Greg Chumchal named Citizen of the Year

The Shiner Chamber of Commerce had one of its biggest turnouts yet for their annual Chamber Banquet on Feb. 2.
“It was an overwhelming (turnout),” Chamber Executive Director Sarah Langhoff said. “We were so thrilled to have such an abundance of community members and business members alike to show up and celebrate all that the chamber has done. It just really blew me away. It was absolutely a success; I would say this is one of the most well attended banquets I’m aware of in quite some time.”
There were about 225 people in attendance and the Chamber of Commerce raised a significant amount of money, about $15,000, for the chamber and their scholarship programs.
At the banquet, Greg Chumchal was named Citizen of the Year. He wanted to thank his family and all the chamber members who made this possible.
“I also wanted to thank the Kaspar Companies, they’ve given me the opportunity to live in this great town and also work in this town,” Chumchal said. “It’s a true blessing to be a part of this town and I thank them for that. Shiner is very special.
Shiner is in a bubble and that’s a good thing. If you turn on the news, there’s a lot of issues out there all the time, but Shiner has very little of (those issues). That’s because we have good people here, good organizations, good schools, good churches and we’re a very proud community. I’m very honored and I’m blessed.”
Chumchal was nominated by Trent Nichols and the Chamber of Commerce knew he was the best fit for this award.
“Chumchal was nominated for his pivotal role in economic development through Kaspar Companies and Ranch Hand,” Langhoff said. “He is involved, not only in his business, but also various organizations in Shiner. A big deciding factor for our board when we were voting was his tremendous support of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce for the past several decades. He has served as a board member and given much of his time to the Chamber.”
At the banquet, snacks and beverages were served and folks enjoyed a night of bingo. There was a silent auction as well and people had the opportunity to win raffle prizes. About ten raffle buckets and nearly 40 silent auction items were given out.
Shiner Animal Hospital also won a table contest at the banquet.
Langhoff also gave a speech at the banquet recalling all the hard work that’s been done at the Chamber of Commerce in 2023. This includes gaining 28 new members, earning nearly $5,000 scholarships for royalty and youth, hosting three community events and six networking events, doing 13 ribbon cuttings, and increasing their subscribers on Facebook and Instagram.
Langhoff believes the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Shiner will continue to grow.
“I think we are in a very healthy growth trend, not only in the chamber, but the chamber is reflective of the growth Shiner is experiencing,” Langhoff said. “As the chamber grows, it’s because Shiner is growing. It’s a symbiotic relationship. 2024 is going to be the best year ever!”
There were nearly 100 businesses that sponsored the event. Langhoff wants those to know that the Chamber of Commerce is a group effort.
“It’s not just me or the board, our members are a big active part of the chamber,” Langhoff said. “I just want to thank, not only the board, but the members for their participation. “