by Hanna Singh
The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosted their 106th annual Chamber Awards Banquet, honoring awards recipients including local community members and businesses.
Sponsored by Right Fiber, with generous support from HGA and B1 Bank, the annual event celebrated individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community. The night also acknowledged the initiatives and accomplishments made by the Chamber of Commerce throughout the year.
The award recipients recognized at the banquet were applauded for their significant contributions to the Ruston-Lincoln Parish area, from entrepreneurial ventures to volunteer service work. Awards were presented by the Kiwanis of Ruston, the Lincoln Parish School Board, the Rotary Club of Ruston, the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber. Executive Vice President of the Chamber, Bevin Hicks, emphasized the success of this year’s banquet and the impact made by the award recipients.
“The 106th Annual Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Awards Banquet was a wonderful success and such a special evening for our community,” Hicks said. “It was an honor to recognize and celebrate the deserving individuals who make our area so strong.”
Award winners included
Firefighter of the Year – Chief Christopher Womack
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Officer Matthew Reed
Educator of the Year – Kaitlyn Mercer
Distinguished Partner in Education – HGA
Bill Best Humanitarian Award – Patricia Willis
Betty Robbins Volunteer of the Year – Denise Grigsby
Business of the Year – Ruston Animal Clinic
Young Business Leader of the Year Award – Rob Owens
Robert E. Russ Award – Jay Guillot
The banquet also highlighted accomplishments and notable developments in the Ruston-Lincoln Parish community during the year 2025. Some of these included the success of Small Business Month and the workforce development grant initiative.
The speakers, including Chamber President Elizabeth Turnley, Incoming Board Chairman Pastor George Lee IV and current Board Chairman Lindsey Thomlinson acknowledged the impact that local entrepreneurs, leaders, volunteers and businesses made on the community last year. They also touched on the importance of the support given by the Chamber of Commerce to improve local business growth and development.
Chairman of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber Board, Lindsey Tomlinson, addressed the role that the Chamber has played in supporting local businesses for many decades.
“For more than a century, the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber has served as a cornerstone of our business community, advocating for our members, building strong partnerships and supporting local business growth and long-term prosperity,” Tomlinson said. “Our mission is to connect businesses and community leaders, promote business friendly initiatives and create economic opportunities that enhance the quality of life across Lincoln Parish.”
Looking forward, the Chamber has plans to continue building upon the success of their 2025 initiatives, while also implementing new initiatives set in motion in 2026.
“The future of the Chamber is bright as we continue our work in workforce development, Small Business Month and expand with new initiatives like the Women’s Initiative,” Hicks said. “Elizabeth Turnley (Chamber President) and I are deeply thankful to our Board of Directors, Chamber Champions and everyone who helped to make the evening so memorable.”
