Christal Howard representing Community Impact Newspaper and Ashley Miller representing the National Breast Cancer Foundation hosted the awards ceremony and toasted to the past, present and future of the city of Frisco. Tony Felker, president and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and Matthew Reiter, representing Whitley Penn LLP, presented the awards throughout the night.
Due to the inclement weather, the event was rescheduled to Feb. 6 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center. Attendees were encouraged to post their photos from the event using the hashtag #CelebrateYou22.
The night consisted of 21 different awards, each highlighting a unique facet of Frisco’s businesses, history and community. According to Tony Felker, the Visionary Award is rare and is typically only given every four or five years, however, this gala had a special instance and awarded two Visionary Awards in one night.
The first award went to the late Sam Roach. Roach spent his life in Frisco, graduating as valedictorian from Frisco High School in 1953. He went on to serve four terms on the Frisco ISD board of trustees and 13 years on the Collin County Community College District board. According to his community, his legacy in Frisco is one of growth and opportunity that will continue, even in his absence.
The second Visionary Award of the night was awarded to City Manager George Purefoy, who announced his intent to retire in June. Appointed in November 1987, Purefoy is the city’s first and only city manager. The community of Frisco regards Purefoy with respect and honored his contributions to the community at the awards ceremony.
Below are the winners in each category and other figures in Frisco’s business community.
AWARDS:
Ambassador Team of the Year: White’s Warriors, led by Sharon White
Ambassador of the Year: Chauny Shivers, Shield Your Life
Legacy Award: Mike and Sandy Simpson
Spirit of Frisco: Sunitha Cheruvu
Citizen of the Year: Earnest B. Morgan
Entrepreneur of the Year: Jeb Matulich & Brian Wysong
Emerging Leader of the Year: Sangita Datta
Visionary Award: Sam Roach
Volunteer of the Year: Jenny Dowdy
Employer of the Year: Cheney Group
Chairman’s Award: John Talkington, Apex Network Solutions, Inc.
Innovator of the Year: City of Frisco
Visionary Award: George Purefoy, City Manager—City of Frisco
Significant Contributor to the Arts: North Texas Performing Arts
Developer of the Year: Hall Park
Significant Contributor to Sports: Town & Country Roofing and Construction
Small Business of the Year: Ann Anderson Insurance
Medium Business of the Year: Simmons Bank
Large Business of the Year: IKEA
Nonprofit of the Year: National Breast Cancer Foundation
President’s Award: Chris Johnson, Frisco STYLE Magazine
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce thanks Overdrive Entertainment, Full Bloom, Magic Moments Parties and Events, bffphotobooths, Details Exaggerated Themed Event Decor, Embassy Suites by Hilton and the Frisco chamber team.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated with corrected information.
