing

• Best Pressure Washing Company – Lopez Pressure Washing

• Best Private School – St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School

• Best Real Estate Agency – Century 21 Cota Realty

• Best Septic Services – Strickland Septic Services

• Best Title Company – Security & Guaranty Abstract Co.

THE BEST OF SHOPPING

• Best Antique Store – Amazing Grace Antiques

• Best Grocery Store – HEB

• Best Hardware/Home Improvement Store – Abney & Sons Hardware Inc.

• Best Home Décor – A Furniture Fetish

• Best Local Attraction – Ellen Trout Zoo

• Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings – Carpets by Curiosity

• Best Place to Buy Formal/Prom/Wedding Attire –Rubie & Jane Formal Wear

• Best Place to Buy Furniture – A Furniture Fetish

• Best Plumbing Supplies/Showroom – Truss & Son Plumbing

• Best Resale Shop – A Furniture Fetish

• Best T-Shirt/Graphic/Sign Shop – AAA Trophy & T-Shirt Shop

New Faces

New Faces

Angelina Arts Alliance Welcomes New Executive Director

Jansen Davis, a seasoned arts executive, has joined the Angelina Arts Alliance as its Executive Director beginning August 1, 2023. Davis comes to Lufkin from the Salt Lake City, Utah area where he served as the Executive Director of CenterPoint Legacy Theater, a large non-profit community theater, for eleven years. CenterPoint was recognized as Utah’s “Best in State” community theater from 2020 – 2022. Davis also served for eight years on the board of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, including as Vice-Chair and Chair of this state agency that coordinates and advises on topics of importance to arts and museum organizations in Utah. He also served as a member of the Davis County Tourism Tax Advisory Board for six years. Davis grew up in the Salt Lake City area and studied musical theater and business at the University of Utah. He is joined in Lufkin by his wife Tara, now a Lufkin Middle School STEM teacher. For more information, call Ginger Trotter at 936.699.5212, visit angelinaarts.org or email ginger@angelinarts.org. Stay informed – ‘like’ Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook, and Instagram.

New AB/C director takes the reigns

Kelly Davis Shrout, a former resident of East Texas and Hudson High School graduate, has returned home to assume the role of executive director at Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C). After more than two decades in corporate communications and marketing in Nashville, Tennessee, Shrout and her husband sought change following a health scare. They transitioned to a simpler lifestyle, with Shrout leaving her full-time job to explore floristry and become a certified master gardener.

Shrout's decision was cemented by her proximity to a school shooting incident, leading her to prioritize safety and authenticity. She emphasizes the enduring values of hard work and ethics in Lufkin, contrasting the hustle of big city life. Her diverse experiences, including corporate work and entrepreneurship, have equipped her for the challenges of her new role.

As AB/C's executive director, Shrout's immediate goals include securing grants for educational purposes and rallying local businesses to fund beautification projects. She intends to engage the younger generation in environmental matters and plans to address recycling and litter challenges. Shrout's determination fuels her advocacy for community support and involvement.

Shrout envisions a vibrant East Texas community and encourages collaboration to enhance its quality. To connect with AB/C, interested individuals can visit AngelinaBeautifulClean.org or contact (936) 632-5326.

JUNE FIRST FRIDAY LUNCHEON presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

JUNE POWER NETWORKING BREAKFAST presented by SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches, sponsored by Elite Medical Home Care

CHEERS WITH THE CHAMBER hosted by PineCrest Retirement Community

JUNE WOMEN’S NETWORKING LUNCHEON presented by Regions Bank

CHEERS WITH THE CHAMBER hosted by Alzheimer's Association

CHEERS WITH THE CHAMBER hosted by St. Luke’s Health Memorial

JULY FIRST FRIDAY LUNCHEON presented by Lufkin Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

JULY CHAMBER UNIVERSITY sponsored by Lufkin Economic Development Corporation, Etech and Rise Marketing

WOMEN'S NETWORKING BREAKFAST, presented by Regions Bank, hosted by PineCrest Retirement Community