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Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Austinite of the Year
Daytime parties argue for several advantages. They encourage alertness. They provide a break during the workday. And they avoid any temptation to overindulgence.
Krista Sease, Jeff Bennett and Mary Barminski Johnson
Each year, the Austin Chamber of Commerce holds what it calls a “meeting.” It’s actually a lunch party in which the outgoing and incoming chairmen speak on business trends. Also the chamber snaps to attention for economic development volunteers and an celebrity Austinite of the Year.
Emily DeMaria and Scott Secombe
Crisp business suits, woolen winter wear and open necks complemented both genders on Wednesday. Men still dominate this organization (only one of the nine 2011 honorees was a woman). Unlike some other luncheons, this one required little wrangling of the crowds; everyone behaved in a orderly manner, taking cues from leaders Michael Rollins, Barry Mayer and Bobby Jenkins.
Bob Martin and Patti Parker
Lance Armstrong made a stellar choice for 2011 Austinite of the Year. He’s one of Austin’s two best ambassadors, the other being Willie Nelson. (When will the single most influential figure in our vaunted musical scene be so honored?) Armstrong spoke with exceptional elegance. He came to Austin to train on the hills. He stayed for the people and culture. He said that the Livestrong Foundation would not have succeeded anywhere else.
Jennifer Harris and Kristen Yen
Other volunteers recognized: Rob Nussbaum, Royce Poinsett, Todd Hogan, Dr. Tom McHorse, Kristina Holmes, Dave Tripoli, Terry Mitchell and Jack McDonald.
A respectful note to Holmes, who served as the 2010 chairwoman of the Communications Council Social Media Committee: It doesn’t help journalists to spread the word about your group if they are segregated off to a riser at the back of the hall.
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