Dr. Sid Roberts received the Lifetime Achievement Award Thursday night as the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce hosted its fifth annual Celebrate Business: The Chamber Business Awards.

Hosted by Tara Watson-Watkins and Lin Lentz, the event celebrated the achievements of local businesses, nonprofits and standout individuals whose work continues to drive growth across Angelina County.

Roberts reflected on his career in medicine and his decades of service to the Lufkin community.

“When I moved here 33 years ago, I knew Lufkin was special,” he said. “There is a spirit of philanthropy and giving in this community that is unmatched in other communities. It’s our responsibility to continue to give back to this community.”

The evening began with recognition of event sponsors, including City Wide Promo and MSGPR, whose continued support made the celebration possible. City Wide’s Chad Roberts said the event has expanded into a showcase of entrepreneurship in Angelina County.

“We’ve sponsored this event when it was a small luncheon at Crown Colony,” he said. “You are the cream of the crop — that’s why you’re here. For the people who win, from the volunteers to the company, we absolutely applaud you because it is hard to do business and continue.”

The first award of the evening, Diplomat of the Year, was presented to Jay Jelinek of IT Enabled for his dedication and volunteer service with the Chamber.

“The last two years for me have been an amazing ride,” Jelinek said. “To be involved with the chamber and dive in as a diplomat has been amazing … I thank God every day for where I’m at, and I’m thanking my wife for being rock solid for me as well and everyone else.”

The Newcomer of the Year award went to Spot On Pest Control, recognized for its community spirit and willingness to participate.

“I used to be a kindergarten teacher. I never thought I would be running a pest control company,” said general manager Tiffany Nash. “We’re in the people-building business; we just happen to do pest control.”

Highlighting the importance of small business, The Downtown Scoop received Small Business of the Year for its role in creating a family-friendly gathering space in downtown Lufkin.

“Last year we had to make some hard decisions and nearly closed our doors,” said owner Brandi Durham. “Then in February we made a decision to jump out on faith. God brought us to where we are, and I cannot tell you what a blessing that little shop has been to our life. Lufkin has supported us more than we could have ever imagined.”

Vend Buffet was named Medium Business of the Year for its decades of service and investment in the region.

“We’ve been serving Lufkin and surrounding areas for over 40 years, and it’s great to be recognized,” said owner Van Watson. “I can’t wait to show this to our team — they’re the ones who earned it.”

Georgia-Pacific Building Products received Large Business of the Year for its continued investment and leadership in Angelina County.

“On behalf of Georgia-Pacific, we are truly honored to be recognized as a large business of the year,” said public affairs manager Yana Ogletree. “This honor goes to our 1,700-plus employees right here in East Texas. They drive excellence.”

Local nonprofits were also recognized, with the Nonprofit of the Year award going to The Naranjo Museum of Natural History for its educational outreach and commitment to community engagement.

“We’re so honored to accept this award tonight,” said Morgan Naranjo. “The museum started with Neil’s love for paleontology, and that spread to friends and family in the community. The Naranjos’ hard work and dedication has always been about bringing a love for natural history to Lufkin and bringing something truly special.”

United Way of Angelina County was honored as Advocate for Opportunity for its long-standing support of local agencies.

“United Way exists only because everyone takes part in it,” said executive director Carla Hight “All of this enables us to support and strengthen local nonprofits so that they can provide basic needs for our friends and neighbors in crisis situations.”

Real Graphics received the Chamber Champion Award for its creative contributions to Chamber events and its heart for the community.

“It takes such a community to nurture and grow a business,” said owner Chris Fleniken. “Thank you for your support and for everyone that’s with me on this and our team.”

MSGPR earned the Catalyst Award for its communications leadership and partnership with local organizations.

“I have the privilege of traveling around the country with our job, but it’s always great to push Lufkin while we’re out there,” said CEO Lee Miller.

Daniel Spikes, assistant superintendent of Lufkin ISD, was presented the Diversity in Business Award for his leadership in education and advocacy for equity. Spikes was introduced as “a passionate advocate, educator and leader” whose impact extends beyond schools.

“When I was younger, when I had my first daughter, I was home staying with her,” he said. “A friend called and said, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m babysitting.’ He said, ‘You don’t babysit your daughter — you’re the dad. That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

He used the story to emphasize his philosophy that diversity and compassion are part of daily responsibility rather than recognition.

“I appreciate the award, but that’s just what we’re supposed to do.”

In health care, Cindy Garcia of St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin was named Nurse of the Year for her leadership and mentorship.

“I think for the first time in my life I’m speechless,” she said. “I love being a nurse. I love my team at St. Luke’s Health — they are what keep me going every day.”

Dr. Jeff Glass was named Healthcare Professional of the Year for his decades of service to families across East Texas. Glass credited his wife and his team for their support throughout his career.

The Individual of Merit Award went to the Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council of Lufkin for its commitment to addiction recovery and prevention.

“We work in people’s pain, and sometimes it’s very ugly, and we don’t get a lot of recognition,” said Phyllis Grandgeorge. “We’re so excited to be recognized, but we’re grateful for the community and the support that we receive.”

Ruben Ibarra Jr.’s email address is ruben.ibarra@lufkindailynews.com.