Hats were tipped to Upham Oil & Gas after the 53-year-old company was named the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 “Employer of the Year.”

With a theme of “Hats off to You,” chamber businesses, members and volunteers were honored during the chamber’s annual awards banquet Monday night at Holiday Hills Country Club.

Upham Oil and Gas employee Susann Baker nominated the company as employer of the year. She said she was given a chance with them 23 years ago, when she moved to Mineral Wells a divorced mother of two.

“We are a family and we support each other,” said Baker. “Even through all the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry, there has never been a layoff at Upham Oil & Gas.”

Accepting the award were Virginia Upham, widow of Chester Upham who started the company in 1953 and died in January 2008, and their daughters, Barbara Upham and Kathy Upham, and son, Robert Upham.

Other top awards went to Kwik Kar of Mineral Wells, named “Business of the Year,” and Bennett’s Office Supply and Equipment, which won the “Spirit of Mineral Wells” award.

Annette Bennett officially began her tenure as chamber board chairman, saying she has a vision for the next year.

“I’m really excited about the coming year,” Bennett said. “I do have a vision for Mineral Wells and a vision for the coming year. I have loved this town for as long as I can remember.”

Bennett said she wants to emphasize a “shop Mineral Wells first” theme.

“Let’s keep our dollars at home,” she said, to a round of applause from the 274 people in attendance. “Then we need to push beyond our city limits and our county border and entice those other shoppers to come here.”

Bennett said she will push for local retailers to join in the chamber’s upcoming two-month Christmas Market. “Let’s start promoting early,” she said, noting that some businesses are already working to attract holiday shoppers and spending.

“My big vision is to see even more cooperation within the city,” Bennett said, adding that she wants businesses

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AWARDS

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with employees who live and shop in Mineral Wells while the city works to attract more housing and services. “We are all connected in one way or another.”

Bennett accepted the ceremonial gavel from past chairman Melanie Weatherly.

“We’ve had our best year as far as events go,” Weatherly said. “It’s been a great experience for me and I want to thank all of you for supporting me.”

Weatherly presented her “Chairman’ Award” to outgoing Chamber Ambassadors Chairman Marilyn Rhodes.

Singer, songwriter and recording artist Jimmy Baldwin of Double J Hacienda and Art Ranch emceed the event. Wal-Mart, Best Western, Healthline, United Country-Cason Real Estate, Shire’s Garden Center, Double J Hacienda Art Ranch, Farm Bureau Insurance, Palo Pinto General Hospital’s gift shop, Holiday Inn Express, Baker’s Ribs and Texas Detail offered door prizes won through a drawing of winning tickets contained in balloons purchased by banquet attendees.

First Financial Bank also gave away a $1,000 cash door prize.

Other award winners Monday night were:

• Community Beautification Award – Holiday Inn Express.

• Economic Development Award – Antenna Products Inc.

• Customer Service Award – ACE Hardware.

• Outstanding Organization Award – Mineral Wells Senior Center.

• Outstanding Industrial Partner Award – Texas Packaging.

• Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award – Mike Allen and Harris Brooks.

• Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award – Jane Baldwin.

• Outstanding New Business Award – The Mesquite Pit.

• Outstanding Individual Member Award – Cole’s House of Flowers.

• Tourism Award – National Vietnam War Museum.

• Outstanding Small Business Award – Cole’s House of Flowers.