Bruce Hillegeist, president of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, won the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives' Marvin Hurley award June 19—the highest honor a Texas chamber professional can receive, according to a GTACC press release June 24.

Hillegeist, who has been the GTACC president since 1994, said no one else from the Tomball chamber has won this award.

"This is kind of like the hall of fame for chamber of commerce professionals, and I'm so overwhelmed to have been honored with this award," Hillegeist said.

The award is named after former Marvin Hurley, chief executive officer for the Houston Chamber of Commerce from 1951-1966. Each year, the TCCE presents this award to an individual for chamber-related career accomplishments and contributions to the chamber of commerce profession as a whole, according to TCCE information.

"This award is not about Bruce Hillegeist, but about the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce and Tomball as a whole. Tomball is loved by me greatly and it's really a special place," Hillegeist said. "I accept this award humbly and with gratefulness on behalf of our chamber members, volunteers, staff, vendors and community members. I'm truly honored."