Members of the Sealy business community gathered yesterday at Maribelli Italian Ristorante for the Sealy Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon. Gary Chaney, Attorney at Law was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. “The Chamber sets aside time each year to honor its own, on behalf of the Sealy Chamber of Commerce welcome,” stated Chaney in his opening remarks.

First presentation of the day was to Bill’s Country Market. They were given the honored distinction as one of the recipients of the 2014 Business of the Year. Members of the Krampitz family were there to receive the plaque. David, Kevin, and Bubba Krampitz along with Debbie Krampitz Kutinac also received the Texas Treasure Business Award for 2014. This is awarded to multi-generational businesses by the Texas Historical Commission.

Stop-Wasting-Money-On-PrintThe second Business of the Year award was given to Riverside Tire. Bill Sodolak and daughter Angela received the award. Riverside Tire began as a mom and pop service station in 1940 and has grown to what it is today. The Sodolaks and their team at Riverside Tire now focus on tires and automotive services. Bill along with his wife Suzanne also added the billboard business in 1995.

The third Business of the Year award for 2014 was given to Sealy Tractor, Inc. Jeff Virnau and his mother Katherine accepted the award on behalf of Sealy Tractor. The Virnau family began farming in the area in 1944 and opened Virnau Machine shop in 1958. In 1961 they established the Massey Ferguson Dealership W.A. Virnau and Sons. There company motto is “Arrive as customers, Leave as Friends and Return as Family”.

The Sealy Chamber awarded Chris Schavrda Beckendorf the 2014 Star award for her lifetime devotion to community service. Ryan Svoboda was then ask to present the Employee of the Year award. This was given to Ruth Szymanski of Citizens State Bank. Peggy Jurek was given the Outgoing President’s award for her service to the Chamber as President.

Outgoing members of the Chamber of Commerce Directors were given awards for their service. Nancy McCready, Keith Oliver, and Eric Sepulveda all received awards for their services to the community at members of the Board of Directors.

Nancy James was named volunteer of the year by the Chamber of Commerce. “Nancy has been a very important part of the Sealy Chamber of Commerce for many years,” stated Chaney. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors and has chaired many committees and projects. “She is an individual that goes above and beyond in assisting the Chamber,” said Chaney.

This year the High Point Blue Blazer Award was given to Ryan Svoboda. The Blue Blazer Committee helps new businesses to become part of the business community in Sealy. They help guide them through their grand openings and ribbon cuttings.

Sam Johnson was awarded the lifetime achievement award. Nelly Flores received the award on behalf of Sam. Sam was a distinguished member of the community. As part of The Real Estate Company Sam and his wife Mary Jo were pillars to the Sealy business community. He was the owner of The Real Estate Company in Sealy, Texas at the time of his death. Family and friends adored him; unscrupulous foes feared and respected him. He adopted and mentored many, was a visionary who blazed trails and guided and gave back. Sam passed away in June of 2014. He was honored at the ceremony today by former Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey.

The final award of the day was given to Dr. Kannappan Krishna or Dr. K to those is the community that know him. He received the Pinnacle Award. Dr. K was given this award for his outstanding work in the community. Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski presented the award. “Dr. Krishna was born in a small town in India and his parents and brothers helped to put him through medical school. After practicing in India he with his wife Jothi and son Arun moved to Jamaica where he practiced pediatrics. In 1994 they moved to New York where he did his residency and training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In 1999 he started his practice in Sealy,” stated Bilski. Today Sealy Urgent Care employees 21 people and will be expanding their services to a 24 hour emergency Room for Austin County and surrounding areas. His dream is to see Sealy have a small community hospital and is fully self-sufficient in its healthcare needs. Dr. Krishna was honored with speeches made by Leroy Zapalac and Jeff Virnau. Both men told stories of Krishna’s service to his patience and to the community.

The Sealy Chamber of Commerce Awards luncheon closed with Gary Chaney thanking everyone for attending.