Walters Chamber Of Commerce Announce Todd Pyle 2019 Citizen Of The Year

Thursday, February 20, 2020 Chamber President William McKay opened the Walters Chamber of Commerce Banquet with welcoming everyone. Vice Mayor David Mitchell, Councilman Steve McCammon, District 1 County Commissioner Mike Woods and State Representative Chris Kidd were in attendance at the banquet. Invocation was given by Jack Jacob. The nights entertainment was a JukeBox provided by PeePaws Restaurant.

This years Chamber Banquet was a western theme.

The meal was catered by PeePaws Restaurant, with BBQ and all the trimmings and Peach Cobbler for dessert. It was all wonderful.

It was up to those in attendance to choose the Best Dressed Cowgirl/Cowboy and Best Dressed Couple. Vice President Lacy Edgmon and President William McKay had the pleasure of giving out the awards for Best Dressed Cowgirl / Cowboy and Best Dressed Couple. The awards went to Best Dressed Cowgirl - Sheri Davis, Best Dressed Cowboy, Heath Morgan and the Best Dressed Couple went to Gerald and Sue Hayes.

Citizen of the Year was presented by Benne Brewer and 2018 Citizen of the Year Kody McDowell.

The selection of Walters Citizen of the Year is an honor that must be earned, it requires community service throughout the year or over a period of years. Although Walters has many people who endeavour to make it a better place, one person in particular stands out.

This what was said about the gentleman that was selected as the 2019 Citizen of the Year: The 2019 Walters Citizen of the Year award goes to a citizen who loves and is very dedicated to Walters. This citizen can often be seen downtown in front of their business and up and down Broadway cleaning up the sidewalks of any business that needs it.

This citizen is a business owner of a small business on Broadway and has been a part of trying to revitalize and use the downtown area of Walters.

This citizen is an involved member of the Walters Chamber of Commerce and has supported the Car Cruz, Rodeo Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks and activities, past Chamber Banquets, and has even fed the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at one of our meetings.

This citizen supports the “W” Club at the High School, the Miss Walters Pageant, First Baptist Church, Walters High School athletics, and teachers and administration of Walters Public Schools and has been instrumental in helping to raise funds for families in need.

This citizen has been involved in Walters Beautification Projects from their inception, has formed a ditch clean up effort during each Spring Break for the last couple of years, serves through their church on mission trips, youth and children’s programs, performing special music, singing in the choir, and serving as an officer of the church.

This citizen has become somewhat famous for a particular food item prepared and served for fundraisers, beautification projects, school fundraisers, and just to help the community. They use their store for various community groups to meet and is always generous and helpful when needed.

This citizen would be the last person to self-promote and is probably a little uncomfortable with even being recognized. There are some who call this citizen husband, some who call him dad, some who call him, brother, some who call him coach, and some who call him deacon, but most of us simply call this year’s Walters Citizen of the Year, Todd “Toddy” Pyle.

The evening continued with a message from 2019 Treasurer Jack Jacob, he reflected on the events in 2019 and how these events effect the City of Walters. The 2020 Walters Chamber of Commerce Officers: President – William McKay; Vice President – Lacy Edgmon; Treasurer – Jack Jacob; and Secretary – Joi Bellamy. The Board of Directors include: Gina Suson, Bennie Brewer, Sheri Davis, Dawn Schilling, Wendy Zimmerman, Wes Eidson.

The Chamber made some changes in the By-Laws to bring them up to the 21st century. There were ballots passed out to ask Chamber members present to vote on these changes. The vote was unanimous to pass these changes.

The evening came to a close with Chamber President William McKay drawing names for the door prizes, also letting people know that the flower arrangements on the tables, prepared by Stesha Kerr of Cotton Bloom could be taken and thanking every one for coming.

The Walters Chamber of Commerce strives to encourage, stimulate, extend and promote economic development and services as well as tourism. They are dedicated to serving its members and community by providing services that better the economy and protect the environment, making Walters a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.