Heartfelt Connections to retiring senator

Retired state Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, received his second Chamber of Commerce award last week when he was given the Heartfelt Connections award at Friday night's Clovis-Curry County annual banquet.

Ingle was the recipient of the Roosevelt County Chamber's Warm Heart of the Sunbelt award Thursday night.

In receiving the Clovis-Curry County award, Ingle was lauded as his "Legislative contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the policies that impact the lives of countless individuals in our community and beyond."

The Heartfelt Connections is new in the Chamber's annual awards and Ingle is the first recipient.

Other recipients of awards from the Clovis-Curry County Chamber on Friday were:

• Raymond Mondragon, 2023 Ambassador of the Year. Among reasons for receiving the award was "Even with his incredibly busy schedule, he presided over ... monthly Ambassador meetings and attended almost every ribbon cutting and Retail Rockstar presentation."

• Chief Master Sgt. Floyd J. Watkins, the first Gen. John K. Cannon award. In presenting the award it was noted Watkins demonstrated "his commitment (that) not only impacts the youth of Clovis but also allows Cannon AFB airmen to engage meaningfully in the community."

• House of Fadez was given the 2023 Heart Award. The Main Street barber shop was awarded as it has "shown an unwavering commitment to uplifting our community through kindness, generosity and service."

• Wild at Heart was awarded the Chamber's 2023 Business of the Year award. In winning the award, Wild at Heart was described as a "trendy boutique ...whose service and dedication has made a significant contribution to the community, while influencing and enhancing the economic climate of our area."

• Bryan Ellis was named 2023 Chamber Volunteer of the Year. In receiving the award Ellis was described as "someone who truly embodies the spirit of a volunteer (who) continually gives their time to not only the local community but to the wonderful community at Cannon, as well."

• Sid Strebeck was awarded the 2023 Ken Huey Patriot Award. The Chamber describes the award as one that "recognizes individuals who demonstrate unwavering patriotism, volunteer service and dedication to our military and families at Cannon Air Force Base."

In the award presentation it was noted Strebeck could be seen at "any event recognizing our airmen, especially Cannon Appreciation Day and the Single Airmen's Christmas Party, of which he made a very generous donation to."

• John Montano was honored with the 2023 Citizen of the Year award. The man known to many around Clovis as "Mr. Parade" was lauded for working "tirelessly for our community, (he's) coordinated and executed every parade that has taken place in Clovis; he's been parade marshall for the Pioneer Days and Veterans Day parades for 40 years."

• The late Wilma Fulgham was honored with the chamber's Lifetime Achievement Award. Described as a "remarkable soul" in the award presentation, Fulgham was saluted as "truly one of a kind, someone who has left an indelible mark on the world of rodeo queens." She died in December.

The banquet also marked the beginning of a one-year term for Marcy Anaya as Chamber president.