Hollywood has their Academy Awards and so do we! - Kingwood

Local annual event recognizes those in the community for all their hard work.

Carmen Wisenbaker, President of Penworth & Associates and author of “Taking the Work Out of Networking,” hosts an annual banquet each year known as the “Academy Awards of Networking.” This year’s event took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Hasta La Pasta in Atascocita.

The nominees are selected by those in the community through an online process that is open from January 1st through the end of January. At that time the nomination lines are closed and the voting lines are opened. The voting lines stay open for around 3 weeks, and at that time, closed and the votes are counted to determine the winners.

There are five categories in which to nominate and vote, which include: Networker of the Year (those that have been supportive of others in their networking activities), Volunteer of the Year (those that have supported many causes through volunteer activities), Mentor of the Year (those that have given back to others through their wisdom and guidance), Contributor of the Year (those that have been instrumental in contributing to others’ success), and Supporter of the Year (those that have made a difference to other employees or members through supportive measures).

This year’s nominees were: Networker of the Year - Lisa Niccum (D & D Collision), Dr. Kyle Buchan (Kingwood Chiropractic), Myra Bruns (Juice Plus), and Gerard Charles (Prepaid Legal). Volunteer of the Year - Lisa Niccum (D & D Collision), Marivonne Essex (Essex Law Associates), Cindy Frost (Frost Construction), and Ellen Delap (Professional Organizers). Mentor of the Year - Kaylen Pierce (Healthy Coffee), Andy Dill (Community Chamber), Jill Boullion (Boullion Graphics), and Don Ball (Lonestar College SBDC). Contributor of the Year - Tiffany Bauer (Power Promotions), Emily Marshall (Northwest DermaColor), Jerri Bankston (Humble Area Chamber), and Jennifer Jozwiak (Coffee News). Supporter of the Year - Stephanie Biondolillo (Humble Area Chamber), Kathryn Doyle (Elisha’s Calling Band), Mike Byers (Humble Area Chamber), and Jenna Armstrong (Humble Area Chamber).

And our 2009 winners are:
Networker of the Year - Myra Bruns. Comments made by those that voted for Myra included: “She always works hard and puts in lots of time into networking. She has a very relaxed and easy going personality that puts everyone at ease. She is so supportive of others and we love her 5 second commercial.”
Volunteer of the Year - Lisa Niccum. Comments made by those that voted for Lisa included: “She is one of the most giving and kind people I know. She puts her heart and soul into everything and would do anything for anyone at anytime. She makes it a point to find out about others more than talk about herself, a major networking biggie!”
Mentor of the Year - Don Ball. Comments made by those that voted for Don included: “He always shows the utmost respect to everyone he knows. He is truly a man of passion and cares deeply about people. He is a great resource on just his knowledge alone.”
Contributor of the Year - Jennifer Jozwiak. Comments made by those that voted for Jennifer included: “She is always willing to offer help and support where needed. She is truly an amazing person! We’re blessed to have her part of our community because she gives so much of herself. We love her!
Supporter of the Year - Mike Byers. Comments made by those that voted for Mike included: “He must have one of the busiest schedules around, yet still finds time to offer support to all of those around (even if they’re not a Chamber member). He genuinely likes his job and wants to help businesses become (and stay) successful and will do whatever it takes. He supports this community more than anyone else I know.

Each winner received an engraved “Oscar” trophy, an “Oscar” gift basket (valued at more than $300), and a winner’s certificate. Prizes were generously donated by Leslie Sarmiento (Interiors by Decorating Den), David and Susan Cherry (Cherry Designs), Katy Weirich (K & S Sportswear), Bonita Ramirez (Pure Release Massage), Dave Kilby (Clubs of Kingwood), Lisa Niccum (D & D and Callaway’s Collision), Joan Dantzler (Artistic Stitches), Deborah Chow (Arbonne), Kevin Pearson (Pearson Carpet Care), and Emily Marshall (Northwest DermaColor).

There were also Table Hosts that helped sponsor the event, which included: Lynn Beckwith with Beckwith’s Car Care, Kathryn Doyle with Elisha’s Calling Band, Candi Smith with Get Fruity! Fruit Cakes, Lisa Niccum with D & D and Callaway’s Collision, Rita Ritter with Java Pi Café, and Mary Howell with Re/Max Associates NE.

When asked why she hosts this annual event, Carmen said, “this event takes place each year in order to recognize those in the community that give of their time, money and hearts to many causes that touch other’s lives. They don’t do these things for selfish reasons, but rather to help make our communities and neighborhoods a better place to live, work, and to keep our businesses strong. These are the same people that show great recognition to others all the time and I wanted an event that spotlighted all the hard work they do, too. It truly brings me joy to see each one get the recognition that they deserve.”

To see additional photos or to find out more about the event, go to www.penworth.com/awards.

# # #