The Westlake Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and community leaders at its annual Westies Awards on May 21.

The longstanding event has existed in the Westlake community since 2005 to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions in community service, according to a news release from the chamber.

Over 120 companies and community members were nominated within seven categories earlier this spring. A panel of judges then selected three finalists per category, and winners were decided by nearly 3,000 public votes.

Among those recognized are the nursing staff at Eanes ISD, who have been working amid a challenging school year. The chamber awarded nine district nurses with the 2020 citizen of the year award, which recognizes individuals, sometimes unnoticed, who contribute time, energy and heart to the community, according to the release.

Other recipients include Tiny Pies, which was awarded new business of the year, and Westlake High School Principal Steve Ramsey, who was recognized as the educator of the year.

“During a year like no other, we received an unprecedented number of nominations that made up an impressive array of community leaders and businesses who shined through the pandemic,” Executive Director Cathy Hoover said in the release.

The Westies was held at Hotel Granduca Austin and hosted by local business Independence Title. The 2020 event was initially scheduled for February but was postponed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information on this year’s winners can be found on the chamber’s website.