The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the nominees for the 6th Annual Celebrate Business Awards! Join us Thursday, November 12, 2026, at The Pines Theater in downtown Lufkin as we recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a difference in our community.

Presented by CityWidePromo.com, Celebrate Business is an evening dedicated to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our local business community. The celebration will also include the Salute to Healthcare Awards, presented by CommonSpirit - St. Luke's Hospital, honoring the healthcare professionals who make an incredible impact across Angelina County.

From growing businesses and dedicated nonprofits to outstanding volunteers and healthcare heroes, this special evening is all about the people who help make Lufkin and Angelina County a great place to live, work, and do business.

Congratulations to Our 2026 Celebrate Business Nominees!

Small Business of the Year

Businesses with 1–10 employees

• Legend's Barber College
• Abney and Son's Hardware
• Lufkin Jewelry on the Square

Medium Business of the Year

Businesses with 11–50 employees

• ER of Lufkin
• Lufkin Pharmacy
• Speaker Orthodontics

Large Business of the Year

Businesses with 51 or more employees

• Atkinson Candy Company
• Gattefosse
• Strickland Plumbing, HVAC & Electric

Nonprofit of the Year

• Museum of East Texas
• Hospice in the Pines
• The Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin

Diplomat of the Year

Our Chamber Diplomats play an important role in connecting businesses, welcoming new investors, and supporting Chamber initiatives throughout the year. We are proud to recognize this year's nominees:

• Veronica Luce, Joe Hancock Agency
• Brian Hammond, Texas National Bank and Complete Celebrations
• Kim Herman, CommonSpirit - St. Luke's Hospital

During the evening, we will also recognize our Diplomat Stars and announce the recipients of several additional honors, including the Chamber Champion Award, Catalyst of the Year Award, Advocate for Opportunity, and Diversity in Business.

Salute to Healthcare: Recognizing Those Who Care for Our Community

In addition to celebrating our business community, the evening will feature the 2026 Salute to Healthcare Awards, presented by CommonSpirit - St. Luke's Hospital.

These awards recognize the exceptional individuals who dedicate their careers to caring for others and strengthening healthcare throughout our community.

Honors will include:

• Nurse of the Year
• Healthcare Professional of the Year
• Individual of Merit
• Lifetime Achievement

These individuals make a difference in the lives of patients, families, and our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions.

Join Us for an Evening of Celebration!

Whether you're cheering on a nominated business, supporting a healthcare professional, or simply celebrating the people who make our community special, we'd love to have you join us!

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Location: The Pines Theater, Downtown Lufkin
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Awards Ceremony: 7:00 PM

Tickets:

• Chamber Investors: $35
• Non-Investors: $45

A cash bar will be available.

Make an evening of it! Enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants before heading to The Pines Theater for a night of recognition and celebration.

Reserve your tickets today at LufkinTexas.org.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Events like Celebrate Business are made possible through the generous support of our Chamber partners.

Celebrate Business Presenting Sponsor: CityWidePromo.com
Salute to Healthcare Presenting Sponsor: CommonSpirit - St. Luke's Hospital
Diamond Sponsor: MSGPR
Paparazzi Sponsor: TSS Photography of Deep East Texas
After Party Sponsor: South First Bar and Grill

We appreciate their commitment to recognizing and celebrating the businesses and people who make Angelina County thrive.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 nominees! Being nominated is an accomplishment worth celebrating, and we look forward to recognizing each of you on November 12.

Let's fill The Pines Theater with the people who make our community something special!