The Plano Chamber of Commerce recently announced the recipients of the Best of Plano 2023 awards. This month, recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony.
This year, the chamber will give its most prestigious award, Citizen of the Year, to James Thomas, for his selflessness and commitment to the community for more than 47 years. From his roles as an educator, coach and administrator, to his current role as the district's coordinator of student services, he has left a mark on many lives. Serving as the homeless liaison for the past thirteen years, he worked with unhoused students and families in desperate circumstances.
The Executive Director of the ArtCentre of Plano Suzy Jones will be honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award. This award, presented annually by the Plano Chamber, recognizes one of Plano's most accomplished businesswomen. For 15 years, Jones was the driving force behind the ArtCentre of Plano, orchestrating the transformation of a modest gallery in downtown Plano into a vibrant arts center situated at the historic Saigling House in Haggard Park.
The Plano Chamber will grant My Possibilities the Innovator Award, an accolade first introduced in 2017. This award was established to commend innovation and to encourage other business leaders to persist in their pursuit of fresh and imaginative concepts. My Possibilities provides people with cognitive disabilities the chance to continue their education.
“In a time of continued transformation, this year’s honorees exemplify resilience and innovation,” said Plano Chamber President & CEO Kelle Marsalis. “Their relentless dedication and passion have paved the way for growth and unity in our Plano community.”
Here are the rest of the winners:
- Community Partner of the Year — Anti-Defamation League
- Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year — Frito Lay
- Small Businessperson of the Year — Kalpana Murthy with WSI Kriti Web Solutions
- Rising Star — Rebecca Frech with Citybridge Church
- The Distinguished Leadership — Deputy City Manager LaShon Ross
- Business Executive of the Year — Ginny Kissling with Ryan, LLC
The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Courtyard Theatre, located at 1509 H Avenue, Plano, Texas 75074. Tickets and reserved tables are available at planochamber.org.
“As we move forward, it's paramount to pause and recognize the driving forces behind our collective progress,” Marsalis said. “We invite everyone to come together in celebration of these exceptional leaders and the bright future they're helping to shape.”
