Due to concerns with the COVID-19 Virus, the Llano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors made the decision to postpone the Community Awards Banquet in January 2021. We chose to do the Llano Chamber Surprise Patrol instead, click on the photos below for the live videos with each award, it has been lots of fun!
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Tatsch Packsaddle Elementary Educator of the Year (Click Photo for Video)
Mrs Tatsch and her students
Congratulations to Llano Junior High School Educator of the Year, Shannon Thomas (Click Photo for Video)
Mrs Thomas and her students
Debra Rodriguez, Llano High School Educator of the Year (Click Photo for Video)
Debra Rodriguez, Llano High School Educator of the Year and LHS seniors
Debra Rodriguez, Llano High School Educator of the Year and her daughter
Lesa Scott, Educator of the Year for Llano Elementary School (Click Photo for Video)
Lesa Scott and the Llano Elementary student body
The 2020 Business of the Year, Llano National Bank (Click Photo for Video) Business of The Year: Llano National Bank For nearly forty years Llano National Bank has been an active and thriving economic stronghold for Llano and the Hill Country. Their benevolent and neighborly approach to service is reflected in their Board of Directors, management, and staff. From community relief projects, non-profits, and school events and sports, Llano National Bank is always at the forefront of community sponsorship and involvement. As Business of The Year, we are banking on Llano National Bank!
The 2020 Business of the Year, Llano National Bank with David Willmann and the Bank Employees
United States Congressman, August Pfluger and David Willmann at the 2020 Business of the Year, Llano National Bank
2020 Citizen of the Year, Dr. Jack Franklin, center, with Congressman August Pfluger (Click Photo for Video) Citizen of The Year: Having served the Hill Country for over twenty years as a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Jack Franklin has become a familiar, well respected member of our community. In 2019 he boldly opened Hill Country Direct Care, a revolutionary new approach to improving the doctor/patient experience offering a wide range of services that can be accessed in person or by text, email, and even Facetime. Medical care is delivered in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, the office, home, workplace, or assisted-living facility. This care covers evening, nighttime, and weekend hours for urgent and emergent matters. His influence is far reaching from coaching area youth to making after hours house calls. As the Llano County Health Authority, Dr. Jack Franklin has worked tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of Llano County residents in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, providing wisdom, guidance, and peace of mind. We are more than a diagnosis to Dr. Franklin. We are family.
2020 Citizen of the Year, Dr. Jack Franklin and his staff
2020 Hall of Fame Winner, Billy Ratliff (Click Photo for Video) Hall of Fame: A lifetime Llano resident, Billy Ratliff graduated from Llano High School as Mr. L.H.S. among the top 10 of his class in 1964 and went on to attend The University of Texas, graduating from Angelo State in 1969 while serving in the Army National Guard. Soon after, his employment with Tenneco Oil found him away from home in Houston, Tulsa, OK, and Philadelphia, PA until his dad, Charlie requested Billy join him in running the family business in 1972. They worked together at Charlie’s Store in Llano, TX until his dad passed in 1996. Billy continues to operate Charlie’s Store offering the same hometown customer service experience for the Hill Country, helping folks furnish their homes affordably and establish credit on a handshake. His community presence extended even into his personal life having raised three sons in Llano. He coached Little League and Little Dribblers for 12 years while sponsoring teams and assisting with uniforms and equipment for those in need. Billy has served as President of the Llano Chamber of Commerce as well as the Lion’s Club. He also served three four-year terms as President of the School Board. He remains an active presence in Llano, a man of faith, and a happy grandpa spending his later years in the town he has always been a part of and loved.
2020 Hall of Fame Winner, Billy Ratliff, with Brandy
New Business of the Year, Llano River Creamery with Kay and Mike Virdell (Click Photo for Video) New Business: Llano River Creamery and Gifts Llano River Creamer & Gifts has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of their employees while providing job security for Llano citizens during 2020’s harsh, economic COVID-19 shutdown. They have reflected the values and resilience of our community to visitors and locals alike. I scream! You scream! We all scream for Llano River Creamery & Gifts as New Business of The Year in 2020!
New Business of the Year, Llano River Creamery with Kay and Mike Virdell and their employees
Congratulations to the 2020 Agriculture Producer of the Year, Jerry Butler (Click Photo for Video) Ag Producer of The Year: Jerry Butler loves the beauty of nature. After high school he married Sylvian Kothmann and he became a game technician for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. This allowed Jerry to spend most of his time outside. On his off days he learned to work cattle and assist with ranch work. He eventually landed a lease of his own with the help of a friend, so he could raise his own small herd. With the help of Gleason, his father-in-law, Jerry continued learning about animal husbandry while tending to Gleason’s cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs. Jerry expanded his own herd as he acquired more lease land from acquaintances, friends, and family. For 60 years Jerry has cared for the land and the cattle he has raised. This lifetime of devotion makes him an easy choice for Ag Producer of The Year.
Llano Christian Academy Educator of the Year, Susan Griffith
Llano Christian Academy Educator of the Year, Susan Griffith and her students
Honoring outgoing Llano Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, John Roberie and Vice Chairman, Jim Norfleet (Click Photo for Video)
All the photos from our Chamber Surprise Patrol visits
