By David Taylor / Managing Editor
The Crosby-Huffman Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Awards and Installation Banquet, shining a spotlight on local achievements, community spirit, and the installation of new board members for 2026. The event, attended by business leaders, volunteers, and local officials, was a celebration of progress and partnership across the Crosby and Huffman communities.
Chamber Board Chairman Velma Ellison opened the evening by announcing the successful completion of a major community initiative: the installation of 58 new streetlights along FM 2100, from Highway 90 to South Diamondhead.
“Today we truly are shining bright along FM 2100,” Ellison remarked, expressing gratitude for the project’s completion in December 2025. She encouraged attendees to sponsor a light to help cover ongoing power costs, emphasizing the importance of community support in keeping the area safe and welcoming.
Reflecting on a successful 2025, Ellison reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering growth. She highlighted the Chamber’s unique role as an information hub and connector for Crosby and Huffman, especially given the area’s reliance on county partners for municipal services.
“We work every day to bring together businesses, residents, and government partners, ensuring our shared voice is clearly heard,” Ellison said.
The banquet featured the installation of the Chamber’s 2026 board, with Judge Lucia Bates presiding over the ceremony. The new board includes Chairman Velma Ellison, 1st Vice Chair Toni Handley, 2nd Vice Chair Travis Mann, Treasurer Tiffany Muller, Parliamentarian Keenan Smith, Secretary Chelsey Long, and directors Tim Paterson, Isabelle Dion, Traci Galyean, Kay Sosa, Ed Hardy, Sean Matthews, Lance Cole, Billy Bostick, John Tallent, Tom Currie, LeeAnn Lockwood, Dr. Paula Patterson, and Dr. Angeles Perez.
Special recognition was given to staff members Deanna Becker (Membership Director) and Debra Roberts (Communication Director) for their dedication and behind-the-scenes work. The Chamber also thanked its sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor Salon M, Gold Sponsors Visiting Angels, LyondellBasell, and Serna’s Plumbing, and Silver Sponsors Community Resource Credit Union, United Community Credit Union, and Skeetercide.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Chamber’s annual awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, non-profits, volunteers, employees, and first responders:
Business of the Year – Crosby: Busta’s Burgers
Business of the Year – Huffman: Serna’s Plumbing
Non-Profit of the Year – Crosby: Churches United In Caring
Non-Profit of the Year – Huffman: May Center Volunteer in Action
Volunteer of the Year – Crosby: Vasso Espinosa
Volunteer of the Year – Huffman: Vernon Reed
Employee of the Year – Crosby: LeeAnn Lockwood (Churches United in Caring)
Employee of the Year – Huffman: Angeles Perez (Huffman ISD)
First Responder of the Year – Cody Nance (Huffman EMS)
Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Kay Sosa
Chairman’s Special Award – Eddie Foster
The Chamber concluded the evening by inviting everyone to the upcoming 33rd Tees-N-Tail Golf Tournament, scheduled for April 17th at Stonebridge at Newport, promising more opportunities for connection and community building in the year ahead.
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