Galveston Chamber Annual Meeting to Honor Legacy Members and Community Leaders

GALVESTON, TX – Dec 9, 2024 – Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, a Five-Star Accredited Chamber, has been a cornerstone of the local business community for 180 years. From its early beginnings to its current role as a driving force for economic and community development, the Chamber continues to make history.

The Chamber will honor its rich legacy by recognizing three founding member businesses at its annual meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2025, and celebrating exceptional individuals and organizations that have made a lasting impact on the Galveston community. The event, held at the Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd., will also feature the Second Annual Galveston Island Country Music Fest with performances by Texas rising stars, headliner Drake Milligan and Houston’s own The Powell Brothers.

For decades, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce has celebrated individuals who exemplify dedication, integrity, and service to the community. This year, the prestigious 2024 “Nonno”  Tony Smecca Galvestonian of the Year Award will be presented to Steven Conner, a past Chamber Chairman and President & CEO of Regent Care Centers. A champion for youth mentoring as a longtime board member and past president of Big Brothers Big Sisters Gulf Coast, Conner’s leadership has left an indelible mark on this region and beyond.

“Steven is one of those amazing people who freely gives of his time,” says Chamber President & CEO Gina Spagnola. “He’s a passionate advocate for the Chamber and a steadfast leader in our community.”

The 2024 Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award goes to the Galveston Wharves, a vital economic engine since 1825. As the fourth most popular U.S. cruise port, it welcomed more than 3 million passengers in 2023 and moved 3.6 million tons of cargo, contributing $6.5 billion in statewide economic impact. The Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award, 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. 

The Chamber is presenting the inaugural Heritage Award to Galveston Texas City Pilots, a maritime institution ensuring safe navigation since 1845. This award will now be an annual tradition, celebrating individuals and organizations with profound and lasting influence on the region’s maritime industry.

Recognized with the Pioneer in Texas Journalism Award, The Daily News holds the title of Texas’s oldest continuously published newspaper. Since 1842, it has chronicled Galveston’s most pivotal moments, shaping the narrative of the region for 183 years.

The Chamber will also celebrate several other distinguished awardees:

Following the award presentations the Galveston Island Convention Center stage is reset for a country music concert. This year, Texas country’s finest Drake Milligan and The Powell Brothers take the stage for the Chamber’s Second Annual Galveston Island Country Music Fest: Where the Gulf Meets Country. Milligan, known for his soulful sound and comparisons to legends like Elvis Presley and George Strait, will headline this year’s event. Opening the show is The Powell Brothers, Houston’s high-energy country/southern rock duo.

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now on sale at GalvestonCountryMusicFest.com. Don’t miss this incredible night of music and community celebration on January 25, 2025, at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, a Five-Star Accredited Chamber established in 1845, is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas. Its mission is to promote and advocate for business and community development. The Chamber is dedicated to strengthening the local economy, fostering leadership, and serving the Galveston community.