The 26th Annual Torch Awards: A Celebration of Excellence, hosted by April Tolbert and Elton Hollis, honored outstanding individuals and businesses across Southeast Texas at the Beaumont Civic Center. Among the highlights of the event was the recognition of Festus Plumbing LLC, of Dayton, Texas, as the winner of the Small Business Category.
The event began with a dinner by Bando’s Catering and music by the Andre Harness Quintet. Attendees celebrated past Torch and Spark Award winners with a Toast to Excellence. The Torch Awards, hosted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Education Foundation, raises funds for scholarships and educational initiatives. This year, the Foundation announced two additional endowments at Lamar Institute of Technology and Lamar State College Orange.
“Southeast Texas is blessed with generous businesses. Our Torch Awards program celebrates those committed to excellence,” said Darren Erwin, BBB President & CEO.
The prestigious John L. Bell Jr. Friend of the BBB Award, sponsored by Hancock Whitney in Beaumont, was presented to Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. The Leaders of Industry Awards recognized six honorees for their contributions to the industrial sector:
- Mark Givens, Motiva Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex
- Keith Jeffreys, PCL Industrial Construction Co.
- Dawanna Jones, Bechtel Energy Inc.
- Damien Okun, Nuko Enterprises, LLC.
- Travis Woods, T & L Solutions
- Kristie Young, Local First in Orange County
The event featured a live auction and a Fund the Scholarship Fund segment.
The Spark Awards, honoring emerging businesses, saw Hailey Trest of The Shave Shack win the 2024 Spark Award.
The coveted Torch Awards were presented in various categories:
- Micro-Small Business: Cobb Family Chiropractic
- Small Business: Festus Plumbing LLC
- Medium Business: First Security Bank
- Large Business: Mason Construction
New awards recognized Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses, with Cat5 Resources and The Venue at Belle Oaks taking the honors.
The 26th Annual Torch Awards was a success, highlighting Southeast Texas’ entrepreneurial spirit and industry leadership. For more information, visit BBB Southeast Texas.
