Chamber Nominations open for 2026 Walshak, Community Service awards

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is now accepting nominations for two of its most prestigious honors: the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award and the Community Service Award. These awards will be presented at the 104th annual Excellence Gala & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the JB Wells Expo Center.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at gonzalestexas.com/annual-chamber-banquet. Submit completed forms via email to chamber@gonzalestexas.com or deliver them to the Chamber office at 304 St. Louis St., Gonzales, no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

About the awards

The David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional, long-term commitment to the Gonzales community. Named for a revered civic leader and two-time Citizen of the Year, this award recognizes those who have left a lasting impact through service, leadership and community spirit.

David B. Walshak also served as Director and President of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and in 1974 was a Charter Member of the Minutemen, ambassadors of our Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chairman of the Gonzales Sesquicentennial Committee from 1973-1975, President of the Gonzales Area Development Corporation and Director of the Texas Allied Poultry Association from 1975-1976.

The Community Service Award is presented annually to an individual, business or organization that has made a significant contribution in one or more of the following areas:

• Historic preservation
• Promotion of the arts
• Education
• Commerce or industry
• Youth motivation
• Volunteer work

Posthumous nominations are accepted for individuals who passed within the calendar year in which the award is being presented. Previous recipients are not eligible for renomination. Final selections are made by the Chamber’s Executive Committee. Judging will be based solely on information contained on the nomination form. Nominees will be judged without regard to sex, race, religion, or age. Nominees must be residents of Gonzales County or active members of the Chamber, and cannot be nominated for paid duties.

Save the date

Award recipients will be honored at the Chamber’s 104th Excellence Gala & Awards Ceremony on Feb. 12. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at JB Wells Expo and the evening will feature dinner, live and silent auctions, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to celebrate Gonzales’ outstanding citizens. The Chamber will also welcome new board members and recognize outgoing directors.

For more information, visit the Chamber website or follow on social media for ticket and sponsorship announcements.