The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet to honor business excellence in the community Thursday night at the Amarillo Civic Center in downtown Amarillo.

Awarding excellence to top businesses, emerging businesses and the top 20 young professionals under the age of 40 years old, the event highlighted many of the business successes throughout Amarillo over the past year, celebrating many of the companies and leaders that are making Amarillo a strong market for business.

Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson took the stage to kick off the event, speaking about the great business opportunities that are being presented by the city that has been able to entice business owners to the region.

“I need you to tell your stories about your businesses in Amarillo,” Nelson said to the crowd. “Do not discount the power of your stories. Amarillo is garnering a national reputation as a city of opportunity. I love that rural America is being represented. It is time for our turn, our values and our work ethic. It's time for our story to be told. You and your business are a part of the historic growth of this city.”

Jason Harrison, president and CEO of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the event and the importance of recognizing business contributions and professionals within the community. He has been with the Chamber of Commerce since 2007 and has served as president for the past two years.

He said that more than 40 local businesses were in the running to be recognized for excellence, which was whittled down to the 14 businesses that stood out in the community to be honored.

“I think the most important thing about this event is seeing all of these businesses and individuals come together to support local businesses and the community,” Harrison said. “We are excited to be able to actually be able to meet in person after the past couple of years and recognize business achievement in the community.”

Harrison also spoke about the idea behind the top 20 under 40 honors.

“It is paramount that we honor our young professionals because these are our future leaders of this community,” Harrison added. “We need to recognize those excelling at showing their appreciation for their business and community.”

When speaking with some of those honored at the event, the one constant theme was an appreciation for being recognized by those who nominated and chose them.

Andrew Freeman, assistant city manager for Amarillo, spoke about the honor.

“It is an honor that I was nominated and recognized; I have been with the city now for five years and have worked with the city on a lot of great things,” Freeman said. “This is a great way of trying to recognize and keep these young professionals in the city."

Freeman said it is a great sign for the opportunities here in Amarillo and the young talent it has to offer.

Hope Stokes, director of marketing for the Amarillo Convention and Visitors Bureau and a lifetime Amarilloan, said that being recognized for her commitment to the city is just one of many reasons she plans to keep Amarillo as her home.

“I was born and raised in Amarillo. Growing up, I could not wait to get out of Amarillo, but once I started working in the community and really becoming a part of it, I learned that I love this community more than anything and I am so excited to give back to it," Stokes said. “Being honored by my fellow Amarilloans and businesspeople is such a massive honor for me.”

Stokes said that this event was a nice change of pace from the grind many in the business face, to recognize those contributing to its success.

“Amarillo has a had a problem for a long time with young talented professionals leaving the city. The Chamber of Commerce doing awards like this, showing recognition to young professionals, is a great thing to retain talent,” Stokes said.

Meaghan Collier, communications and marketing manager for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, said she was beyond honored for the recognition and glad to sneak into the category with her 40^th birthday coming up.

“I am so grateful for this honor; I am so passionate about this community and city," Collier said. “It is such a lovely honor to receive."

Asked about the importance of recognizing young professionals, Collier said: “It is important to invest in young professionals in the community, because having a really robust community is what carries cities and communities forward.”

Top 20 Under 40

• Russell Artho, EnergyNet

• Patricia Bara, M & R Package Store

• Cody Blair, Fire Slice Pizzeria

• Meaghan Collier, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

• Tanner Cook, Harwell and Cook Orthodontics

• Andrew Freeman, City of Amarillo

• Skylar Gallop, Raise Your Hand Texas

• Leif Kertis, ActionCOACH of West Texas

• Matt Marrs, Llano Real Estate Group

• Amanda Morgan, CNS Pantex

• Luke Oliver, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo

• Courtney Paschal, Street Toyota

• Angela Peterson, Turn Center

• Kristen Reneau, BSA CareXpress Urgent Care & Family Medicine Centers

• Amanda Schaumburg, Panda Speech and Language Services LLC

• Hope Stokes, Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Rene`e Stovall, Amarillo College

• Alyssa Vance, Parkhill

• Dr. Mackenzie Weir, Amarillo Family Eyecare

• Melissa Whitaker, Panhandle Regional Planning Commission-Area Agency on Aging

Top Businesses

• Amarillo Prestige Homes, LLC

• Amarillo STAT Care

• Butler Benefits & Consulting

• Carter Engine & Machine, Inc.

• Double U Marketing & Communications

• Et Cetera

• Huxford Group, LLC

• JY Logistics Company

• Optimal Physical Therapy

• Plains Plumbing Co., LLC

• Renu Painting

• Reserve by H. Reese Beddingfield

• Rosenbach Contractors

• Swann Animal Clinic

Top Emerging Businesses

• Floor Coverings International

• Pete's Greenhouse

• Sharpened Iron Studios

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Chamber of Commerce honors business excellence