The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce celebrated 2016 with its Annual Banquet on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Yam Theatre with the theme, “An Evening of Elegance.”
Besides a delicious meal catered by Sodexo, attendees were treated to dinner music by a jazz combo from the ENMU Music Department and a preview of the upcoming ENMU Musical “Pirates of Penzance.”
Jerry Cordova of First Financial Credit Union officially took the reins of the office of President of the Chamber from Matt Hunton. Cordova urged people to get out of their comfort zones and get involved with the Chamber.
During the awards portion of the evening Dr. Steven Gamble was awarded the “Warm Heart of the Sunbelt” award for his 15-plus years of service to the community as ENMU’s president as well as other service to the community.


“Under his leadership the institution has reached new heights in its quest for student success,” said Hunton in presenting Gamble the award. “While other universities in the state and the Southwest have suffered dwindling enrollment and numerous funding struggles over the last decade, ENMU has achieved a record high enrollment through rigorous recruitment and responsibility to its students and their families.”
J.P. Stone Community Bank, the oldest business in Roosevelt County and the oldest family-owned bank in the state, received the “President’s Award” as Business of the Year.
“J.P. Stone tirelessly gives back to its community in big ways and small,” said Hunton. “From scoreboards for local schools to setting up silent auctions in their lobby for non-profits and those in need.”

Casey Peacock of Rooney Moon Broadcasting was presented the “Workhorse of the Year” award by Executive Director Karl Terry. He noted that she had stepped up in various capacities including her involvement with Ambassadors as well as taking over as Chair of the Ag Expo committee in planning for its 25th anniversary.


Patsy Jimenez, of U.S. Bank, received the “Ambassador of the Year” award, which is presented to the Ambassador with the best attendance at Ambassador events.
Businesses receiving the “Harley & Faye Borden” award for improvements to the outside appearance of their building were, Hamilton GM Country, Almost Home Bed & Breakfast and the Tower Loft Apartments.
A slideshow reviewed the events of 2016 from the opening of the new Greyhound Stadium to the premiere of the locally filmed movie “Hell or High Water.” The slideshow ended with a tribute to Rooney Moon Broadcasting partner Steve Rooney who died in December.