.png)
The annual Star Awards, sponsored by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, were announced at their ceremony on March 6. The event was held at Dripping Springs Distilling for the third year, and honored local individuals, organizations and businesses for their contributions to the Dripping Springs community.
Nominations are made by members of the Dripping Springs community, and then the finalists are voted on by the community as well.
The winner for Business of the Year was Hays City Store, which is currently celebrating its ten year anniversary. The Business Person of the Year went to Fabienne Bollom, of Rolling in Thyme and Dough. Both businesses are local restaurants that have been in the area for years.
For Up & Coming Business, the winner was Driftwood Axe House, which opened 22 months ago, and is about 10 minutes from Mercer Street. It’s a full access axe throwing facility and sports bar. Owner Orit Mann said both she and her husband were completely surprised by the win. She didn’t even plan to attend the ceremony originally, because she wanted to be at work.
“I don’t want to miss people coming into my business, and I’m not there,” Mann said. “I want to be the one to greet them and make them feel like they are welcome. I really get such enjoyment out of it.”
Mann said one of the reasons she was surprised at the win was because there were so many other great businesses in her category. She said her goal is to be known for being an event venue for
Laurie Anderson birthday parties, graduation parties, corporate events and other gatherings.
“I think we have something completely different to offer the community,” Mann said. “And that was the goal when we came here.”
Another Star Award went to Joe Hogge of 12 Fox Beer Co. Hogge was named Hometown Hero. He was recognized for various community initiatives, but notably for founding the veteran support group called Fireside Chats.
“I felt the love we give to this group come back to me ten times that night,” Hogge said. “I believe they are voting for more than just me, but for that feeling we all yearn for inside - family, community, and a place of belonging. It was overwhelming to say the least.”
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas was recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year. They provide care and love to homeless, abandoned, and abused animals in Central Texas.
The Star Award for Outstanding Customer Service went to Regenerate, which provides regenerative medicine, aesthetics, rejuvenation and vitamin/ mineral therapies. The Star Award for Ambassador of the Year went to Angie Hendricks, of Dripping Springs Neighbors Magazine - Best Version Media, which aims to connect businesses to local residents with highly effective branding strategies.
Ceremony attendees enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks specially crafted by the venue for the event. KVET radio personality and Dripping Springs resident Bama Brown served as emcee, entertaining the crowd while supporting the successes of finalists and winners in each category. The event also included a silent auction. Photography was provided by Lance Winter and Jerry Moreno.
Presenting Sponsor Braun & Gresham helped make the event possible. The other top sponsors of the event were Ally Medical Emergency Room, Dripping Springs Automotive, Luna Environmental, SouthStar Bank, and FUSE Workplace. Special thanks to top Chamber investors Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room, RBFCU, HEB, Belterra Village, Corridor Title, Meaty Boys BBQ, Texas Regional Bank and Wizard Academy.
