GALVESTON, TX (Nov. 22, 2019) — Approximately 500 members will attend the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 175th Annual Meeting and Legacy Ball on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. This historic event will be held at the Galveston Island Convention Center at 5600 Seawall Boulevard from 7:00pm to 11:00pm The chamber will also induct new board members and recognize notable individuals and businesses of the year.

Following a short dinner program, attendees will be treated to live music from Houston-based DIVISI Strings.

Available sponsor levels include First-in-Texas Sponsor, Legacy Table Sponsor and Heritage Table Sponsor. For additional information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits, or to register as an individual or a table sponsor, please click here.

“Since our founding in 1845 as the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the state of Texas, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce has been promoting and advocating for business and community development,” said Gina M. Spagnola, president and chief executive officer of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We will celebrate our rich 175-year history and express our appreciation for our present 750 members. We will also prepare for an exciting future that includes advocating for even greater levels of business and community development on our wonderful island and region.” Spagnola has served as president of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2003.

Honorees to Be Recognized
Legacy Awards Recipients who will be recognized for being the first members of the chamber since its inception 175 years ago are the following:

  • Galveston-Texas City Pilots
  • Port of Galveston
  • The Daily News

The Heritage Award Recipient, whose work demonstrates outstanding contributions to the heritage of Galveston Island and beyond, will go to the City of Galveston and Mills Shirley L.L.P.

“Nonno” Tony Smecca Galvestonian of the Year Award goes to Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80, USAFR (Ret.), who currently serves as a Vice President of Texas A&M University, the Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston Campus, and the Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Fossum joined Texas A&M following his retirement from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Johnson Space Center in 2017. Fossum is a veteran of three space flights with more than 194 days in space and more than 48 hours in seven spacewalks during his 19 years as an astronaut. During his last mission in 2011, Fossum served as the Commander of the International Space Station. He has logged over 2,000 hours in 35 different aircraft throughout the course of his career.

Since our founding in 1845 as the oldest Chamber of Commerce in the state of Texas, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce has been promoting and advocating for business and community development.

The Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award, which was created by George P. Mitchell in honor of his brother Christie, recognizes individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that promote the Island as much as Christie Mitchell did. This award will go to the Galveston Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Vic Pierson C-Crewe Award, named for Vic Pierson, the inaugural recipient who is also president and CEO of Moody Bank, recognizes an individual’s commitment to fostering the growth of young professionals. Earning this honor is Ben Peterek, owner of Gulfside Cleaning Services. Peterek not only serves on the chamber’s board of directors, but he is also founding member of the C-Crewe and their annual recruiting event, Mudbugs and Beer on the Bayou.

The H. Rudy Teichman Maritime Wheel of Excellence, presented to an individual or organization who best exemplifies leadership, integrity, and a can-do spirit personified by Galveston’s native son, the late Rudy Teichman, will go to Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Corps of Cadets.

The Board Member of the Year Award recipient is Theresa Elliott of Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites. The Carol and Fred Wurst Navigator of the Year Award honoree is Kyle Albright of Edward Jones. The C-Crewe Member of the Year Award recipient is Lauren Millo of Moody Bank. The Large Business of the Year Award recipient is the Port of Galveston. The Small Business of the Year Award recipient is Hey Mikey’s. The Leadership Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Carrie Davis of The Grand 1894 Opera House.

Theresa Elliott, 2019 chair of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors, will also pass the historic wheel to Howie Bentley, chair for 2020 and owner of Classic Auto Group Galveston.

We will also recognize the chamber’s Century members, businesses who are 100-plus-years old and who remain vital and valued members of the Galveston-area business community.

About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the champion of education and community development in the Galveston Region. We work with over 700 member businesses to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, promoting business, improving our educational system, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make Galveston Island the best place to live, work, and do business.