Annual Shiner Chamber banquet deemed huge success

  • Board Chairman Mike Campbell, left, presents the Citizen of the Year award to Billy Petru, right.
    Board Chairman Mike Campbell, left, presents the Citizen of the Year award to Billy Petru, right.
  • Applicants for Chamber scholarships in attendance at the Shiner Chamber of Commerce Banquet included, left to right, Aiden Collins, Caleb Lehnert and Erin Pustka. Not pictured are Cody Malinovsky and Dallyn Pesek.
    Applicants for Chamber scholarships in attendance at the Shiner Chamber of Commerce Banquet included, left to right, Aiden Collins, Caleb Lehnert and Erin Pustka. Not pictured are Cody Malinovsky and Dallyn Pesek.
  • Banquet attendees enjoyed a delicious meal.
    Banquet attendees enjoyed a delicious meal.
  • A Valentine's theme table decorated for the contest of best decorated table.
    A Valentine's theme table decorated for the contest of best decorated table.
  • Attendees checking out items for the auction.
    Attendees checking out items for the auction.

    The annual Shiner Chamber of Commerce Banquet held last Friday turned out to be a huge success.
    “I happened to come across some people that attended the banquet the following day and they told me they had a great time and had so much fun,” Chamber President and CEO Gracie Rosas said. 
    “There was close to 200 people in attendance. We sold around 140 plates as well and at the end of the night, we had about five to-go plates that were left. 
    It turned out to be a great event. We had a great turnout for our donations. I am so thankful to all of our sponsors that donated.”
    The night was filled with bingo games, raffle giveaways, and silent auction bidding.
    Rosas also gave a rundown on some of the things the Chamber did over the past year at the banquet.
    “We’re excited to share that in 2024, we welcomed 151 members including 28 new businesses and organizations into the Chamber,” Rosas said. 
    “We also focused on expanding our outreach by boosting our presence on Facebook and Instagram. We increased our email subscriber rates. 2024 was a great success for Half Moon Holidays as we continued to grow and improve the festival. 
    The many businesses that sponsored the festival are the real heroes and the reason that tradition continues. We’re always looking for more volunteers to join our Half Moon Holidays task force.”
    Fire Chief Billy Petru was named Citizen of the Year. 
    “Billy was born and raised in Shiner and knows the community,” Board Chairman Mike Campbell said. “He’s not afraid to get involved. He is always willing to give his time for the betterment of Shiner. He exemplifies the values of the Chamber. 
    He’s been a past board member of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce and currently owns and operates a business. His next big project is to oversee the construction of the new Shiner fire station.”
    Petru said a few words as he received this award. 
    “It’s truly an honor and I am humbled that I got this award,” Petru said. “As Fire Chief, I have nine men under my command and they’re all great individuals. It’s truly an honor to serve the citizens of Shiner. Thank you very much to the Chamber.”
    Student applicants for Chamber scholarships were also announced. They were Caleb Lehnert, Aiden Collins, Erin Pustka, Cody Malinovsky and Dallyn Pesek.
    Rosas wants to thank the volunteers who helped make the banquet possible. 
    “My volunteers were amazing,” Rosas said. “I had so many Junior High and High School volunteers. Without them, it would have been so much busier. They really helped throughout the night with checking our donors in, helping set up, and cleaning up throughout the night. I really appreciate all of them.”