Lufkin, Texas — The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the nominees for the 5th Annual Celebrate Business Awards, presented by CityWidePromo.com, taking place on Thursday, November 6, at the historic Pines Theater in downtown Lufkin.

Chamber President/CEO Tara Watson-Watkins shared her excitement alongside presenting sponsor Chad Roberts of City Wide Promo, who, along with Lonnie Smith, continues their longtime support of this community celebration.

“We are excited to be here today to announce the nominees for this year’s Celebrate Business Awards,” said Watson-Watkins. “It’s one of our favorite evenings of the year—when we come together to recognize the businesses and individuals that make Lufkin and Angelina County thrive.”

Roberts added,

“Lonnie and I are honored to once again sponsor this incredible event. It’s always a special night celebrating the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of our local businesses and volunteers.”

Event Sponsors

The Chamber extends heartfelt thanks to this year’s sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsors: CityWidePromo.com

• Platinum Sponsor: PineCrest Retirement Community

• Diamond Sponsor: MSGPR Ltd Co

• Paparazzi Sponsor: TSS Photography of Deep East Texas

• Libations Sponsor: Moore Accounting Services, LLC

• After Party Sponsor: Rusty Axe Brewing Company

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2025 Celebrate Business Award Nominees

Small Business of the Year (1–10 employees)

• Austin Bank

• The Downtown Scoop

• Seventy Nine Photography

Medium Business of the Year (11–50 employees)

• IT Enabled

• KTRE-TV

• Vend Buffet

Large Business of the Year (51+ employees)

• Georgia-Pacific Building Products

• PineCrest Retirement Community

• West Fraser - Angelina Lumber

Non-Profit of the Year

• East Texas Food Bank

• Junior Achievement of Angelina County

• Naranjo Museum of Natural History

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In addition to business recognitions, the Chamber will honor its dedicated Diplomats, who serve as ambassadors and outreach representatives for the organization.
Nominees for Diplomat of the Year include:

• Jay Jelinek – IT Enabled

• Melissa Roberts – Integra Insurance Services

• Michelle Briley – Commercial Bank of Texas

During the ceremony, the Chamber will also present the following special recognitions:

• Chamber Champion Award

• Catalyst of the Year Award

• Advocate for Opportunity Award

• Diversity in Business Award

The evening will also feature the Salute to Healthcare Awards, presented by St. Luke’s Health Memorial, recognizing excellence in local healthcare through the following honors:

• Nurse of the Year

• Healthcare Professional of the Year

• Individual of Merit

• Lifetime Achievement Award

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Celebrate Business is more than an awards program, it’s a night of community pride and recognition. Guests are encouraged to dress up and enjoy a festive evening celebrating those who make Angelina County a great place to live, work, and play.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the awards beginning at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $35 per person and include light appetizers. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets may be purchased by calling (936) 634-6644 or online at LufkinTexas.org