Midland Chamber of Commerce unveils 2024 Annual Meeting Award honorees

Last month, the Midland Chamber of Commerce invited its members and the public to nominate outstanding individuals and businesses for its community awards. Now, it has unveiled the honorees.

The awards will be presented to the recipients at the Chamber’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. at the Bush Convention Center. The event sponsor is Priority Power, while the co-host is the Midland Development Corporation.

The Chamber said a panel of its board of directors and former chairpersons reviewed and judged the nominations. The 2024 honorees include:

Wynn Award: Bobby Burns

Former Mayor of Midland Robert E. Bobby Burns—also the retired president and CEO of the Chamber—has won the Wynn Award. According to the Chamber, the award recognizes individuals “whose sustained leadership and contributions in economic and community development have significantly impacted Midland.” Highlights of Burns’ achievements include playing a pivotal role in the development of Midland International Space Port, Loop 250, as well as the Scharbauer Sports complex.

Citizen of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Howard

Dr. Stephanie Howard, superintendent of the Midland Independent School District, has earned the first-ever Citizen of the Year Award. The award honors those who have made exceptional contributions to the community through leadership, volunteerism and advocacy over the past year, said the Chamber.  Dr. Howard has done just that; the MISD has thrived under her leadership, most notably her planning efforts surrounding the $1.4B school bond passed in November by Midland voters.

Heart of Midland Award/Small Business: Henry Resources LLC

The inaugural year for the Heart of Midland/Small Business award honors Henry Resources LLC as a business with 50 or fewer employees that integrates community service into its core operations. The business was founded 55 years ago by Paula and the late Jim Henry, and is recognized not only as an industry leader, but also a philanthropic one as well. The Chamber said that while the company has evolved throughout the years, “its commitment to community support remains steadfast.”

Heart of Midland Award/Large Business: Diamondback Energy

Midland-based Diamondback Energy is not only an oil and gas industry leader, but also one when it comes to improving the quality of life in the city and surrounding communities. In the inaugural year for the Heart of Midland Award/Large Business, Diamondback Energy is honored as a business with 51 or more employees that exemplifies outstanding community support.

The awards come as the Midland Chamber approaches the end of its centennial celebration. The Awards Luncheon will recognize the aforementioned honorees; introduce/install the Chamber’s new Board of Directors; reflect on the year’s accomplishments; and take a peek at future plans.

Table sponsorships and tickets can be purchased until Sept. 19. To register or for more information, click here or contact the Midland Chamber at info@midland.biz or call 432-683-3381.