The Gazette-Enterprise

The motto for the 2009-2010 Chamber of Commerce was a constant theme at this year’s banquet.

From the glittering ice sculpture to the passing of the gavel from one chairman to the next, “Our Legacy, Our Future” was everywhere.

“This year I’d like to focus on who we are, where we are, and where we’re going,” said new Chairman John Gesick, who chose the motto. “I’m proud of Seguin, we’ve accomplished a lot. This is a very exciting era we’re entering.”

Gesick is the director of the Heritage Museum, and also teaches classes at Texas Lutheran University. He said he has been working with the chamber for about 10 or 15 years.

Shawn Martinez, former chairwoman, says she is proud of all the chamber has accomplished during the past year and she is confident in Gesick and the direction the chamber is going. Even though she will no longer be chairwoman, she will still be on the board for one more year.

“What a difference a year makes,” Martinez said. “It has been a very fun ride. I’m confident I’m leaving the chamber in good hands.”

Martinez is a vice president at First Commercial Bank. She says she has been on the board since about 2005.

Members who will no longer serve on the board were honored. As were members who will serve on the 2009-2010 board.

This year’s education award recipient was presented by Debbie Magin of GBRA.

“Tonight we want to honor a Seguin treasure,” Magin said. “She has spent over half of a decade of her life educating. She has educated us to love the great outdoors. She has educated us about community service. She has educated us about wellness. And probably best of all, she has educated us to always think young.”

The education award recipient, Irma Lewis was received with a standing ovation from the crowd. Lewis says she was honored by the award.

“I had no idea,” Lewis said. “It’s such a surprise.”

Other awards went to Mike Heckmann, for the ambassador of the year award, Zee and Kenneth Pape for the tourism partner of the year award, Beverley Hartwick for the agriculture award, and Buddy and Jenny Siltmann for the community service award. Special recognition went to the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees.

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