The North Texas Chamber of Commerce announced its awards honorees this week for its ninth annual awards dinner in April.
The dinner, A Celebration of Excellence, recognizes the work that business community leaders have done for local LGBT community. The dinner is April 24 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.
This year’s honorees are:
Member Service Award: Gib Murray, Raytheon
Since the Chamber’s launch in 2005, Gib Murray has been an indispensable volunteer, leader, and mentor. During the past 9 years Gib has volunteered at nearly one hundred Chamber programs and events. Underscoring their commitment to education and future leaders, Raytheon, has sponsored the Chamber’s Emerging Leader Award each year since 2008. In 2013 Gib served as Board Chair of GLBT Leadership Education & Advocacy Program (LEAP), the Chamber’s scholarship & leadership development organization.
Supplier Diversity Champion: Tim & Thom DeWitt, OBOX Solutions, LLC
OBOX Solutions, owned by husbands Tim and Thom DeWitt, was an early participant in the LGBT Business Enterprise Certification program offered by the NGLCC (National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce). Since 2009, Tim & Thom have served on the NGLCC Procurement Council; in 2013 they were invited to join the NGLCC Corporate Advisory Council as well. Locally, Tim has served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors where he led supplier diversity and corporate relations programming.
Emerging Leader: Pam Bowers, Ph.D.
Pam Bowers’ first introduction to the Chamber was in 2011 when she was named one of the first GLBT LEAP scholars. In 2012 Pam became the first two-time recipient of a GLBT LEAP scholarship. Since completing her doctoral studies in late 2013 Pam has served on the GLBT LEAP Board of Directors, currently serving as Corporate Secretary and chair of the Scholarship Committee.
ExtrAA Mile Award sponsored by American Airlines: Caven Enterprises, Gregg Kilhoffer, president
Founded in 1981 by Frank Caven, Caven Enterprises is comprised of 5 clubs on and near Cedar Springs, The Mining Company (TMC), JR’s, Sue Ellen’s, Station 4 (S4), and the Rose Room. Caven Enterprises has been a continual source of support for multiple community organizations and causes. They provide direct funding as well as donations of auction items, and free use of club venues to more than thirty community organizations.
Corporate Ally: Wells Fargo Bank
Wells Fargo’s commitment to the GLBT community dates back to 1987, when sexual orientation was added to their nondiscrimination policy. Since then, Wells Fargo has contributed to millions of dollars to numerous LGBT/equality organizations while continuing to foster a culture of equality internally. From providing financial education for LGBT businesses to supporting hundreds of Pride events to early funding for HIV/AIDS research, Wells Fargo continues to show its commitment to the LGBT community.
Business of the Year: Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Rick Barton, owner
In 1984 Rick Barton and his brother David opened Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers on the corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton, what is now the heart of Dallas’ GLBT community. For thirty years Hunky’s has been feeding the community. On Cedar Springs, as well as their second location in the Bishop Arts district, Hunky’s menu has evolved to include turkey, buffalo, salmon and veggie burgers as well as a variety of non-burger choices. On any given day you’ll find Rick behind the counter working with the friendly staff, some who have been at Hunky’s for more than 25 years. In the community, Hunky’s is known for being a generous supporter of GLBT and community organizations and events. They’ve been recognized by D Magazine, Dallas Voice, and other publications’ “Best of” lists.